Let's hit the highlights...
-Manchitas, the cat formerly known as Lady Sadie Pickles is doing very well. she's growing a lot and learning that not all humans were put on this planet to terrorize her. In fact whenever I'm home she enjoys spending most of her time at my side, perching on my shoulder or on top of the computer and getting her paws on anything she shouldn't. It's really cute if I do say so myself. She does have a strange fascination with the toilet... It's gross. Betty suggested I litter train her to use it. vamos a ver?
-The other day I accidentally put the chair on Maria's foot. She squawked like crazy and still can't put weight on it. I think this happened Sunday. Now her poor foot is all black and disgusting. I feel bad but she still tries to attack my toesies so I guess now she knows how it feels to have an injured foot. DP and DM have assured me that they have done this many times themselves and that I shouldn't feel bad.
-This upcoming Friday the new volunteers swear in. It's pretty exciting. First of 6 groups to pass through before I COS (close of service). I can't believe that much time has passed already and I find myself feeling like such a vet when it comes to the life of a PCV in Guatemala. Still got lots to learn and more to see/do. Next week our training group will be reunited for RECONNECT, which is after the first 3 months of service and we all come back together for more training and language classes. Fun times!
-I've recently had some "breakthroughs" at work. It really is amazing how going to a school and seeing some little 4th graders wash their hands will really turn around your day. The same difference when you are sitting outside the school bathroom and the kids come out to wash their hands but there isn't any water. It's pretty heartbreaking. All for the sake of washing your hands a habit that I think even lots of Americans are lacking. Today I also made about 20 new friends. Man do I miss the 4th grade. They all keep asking me words in English which is usually pretty annoying but for some reason it was so precious. Cause I would say a word and then they would try to repeat it with completely the wrong emphasis. It was interesting to hear the English words how they heard them. They also loved my hair which has gotten kind of long and pretty blondeish... I made the mistake of wearing my hair down so I was getting lots of great hair dos... Hopefully my next blog won't be about lice infestation but it actually felt worth it. Feeling a connection to these kids even for like an hour was really nice but it made me have second thoughts about how my job is supposed to work. I love the hands on interaction with children but I really don't get that now. But it's all still beginning and we'll see how many more friends I make.
-LOVE THE MAIL!!!! I have been receiving lots of mail recently and it really makes my day. So sweet of everyone to send me anything. It is so nice to walk into the post office and have Don Luis tell me there is something for me. So I just want to say thanks and that slowly my confidence in the mail system is growing and I'll try to send some snail mail home.
Anywho, I think that is the highlight for now. Love and miss you all so much and love hearing from you. love love love
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy 4th
Obviously the best dressed award goes to me and Evan
Alrighty, so it has finally come and gone... the 4th of July passed with a big bang and was probably one of my favorite memories so far here in Guate. The build up was pretty huge. A big party with 220+ of your closest "american" friends, how could you not be excited? It was a weekend of reuniting and it helped me realize how much my life has changed these first 3 months of service. I've been feeling like things are going well and life seemed pretty normal. I had forgotten about the tourist haven that is Antigua and how much fun it is to go there with 220+ of your closest friends. It made me realize how much I love a lot of my training group and how much I miss them. We will be reunited again soon but until then it's back to work. I've moved upstairs into my apartment so it's time to organize and get that taken care of. Also this little kitten of mine goes through separation anxiety every time I leave hence right now she is sitting on my lap. Overall things are good. I feel like I really celebrated the 4th well this year and I'm excited for the upcoming weeks.
Also Happy 6 months in country!!!
Alrighty, so it has finally come and gone... the 4th of July passed with a big bang and was probably one of my favorite memories so far here in Guate. The build up was pretty huge. A big party with 220+ of your closest "american" friends, how could you not be excited? It was a weekend of reuniting and it helped me realize how much my life has changed these first 3 months of service. I've been feeling like things are going well and life seemed pretty normal. I had forgotten about the tourist haven that is Antigua and how much fun it is to go there with 220+ of your closest friends. It made me realize how much I love a lot of my training group and how much I miss them. We will be reunited again soon but until then it's back to work. I've moved upstairs into my apartment so it's time to organize and get that taken care of. Also this little kitten of mine goes through separation anxiety every time I leave hence right now she is sitting on my lap. Overall things are good. I feel like I really celebrated the 4th well this year and I'm excited for the upcoming weeks.
