Dinners.

This post is dedicated to my very enjoyable dinners the past two nights...

Last night, the girl who lives next to me and I cooked and ate dinner together!  I had been getting lonely cooking and eating by myself, and since we share a kitchen and live right next door I asked her if she wanted to cook together one night.  Last night was the night.  After school, we went to the bigger grocery store to go shopping.  We settled on fettucini alfredo, salad (with homemade croutons-- shout out to Courtney, made those twice this week!), bread, and brownies.   It was a splurge, but oh so fun.  And let me toot my own horn a little here...I made the alfredo sauce from scratch.  I was proud because I had no idea how it was going to turn out, especially buying Guatemalan ingredients...  I was nervous about the "cream" because it had more of a mayonnaise consistency as opposed to a liquid like I'm used to.  But the sauce turned out quite deliciously, if I do say so myself.  And cooking and sharing a meal together really is a bonding experience.   AND I took a picture to commemorate.  Be proud.



On to tonight's dinner... and my dinner for the next week, for that matter (thank you Guatemalan hospitality...)    Chinese food!  

One of my student's parents own a big Chinese resturaunt here.  (Dad is Chinese, Mom is Guatemalan...love the diversity!)  I've eaten there many times, and these people are super hospitable. 

Anyway, since day 1, their son has asked me to come over to their house, which happens to be right above their restaurant.  (I promise it is not a creepy thing for teachers to do here.)  So after many times of asking, it was decided that today was the day for me to go visit.  

When I got there to play, the mom asked me if I wanted anything to eat or drink.  I, trying to be polite, said no thank you.  I believe I mentioned before that "No thank you" is never really an option.  I should have just settled for a coffee, because after many promptings I somehow ended up with a fancy cappuchino and a LARGE piece of cake.  But if you don't eat it all, then they ask if you don't like it...   After I'm sufficiently stuffed from the cake, and I finish my game of checkers with my student and his sister,  and I said my goodbyes, I was also gifted with a 5 meal sized portion of special fried rice and 4 muffins to-go.  Seriously.  And on top of that, because it was pouring down rain and the streets were flooding (really) they got one of their cooks to drive me home...  It is a little strange, all the workers there know who I am and I get treated like a celebrity.  I always feel kind of uncomfortable, but they are very kind.

Other than that, I'm basically running on empty.  Been up late these past few nights.  The way I feel, I would guess it is a Thursday or Friday.  But nope, only on Tuesday.  Its going to be a busy week.  I'm set to move on Thursday... But I need to talk and ask if I can stay here until Saturday.  It would be a little crazy to try to move all my furniture across town on a weeknight...but we'll see.   Also, I'm leading chapel on Thursday.  I always get kind of nervous about that.  Prayers appreciated.   Lots and lots of work to do for school and chapel and moving and just not a whole lot of time. 

Blood, Sweat, and Tears

Blood, sweat, and tears.  That's how I'm describing my trip to church this morning.

I've been trying out some new churches with some of the new teachers and today I went to one that was pretty far away.  It was quite the trip...

I left my house at about 10:15.  I met up with another teacher and we walked to another park to meet up with some more teachers (and got slightly lost).  Then we got on a micro bus...  Craziest micro driver I've experienced so far.  And that is saying something.  I was tossed around by his jerky driving, which is pretty normal, but when a Guatemalan woman fell on top of me, I knew this guy must be really crazy. 
We got to our stop (which the driver decided was in the middle of a busy road) and two of us got out.  Then  I guess he decided the middle of the street wasn't a good place to stop after all and took off again, with the rest of our group still on the bus.  Luckily he let them off around the corner.

Then from there we proceeded to walk 20 minutes more to get to the church.  During this walk, we had to pass through a large marching band, dancing parade (our 2nd of the day),  I accidentally set off a car alarm when I brushed up against a car, and then we almost got run over/ had a heart attack as chicken bus whizzed passed and honked while we walked along the highway.
Then I tripped over a rock and scraped my foot.  Enter blood.  It really wasn't that bad at all, but it kind of stung.

