Guatemalan Hospitality.

For a brief moment today I thought I was going to puke.  And not because of the usual Central American suspects (amoebas, parasites, etc.).  But because I had been offered excessive amounts of hospitality.  Guatemalans are very hospitable...and in some ways it can be compared to Southern hospitality.  Namely in the way of food, and lots of it.   And when a Guatemalan offers you food, you don't turn it down.  You eat it all.  Every last bite.  Because that is the polite thing to do.

So first up, my room mom had a surprise class party for me today.  My class had a Christmas party outside of school that I was invited to (its very traditional for the teachers to go to these parties) but I was unable to go because of the last minute Mexico trip.  And my class parents, generous and awesome as they are, surprised me today with a little party so I could celebrate with my students.  And of course there was cake and coke.  And it was a nice little treat.  And I even got a lovely present.

Next, the PTA put on a special Christmas lunch for all the teachers.  When I heard the PTA was providing lunch, I thought pizza in the teachers lounge.  Nope.  An extravagant display, Christmas tablecloths, decorations, nice plates and silverware.  And a buffet of food.  And they served us so there was no portion control whatsoever.  These PTA ladies must think we go hungry or something because they just pile the food on our plates.  Even getting through that meal was difficult.  Don't get me wrong, it was all delicious.  But just too much delicious.  And after the meal, there was more cake, of course. But I painfully swallowed the last few bites, wanting to show my gratitude to these lovely women looking on with big smiles.  They really went above and beyond to cook and put on such a fantastic meal.

But that's not the end.  My room mom had asked a week ago to take me to McDonald's after school as a little Christmas present because she felt bad that I couldn't go to the class party.  At the time I agreed to this I didn't realize it was the same day as this PTA lunch-- nor did I know how extravagant this lunch was going to be.  When the mom picked me up, I was still incredibly stuffed, but what was I supposed to do?  When we got there I explained that I wasn't too hungry and I only needed a little something.  (I didn't need anything at all, nor want anything for that matter, but I didn't want to be rude).  She proceeded to buy me a McFlurry and these potato things that they don't have in the States.  Half way through the McFlurry I thought I was going to be sick.  But they just watch you. And they paid for it.  And they are doing a thoughtful thing for you.  And you just have to force it down. 

I'm just thankful that I don't eat lunch at my homestay sometimes, because there is no way I could eat all that she serves me for lunch everyday.  Since I'm at school, I leave what I can't eat for the Dons.  I even tried telling my host mom at the beginning of the year that I didn't need that much food, but she didn't want to hear it. 

In other random updates...
It is freezing here.  And there is no heat in the homes or in the school.  And yes, I still leave the house every morning with wet hair.  And yes, just like in the states, my host mom started telling me tonight that I shouldn't do that.  I'm going to get pneumonia.  I have heard that before...    I do already have a pretty nasty cold.
Also, a student lost a tooth in my class yesterday. 

I fly home on Saturday and will be in the states for 2 weeks.  I hope to see you!