Also Happy 6 months in country!!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
VACATION
VACATION TIME!!!!! Well not really but for the next week there is no school in our district. So it's pretty much vacation even though it feels like there is lots to do. Last week we had our big meeting and it went surprisingly well. YAY! We found out that we really have a lot of support from our schools and our superintendent. That is really exciting and motivating. Although it is still hard trying to adjust to our crazy schedule (meaning no school, then we have miscellaneous Peace Corps things when there is school) but I guess that's why the first year really is all about adjustment. I'm getting used to the schedule but it is going to be even weirder during "summer vacations" at the end of the year but that's a long ways a way, no need to worry yet. I've been painting these last few days and recruiting the help of any unsuspecting PCV neighbors. It is moving along well. Just that I'm too cheap to buy painters tape; which is causing a few splotches here and there but I mean it's not supposed to be perfect right? I like places with a little character. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow morning I will be finishing and then pictures will be up soon of my really cute apartamento. Next week is the 4th of July, which is a big (Peace Corps) holiday! I'm excited because I feel like I haven't really celebrated the 4th in a long time, always been working at camp but this year should be fun to celebrate our nation's birth with a bunch of other Americans in Guatemala. More on that later.
Also in about 1 week, I will have been living in Guatemala for 1/2 a year! I can't believe it! So exciting and crazy! I've never been away from home for this long but things are starting to look up here and I've found that my homesickness comes in waves. Like when I receive letters or packages from home! or when I look at all the "work" I'm putting into making this apartment my own and remember that within 21 months, I'll be gone and someone else will be here to change it. It's kinda sad to think about but exciting too! I'm really learning a lot about the passage of time and hopefully coming to a conclusion about what I want to do and who I want to be.
Some other sad news is that Don Pedro's mother passed away this week. It is very sad and although it was rather unexpected the family seems to be doing well. It was very hard for me to see Don Pedro so upset. Today he was cutting up an onion for lunch and I asked him if it was going to make him cry and he said "Ya no hay lagrimas, Lauren..." Which means there are not any more tears. It is so heartbreaking. But it was also very interesting to see how the funeral process works here. She died on Tuesday and Tuesday night there was a wake. At a Guatemalan wake everyone is invited over to the house of the deceased. The family of the deceased prepares food and then all of the guests pray almost all night long. Then on Wednesday we went to a special mass at the Catholic Church. It was really neat because everyone walks from the house and they carry the coffin to the Church. Then after mass, the walk to the cemetery. This funeral was very moving because there were a lot of people and the tradition of walking to the cemetery was very beautiful. The people that didn't come but were passed in the street still paused as a sign of respect. It made me think about funerals in the US and how we always hate getting stuck behind a funeral procession and those are in cars, Imagine if everyone in town walked down all the streets for funerals? It made me wonder how and why traditions change?
Anywho, that has been the majority of the excitement the past few days. Trying to be supportive of Don Pedro and Dona Mercedes while trying to get my own life in order; ready for the adventures of the upcoming week. love love love and send good thoughts for Don Pedro and Dona Mercedes.
Also in about 1 week, I will have been living in Guatemala for 1/2 a year! I can't believe it! So exciting and crazy! I've never been away from home for this long but things are starting to look up here and I've found that my homesickness comes in waves. Like when I receive letters or packages from home! or when I look at all the "work" I'm putting into making this apartment my own and remember that within 21 months, I'll be gone and someone else will be here to change it. It's kinda sad to think about but exciting too! I'm really learning a lot about the passage of time and hopefully coming to a conclusion about what I want to do and who I want to be.
Some other sad news is that Don Pedro's mother passed away this week. It is very sad and although it was rather unexpected the family seems to be doing well. It was very hard for me to see Don Pedro so upset. Today he was cutting up an onion for lunch and I asked him if it was going to make him cry and he said "Ya no hay lagrimas, Lauren..." Which means there are not any more tears. It is so heartbreaking. But it was also very interesting to see how the funeral process works here. She died on Tuesday and Tuesday night there was a wake. At a Guatemalan wake everyone is invited over to the house of the deceased. The family of the deceased prepares food and then all of the guests pray almost all night long. Then on Wednesday we went to a special mass at the Catholic Church. It was really neat because everyone walks from the house and they carry the coffin to the Church. Then after mass, the walk to the cemetery. This funeral was very moving because there were a lot of people and the tradition of walking to the cemetery was very beautiful. The people that didn't come but were passed in the street still paused as a sign of respect. It made me think about funerals in the US and how we always hate getting stuck behind a funeral procession and those are in cars, Imagine if everyone in town walked down all the streets for funerals? It made me wonder how and why traditions change?