Finally we got to church.  I was sweating.  A lot.  But it didn't stop.  We entered what I would call a Guatemalan mega-church.  TV screens, lots of people, entire praise and worship band/choir/dancer things.  And it was very hot and stuffy.  And we stood up for a very long time.  I continued to sweat and actually thought I might pass out. 
At one point the ushers were literally walking around with boxes of tissues to pass out to people.  Personally, I thought that was a little over the top.  But yes, there were lots of loud tears all around. 
Hence,  blood, sweat, and tears.  It was quite a service.  Several hours later, it was over.  And thankfully a family that we knew from school offered to give us a ride back.   I ended up getting home around 2:20.

This weekend has been nice.  Yesterday I took the afternoon to run some errands, including a trip to the market.  1st of all, I have learned I will never go to the Dispensa (a grocery store) on a Saturday.  Craziness.  2nd, I still have lots to learn about the Demo (fruit and veggie market).  I still don't know what prices to expect for different vegetables, and therefore am more likely to get ripped of unknowingly.  Like yesterday.  I asked to women about the price for their potatoes.  They said Q2.50 for a pound, which I thought sounded decent. Especially considering that is like 30 cents.  But then they were laughing to each other and talking in spanish like I couldn't understand and I asked for half a pound (I'm only one person after all) and they thought that was ridiculous.  And I got flustered and I think I ended up paying the price of the full pound for my half pound.  Anyway, I figured this was happening, but it was confirmed later that sure enough, they ripped me off.  Annoying. 
But this was later redeemed when I went to buy tomatoes and carrots from another girl.  She was young and by herself.  And she didn't try to over charge at all.  Acutally, I made a mistake in my math because I only wanted a half dozen carrots instead of a whole dozen and when I accidentally tried to pay her the price for the whole dozen she corrected me.  Not everyone here tries to cheat gringos. That's always encouraging. 

Well, I think I'm off for a Sunday afternoon nap! 

Officially a Guatemalan apartment tennant!

So on Thursday I officially signed the contract for my new Guatemalan apartment!!  And by new, I don't just mean new to me, I mean brand spanking new.  The last time I was in it, it was in the process of being finished.   But I'm excited... it is going to be nice!  And I'm looking forward to having a roommate and my own space and being near people again!  The apartment is ours September 1!  Which is very soon and also a Thursday.  Not an ideal day for moving when you are a teacher.  I'm thinking of asking the lady where I'm currently staying if I can stay until the weekend... you can pray that goes over well.  And that people are willing to help me move furniture and stuff.  Not having a car makes things difficult.  But all in all, I'm very excited.  And very proud that my future roommate and I signed a contract entirely in Spanish.  We read through the whole thing together, and hopefully we got everything right :)

Everything else has been going well.  School is getting into full swing.  My class kind of wears me out.  And it can be hard to regroup as a teacher in elementary because if things start off badly or the kids are working your nerves, there are no breaks.  Its not like you have them for an hour and then they switch to another class.  There's just not much time to breathe and things can just build sometimes.  But then there are those moments of grace... like yesterday.  There is a boy in my class who kind of a trouble kid.  He loves attention and is pretty funny but many times crosses the behavior line.  I feel like I'm always on him for his behavior.   Well, yesterday they were working on an activity and I was walking around.  He hands me this tiny scrap of paper, and I look and it says "You are the best teacher."  Instant re-evaluator.  Instant reminder of things you sometimes lose sight of when you get overwhelmed and frustrated. 

Hope all you east coasters are staying safe in the crazy weather.  Earthquakes and hurricanes... those are Guatemalan commonalities.  But a little strange to be hearing about those things happening back at home.  My students prayed for you all yesterday! 
It is currently sunny here, but we do have power outages quite frequently and it is rainy season so it rains just about every day.  Just the other afternoon, I was still in my nice school clothes and when I came out of a meeting it was pouring down rain.  Luckily I had an umbrella.  My shoes got destroyed, but I was able to remain pretty dry.  Up until  I got three quarters of the way home.  A car came zooming by on the street and there was a giant puddle and no where to hide.  I got drenched. 

