7/30

Despite the ravenous black flies that make you bleed after they bite, my time here is going really well. I can’t lie, I’m a bit buzzed. The “older” cousins /cousin’s boyfriend and I have had a few drinks tonight around the bon fire (and we moved into the basement for some “kings” fun when it started to rain). So after sharing funny stories, laughs, and memories we decided it’s about that time where the rum can’t help but put you to sleep.
Back to those black flies though- I can’t understand how they manage to get into the most awkward spots of your body. Inside your ears, down my underwear, etc!!! They are ridiculous little buggers. I’m so fed up! – They’re not like regular mosquitoes because they really make bumps that last a week or so. Currently I have one on my neck that could be mistaken for a hickie. Really, these guys are feisty. Last night I was driving my Sitty (Lebanese for grandma) home and I feel something dripping down my eye. Yeah, well one of those damn black flies bit me in the crease of my eyelid!
Anyway, one thing I love about being with the family here is church on Sunday. My family is religious so we all go to the same country church together. There are about 30 of us packed into the pews singing away and feeling special because the priest is our cousin/uncle. I guess making faces at all your cousins throughout the mass makes the church experience more fun or maybe it’s just the comfort in knowing that you’re surrounded by family.
I met my new baby cousin Mathieu today. He is so adorable! Jacob (his brother, now three) is so talkative now! He’s into Darth Vader, reading French and English books, and discovering things on the ground. He’s one of the few relatives who actually look like me so automatically we have a bond.
Right, so about that rum putting people to sleep- I’m going to go do that now.