Joining the world of Bloggers...

Hello friends! I too... am joining the world of bloggers-but not really as a blogger. I'll keep you posted with photos, stories, and musings when I'm able, in an attempt to share some of what I am experiencing here in Guatemala this year.

Travis joined me for my first two and a half weeks in Guatemala. We traveled to the astonishingly beautiful "Lago Atitlan" and stayed at Casa Del Mundo for several days. We returned to Antigua for a week of "espanol" and salsa classes, and then took a week to relax and enjoy Antigua and some of the surrounding towns.

After Travis returned to the States for school, I discovered the power and potency of the bacteria here with a bacterial infection that landed me in the hospital for three days. I am feeling much better now and was able to return to language school this past week. I am more grateful than ever for the miracles of modern medicine, and am daily thankful for my health!

Other than that excitement, my transition into life here has been smooth and enjoyable. I live with a couple from the U.S. (so I don't get to practice Spanish as much as I would like to yet), but we do play Settlers of Catan almost nightly :), and I am enjoying their community here. I found a gourmet shop that sells such luxury items as Trader Joe's Yellow Curry sauce, and Ocean Spray Cranberry juice... So life... for now... feels fairly normal. That is--aside from the gated community I live in, the security whistles that blow all night, the self (and culture) imposed curfew of 6pm, rooster crows, diesel fumes, and a long distance engagement--life feels normal.

I am continually thankful for the opportunity to be here, to learn and to grow in this place and time... and for all that lies ahead. Join me on the journey whenever you're able!