Que Frio

Hello All. So I'm really sorry I haven't updated since August 4th. . So in almost 3 months. . I have a lot to catch you up on! I'm going to go in order of events. . . .

SueEllen came back and we have been having some really interesting cultural experiences to say the least. We went to a funeral in one of our villages. Unfortunately a teacher from one of our schools passed away in a motorcycle accident. We went to his funeral along with all of the teachers in our school district as well as the members of his community. It was really sad, but an interesting experience. We were fed a beef soup with no utensils so we were drinking from the bowls and picking up the chunks of beef with our hands and gnawing at them as well as the veggies. Also, there were tons of fire crackers that were set off during the funeral, a must in every activity here.

That same week we went to an inauguration of a school that they rebuilt. That was also interesting. I don't know if I've told you how much respect and clout we get here but it's crazy. We sit in the front row, walk around with the mayor's entourage (which is interesting, he has like 6 or 7 guys that are always with him to get whatever he wants from wherever we are like more food, etc.), get thanked in the speeches, etc. There was also a congressman or councilman or something from the national government there. There was a marimba band (which is the music from Guatemala) and we ate beef soup again. This time we got spoons but still had to gnaw on the beef with our hands. It was actually a really nice ceremony despite the rain. I don't think it stopped raining the entire day and it was COLD. The school got 4 new classrooms, really great bathrooms (WITH SINKS!). .. this was a huge change from the house that they were holding classes in before. The event started with a little procession from the new school to the old school, anout an hour and a half of speeches (each one thanking the mayor profusely), ribbon cutting on each classroom and bathroom, then a lunch with music by the band. It was a really great day.

We just finished up the school year so we're looking forward to our secondary projects. SueEllen and I are planning of learing Kachiquel, the Mayan language from our area, working on scholarships for a couple of kids from the villages, and working on infrastructure projects in some schools that need them. Individualy I have a girl's group that I'm starting to work on life planning and self esteem as well as tutoring a neighbor Odeley in English. She's a bilingual secretary and wants to work on speaking English. Also I plan to make a herb garden on my roof eventually as well as finish organizing my house. . . like building shelves and stuff. . This school year was great because we had the chance to get a feel for what we're gonna do throughout our service. We're starting next year with a huge training for all of our teachers. . . Should be difficult but helpful to them. .

Let me think. . . I went on a trip last month and this month. Last month I went to El Quiche, where a few volunteers from my training group live. It was really fun. . . we had a great dinner, did a little dancing, and then the next day went and swam in this really cool in the mountains. As most of you know I LOVE to swim so it was really amazing to have that opportunity. About 2 weeks ago I went to Coban, which is like 6.5 hours from my site. That was really great too. We ate cuban food, saw some new places, etc. I do about one trip a month, and the last 2 have been great because I went and got to know 2 very distinct places so different from where I live. Coban is jungly and kind of tropical and Quiche is really mountanous and foresty. . .

I love my house now. I painted my kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. I'm trying out new recipes and stuff, I feel like Sally Homemaker or something. I'm pretty good about keeping my house clean because I never know who's going to drop by.

I miss everybody at home so much! I've been pretty homesick lately so any emails from you guys would be great! Also if you have any questions. . .

PS: It's getting COLD here. You would think it would be sunny and warm in Guatemala but let me tell you. . . it's misting everyday and getting pretty chilly. . . Luckily my family and I are going to Belize in December. . . I'm going to need to defrost. . .

Hope to hear from you soon!