el fin de semana (end of the week)

This is the view from the front door of my house. Notice the basketball court and the ruins of a church (is that a church?) behind it.

It’s Saturday, and I’ve been here one full week. It’s one of those things where I feel like I’ve packed so much into one small week. I’ve made a lot of new friends, explored a new town, and crammed as much Spanish into my brain as possible.

Last night all the GVI staff got together for a BBQ, as we do every Friday. It’s a time where you say goodbye to departing volunteers and great new volunteers. There are probably around 9-10 volunteers at the moment and 5-6 staff/long-term interns. Most are either from the UK, the US, or Australia (in that order). Many are young (18-21) and all are interesting & unique. It’s interesting to see what kind of person decides to spend their summer teaching in a rural school in Guatemala.

I think my Spanish is coming along pretty well. I seem to have turned on the “Spanish switch” in my mind, and it won’t turn off. I’m constantly thinking of different ways to say things in Spanish. Any song that flashes across my mind, is instantly translated (or attempted). When I think about where I was one week ago, with my Spanish, there is no comparison.

Next week, I begin teaching. After a couple days of observation, I will take over my class mid-week. I was told that I will get the older class (ages 8-14). The Project Director, Dom, told me that, knowing my background in early childhood education, he planned to put me with the younger group, but the room where they are taught is not tall enough. I would have to crouch the whole time. I’m looking forward to it, yet I have no idea what to expect (from me or the kids). And, of course, I am a little bit nervous…