If you want to learn what a culture values, eat within that culture. Eat at a home. Eat. Eat. Eat eat eat. Ever since I moved in with my host family (8 days ago), I[…]
Category: Changes
Bodies, 5 Observations from a Newb.
In no particular order. The Front Seat: My host mom sat with me in the back of her car and her two sons sat up front. Francisco & Javier are in their 30s, Rosa Maria[…]
Language Class, 7th day in Guatemala
My first week in Guatemala! Bailamos! I stood over the pila tonight, brushing my teeth and wondering about my 20s and how I got to 30. It’s the stuff you shouldn’t think about when you’re[…]
The Party: Day 6 of Peace Corps
On my 5th day in Guatemala, my 6th day in Peace Corps, I went to a party. I learned so much. I have so much more to learn. The night before, Rosa Maria said she had a[…]
The First Cry (It was gonna happen sometime)
It’s my first night with my host family. I am settling in to my first night here and I saw something that made me think of Nana. Well, a lot of things make me think[…]
My First Night with the Host Family: Day 5 of Peace Corps
The courtyard was vibrant with mid-morning sun. The hydrangeas/hortensias were calm, but every other living thing was excited, nervous, on edge. Maybe even scared. Our group entered the courtyard of Peace Corps Headquarters, anxiously scanning[…]
Rehydration Salts: Day Three in Country, Day Four in Peace Corps
We started the day with our first language lessons. All the language teachers lined up to call out our names at the front of Salon Quetzal. A friendly man named Eduardo called my name and we[…]
The Bet I Made, The Best I Lost
On Friday, I am astonished to report, I lost a bet. As I was packing to leave Alaska (two weeks ago), I struck a deal. You see, I worked on the docks, wearing bright green[…]
Bienvenidos, Day Two: Training
We get to the lobby at 3:30am and get on the bus at 4. We arrive to the airport by 5. Apparently the driver got lost and Gladys had to tell him where to go.. It[…]
WATCHING, WRINKLED | Day One: Staging
WATCHING AND WRINKLED. 10:32pm That Night: At the end of Day One in the Peace Corps AKA Staging, I ironed my teal shirt. In real life I don’t iron. But It’s my last night in America.[…]