Home.

I apologize for the extreme lack in communication this past week. I am safely in the states and safely wandering through culture shock.

Last week I spent my days at the HIV and AIDS clinic in Santa Lucia. I did not have internet access and my days were long and emotionally straining. The clinic was not how I expected it to be, but the experience is exactly what I needed. Also I am not sure why I would have expectations, because I knew nothing about the clinic when I got here. What would I know about HIV in Guatemala? The Lord definitely changed a very prideful, stubborn heart this week.

A friend once told me that most people who want to work with HIV and AIDS do it for the hero power. I feel like I am guilty of that sometimes. I wanted to have alot of responsibility at the clinic, I wanted to have patient care. The truth is, they needed someone to help with the babies. And the truth is, that is exactly what I needed. I was forced to change diapers, be thrown up on, peed on, spit on- and that is precisely the type of experience that puts pride to rest and makes you realize how lucky you are to have the priveledge of taking care of another human being who cannot take care of themselves.

I have fallen in love with ten babies. From 0 months to 2 years- they are all HIV positive and all live in a room. I was suprised to see all the clothes and shoes and toys they had- but the hospital is the only one that treats HIV in Guatemala so the donations are good. All the shirts are from the States so the kids ask me to translate the meanings of the words into Spanish. It is funny to see the snarky-wal-mart-type Tshirts, and the concert T's and the Hannah Montana T's on those bodies- that have never left the gates of that place. Most of the children are orphans, because their parents died of HIV.

Now time for my nerdy time. I grilled one of the nurses about HIV in Guatemala. I asked her which of the big three (male to male relations, drug needles, mother to child) were the main problem in Guatemala. The culprit did not surprise me. The machismo culture. She said most of the cases are mother to child. A man and a woman are married and do not use protection because why do they need to, they are married? Since the culture is machismo, the man chooses to be unfaithful to his wife. He has multiple partners and then comes back to share the marriage bed with his wife. The woman is the recipient of what he brought back, and the precious chiuldren I took care of are the result. I am not saying men are always the ones who are unfaithful, but this is the norm with machismo.

What I am saying is these tiny children have literally done nothing but be born. They are now not allowed in public schools, national hospitals can't treat them, and they will never be allowed a job with any human to human contact. The truth is most people in Guatemala believe that HIV si transmitted by kissing. In reality, you need 1 gallon of human saliva to transmit the virus. When I told people I was volunteering at this clinic, they immediately took a step away. The taboo is also due to the strong influence of the catholic church. HIV is evil.

It all comes down to this. We are all the same. We are all human, and have broken broken bodies. All of us are desperately in need of something to pour life and love into a fragile state. People with HIV have not participated in some kind of "immoral behavior" as some US politician said. No matter if it is the 6 month orphan who did not do a thing, or the cocaine addict. Who are we to think we are better? And to deny them medication, jobs, education and the right to a semi-normal life? I get so angry. Why did I know nothing about this disease, this pandemic, until I went to college and took a class entitled "AIDS AND SOCIETY"....if this is the pandemic of our generation, why does nobody know about it?

I do not want to end with my angry soap box. So I will end with this. This is Rosalie. She is two. She has nobody. Her parents both died of AIDS and she has no extended family. She will grow up here and leave and probably have no job or hope of an undiscriminated life. She chose to attach herself to me. Rosalie is the most compassionate 2 year old I have ever met. She grins and smiles and shows affection. She is also the fattest.She came to the clinic with severe malnutrition but is now....FAT. the nurses call her "gordita" and all the other kids make fun of her weight. Whenever we go on walks or walk to the cafeteria she begs to be carried but is made to walk cause her belly is...well big.

Rosalie is selfless. She is not in the baby category- so the older kids do not beg to hold her and feed her. She cannot talk yet so she is not in the hilarious category. She is not old enough to be mischievous and bratty so she does not get that type of condition. She does not get much attention at all, besides the necessary.

