Struggles – Page 4

Language Class, 7th day in Guatemala

October 5, 2016February 19, 2017 First Person ForeignBlank Slate

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 First Cry (It was gonna happen sometime)

October 2, 2016October 3, 2016 First Person ForeignChanges

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[…]

WATCHING, WRINKLED | Day One: Staging

September 30, 2016 First Person ForeignChanges

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.[…]

Preparing to Go, How I Leave Ketchikan.

September 27, 2016September 27, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

Guess what I learned? You can’t be sad about leaving a place you love while you’re still there loving it. Try as you might. That don’t make no sense. My Last Day, Sunday September 18[…]

Song & Storytelling: The Events Before I Go

September 26, 2016September 26, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

Act One: Five days before I flew away, Laura and I performed The Last Five Years. It took five minutes and a handshake to reserve the Arctic Bar patio. Tom Thompson donated the equipment. Brooke[…]

“Baby?” Conversations in Alaska | 5 of 50

September 25, 2016September 25, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I stood in a dear friend’s living room in July. I asked “What’s been going on?” I was hung up on a Fisherman, she was hung up on fertility. Different boats. This is what followed: “It’s[…]

Body. Conversations in Alaska, 9 of 50

September 20, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

She wailed, I listened. She lost weight in the last two years and her body is a completely different one. She’s noticed, unmistakeably, that her friends, strangers, opposite sex, and her own family hold her[…]

Strangers with Candy: Conversations in Alaska, 32 of 50

September 8, 2016September 8, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I walked into the hospital room, expecting anything but not really sure. My friend intro’d: “Natalie is here because she’s been in a similar situation before.” I looked at her son. He sat in the[…]

8 Years in 2 Hours: Conversations in Alaska, 31 of 50

September 7, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

We went on a walk along Tongass Avenue, following the water, and chatted about all matter of personal interest from college to family to exes to currents (men) to plans to grief. You see, I[…]

“Boss,” Conversations in Alaska: 33 of 50

September 7, 2016September 9, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I will offer the surgeon general warning that this post was difficult to write. It will not be easy to read. I want to share it to honor the bravery of my boss, who is[…]