Got into Guatemala City at around 9:30 last night (11:30 G’wood time) and was picked up by Anastasia, a GVI intern. Anastasia is an English student from Portland. She volunteered with this project last year and couldn’t get it out of her system, so she came back this summer. Along with another volunteer, Sarah, we rode in a shuttle van to Antigua, where we will be staying for the duration of the trip.

I slept pretty well in my room at the 5 bedroom guesthouse/hotel I they put me in. In the morning I heard some mumblings of familiar accents coming from the patio outside my window. After getting dressed, I walked out there to see who it was and be friendly. It ended up being 2 retired couples, who had come down here from Atlanta for a week of Spanish instruction. When I told them I was from Greenwood, one of the men said, “I was born in Greenwood!” We chatted for a while as they waited to catch their shuttle to the airport. They said they had a great experience here. Small world.

After that, me and the other 5 volunteers met at the GVI house to receive instructions. The interns giving the orientation were extremely thorough in explaining the goals of the project, the population we will be working with, and precautions to take. Part of our orientation was reviewing the “Risk Matrix”. There were 47 items on this matrix (I love saying “matrix”!). Most of it was common sense stuff (which streets to avoid, how to safely get money from an ATM, etc.). It was not only meant for our protection but to prepare us to serve the students and communities we will be working with.

From what I’ve seen so far, of the other volunteers, interns, and project managers, I feel confident that I am in good hands and that this will be a worthwhile experience. Tomorrow, I begin Spanish instruction. I can’t wait! I’ve already clumsily communicated with a few people and it was such a cool feeling.

Anyway, my stomach is empty and my brain is feeling a little loopy, so I’m going to find some food. I’ll try to check in tomorrow, and perhaps, share a few pics. Adios!