Anywho, that has been the majority of the excitement the past few days. Trying to be supportive of Don Pedro and Dona Mercedes while trying to get my own life in order; ready for the adventures of the upcoming week. love love love and send good thoughts for Don Pedro and Dona Mercedes.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Uncle Steve told me to
So Uncle Steve told me to update and I guess it's about time I do so. Things are moving along ok. We are still recovering from the storm, with the changes in schedules, the crazy traffic when traveling, and the continuing rain of the rainy season ; but overall things are ok. I was really starting to get a schedule going and that just crumbled but hopefully things will start to shape up again. June and July are going to be pretty busy. I'm at about 5 and 1/2 months! Can't believe it. Betty went home for the weekend for her brother's high school graduation. It was hard for me to be here without her. It's kinda of funny because we are very close but I mean we don't spend every waking moment together but there was something about the fact that I couldn't spend every waking moment with her that made this weekend so odd. Anywho, today she's back and I'm glad. Hopefully now we will be able to return to some type of system and schedule and normal life... for Guatemala that is.
My host family is telling me that by the end of the week they will be done with the apartment. I'll believe that when I see it but I'm getting pretty excited. We are going to get some paint tomorrow(how fun!) I think I'm going to have a blue room, a yellow room, and a turquoise green room. I know that sounds like a lot of rooms but once I get everything painted I'll take some pictures and then it will make sense. I'm excited to finally have my own space and to get to play with my cat and just not have to think about every action I make all the time. For example right now my room is right across from the kitchen so every morning when I get up... I can't just go to the bathroom. I have to greet everyone... I bet you are like "Wow, that doesn't sound so annoying." But it is. It is just nice to know you can get up go to the bathroom and go back to bed without worry. Without having to make small talk, which Guatemalans are good at and I normally don't like but have fallen into the habit. It makes me feel less awkward.
This week we have a big meeting with all of our directors as well as our program director and project specialist. I'm pretty nervous. It will be 4 hours long with lots of talking, food, and just stress. Hopefully, it will be helpful and a good way to get our program information out there right before the mid-year vacations. Anywho, not much is happening in my life right now but I'm thinking this week things are really going to start picking up and before I know it, 6 months will be here. Thanks for all the support and love from home. It's making it's way here and helping me through the days. love love love
PS SKYPE ME!
My host family is telling me that by the end of the week they will be done with the apartment. I'll believe that when I see it but I'm getting pretty excited. We are going to get some paint tomorrow(how fun!) I think I'm going to have a blue room, a yellow room, and a turquoise green room. I know that sounds like a lot of rooms but once I get everything painted I'll take some pictures and then it will make sense. I'm excited to finally have my own space and to get to play with my cat and just not have to think about every action I make all the time. For example right now my room is right across from the kitchen so every morning when I get up... I can't just go to the bathroom. I have to greet everyone... I bet you are like "Wow, that doesn't sound so annoying." But it is. It is just nice to know you can get up go to the bathroom and go back to bed without worry. Without having to make small talk, which Guatemalans are good at and I normally don't like but have fallen into the habit. It makes me feel less awkward.
This week we have a big meeting with all of our directors as well as our program director and project specialist. I'm pretty nervous. It will be 4 hours long with lots of talking, food, and just stress. Hopefully, it will be helpful and a good way to get our program information out there right before the mid-year vacations. Anywho, not much is happening in my life right now but I'm thinking this week things are really going to start picking up and before I know it, 6 months will be here. Thanks for all the support and love from home. It's making it's way here and helping me through the days. love love love
PS SKYPE ME!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The Life of Nomads
So you can never be too prepared. That's what I learned this week. Really life is always unexpected and I think even moreso in Guatemala. It was so wonderful to have Tyler visit for the past week and it just makes me so proud to have such a great little brother. Seriously any and all problems that could have arose did and amazingly we are still friends and I think we had a pretty good time. But let's start at the beginning. So arrival in Guatemala with a nice first meal in Guatemala City and then being welcomed by my wonderful host family was a great way to start the trip. Although my host dad was in the hospital for a few days, Dona Mercedes greeted us with a delicious dinner and we were able to get some sleep. Little did we know the Volcano Pacaya was errupting, closing the airport and causing lots of problems for the southern part of the country, we peacefully fell asleep to the gentle rain. We woke up on Friday, light rain and ready to begin our weekend away to the Lake. Tyler becoming a pro in public transport, we hopped on to three different camionetas to arrive in Panajachel, a small town on Lake Atitlan. Super cute, even in the rain. As the rain picked up, our spirits stayed happy and we took a small boat across the lake to a very pretty hotel. We felt so cool because we got the guys to knock a few Q off the price, and all the other gringos got the rip. Anywho, arrived at the hotel, checked in. It is very neat, lots of stairs that were a little scary in the rain. We decided to not let the rain keep us down and we went swimming. Pretty fun, then a family style dinner where we met some other travelers. Who were supposed to be hiking Pacaya... We had some nice chats with them and then crashed the hotels hot tub that is heated by real fire. Pretty sweet. It was nice to be on the lake and in the pretty hot tub at night, in the rain later to be known as AGATHA.
