Santa Cruz Arrival

Arrived in Santa Cruz today after the morning travel from Antigua then to Panajachel.  I was met at the dock by Carlos, the father at my homestay. I  was put on a tuk tuk to head up the hill towards their house. I arrived at their home but not before getting pimped by my driver for an extra 5Q. I was met by the women of the house, Alicia and her mother Maria. Immediately after stepping through the ironclad doorway the three kids ages 3, 5 and 7 (Hardeth, Richard and Juan) slammed into me, it guess thinking they got an early Christmas present of a jungle gym in the form of a six foot gringo. I didn't mind one bit though and after messing around for a good half hour I put my stuff in the small bedroom they had prepared for me. I'm glad I didn't have any true expectations for this homestay, but if I did have the thought of living in a concrete floor, tin roof house that you see when you travel and wonder what I looks like inside, then this would have fit the description. Also, my ambitions of speaking only Spanish were holding true because there was no one living here that would be speaking English to me.

I toured the town of Santa Cruz a little bit but walking up or down very steep hills wasn't my MO this afternoon so I went back to the house for a nap. I was awoken around 4 to the sound of a guitar. What I thought was the living room was indeed their makeshift church and as I sat their about 10 to 12 men,women, children, and babies attached to the breast came into the living room for the church service. Apparently, Carlos and his family had converted to Christianity last year and they don't have a formal church, so they use their living room. Last to arrive were an older husband and wife missionary couple of the states. I guess at this point I had no choice but to be a member of the congregation. We sat for an hour or so listening to Carlos speak and play the guitar. I got pressured into the tamberine so I recalled my old middle school band skills.

This was probably my most enjoyable church service ever. First, it was great Spanish practice. Second, it was amazing to see happiness of people who are living in such poverty. I could only help but picture some of my church experiences with the people who drive nice ass cars and live in mansions coming to thank The Lord. Talking with Carlos later, he told me they hold church at their house 4 times a week, so it looks like I'm going to be getting my good graces in. Carlos and I walked around the town before dinner an he told me stories of growing up in the small town of Santa Cruz. Each person we passéd on the street he acknowledged them in the local language of, quetzekal ( terrible spelling error!)

We returned for dinner consisting of chicken, avocado, tortillas, and papas ( all my favorites). While at dinner I realized the true extent of people living in this tiny "house". Carlos, his wife Alicia and their three kids. Alicia's 2 sisters, ages 9 and 12, and their mother Maria. After this occurred to me I realized they were all living in the one bedroom beside me! We had a great dinner and finished it off with hot chocolate ( my second of the day). I'm off to bed now because I have clinic starting in the morning.

Headed out

     Once again I find myself about to board a plane to Guatemala. I never thought I would be so lucky as to return within 6 months of my last trip. Luckily I was able to get my passport brought to me last night aft leaving it in Athens (Thanks MF!) . The thought of my passport didn't cross my mind until 6:30 pm last night when my mom asked me if I had it. I guess I had a lot of stuff going on the past week with school but it still amazes me how I did not even put it on my long checklist of things to do/pack before in left. In my defense, it is only the third time I've left the country. I'm leaving that mishap behind me, however, and getting my mind in the right spot to truly embrace Guatemala. It feels great to be returning with the purpose of both language and medicine. I'm excited to be living with a local family having to speak Spanish on a daily basis whether I want to or not, and also working in a clinic that will give me the confidence I need with interviewing and examining patients in their chosen language. On a side note, I bought medical travel insurance this morning, which makes me feel a little safer when considering some of the cars/trucks/vans/buses/donkeys that I'll most likely be traveling on.

Back to Guatemala....

Headed to Lake Atitlan for 4 weeks, working with Mayan Medical Aid and trying to improve my spanish. Hoping to keep the blog going while I'm down there! 

The Peace Corps In Honduras In 1964

Just watched this little documentary. Super cool.

http://www.youtube.com/v/8MeYkpFQWKk?version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autohide=1&autoplay=1&feature=share&attribution_tag=IKZwhRS7ZEKc9HJIFqxF9g

A warmshower

Check out the blog of Tyler, who stayed with me on Saturday night. Once again, a reason why riding bikes brings people together. Good luck!

Tyler Wheatcraft: Bicycle Touring: I've decided to travel the country via bicycle working on organic farms along the way. I'm leaving my house October 8th headed South...

Fall Tour 2013 pictures

great video of smallpox vaccine development

/http://www.wimp.com/weconquered/