Why is Rosalie self sacrificing? Let me tel you something I noticed. Rosalie is amazing at gesticulating. All Guatemalans are. When she wants soething she grunts and then points. When she wants me to come she flings her hand forward and grins. She will go sit down on the ground and pat the spot next to her to say "come sit by me". But here is why she is magnificent. Every time we would be play and she heard someone else crying- her eyes would perk up. She would look up from whatever she was doing and look for the source of the distress. Then she would hit my arm, catch my eye, and point at the other baby that was crying. I knew exactly what she was thinking. Then, she would touch my legs point her index finger at the baby, and give a quick head nod. She told me "go! he needs you more than i do". I was utterly in awe of this. It happened all the time. She would see the baby, get my attention and tell me to go pick it up- no matter how stressed out she was- at TWO YEARS OLD the needs of others were put before her own. I love Rosalie. It is all worth it.

confession

I am happy today because I had an experience that confirmed that I have my footing. I have acquantainces! I neglected to tell my family and friends that I was actually coming to Guatemala alone. As in, there are no other volunteers here. I am most definitely the only foreigner in the town. But today, as a}I made my habitual walk down the highway, I was able to stop and chat (platicar) with THREE people. One was this old man who has a mustache and always wears a cowboy hat. Another was a lady who is always walking near me, she told me she likes my bolsa (charlotte :). Another is a group of women who are always strolling their strollers up the highway. I always exchange pleasantries, maybe kiss on the cheek, or a hug with these groups. I also always run into the ¨young men¨ of the town...who always know two or three words to chat me up. ¨hello chica¨ or *goodsbye* or *see you later* in broken english. It is very flattering.

Random notes:
- i am wearing my favorite outfit today. scrub pants, guatemalan soccer jersey, and chacos. Not sure if the marks on my feet are a chaco TAN or just dirt. I love how sparse the showers are here.
- i visited the clinic where i will be volunteering today. The social worker said *oh there was a group of nurses from your university a few months ago* ARE YOU KIDDING ME CAROLINA??????????????? WHY ARE YOU SO GOOD AT SOCIAL JUSTICE????????
-today i bought my textbooks for this fall, is it weird that my obsession with getting things done spills over into other countries?
- i had my first brush with death yesterday. aha. not really. but i came across the first truly henious bus driver. i am speaking in wacko words because there are ALOT of young chicos looking over my shoulder....so maybe they won[t understand if i use random words?? right? ok so i got on the bus and KNEW it was wack. There was a crucifix on the dashboard as usual....and those shapes of naked woman that soccer players always have on their clothes. The guy just looked pissed. He went maybe 55 MPH on these tiny skiny road around huge curves. I thought we may tip. I thought it was just me who was terrified until the old man next to met let out a little smile after the 20th time i had been thrown up against him. Playing *curves* you could say. Yesterday the buses were so crowded that both rides i sat in between two people, on a seat made for one.

I have compiled a list of things i-wish-i-would-have-known-before-i-got-here/Do not be surprised if this happens in Guatemala/things to know:
-If you are ever in a hurry, forget it. Guatemalans do not know how to hurry. there is no sidewalk passing, there is no short meal, there is no eat and go, there is no *excuse me i am in a hurry*.

-do not be surprised when there are guards with automatic guns outside tiendas. This is a normal security measure. I barely blink when I pass 1 foot from a machine gun.

-if you are the last one to get on a bus, you better have good footing and get a running start- cause they like to take of before you are in.

-if you see small trees are giant branches in the road, do not be alarmed, they are used instead of cones to show work zones or wrecks.

-gunshots are normal. most nights i am woken up by firecrackers.............or something.

-it is normal to see 10-20 skinny wandering dogs on your way to class. Nothing is spayed or nuetered here....so everything multiplies. Dogs are literally everywhere you look. Yes inside stores and churches and restaurants.

-You HAVE to find Tampico....it is a tiny plastic bag with orange juice in it. Only 1 quetzal...or 5 cents. I buy it everyday on my way back from class.

-Everyone honks their horn, all day, every day, with no reason. To say hi, to say move over, to say I AM HERE, and most often with no reason.

-do not ever flush anything....if it is yellow let it mellow....if it is brown flush it down. if it is paper, throw it in the receptacle. Plumbing cannot accomodate TP.

-I took my first shower in a bucket. Yes.

-buy the PANQUEQUE mix here. It is my favorite food!!!! And the coffee here....well Guatemala practically INVENTED coffee!!!


Today was one of those rare mornings were there were no clouds. My walk down the busy road permitted me to see 3 giant volcanos. It is so so beautiful but also a frightening way to remember you are human.

Just checking...

¿DOES ANYBODY READ THIS?

oops not supposed to be caps.

Terremotos terremotos!

Today I had a long conversation with my Spanish teacher about earthquakes. He said that the last major earthquake was 1976 and they guess that major ones are 25 years apart. We are way past due. He told me about how people buy food and have shelters but it does not really bother anyone that their city could be flattened in minutes. This blows my mind. He said there was a micro earthquake 2 nights ago and asked if I felt it. He said the small ones happen about 100 times a day. I am determined to feel one.