Thinking of you all!  Hope you have a relaxing weekend indoors!

Star Struck Take 2. Also- WATCH THE VIDEO :)

Apologies to anyone who read my post from last night...
I started typing it, and then the girl who lives in the room next to me go on skype.  And that killed the internet.  Some how it posted what I had and then when I tried to fix it, the page wouldn't reload.  I waited for a while and then just gave up.  Internet connection here can only withstand so much.  TIG (This is Guatemala.)

Anyway, what I had been saying was that yesterday was Open House at school.  Which can be a little intimidating-- meeting the parents for the first time and hoping to not sound like a fool with your Spanish.  But I think it went well.

As far as being star struck, I had mentioned that election season is in full swing.  The actual elections are early September and the campaigning is crazy!!  You see all of the candidates names and faces EVERYWHERE.  Well, one candidate (not for president, but for congress or something of that equivalent) is a parent at the school.  I see her name and face everywhere on signs, but I had never met her because her child is in middle school and I don't have much interaction with those guys.  But the other day at open house... I saw her!  I knew it was her immediately because I recognized her face from the millions of signs.  I stopped dead in my tracks, a little star struck :)

And now for the video!! This is exciting stuff!  There's a teacher on staff who is really big into (and very talented at) making movies.  I believe I showed one of his on here before.  Anyway, he made a promotional video for the school and I wanted to share it!  I haven't watched the whole thing yet... It takes a long time for videos to load here, but I do make an appearance!  Its my class from last year.  Also the frogs with names are from my class too :)  But from the part I've seen so far, it seems really well done.  And you can see my school and some of the teachers and kids I work with.  So here ya go.

http://vimeo.com/28125381

Well, headed off to a meeting with who I hope is my future landlady.  I'm hoping the next time I post I will be able to say I finally signed a contract on an apartment!! We shall see!

Awkward things...

I was walking home today and encountered an awkward moment...  And that reminded me of the many times there have been awkward moments here in Guatemala.  Thought I'd share a few with you, beginning with the one that happened today.

Its awkward when...
1)  You look up and realize that if you continue a few more feet on your path you will walk right into a man relieving himself on a lamp post.   This happens quite regularly actually.

2) You basically are forced to sit on strangers' laps on microbuses. 

3) Someone goes in for the traditional kiss on the cheek greeting and they catch you off gaurd. 

4) Crawling into the back of the teacher bus or any crowded bus in a skirt/dress. 

5) Seeing highschool students everywhere.

6) Sitting behind, in front of, or beside a couple that is seriously making out.  It seems to happen to me everwhere I go, especially on long chicken bus rides...


Something else that was awkward today, but not in the laugh about it later kind of way, was the Guatemalan church service I attended this morning.  I've been trying some churches out.   There is only one English service in Xela that I know of, so I've been looking into Guatemalan churches lately.  Its hard because my Spanish is limited and I feel like I'm not able to get a lot of "meat" out of sermons in Spanish.  I can usually get the gist, but not like I would be able to in an English service.  Anyway,  I thought I got a good idea of the Spanish sermon today and I wasn't super impressed...
First of all, I'm more of a fan of when pastors take a chunk of scripture and preach from that...breaking it down and really diving in.   And perhaps adding in some supplimental scripture.  But the guy today was totally picking out random verses...trying to make the point he wanted to get across.
He started out okay...Saying God's Word is perfect and given to us as a guide for life.  And that in this day and age there are lots of external/worldly influences that can kind of cloud things.  And then he went into his examples...  That's where I got a little frustrated.  Very random (yet pointed very much at the things this culture is very judgemental towards) and cherry picked selection.
Example 1--  Female modesty in dressing (from a male pastor- who happened to be dressed quite fancily).  Presented in a super condescending way-- at points referring to women who walk the streets...
Example 2-- Homosexuality. 
Example 3-- Transgenders
Example 4-- Marking your body with tattoos.
 The last three having scripture from the old testament laws and read without any context whatsoever.  I don't want to get in a debate, but I will say I thought the way it was presented seemed super legalistic and judgemental--like literally making jokes.  And that's what I take issue with. 
And I'm not ruling out that some things got lost in translation.  But Guatemala's evangelical community can be pretty legalistic, and at times hypocritical.  And there's a huge divide between the evangelical community and the catholic community.  It is hard to see sometimes.  Ugh. 