We went to sleep Friday night, to the gentle rain and woke up the next morning to even more rain. Although the Casa del Mundo is a beautiful hotel that really gives you a nice secluded feel, it's not nice in the rain. There was not a lot to do, so we decided we needed to get out of there. After 12 hours we were already feeling like Jack in the shining and didn't need to take our chances. Just to make sure we weren't already scared enough, during breakfast we saw a landslide just a little bit away from the hotel and the rain was continuing. We did make some new friends during breakfast from Durham, NC. Artists traveling through, they decided to stay the night but we were ready to get out of there. So we went to the dock and waited. Everyone was telling us different answers, "No more boats are coming" or " A boat will be here in 15 minutes." The conflicting answers were not comforting. We even had the comfort of seeing someone from the hotel rig up one of their boats and take a man with an umbrella somewhere... Under a tarp. This hotel man also did not appear to know how to drive a boat, so I'm glad we waited. Eventually, another boat showed up and we got on to return to Panajachel. Upon arrival the rain had really picked up. The streets were starting to flood. We went to a hostal, dropped off our stuff and went on a quest for lunch. During lunch, we were freezing and beginning to realize that we could be stuck on the lake for a while. Also, that our hostal had nothing for means of entertainment. So we proceeded to search for a hotel with TV. We found it and moved from our hostal to a more secure and entertaining location. After a few trips out to get water, uno cards, and some snacks. We ventured out for dinner. As the power was going in and out and the streets were at about 6 inches of water, I was starting to freak. Luckily my brother and partner are the two most laid back people on earth, causing me to worry enough for the 3 of us.
In our hotel room, we played uno, watched some tv until the power cut out and eventually fell asleep. In case your wondering Betty won most of the uno games. The next day we woke up and it was sunny! Imagine our shock. We went exploring around Panajachel, which had a lot of destruction. The river in town was flooded, lots of bridges, homes and trash. The lake which is usually a pretty clear green was full of wood and trash. The river had people all over the place looking for wood and other goods. We ventured up to Solola, despite everyone and their mother telling us that there was not going to be passage for 3 days. We went and stayed the night with other volunteers and to have a bit of change of scenery. The next day we returned to Panajachel, and 2 other volunteers came to visit with us as well. Then as Peace Corps was telling us that the roads were still not safe to head back to Tecpan... The three of us got a terrible case of food poisoning. I don't know if words should describe how sick we were but it was awful. AWFUL! Gut wrenching... I don't think we will be eating pupusas for a long time. Tuesday was spent in a nicer hotel just trying to recuperate. It was not a good day for any of us. Not only were we feeling terrible but we were running out of money.
Had to ask the parents to wire us some money, such a pain. It was much appreciated but the act of recollecting the money was pretty difficult of course, why would anything go as planned on this trip? So as I walk into Western Union, I begin to process the transaction, let's just say that the ID I have issued by PC, is so frustrating. For some reason people always give us crap for not having our passports and I'd just like to say "REALLY GUATEMALA? I can't walk around without worrying that my $10 crappy cell phone might get stolen, do you think I'm going to carry around a US Passport,( we were told it was worth $10,000 on the black market) when I don't absolutely need it?" Anyway, after talking with her supervisor and telling me that she can't process the transaction, I was so frustrated. I had been sick, I was stuck, my little bro was supposed to be having a great trip, we had no money, so I cried. I told the woman that they told my mom there would be no problem with this ID and now I'm stuck here with out money. I fully believe crying is a much better option than getting angry, because guess who got the money? After this transaction, it was time to travel to XELA. Another city that PC felt would be safer and make it easier for us to make the journey home.