Today I went to Pollo Campero which is like Guatemala{s KFC. They are on most blocks here. I have been thinking alot about how diabetes has been a major problem here, completely changing the life of guatemalans for the past 10 years. I am sitting in Pollo Compero and there is a indigenous Mayan women eating a piece of fried chicken in her traditional Mayan garb, and drinking a giant drink. Something here feels so weird. Globalization does not fit in here. (also the sweet tea at PC was WACK!)

Yesterday Alex and I went to visit a comodrona, which is a Mayan midwife. We made the long drive in the truck in the afternoon, during the after school rush. The contrast between the main highway (that leads to the capital) and the village we arrived in was startling to say the least. The highway is always full of cars and buses and trucks, but then we turned onto a dirt road. From a far the village looked like a slum, from close up it was colorful. Mostly Mayan which means it is poor. It was a vibrant community, we walked past many cardboard and tin rooved houses. Always clothes hanging out on a line which I love. There is one part of a Guatemalan house that is never cheap/flimsy/weak, and that is the front doors. They are always heavy duty metal, usually with bars and a buzzer...or you just yell. When someone comes to the door, they always look through the peep hole before they move the lock. I see it as a direct influence of the U.S....how so? A few years back, the CIA and our government aided the Guatemalan military to put down what we thought was a guerrilla movement. What happened was the slaughter of countless innocent [suspected[ men, mostly mayan. During the civil war you never knew whose door would be knocked on neext, or whose father or brother would be taken.
Last night Denis told me his father was dead. I knew it was in the civil war, but that is something you would never ever ask someone in Guatemala. It is just off topic, out of the question. I still do not understand the giddy, happen attitudes of all Guatemalans. I attribute their happiness to family. Here is my theory.

When colonialism happened the conquistadors basically siezed all the land and forced the indigenous people to work. Eventually if the Guatemalans were allowed to own land they had to divide it between their children when they died. But after a certain amount of time, the sons were only inheriting tiny pieces of land. Denis told me this over dinner last night. He said "we are happen because we have family all around us". Meaning....because of how land works, their ENTIRE extended family is within a square mile. Their parents live next door, cousins behind them, etc. It is beautiful. But pretrty soon the overcrowded land will force families to spread out around the country. This is why denis says he is sad about the future. But family is why I think Guatemalans are content.

Anyway we got to the office of the Mayan medicine women, and we were asked to wait in a small hall. All the doors were as t}I ahve seen in most guatemalan homes- simply blankets or sheets or scraps of cloth. I am sure they are to keep the bugs out because I donot think they do much else. The woman was beautiful. Colorful. and Beaming. She wore the traditional colorful Mayan blouse tucked into a patterned ankle length skirt with the belt cinching it tight. She spoke in broken Spanish since Mayan language is her first language. I asked her all the questions I had prepared and was able to follow most of her answers. Thje majors things I took out of it were 1) she uses only herbs that she grows. Never modern medicine. 2) She does not take money from her clients. If someone wants to pay or can{t....they can bring a pig, or milk, or a blanket they made. Or maybe she will let them pay 5Q which is about 75 cents. TO DELIVER A BABY. She talked about how she feels the baby instead of using any equipment like a ultrasound machine. She talked about a tea she makes for the women with high BP and how she helps mothers manage their diabetes. Even when she lost me, I stared at her. The woman was poorer than I could imagine and she delivered her neighbors babies for a blanket. I was too pensive and embarrassed to ask Alex about all the things I did not catch when we drove home.

Next week I am volunteering in the clinic from 9-5. I will not have alot of computer access. Please pray for me to have enough emotional strength. Also I am going to Lago Atitlan this weekend, supposed to be the most beautiful lake in the world.

Project gain ten pounds while in Guatemala is underway!

CARBS CARBS CARBS!!!!!!!!