Anyway, it lead to a good discussion with the people I went with afterwards.

On to week 3!!

Check Yes or No

My students can be cute. 
I have a mailbox in my classroom for kids to put in any letters or notes of things they want to say. 
Yesterday I got a note from one of my boys that read:

Do you want to go to the movies?  Yes or No.

I've got some charmers this year.  Asked to go to the movies by a 7 year old.  Love it. 

Poop and Politics

Political rallying is well under way.  Its unlike anything I've seen before.   Posters everywhere, of course.  But it is so much more than that.  The past few days I've walked past Central Park in the afternoon there have been little "gatherings" with tents and cardboard cutout politicians and pop music blasting.  The other night there was literally a performance with colorgaurd type flag waving.  Its intense. 

I've been visiting my old host family quite a bit, and the other day I went by and there was a gigantic cake (like literally the size of a table) with one party's logo in the middle.  She cut me off a giant slab to take home. 

Today in the park was the wildest thing I've seen yet, and I'm not sure if it was politial or what but it was crazy.  We saw about 12 or so highschool age students dressed all in gold, like roman goddess style or something.  And they were in 2 lines, frozen still in poses.  And they just were standing there, posed.  And then as we kept driving around the park we saw that there were groups of them everywhere.  All throughout the park and on the steps of some buildings were little clusters of teenagers in gold posing.  It was interesting.  

School today was good.  Still getting used to my class.  One teacher who is new this year, but taught at IAS a few years ago had my current class in Pre-K.   She said it was probably the toughest class she had...  But she also gave me compliments on how I seem to be remaining so "calm" and keeping this class under control.  Which was nice to hear, because I've been feeling like my patience sometimes runs really thin with them. 

But they are funny.  Today we were talking about different ways seeds are scattered and we discussed by water, air, and being carried on fur, etc.  Well, one girl raised her hand and said "Miss Tusing, there's another way."  To which I asked what that might be...  "Well, you know when animals eat the seeds and then they come back out in their poop."   Very nice.  And I had to acknowledge that its true. 

And this morning one of them was telling me all about the "Smuffers" movie.  (AKA Smurfs.  Here in Guatemala they have a totally different name...Pantuflos or something like that). 

After school I went to the grocery store and back to the Demo for veggies!  I have to bleach them each time so I **hopefully** kill any parasites.   I'll have to take a picture the next time I buy carrots or zucchini or cucumber.  They are mutantly large. 

Cactapus!

Laundry is sent away, which will hopefully be dropped back off sometime tomorrow afternoon.  I'm currently eating some Tortrix Limon...one of my favorite Guatemalan snacks.  They're kind of like lime Fritos...which sounds gross.  But they are great.  They are everwhere here, and there are several flavors.  I thought I'd share a picture, just because I have been bad at taking pics lately (surprise, surprise).

Anyway, today started week 2.  It was a much better start.  I'm getting more aquainted with my new class.   It is definitely a totally new dynamic with a lot more academic challenges, but I think we'll make it.  I did get invited for a play date already...have not accepted as of yet.  And my class from last year is still giving lots of hugs and love.  One of them already asked if I would teach fourth grade next year.  They seem to be adjusting well to third grade, but I still get the perks of the waves and smiles and hugs which makes the transition easier.

As for my current class...  One student lost a tooth in the middle of class today.  And proceeded to sing me the "loosing your tooth" song. 