At this point, we were so tired and just wanted to be home. NEVER ONLY PACK THE ESSENTIALS CAUSE YOU ARE GOING TO NEED MORE. Also, always bring a credit card. In Xela, we met up with some other volunteers and had delicious hamburgers. I think the best I've had in Guatemala. Although, pain was felt later, too heavy and too soon after the pupusas, they were so good. Thursday, was spent doing laundry, and we went to the movies. Saw Robin Hood. Then recieving the most wonderful news in the world Friday we could go home. Finally. We watched the Celtics Lakers game in the hostal, went to bed and got ready for the journey home... 5 days later than anticipated. Leaving in the morning we got home. The road is still in bad shape. So much earth in the middle of the road. What was 4 lanes, now 2. Chimaltenango was one of the departments the worst hit and we'll see how long it takes to clean up. Very sad, but luckily no one we directly know was hurt or harmed. After eating lunch, we took showers, and naps and felt 10000 times better. The host fam was so happy to see us and to officially see Tyler. After getting a good night's sleep, Saturday morning was spent exploring for souvenirs and getting ready to head to Guatemala City so Tyler could catch his flight. Saying goodbye was hard. I don't think I can explain in words how wonderful Don Pedro and Dona Mercedes are. They are already waiting for Tyler to come back and I think they spent about 20 hours with him total in their house. They are just so kind and sweet and one of my favorite things about my life in Guatemala.
A relaxing ride to the capital ending in the wonderful Westin Camino Real hotel. Although, the trip had many low points... this hotel has the most comfortable beds and best shower I've had in Guatemala, it was very worth it... Who knows if only the crazyness of the week made the hotel even better but it was a great night to relax and allow Tyler to get ready for his trip home and me my return to Peace Corps life. I can officially say I had the best shower yet since being in Guatemala and a pretty great night's sleep... So anyone who comes to visit, we should stay there for sure. SO NICE!
Then today was the journey home after a stop at super walmart (Hiper Paiz) to get some necessities like batteries and glue. Now I'm home, reflecting on the crazy week. It was insane to be in the midst of a natural disaster, be scared but then have nothing too terrible happen to you and then to see all the destruction and suffering that surrounds you. Pretty surreal. Anywho, it was so nice to have my little brother here for a week. It made me realize how much I miss him and how proud I am of him. Ty, you are the best and I love you so much. I hope you make it back soon and I know 2 weeks from now, this will be the funniest week of our lives... right?
We went to sleep Friday night, to the gentle rain and woke up the next morning to even more rain. Although the Casa del Mundo is a beautiful hotel that really gives you a nice secluded feel, it's not nice in the rain. There was not a lot to do, so we decided we needed to get out of there. After 12 hours we were already feeling like Jack in the shining and didn't need to take our chances. Just to make sure we weren't already scared enough, during breakfast we saw a landslide just a little bit away from the hotel and the rain was continuing. We did make some new friends during breakfast from Durham, NC. Artists traveling through, they decided to stay the night but we were ready to get out of there. So we went to the dock and waited. Everyone was telling us different answers, "No more boats are coming" or " A boat will be here in 15 minutes." The conflicting answers were not comforting. We even had the comfort of seeing someone from the hotel rig up one of their boats and take a man with an umbrella somewhere... Under a tarp. This hotel man also did not appear to know how to drive a boat, so I'm glad we waited. Eventually, another boat showed up and we got on to return to Panajachel. Upon arrival the rain had really picked up. The streets were starting to flood. We went to a hostal, dropped off our stuff and went on a quest for lunch. During lunch, we were freezing and beginning to realize that we could be stuck on the lake for a while. Also, that our hostal had nothing for means of entertainment. So we proceeded to search for a hotel with TV. We found it and moved from our hostal to a more secure and entertaining location. After a few trips out to get water, uno cards, and some snacks. We ventured out for dinner. As the power was going in and out and the streets were at about 6 inches of water, I was starting to freak. Luckily my brother and partner are the two most laid back people on earth, causing me to worry enough for the 3 of us.