Yesterday was a good example of the Lord turning a bad attitude into a good day. Lately I have felt a little bit annoyed about how I do not get much privacy in the house. Many times the kids go through my things or use my phone and camera. And I woke up sick and really just wanted to stay in bed. I was grumpy about going to church but I told my family I would. It is a good thing I have gotten used to stares because I was definitely the first white person, or extranjera, that this church had ever seen. My family said I am the first volunteer to ask to come with them. I had the normal new church "struggles" like....when do i sit down? when do i stand up? how does the singing work? But I also had new rules to learn. Thank goodness I sat on the right side of the church because after a few minutes I realized the left was only for men and women and children were on the right. I dunno why, but I was surprised to see drums, electric guitar, keyboard and ACCORDIAN in the worship band. I also learned it is customary to say "gracias Padre" throughout the service. I was shocked, ten minutes into the sermon, when I realized I was totally jogging with the Colossians themed lesson. Espiritu Santo, deseos malos, deshonestad, I got it! But the biggest surprise of all was when the bold-i-look-like-i-just-turned-twenty-pastor started speaking out against pornography and masturbation- things that RARELY pass the lips of a PCA pastor. He also spoke out against machismo culture in Guatemala, which is usually accepted with no questions asked. His boldness was refreshing.

I think his most startling rant was about "avaricia" or greed. He said that Guatemalans see things on TV that the Americans have like TVs, cars and money, and we want them. It was kinda awkward when he said Americans- like it was a normal example but he never thought there would be one in the crowd...Then he said "if you only hace two pieces of bread for your food for the day, but your neighbor has none, give them one of yours!" and "Do not be greedy for clean water, be glad you ahve water!" The way he spoke of generosity blew my mind. I always think generosity only applies to the rich....I always fooled with my hair or checked the time on my phone when pastors talked about this...caused surely it didn't apply to the poor!

It was encouraging to also see the similarities of the church to mine. It is reassuring to know that my God is the God of every nation. The gospel is the gospel.

After church I walked Sandy and Joseline home. I was starving so I bought us all bread. They chose they really rich, more expensive bread (which I don't think they are normally allowed to eat) and I chose a whole loaf of french bread. They were so grateful....but I felt silly because they total was 5Q which is about 75 cents. We plowed through the bread as we walked home on the noisy highway.
We got home and started the movie that they wanted to watch. The preview went like this: "Barbie is a world champion surfer competing in a competition (enter hot barbie guys) when suddenly she realizes she is part mermaid. Will Barbie be dismayed that she is different from others (besides having double D boobs, being 8ft tall, and having a disproportionate waist( or will she use her difference so save the mer-nation and be crowned mer-princess?"

After the movie I just could not believe how many people were involved as I watched the credits. I kept seeing male names and wondering "how does Mitch Smith explain to his golfing buddies that the reason he is able to join this country club is because he produced 'Barbie's adventure in Merland' and it reached #1 on the tween move chart?"

The best part of the day was when we were all in the living room and Nelly handed us steaming hot cafe with leche and a packk of galletas. I value family time so much, because it is so new to me. There is something so beautiful and so right about everyone sitting around sipping cafe. I want that for my future. There is something so right when a lightbulb goes out and Denis walks to the garage to get a new one and 3 year old Esaul follows him around like a puppy, so obviously wanting to be a strong, able bodied, fixer upper man. That is how is should be. Boy desiring to be like his father.

Then, finally, at dinner, I tried to talk sobre colonialism with my family. Fail. But at least I stumbled throug the words.

I am pretty sick with a parasite or something and keep beating myself up for not going on more trips. But then I say- Sarah, what were your goals for this trip? 1. Learn Spanish. Check. 2. Get to know another culture. Check. 3. Immerse yourself in your family. Check. Volunteer....next week, check. I am here for a purpose. I have no right to be dismayed at my weak stomach.

Today, I climbed an active volcano. It erupted last year. It is the highest altitude I have ever been on.

Then I chatted in Spanish with a Professor of Politics on the bus.

Rode the bus for natives by myself.

And was yelled at by 4 people because I was wearing a UNC t shirt. [Go Heels!

Then I had panqueques and horchata. Do not worry, I am taking pictures of everything I eat.

I met 2 boys from England, 1 man from Holland, a couple from Dublin, 5 Americans and ONE SOUTHERNER!!!!

Everyone I met looked at me in shock when I told them I was travelling alone. I got excited because I have been feeling lame and that means I am doing something bad ass. They wereshocked that I used the buses for the natives and stay in hostels alone. Yes.

Then on my way back to the city i met a Guatemalan with a New York accent....he said [I will pray for your time here, remember God is with you always.....is it nerdy to believe in angels? Haha I don{t know yet.

Que le vaya bien. Gracias para leer.

Tomorrow I am going to church with my family.

In awe.