And then there was a funny vocabulary slip up...

We are starting a unit on plants and we were doing a KWL chart, talking about what they already know.  One kid said plants grow everywhere or something like that, and I expanded to talk about how different types of plants grow in different environments.   I asked if anyone knew a type of plant that could grow in the desert.  To which one sweet girl raised her hand and said with sincere enthusiasm, "a cactapus!"  (Cross between a cactus and octopus?)  It was so cute, and pretty hilarious at the moment. 

The big let down of the day was apartment stuff.  Me and some other teachers went to meet with the landlady of the apartments that are being built.  Last time we met with her we had discussed things and decided we would meet today to check the progress and hopefully sign contracts.  I really had my heart set on that.  I was so ready to be done and settled.  Well, she was late.  Again.   And the first thing she says when she walks in was that we have some problems... Ugh.  She has changed the offer in price, furnishings, date of availability several times now.  And it stinks.   But I'm hoping it can all get worked out.  Next meeting is set for Friday...  prayers appreciated.  I don't really want to be living in a place where I can't have people over, living by myself, or homeless for the rest of my time here. 

Otherwise, things are going well.  Chugging along, full speed ahead...

Growing up!

I made it through week one.  Sorry for the lack of posting, its just been a lot of adjusting and I was kind of overwhelmed and in a bit of a funk the past few days.  But yesterday was a fun day, and this weekend was a nice break to get back on track.

I feel like this week was all about getting settled in to Guatemala as a person on my own.  Last year there was a lot I didn't have to worry about since I lived in a host home. 

This week I met with the woman who is building the apartment I'm hoping to move into with a friend.  She said she would meet me at 6.... 1 hour and 20 minutes later, she arrived.  Guatemalan time.  It can be quite annoying.  But the apartment is coming along and we worked out some details and we are set to meet again tomorrow, and if all goes according to plan, sign a contract.  Exciting stuff!  I had a dream last night that the new apartment was a three story, fully (and extravagently) furnished mansion.  That's not quite what I'm getting, but I'm looking forward to an apartment nonetheless. 

Today I went to church.  I was proud because I found my way there by myself, and took one of the new teachers with me.  I've only ever followed other people there once or twice and its a ways.  Its a very liturgical style church, that I'm not quite used to, but its the only one in English so I've been trying to give it a chance.  Anyway, we were in the middle of this scripted prayer time of confession and in the middle of it there was an earthquake tremor that shook the building.   It was pretty ironic timing. 

After church, some of the female teachers and I went to Wal-mart.  That's weird to say.  Its a new development.  Last year it was Hiper Paiz.   It was also my first micro ride of the new year.  Micros are not my favorite, due to the immense numbers of people they try to cram in, and my feelings of claustraphobia and entrapment.  We saw one calling out to go to where we needed to go and it was overflowing with people.  If I had been by myself I would have let that one pass and waited for one that was less crowded.  But the girls wanted to go.  So in I climbed.  At first I was just crouching, crammed between people, but then the ayudante (the worker who helps the driver/calls out the window to get more people on the bus/collects money) told me to move further back so they could let more people in.  So I ended up with one butt cheek on the tire or something like that.  All the while in a skirt from church.

But we made it to Wal-mart.  I was very excited to purchase deli turkey meat.  Turkey meat is very hard to find.  Its ham everywhere you go, and usually when you see turkey its called jamon de pavo (ham of turkey) which doesn't taste much like turkey at all.   But I got the real deal, and I'm excited.  I also bought lettuce-- one vegetable that I love but wouldn't trust buying from the demo.   I realize that my grocery shopping is probably not that exciting for you, but for me its a whole new world of Guatemala.   Learning to navigate the grocery stores and the markets and what you can buy and for what prices.  Its kind of fun.