In our hotel room, we played uno, watched some tv until the power cut out and eventually fell asleep. In case your wondering Betty won most of the uno games. The next day we woke up and it was sunny! Imagine our shock. We went exploring around Panajachel, which had a lot of destruction. The river in town was flooded, lots of bridges, homes and trash. The lake which is usually a pretty clear green was full of wood and trash. The river had people all over the place looking for wood and other goods. We ventured up to Solola, despite everyone and their mother telling us that there was not going to be passage for 3 days. We went and stayed the night with other volunteers and to have a bit of change of scenery. The next day we returned to Panajachel, and 2 other volunteers came to visit with us as well. Then as Peace Corps was telling us that the roads were still not safe to head back to Tecpan... The three of us got a terrible case of food poisoning. I don't know if words should describe how sick we were but it was awful. AWFUL! Gut wrenching... I don't think we will be eating pupusas for a long time. Tuesday was spent in a nicer hotel just trying to recuperate. It was not a good day for any of us. Not only were we feeling terrible but we were running out of money.
Had to ask the parents to wire us some money, such a pain. It was much appreciated but the act of recollecting the money was pretty difficult of course, why would anything go as planned on this trip? So as I walk into Western Union, I begin to process the transaction, let's just say that the ID I have issued by PC, is so frustrating. For some reason people always give us crap for not having our passports and I'd just like to say "REALLY GUATEMALA? I can't walk around without worrying that my $10 crappy cell phone might get stolen, do you think I'm going to carry around a US Passport,( we were told it was worth $10,000 on the black market) when I don't absolutely need it?" Anyway, after talking with her supervisor and telling me that she can't process the transaction, I was so frustrated. I had been sick, I was stuck, my little bro was supposed to be having a great trip, we had no money, so I cried. I told the woman that they told my mom there would be no problem with this ID and now I'm stuck here with out money. I fully believe crying is a much better option than getting angry, because guess who got the money? After this transaction, it was time to travel to XELA. Another city that PC felt would be safer and make it easier for us to make the journey home.
At this point, we were so tired and just wanted to be home. NEVER ONLY PACK THE ESSENTIALS CAUSE YOU ARE GOING TO NEED MORE. Also, always bring a credit card. In Xela, we met up with some other volunteers and had delicious hamburgers. I think the best I've had in Guatemala. Although, pain was felt later, too heavy and too soon after the pupusas, they were so good. Thursday, was spent doing laundry, and we went to the movies. Saw Robin Hood. Then recieving the most wonderful news in the world Friday we could go home. Finally. We watched the Celtics Lakers game in the hostal, went to bed and got ready for the journey home... 5 days later than anticipated. Leaving in the morning we got home. The road is still in bad shape. So much earth in the middle of the road. What was 4 lanes, now 2. Chimaltenango was one of the departments the worst hit and we'll see how long it takes to clean up. Very sad, but luckily no one we directly know was hurt or harmed. After eating lunch, we took showers, and naps and felt 10000 times better. The host fam was so happy to see us and to officially see Tyler. After getting a good night's sleep, Saturday morning was spent exploring for souvenirs and getting ready to head to Guatemala City so Tyler could catch his flight. Saying goodbye was hard. I don't think I can explain in words how wonderful Don Pedro and Dona Mercedes are. They are already waiting for Tyler to come back and I think they spent about 20 hours with him total in their house. They are just so kind and sweet and one of my favorite things about my life in Guatemala.
A relaxing ride to the capital ending in the wonderful Westin Camino Real hotel. Although, the trip had many low points... this hotel has the most comfortable beds and best shower I've had in Guatemala, it was very worth it... Who knows if only the crazyness of the week made the hotel even better but it was a great night to relax and allow Tyler to get ready for his trip home and me my return to Peace Corps life. I can officially say I had the best shower yet since being in Guatemala and a pretty great night's sleep... So anyone who comes to visit, we should stay there for sure. SO NICE!
Then today was the journey home after a stop at super walmart (Hiper Paiz) to get some necessities like batteries and glue. Now I'm home, reflecting on the crazy week. It was insane to be in the midst of a natural disaster, be scared but then have nothing too terrible happen to you and then to see all the destruction and suffering that surrounds you. Pretty surreal. Anywho, it was so nice to have my little brother here for a week. It made me realize how much I miss him and how proud I am of him. Ty, you are the best and I love you so much. I hope you make it back soon and I know 2 weeks from now, this will be the funniest week of our lives... right?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
What a Funny Story
Arrival in Airport.
volcano erruption to close airport.
Non-stop rain on trip to Lake.
Stuck in rainstorm at the lake.
swimming in rainstorm.
stuck in hotel.
flooded streets.
Scary landslide road.
HUGE WATERFALL.
Stuck in hotel again due to food poisoning.
Moving to another town due to possible future storm.
Money wiring.
Crying to get money that was wired.