I just went to mass in the most beautiful cathedral I have ever seen. It is so easy to believe in God when you are in the most magnificant building you have ever seen. I left after awhile because I do not totally understand Spanish chants and I was the only gringa inside. But it was beautiful. It is cool to pray to a dome that is over 500 feet tall. The bigger the church, the more I can apprehend a Holy Spirit being there.

There is something really sad about having to ask for a table for "solo uno" but it also has been peaceful. To sip a half a glass of red wine *cause that is all you can drink* and watch the sunset over a decrepid arch in front of a volcano. It is good to be alone. Some times. I would like to have a companion...

Growing growing.

It is incredible how much can happen in two days.

Right now I am sitting in Antigua in an internet cafe. I just ate a snack in front of a Cathedral that is over 500 years old. I sat on the bench and looked up AMERICAN FOOD in my guidebook. WHOEVER GAVE ME THIS GUIDE BOOK (cough....peter...cough) IT IS AMAZING. I use it every single day, and the recommendations are always perfect. So I wandered to the cafe which is startlingly (?) similar to a Asheville type coffee shop. I have never been so happy to eat a grilled cheese. I have never had a Coke so delicious. I took a picture of both :)

So I sat there and got my bearings, and planned my weekend in Antigua. There were many gringos and international students in the coffee shop and everyone spoke english. There was a girl speaking french, other guys with an english accent, ome in language school and some are tour guides. The boys near me were backpackers, they looked like they were about to ascend a volcano. Then again I also heard them talked about the local bars and drink specials- so maybe they live here. I fit in very well with my Kelty pack and my chacos (thank you peter again). Maybe not so much when I wear scrubs around.

Antigua is beautiful. Touristy but beautiful. I love it. And I love the different languages as well. Tonight I am staying in my first hostel and tomorrow I am ascending a volcano named Pacaya. Yes it is active. Hell yes.

Earlier today I had my Spanish lessons as usual with Alex. I am learning all about the health care system, private and public hospitals and the social security. We have visited a few health care places and today we went to one aptly named "Los Obras Sociales de Santo Pedro"...I think all Peters are good people :) Just kiddin. Ok so it is a big church with health care for the abused, abandoned and mentally in. IN Guatemala, if you have a child with autism or down syndrome, you may not be able to afford to take care of it, and so many children are abandoned or dropped off at churches. It was so so beautiful so see the actions of the church, but also so painful to look around.

The nurses all wear dresses and white aprons. My nursing professors would be horrified.

I think I want to go to a a service in one of these giant Cathedrals.

I am kinda star crazy because yesterday I stayed at home all day with "enfermadades de extranjera". It´s funny how if you tell people you are a medical professional, or in school to be one, they always come to you with their sicknesses. I love and hate this. First of all I loved it when a friend, or my host sister for example, comes to me and I can help her with something. But I hate it when they expect something and you don´t know what to do. A little let down. I have noticed so much how everyone in the world is the same. I know that is what you´re supposed to learn when you travel but it is so true. We are all in the same human state. For example, lately I have been blown away by the similarities between me and my host sisters. I believe inside every girl there is a princess. Don´t laugh at me. You know it. Two nights ago me and my sisters gave each other makeovers and did a fashion show, last night we watched disney....and a preview came on for a chick flick. My and my sister Sandy both said at the same time ¨"Quiero ver esa pelicula!!!!!". You always hear that sermon about how all girls are princesses, daughters of a God, dying to be adored and respected and called beautiful. Not SAVED by a man, but just needed and loved. I think all girls fall into two categories. Hopeless romantics and hopeless romantics in hiding. And denial. Hehe

Tidbits:

-I met someone from Tennessee! Yay!

-Lately I have been relying alot on Psalm 23 to get me through anxiety and nursing school. Yesterday I noticed this Psalm is posted over the kitchen door in my house. Such providence.

-I got homesick so I watched Ten Things I Hate About you.

-I saw a mosquitos as big as a quarter. En serio.

- I had my first cofee from Guatemala. INCREDIBLE.

-Did I already talk about the chips I found that are like fritos but they are lime flavored! Only 1Q which is like

- I miss Charlotte and Mahlet. And the Bachelorette un poquito.

hehehe.

Today, I ordered my first alcoholic drink in a restaurante. It was a sangria the size of TEXAS. i am not kidding, it was the size of a small watermelon. I could only drink a few sips. I had it in a Italian-Guatemala restaurante (HAHA) in Antigua. I had an incredible pizza with tomatoes and basil and it was SO good to have American food. Yes. I also rode the camioneta, which is a bus that is usually only used by Native Guatemalans not by turistas. It was scary, I was definitely one of the only chicas on the bus.

