And now Guatemala...my attempt to be tri-lingual

Ready to move fast & travel light!

It is the beginning of another adventure. It is time to take on greener pastures, tropical paradises, and colorful havens. A group of 13 acquaintances embarking on a journey to the greener depths of Guatemala. Here, we will be tested and tried in our sociocultural abilities and expand our knowledge in medicine. It is a dream to travel to foreign lands in the heart of serving and helping others; however, if it is one thing I've learned from a prior Tanzanian adventure, it will be a lot of Guatemalans helping me.


You see, a loved one of mine told me right before leaving that this is an opportunity to reflect upon my life and myself.  Two years ago I came back from an uplifting experience, and I loved that carefree, adventurous, and independent woman I was upon returning. Yet, even now, I have found that it is easy to find oneself diving back into the same ole Western society. The world revolves around me in a term coined as "youniverse." One begins to become more stressed, busier, and more disconnected with inner peace. You move not with the wind, but with the crowd. That girl is there, she just needs a little encouragement, reminding, and coaxing sometimes.

Guatemala City

We made it to Guatemala City. A red eye flight will make you tired, but we are here. Ready. Excited. You can see it in the eyes of my companions. Driving through the city brings back those somewhat distant memories of Tanzania: the gated houses, the crumbling rubble, the potholes in the roads. They do have more here (They have a Little Ceasars Pizza if that gives a little perspective). However, WiFi is a little harder to find. I find some difficulty in my transition from Swahili into Spanish, but I know a lot more than I realize. It will be a wonderful journey in challenging my brain into a trifecta of languages. Just jump right in.

Check the news ... This is a VERY active volcano!

Culturally, everyone seems very happy. They are very humble and laid back. They know how to run a business despite the ignorance of USA's definition of poverty. The joke with Guatemalans is that, people from the U.S. cannot call themselves Americans without calling a Guatemalan American. They, too, are American, if you can wrap your mind around that idea.

This journey will be a more meditative experience. It is time to come back into my inner harmony. The journey has just begun, and if travel has taught me anything, expect nothing and take things in stride. It is the last Jan Term of my college career, and I intend to make the most of it.

Adventura esta en el mundo.

"Adventure is in the world."

A return to me?