And it's only Wednesday.
All are safe. Will update the real story in time.
volcano erruption to close airport.
Non-stop rain on trip to Lake.
Stuck in rainstorm at the lake.
swimming in rainstorm.
stuck in hotel.
flooded streets.
Scary landslide road.
HUGE WATERFALL.
Stuck in hotel again due to food poisoning.
Moving to another town due to possible future storm.
Money wiring.
Crying to get money that was wired.
And it's only Wednesday.
All are safe. Will update the real story in time.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Happy Wednesday
So, things have been moving along. Still slow, still a bit confusing but it's already May 12. These past few days have involved lots of festivities due to mother's day. Yes Mother's day is celebrated here and is always May 11th. Since it fell on a Tuesday this year, there was celebrating from Friday until today. I bought my host mom some flowers and gave her a scarf. Something little but I felt it was a nice gesture. Dona Mercedes y Don Pedro really are like my Guatemalan parents. Although I treasure the bond that I have with my training community family, I spend a lot more time with the two of them
A) because I have more time and
B) there are only two of them instead of 11.
I am hoping to make a trip back to visit my training family soon enough. I'm excited!
Sadie is getting bigger by the day. The other night I tried to let her sleep in my bed. Bad idea. She was so confused and she just kept running around. She also has the loudest meow out of all the kittens and everyone loves to comment on it. Oh Lauren, your kitten cries so loud and so much. Thank you Captain Obvious, I can hear here too. Also I'm still going to take her so don't worry. Anyway I had to put her outside because she was driving me crazy, such a loving owner I'm turning out to be huh? Honestly, once I have my personal space it won't be as big of a deal but for right now... not looking good.
As for work, with the recent holiday school has been a bit difficult to navigate. Today there was a director (principals) meeting our town. Although our CTA did not advise us about this meeting nor invite us to attend we thought it would be a good idea to just stop by and present ourselves again to all the directors... Well we showed up this morning really nervous. I mean you really have to get over the American sense of making appointments and schedules because Guatemalans live in the here and now; not in the I'm busy how bout next Thursday at 4? After realizing that it is normal to fly by the seat of your pants; you have to get over being afraid of appearing rude. For example, showing up to a meeting uninvited is not really seen as rude. In the states you would never just barge into your bosses office demanding to speak to everyone about your job, but here it's a little different. Although, they might not love the fact that you barge in on their meeting and interrupt the schedule; in the end it really doesn't matter. Usually the meetings never start on time and adding you in is a lot easier than it seems but it definitely feels uncomfortable when you just go for it. Anywho, back to the meeting. So we show up and we are feeling nervous but I mean we feel like we are doing the right thing. As we are waiting around for the meeting to start, we run into a director from one of our schools. After marathon introductions we ask her:
"What exactly is this meeting for?" THANK GOODNESS WE ASKED THIS QUESTION.
The response was something along the lines of "Well when someone dies and they go to heaven, they leave all of their money for their kids. We are having this meeting to discuss the recent death of one of the maestros (teachers) in Tecpan." The look on mine and Betty's faces must have been ridiculous. We just tried to crash a will reading! Are you joking? Immediately we decided we better leave and we were so embarrassed we had to tell ourselves to walk slowly so that it wasn't obvious to all the directors that we were running away. It's kinda funny when you think about it, but definitely embarrassing.
In other news I've bought a bed. What an adventure. Monday I went around to observe the sales for Mother's day and found a bed for 1195Q (approx 150 US$) I hope it's nice. I can't sleep on it because there is no space in my room for it, or for them to move out their bed that I'm sleeping on now. It's kinda sad but it's going to make my first night in the new apt on that brand new bed so wonderful. Although knowing my luck by that time I will be so used to sleeping on the bed that has a mountain in the middle the new bed will seem really uncomfortable. I guess that's how life goes and if that's my biggest problem, I'm ok with it. I'm hoping that sooner rather than later that apt. is going to be finished. The work is at a standstill, hence the buying of things that I can't fit in my room, to motivate them to get down to business!
Today Betty and I also met the mayor and the head doctor of our local health center. Thanks to Don Pedro who literally knows anybody who is anybody in Tecpan! We were able to meet two important people relatively painlessly and start a "business relationship" because in the future we will most likely have to annoy them for money, advice, and other general help. In this day of presentations we also stopped by the post office. The man who works there is so nice and I had mail! I strongly suggest mailing to the Tecpan address I sent out in an email. I will most surely get the mail and it seems to be way faster then going through the other office. So with that being said, I'd love some mail and I'm going to try to send some tester letters out. I sent out 5 in January and nobody received one... I'm a little discouraged about the mail system here but today restored hope and maybe in the future you will receive a letter all the way from Guatemala.