Notas Pequenitas:
-today i heard the loudest crack of lightning I have ever heard. even our waitress thought it was a bomb.
- My friend Connor is irish, and when I speak english with him I take up an irish accent. I think my head is very confused about what language I speak. I say things like "necesito una camiseta posh please". haha
-There are so many turistas in Antigua. It is easily the most famous city in Guatemala and it is only a bus ride away. It is cool because you will be in a tienda and hear french, german english and spanish.
-it is official. I SUCK at bardering. I will keep trying though.

Now I am going to walk home along the highway. Usually I stop at a small Comedor and buy jugo de naranja. It is SO good. I am already a regular at the store that sells chocolate. This weekend I plan to stay in my very first hostel, and then take a trip to a volcano that you can see inside! Next weekend I am going to Lake Atitlan which is supposed to be so cool. Pray for me porfavor. Feliz noche.

I just paid for an hour of internet. it costs 3 quetzales which is about 50 cents. Thekeys on this computer are weird because they are made for spanish characters. SO please pardon mytyping and spelling!! I am sitting in a internet cafe in my small town Santa LUcia. I love my small town because it feels very safe, but its also frustrating because i am literally the only white person in the town so people stare- especially at my [blonde[ hair and blue eyes. By cafe I mean that it is a small room, that is open to the street. So even now i there arre dogs coming in and out and i can hear the bustle on main street. there are no sidewalks , everyone just walks in the middle of the road until a car honks at them. there are many street dogs that just eat tsh and are homeless. peter,you would want to adopt all of them!! i also can hear the park, where all the kids in the town go after school. it is also where i play soccer with my family! they are amazing, i love them. most of the volunteers go on many trips around the country. but i think i may stay near the town...i am not sure. Alex (who i spend most of my time with) says my experience is whatever i make it. so i can go on trips all the time, or just focus on my studies and hang out with my family. my family is helping me with spanish alot, and also the kids speak 1 or 2 words english. only somtimes does it feel like i am babysitting.

random things:
1. i just ate in a cafe by myself. and i have NOO IDEA what i ate. which is probably bad. but i am not eating raw food or salads or chicken so don{t worry. i can order and pay all by myself. i am proud. i have ALOT of alone time

2. there is a volcano smoking less than a mile away. its AWESOME

3. the only volunteer here is Connor, he is irish and has a CRAZY accent. He likes to make fun of americans.

4. last night i took a shower, and i got to use the running water instead of a bucket. yay

5. i sleep SOOO MUCH. last night i went to bed at 9 and got up at 7:30. But i am still weirdly tied all the time. probably because i am on adge alot.5. every night it is hard to sleep because a. i live on a highway. b. there are many [bombas[ or firecrackers that sound like guns. c. there are maybne 20-30 dogs in our neighborhood who bark ALL night. d. there are
6. we cannot flush the toilet, we throw all [waste[ in a trash can by the toilet. we don{t wash our hands or faces in a sink, we use buckets. instead of doors, we have a main lockable door to the house. but the rest is blanket across doorways.

10. today i saw a limon tree with lemons the size of baseballs. also there are many orange and avacado trees.

11. i packed all wrong. except the weather here is bizarre. it is very cld in the mornings and night....i wake up and need a sweatshirt...it is maybe 50 degrees. and then in the middle of the day it is 70 or 80. i never know what to wear! i wear scrubs pants alota. but alot of my clothes are not modest enoughj.

12. i thought time would fly here....but it does not at all. the days are very long and i feel like i have been here for a week. i cannot believe how much time i have. there is a chart in my school that says [stages of culture shock[ and i can{t figure out where i am. i do not think i am shocked, it is similar to honduras here, but i think i am not sure what i am doing here. so loco!!!! i can{t decide how much to explre and try new things and how much to be safe. I am sorry my grammar is bad. This computer is weird.

13. I found a type of chips I LOVE (duh) they are like fritos, but lime flavored! i also love the jugo from the bag. MMM....solo un quetzal.

I will write more soon. This will be my random post, and tomorrow maybe will be my chronological post.

A quick word!

Guatemala likes to make fun of phonetics, therefore in all the tiendas turistas there are shirts that say [guats up? and ¨guatever....it is pretty funny. anyway, I am not sure how often I will update this. But here is a start.