Regresar (to return)

a wall in Antigua

On Saturday (really early), I left Guatemala. I thought I would be excited to be leaving. Not that I wanted to leave, but it’s always nice to go back home (to your own bed, shower, & food). However, I just didn’t feel right. I couldn’t get rid of the images of all the kids–their hugs and letters–or all my new friends, out of my head. I had a bag filled with letters from every kid I taught, saying thanks. I purposefully put these letters in my checked luggage. I knew I couldn’t handle them. I still haven’t looked at them. But they will soon find themselves on my fridge and in my office.

Basically, those kids find a way in your heart and you find yourself thinking about how you can get back at the soonest possible chance (next summer).

People ask “how was your trip?” and I think the best way to put it simply is to say that this was an experience that brought out the best in me. I woke up early everyday energetic and happy to be there. I worked hard, with an almost desperate determination, at my Spanish (and to be honest, salsa). The sites and smells were rarely taken for granted and I met a lot of great people from all over the world. I explored a nice sample of the country (enough to realize how much more needs to be seen).

When I flew into Guatemala, from Houston, my plane was filled with Spanish-speakers. I was excited because I knew that this trip would open me up to another part of the world that happens to be in my geographic backyard. I wanted to make sure I learned to speak with these new neighbors, and I’ve accomplished this.

video

There’s a short & sweet new video about the 2 GVI schools in Guatemala on the GVI Phoenix Site. It gives you a taste of how adorable the kids are and the ultimate goal of these projects: providing education and opportunities to those who might otherwise not have them. The classroom where Elena is speaking is my old classroom!

mi ultimo dia

So, today was my last day at the school. I’ve learned so much in my 5 weeks here in Itzapa, most of which I’ll be processing for some time. Right now, I’m thinking about all the hugs and cards I received today from the children. When a teacher leaves, they are seated right by the door, and all the students line up and give them a hug goodbye. It’s quite a sweet send-off.

My shuttle (airport) picks me up at 3:30 tomorrow morning. Should be interesting, going back home after such a different experience down here. But, right now, I’ve got to say a few more goodbyes…

my afternoon class.  I love all the different expressions. 

happy kids

It is an understatement to say that the kids in our school come from tough situations.  It is a sacred rule not to eat or drink in front of the students, because many of them are malnourished and hungry.  However, you would not know any of this from the look on their faces when they are at school.  They absolutely love coming to school and they get a lot of love and attention from their teachers…

Last weekend in Antigua

This weekend I just stayed in Antigua–slept late, walked (and walked) around town, went to the market, etc.  I took my camera and snapped a few pics:

el chicken bus

dude on a horse with a walkie-talkie

my first car (1984 Nissan Sentra).  You don’t see many of these around back home anymore.  I dig the rims!

I  was wandering around outside an old Catholic Church when these three ladies tried to sneak a picture of me.  We made eye contact, I struck a pose, and they got there shot.  I then joked, “2 Quetzales, por favor” because some Guatemalans ask for change if you take a picture of them.  We laughed and they asked for pictures with me.  We ended up getting quite a few (one with 2 ladies, and another with the lady with the camera).  I wanted a shot too, so I gave my camera to one of the ladies.  As she held it, I demonstrated how you push half-way to focus and then click all the way.  I clicked a picture, and this is the random shot I got.  I think it captures the moment better than anything…

My absolute favorite photo…

hiding

This week, I took my camera out and took quite a lot of pictures. As I wrote below, we had a birthday celebration on Thursday. Yesterday, we had a going away fiesta for Meike, the head intern for the school at Itzapa for the last 9 months. Both festivities were prime photo opportunities. Some of the girls like to hide from the camera. It becomes a bit of a game…

Spanish/Salsa

When I get back into town from school, I usually have either a salsa or Spanish class in the evening. They are surprisingly similar. Both are complex, filled with rules, and require attention to detail. But, ultimately, all the studying in the world won’t make you a great speaker or dancer. You want to speak without sweating the conjugations, tenses, and word genders.  You want to dance without looking up into your forehead, counting the beats.  I look forward to that time when it all just flows…

Feliz Cumpleanos

Today we celebrated all the July birthdays.  We all got in a circle, with the birthday kids in the middle.  All the teachers went and gave the birthday kids a hug & a present (notebook, crayons, or erasers).  We sang happy birthday (Feliz Cumpleanos) and then had each kid get a whack at the pinata.  The kids (and the teachers) loved it.  Anyway, have a look…

Jedi-like skills…

jump!