Next new adventure is laundry.  There is a delivery laundry service that a friend of mine used last year that I want to try.  I'll have to let you know how it goes.  But I called today...and I think/hope I arranged for them to come pick up my laundry at my house tomorrow after school.  They take it, wash it, dry it, fold it and bring it back to your house in a few hours.  And its not that expensive.  I'm particular about my laundry, but I kind of had to let go of that last year.  We'll see what happens!

The Wall.

I think I hit the wall. (You know, the symbolic wall of being stopped dead in your tracks of exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed)  It happened last year about this time.  Not good, as today was only Day 1.

But it really is a lot of change at once.  Even though I knew it was coming. 
Moving back to a different country after being home for 2 months, jumping back full force into work within a day of arrival, new staff (and although they are great, I do miss good friends that were here last year and didn't return), and a new class...
To be honest, that last thing hit me really hard the last few days.  I don't know if its normal for second year teachers to go through a withdrawl process from their first class, or if I just am a crazy person, but I got really attached to my class last year.  And last night as I was preparing for the first day, I got really sad that they weren't going to be my class this year.  Maybe its a little different in a bigger school where entire classes don't stay intact as they move from one grade to another.  But to see them line up in the third grade line right next to me broke my heart, but of course you have to let them go and make them think its the greatest thing ever that they are in third grade.  Luckily I got lots of hugs and smiles and waves and greetings as they passed by throughout the day.  Its still hard though-- I thought of them often throughout the day.  A big part of me wishes we could just pick up where we left off and keep going.

But I'm not trying to sell my new class short.  They are a good class, very cute and full of energy and humor.  My good friend was their teacher last year and loved them.  But things are just a little different, and I'm going to have to learn to be okay with that.  I definitely think its going to be a challenge this year, academically speaking, and I think that's part of what's overwhelming me-- I will have to be a better teacher.  I've been praying that I can be as enthusiastic and loving of this new class as I was of my last. And I know that will come.
And the first day did go pretty smoothly.  Day 1 Down, many more to go! 



New 2nd Graders minus 2 who were absent!



This little piggie went to market AND went wee! wee! wee! all the way home!

So I had my first trip to the market today!  Its called La Democracia  (The Demo) for short, and they sell everything there.  I've walked through it many times before, eyeing all the fresh veggies and fruit, but never having a need to purchase them since I lived in a homestay last year.  But alas, this year, I'm cooking for myself!  And one of the first things on the list was to head straight to the Demo.
My friend who has lived here for a few years now went with me to help me navigate and to know what prices to expect-- sometimes they'll try to rip off gringos.   I successfully purchased half a dozen carrots, a pound of potatoes, and a pound of tomatoes!  Wahoo!  And for less than a dollar for each thing.  Example, my pound of tomatoes cost me Q2.50 which in US dollars is about 30 cents.  I was so excited to have vegetables in my house!
I came home and put them in the bleach solution (necessary for killing any unwanted creatures) and had some chopped tomato in my dinner and cut up some carrot sticks for lunch tomorrow.  I realize writing 3 paragraphs about fresh vegetables might be a little much for some of you, but you cannot understand how thrilled I am!!  That was what I missed the most last year.  Lets just hope they don't give me amoebas or parasites...
This weekend was fast...
I went to school Saturday, just to try to get some more things done.  We only have Monday and Tuesday and then classes start Wednesday!! So crazy!
Then I spent the entire rest of Saturday in my room sorting through boxes of things my friend had left me last year.  My room is still piled high.  Favorite new item... A Black Cobra Stun Gun!  I tested it out (not on myself) but to see if it worked, and it scared me half to death.
I also went to church today and visited with some friends.  Going to bed early tonight, I hope!  Long week ahead.  But I'm hoping it'll be super fun when I get the kiddos!  Pictures soon, I promise!

Adjusting

Week one is the craziest.  I thought it would be a ton easier this year, since I knew what I was getting into.  And it is easier, just not much.  So much to do, and so little time.   I know it will all come together, but right now my brain is fried.   However, I did get referred to by the director as the "Bulletin Board Queen" during one of our orientation meetings.  That made me laugh.  I do enjoy making bulletin boards.
But today we sat in a 4 hour orientation meeting via skype with some woman in Spain who was trying to teach us about the new grade program...
My classroom is coming along, but it currently looks like a tornado blew through. 

