5 Things

1. Don't flush the toilet paper
2. You can't rush some things (ie Spanish, bathroom time)
3. The market is not height friendly
4. Pedestrians do not have the right of way
5. Tortillas are not an accessory

 I have only been in Guatemala for a few weeks and have already learned so much! Life here is different from the states but I am welcoming the changes with open arms. I am living with a family of four in a beautiful house with a garden. I have my own room with a handmade armoire, desk and bed. I also have  electricity, running water and hot showers daily. I must admit I was expecting the worst but I have been blessed thus far and I thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers. I have had many first experiences including making tortillas, taking a bucket bath and riding a chicken bus, thankfully getting sick is not one of them. It took a little while for my host family to learn my name, for the longest I was "la chica". 

The weather and the people are pleasant, although the rain season starts at the end of the month. Every morning as I walk to Spanish class all the kids and old people look at me like ‘who is this outrageously tall stranger and why is she here’, I have gotten a little used to the staring following me with their eyes. Once a week I have training at the Peace Corps office, and I have to ride the chicken bus. The buses are 2 speed- fast and stop. But, imagine if you would, 80 men and women crammed on a school bus, three to four people per seat and there you have a chicken bus experience! Guatemala is slowly becoming my new home, poco a poco! So while you are enjoying the summer and cold lemonade on the porch, I will shortly be swimming to Spanish classes in mud puddles. 

Traveling Pants

this month has been a whirlwind. I am currently on a plane to Providence to visit family, which I am very excited about. last week was my last week at work and it was harder than expected, I woke up monday morning expecting to go to work but I didn't have a job to go to. For the past two years I could not have worked for a better organization serving the homeless community of Chattanooga. It didn't feel like I was leaving “just a job”, I was leaving friends and family, people that I would not have crossed paths with if it wasn't for the Community Kitchen and I am beyond grateful for such an amazing experience and being able to be a part of the family. 

In other news, in exactly one week from today I will be on a plane to Guatemala. I almost cant believe it. THe preparation has been overwhelming- packing, paperwork, saying goodbyes ( which I am terrible at doing). Packing is a headache in itself, making sure I have everything I need for 2 years in 2 bags less than 80lbs and I am infamous for overpacking. AlthoughI had my bags weighed and i was only 7lbs over and i still have items that need to be purchased. I am going to try my best to reorganize my bags because I have no clue what is in which bag and I have a feeling I never will... Overall, I am anxious and excited to begin this journey. Providence >Philly>NY>MIA>Guatemala! 

The Count Down Begins

I am officially 30 days away from leaving for the Peace Corps. I almost can't believe it. The past few weeks have been very busy for me, traveling and visiting with friends and family, most of which I will not see until I return. Last night mom and the ladies from the church hosted a going away shower for me when you typically think shower, your thinking wedding or baby, nope not for me. Although some people would hope. In all it was great, everybody asked questions, we ate Spanish food and I got some much needed necessities (skittles, Swiss army knife, duct tape, etc). The biggest surprise was a visit from my dad, I am not big on surprises, so it caught me off guard. Sobbing in his shoulder, that was when I came to the realization I was leaving the comforts of home for 27 months and that I was a big daddy's girl.

Aside from all the fun I have been having and finishing things up at work, I really need to get my behind in gear because I haven't packed anything. All I have is lists spread around my room, purse and any where else I can manage to put a sticky note. Wish me luck!

Christmas in March (kinda)!

I am a bit late, I am sure you can understand why. I received my invite FINALLY. Patience does pay off and so does a little persistence. Now to prepare myself, my family and my bags for the next chapter of my life.  I leave for Guatemala  in April.  I will do my best to keep the world updated.

Emotional Roller Coaster

As I’ve gone through the application process with the Peace Corps I have been riding an emotional roller coaster. As of recently I have only experienced 2, love and fear (of my dad lol). I came in to the process with the mindset of- no expectations. no disappointments. Its a bit hard to do when 2 years of your life is in limbo. if you have been following I was originally nominated to depart in February, its January and I was medically cleared on January 10th ... I was nervous about not being able to leave for my original nomination, I knew I wasn't but I was hoping for a miracle. I hadn't heard from placement and was getting nervous, so what does every nervous applicant do...call placement ( Im still working on my patience, don't judge me). The officer explained to me that I was late due to my medical clearance and I should hear from them in 6-8 weeks, I could expect placement no later than September. I was speechless, sad, disappointed, heartbroken, wanted to curl up and play dead until I could comprehend what she had just said to me. All in All, I am not leaving next month. After a few hours/days I began to see the bright side of this. I had more time to spend with my family and friends and work on somethings that I needed to resolve before leaving. 

Peace and Blessings. 

One Step Closer.

First post of the new year! I FINALLY was able to fax in the last of the requested documents for my medical kit. I hope their expectations are met and I can move forward. I can't believe I am almost leaving. I hope I can still leave in time for my initial departure, I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else other than Central South America.

Til next time.

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