I knew it would come. The day when I open my eyes and, in disbelief, see 7:56 am glaring on the screen.
It happened today. March 5th, a Wednesday, the first day back after the long weekend. Coincidentally, it was the morning after sleeping 6 hours total over the course of two nights...(I'd barely slept on vacation, choosing night swims and reading over sleep and when I got back last night, I had to lesson plan). In other words, nobody to blame but myself. I hadn't taken my iPod off of mute... my alarm had been silently sounding for an hour and a half!
I woke up to the sound of Vero's car leaving. This happened to be the day we have our teacher's meeting. It also happened to be the day I needed a shower and to print my math activity for the first class of the day.
By 8:05 I was out the door-- my hair in a braid, a sunburn on my skin, and running for the avenue. I calculated quickly: it takes 25 minutes walking fast, 15 minutes running in proper gear, and would take about 5 minutes by taxi. I decided to run until I saw one, reaching into my bag and crumpling some cash in my fist to be ready.
Problem is, I forgot it's not downtown; Taxis only come if you call them. Alternating between prayer and self-reproach, I raced down Avenida del Libertador with my bus bag slapping against my side.
A car passed me with flashing lights and I had a thought-- but before I could even voice it to myself, it passed.
Then, a few blocks ahead, I saw that same car with flashing lights pulled up on the curb. Unsure what kind of company it was, I approached the open window and saw the police uniforms. I asked if the two men inside knew the number of a taxi.
Despite my obvious rush, they wanted to chat. They asked me what the hurry was, how long I'd been in Argentina, chatty chatty Cathy's. I told them either I need a number or I have to keep running. They got a kick out of my nerves running wild. Finally, they said okay, get in. On the way, they grilled me conversationally and the driver said, "Cualquier cosa sos mi prima..." ("whatever happens, you're my cousin...")
So I got a ride to work from the police!
Much to the surprise of the parents of one of my students who were standing outside the building... By the end of the day, it seems the story spread through the whole school.
A strange answer to prayer, but definitely a blessing that I made it on time to print and be ready for my students. Additionally, the principal brought me yogurt for breakfast and Candy, the ESL teacher had made me lunch the night before! I love these people!!
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