I think these are the most exciting things to date. The baby shower was successful and I'm contemplating trying to make pizza or some type of food this weekend for the host fam. Need to start practicing cause in a month and a half I'll really have to grow up and start cooking for myself. love love love.
A) because I have more time and
B) there are only two of them instead of 11.
I am hoping to make a trip back to visit my training family soon enough. I'm excited!
Sadie is getting bigger by the day. The other night I tried to let her sleep in my bed. Bad idea. She was so confused and she just kept running around. She also has the loudest meow out of all the kittens and everyone loves to comment on it. Oh Lauren, your kitten cries so loud and so much. Thank you Captain Obvious, I can hear here too. Also I'm still going to take her so don't worry. Anyway I had to put her outside because she was driving me crazy, such a loving owner I'm turning out to be huh? Honestly, once I have my personal space it won't be as big of a deal but for right now... not looking good.
As for work, with the recent holiday school has been a bit difficult to navigate. Today there was a director (principals) meeting our town. Although our CTA did not advise us about this meeting nor invite us to attend we thought it would be a good idea to just stop by and present ourselves again to all the directors... Well we showed up this morning really nervous. I mean you really have to get over the American sense of making appointments and schedules because Guatemalans live in the here and now; not in the I'm busy how bout next Thursday at 4? After realizing that it is normal to fly by the seat of your pants; you have to get over being afraid of appearing rude. For example, showing up to a meeting uninvited is not really seen as rude. In the states you would never just barge into your bosses office demanding to speak to everyone about your job, but here it's a little different. Although, they might not love the fact that you barge in on their meeting and interrupt the schedule; in the end it really doesn't matter. Usually the meetings never start on time and adding you in is a lot easier than it seems but it definitely feels uncomfortable when you just go for it. Anywho, back to the meeting. So we show up and we are feeling nervous but I mean we feel like we are doing the right thing. As we are waiting around for the meeting to start, we run into a director from one of our schools. After marathon introductions we ask her:
"What exactly is this meeting for?" THANK GOODNESS WE ASKED THIS QUESTION.
The response was something along the lines of "Well when someone dies and they go to heaven, they leave all of their money for their kids. We are having this meeting to discuss the recent death of one of the maestros (teachers) in Tecpan." The look on mine and Betty's faces must have been ridiculous. We just tried to crash a will reading! Are you joking? Immediately we decided we better leave and we were so embarrassed we had to tell ourselves to walk slowly so that it wasn't obvious to all the directors that we were running away. It's kinda funny when you think about it, but definitely embarrassing.
In other news I've bought a bed. What an adventure. Monday I went around to observe the sales for Mother's day and found a bed for 1195Q (approx 150 US$) I hope it's nice. I can't sleep on it because there is no space in my room for it, or for them to move out their bed that I'm sleeping on now. It's kinda sad but it's going to make my first night in the new apt on that brand new bed so wonderful. Although knowing my luck by that time I will be so used to sleeping on the bed that has a mountain in the middle the new bed will seem really uncomfortable. I guess that's how life goes and if that's my biggest problem, I'm ok with it. I'm hoping that sooner rather than later that apt. is going to be finished. The work is at a standstill, hence the buying of things that I can't fit in my room, to motivate them to get down to business!
Today Betty and I also met the mayor and the head doctor of our local health center. Thanks to Don Pedro who literally knows anybody who is anybody in Tecpan! We were able to meet two important people relatively painlessly and start a "business relationship" because in the future we will most likely have to annoy them for money, advice, and other general help. In this day of presentations we also stopped by the post office. The man who works there is so nice and I had mail! I strongly suggest mailing to the Tecpan address I sent out in an email. I will most surely get the mail and it seems to be way faster then going through the other office. So with that being said, I'd love some mail and I'm going to try to send some tester letters out. I sent out 5 in January and nobody received one... I'm a little discouraged about the mail system here but today restored hope and maybe in the future you will receive a letter all the way from Guatemala.
I think these are the most exciting things to date. The baby shower was successful and I'm contemplating trying to make pizza or some type of food this weekend for the host fam. Need to start practicing cause in a month and a half I'll really have to grow up and start cooking for myself. love love love.
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