In other news, being back in Guatemala is great.  Although things stand out a little more after being in the States for 2 months.  Example 1:  I think some of the fumes I inhale on the street from cars/buses/etc are probably taking 5 years off my life.  Example 2:  It is LOUD here.  Almost all the time.  Currently a marching band is playing on my street.  Example 3:  The apartment I'm currently living in has been referred to by fellow teachers as having some of the best showers in Guatemala.  But coming from the States, eh, not so much.   Lots of other similar things, all of which I knew before hand, but just seem more exaggerated at the moment.

I am getting to know some of the new teachers, and I really like the dynamic of the staff.  From what I can tell this early on, I think its going to be a great year.  I'm pretty excited about it. 

Not a whole lot else to update on at this point.  Literally I have spent the entire time in my classroom.  I'll put pics up when it is finished. 

Life at the apartment is quiet, but okay.  The first night I made myself beans and eggs, just because :)   And I also packed my first lunch, the night before, I may add.  Which may be surprising to some of you...
And on that realm, of my procrastination tendencies... a quick story that I thought a bit funny.    Last year I would always wake up late and scurry out the door of my homestay without having time to eat breakfast.  My host mom picked up on that and started making me portable breakfasts that I could grab on the run.  She would always tease me that she always had to tell me to run or I was going to miss the bus.  And apparently that reputation has continued.  A new teacher is staying in my old homestay, and my host mom told her all about my tendency to be in hurry in the mornings.  This morning the girl had a little baggie of cinnamon rolls just for me from my old host mom.  I thought it was really sweet of her, but joked that she probably did it because she thinks I won't eat breakfast unless it is handed to me as I'm running out the door. 

Well, off to get pizza with the other teachers!  It's our first real hang out as a new staff outside of school. And I think we are all ready for a break! 

365 Days of Guatemala

Yesterday I arrived back in Guatemala.  August 1.  Exactly 365 days after I arrived in Guatemala for the first time.   And today begins day 366.  Lots of good memories from the last 365, and looking forward to making many more.  And telling you all about it along the way :)

I took a blog hiatus over the summer.   In a nutshell-- it flew by.   Worked a lot, played a lot too.  Got to see family and friends.  And a little bit of culture shock thrown in the mix.

And now I'm back.  After a long trip, I arrived at my apartment around 7 pm.  This is only a temporary apartment, but still very nice.  Minus a couple of things, namely that no one will ever see it except me because the lady who owns the place said I can't have anyone over.  Ever. :(  But I think it will be a nice place to stay for the month that I plan on staying here.  At least I have a quiet comfortable place to come back to amidst the craziness that is the first month of school.  And once again, its only a temporary fix while my future roomates and I figure out the details of where we are going to live.   I'm excited about being "on my own" again.  I already did a little bit of grocery shopping this morning to get started. 
Although I've already been by to visit my host family from last year.  I'm sure I'll be able to see them a ton.

In other news, Guatemala is still Guatemala.  I was warmly welcomed back with taxi drivers that try to charge foreigners too much,  a ton of rain,  loudly blaring pop music,  and cows blocking the interstate.  One new thing is that the election is in full swing.  For those of you that don't happen to keep up with Guatemalan politics, elections are a little intense.   One candidate...although I'm still confused if she is actually a candidate or not... is the wife of the current (corrupt and hated) president.  And really, I should say ex-wife, because she filed for divorce so she could actually run.   Its bad news.   The actual election is in September, and when I got back there were political signs and ads EVERYWHERE.  Everywhere.   I'm just praying that 1)there's no major violence surrounding this election and 2) they elect someone who is not corrupt yet is powerful enough to make positive changes for this country. 

Resting up today and getting unpacked and settled in.  Tomorrow morning its back to school to get everything ready for classes to start!  Updates to follow!