My Beginnings in Guatemala
Topic: Guatemala
Well I have almost finished my first week here in Guatemala. The trip here was mostly uneventful, except for the two hour wait (on the plane) for the medal workers to fix a part that was torn when the baggage loader hit the plane.--I should not have been surprised after the experience with flight trouble going to and coming from Albuquerque, but that’s another story.--Getting to my host family’s house was not a problem since the school sent someone to pick me up. Since I am not fed on Sunday’s, I had to fend for myself. So with their directions, I set off for “el centro” (the town center). I never found it, because their straight was different than my straight; however, I did manage to find a place to eat, but not after finding a church. Some unknown force propelled me to enter this particular restaurant. Not knowing for sure what I was getting myself into, I timidly entered the restaurant, where I was greeted with an “Buenos tardes…hello, how are you.” The man spoke perfect English, so I didn’t think my dining experience would be too bad. Upon getting a menu, I realized that this would not be the typical Guatemalan dinner I thought I would have. This restaurant offered things from the states, i.e. omelets, hamburgers, pizza, and, my favorite, wings. I will let you guess what I ordered. Though they turned out not to be anything like Wings-n-More, they were delicious. As it turns out, the chef, the one who greeted me, lived 14 years in Canada, so he knows how to cook normal American food. The rest of the evening found me in my bed asleep, earlier than usuaul.

During Monday and Tuesday, nothing really happened except familiarizing myself with the city and trying numerous time to withdraw money from my checking account using an ATM machine. The problem turns out to be that ATM’s don’t withdraw from checking accounts. I have been forced to seek other routes to get my money. With God’s assistance I will not be working down here to pay for school. :-) Wednesday came and all you-know-what broke loose. The morning started with a little uneasy feeling in my stomach and progressed to full out nauseous sickness. I went home early and began praying to God to take the pain from me. Luckily with his assistance (and the medicine’s) I am on my feet in less than 24 hours with a minor pain in my stomach. Gracias a Dios, that the sickness has subsided.

Well, lunch is calling me. Just wanted to check in…will periodically give updates throughout my stay in Guatemala. Check back soon! Hasta luego!