Saturday, September 12, 2009

The Un Mes Mark

Today, I've reached the one month mark... Only 26 more months to go... I have officially completeled 1/27th of my service abroad... It's been everything I could have hoped for! In fact, everything has exceeded my expectations. For example, the food has been 90% awesome. My host-mom/sister is a great cook. I lucked out with my host-family in general. They never seize to amaze me, and I'm sure I probably return the favor. The quirky rituals and traditions exceeded my expectations as well. Guatemala, believe it or not, is a very loud place. One of my fellow trainees has a saying, "Night time is the right time in Guatemala." My addendum would be, "for dogs, roosters, firecrackers, parades, camioneta horns, eardrum busting evangelical music, and churchbells." It's all in good fun, the people here know how to laugh at themselves and, in my opinion, from what I've encountered thus far, have a great sense of humor. My health has exceeded my expectations. Only minor digestion issues. The Peace Corps staff has exceeded my expectations. I figured they would be great, but I am blown away by how wonderful everyone has been. My training class, from what I understand, is probably the best one that has ever come through Santa Lucia (although I may have a bias). Last but not least, the difficulty of the transition and adaptation of everything you thought you might know has exceeded my expectations. This is no cake walk and, even though I'm only one month in, I would have to agree with the old Peace Corps slogan, "The toughest job you'll ever love." I have learned that a positive attitude can carry you through hard times, to never forget where I came from and why I am here, to always keep a smile on my face, to roll with the punches, and did I mention the positive attitude. It has been a wild, difficult, exciting ride so far and I'm loving every minute of it, even the tough ones... Well I've got to wrap this post up but before I go, I promised some pictures, and since pictures tell a thousand words anyways, this post should be more than sufficient to satisfy my readers needs... Oh by the way, my Spanish name is David, because Barrett, as it turns out, is virtually impossible for people to pronounce...

Photobucket
This is yours truely, fresh in Guatemala at the PC headquarters... As you can see, we have top notch security.

Photobucket
This is my messy room (I was in the process of unpacking, I really keep it pretty clean).

Photobucket
Another angle.

Photobucket
Santa Maria Cauque, my training community.

Photobucket
Found it!!!

Photobucket
My Spanish class.

Photobucket
Outdoors action.

Photobucket
Amy and Jared (Javier).

Photobucket
La Merced in Antigua, muy bonita.

Photobucket
Religious festivities, seems like something similar to this is going on in a different place every weekend, I haven't quite got it pegged yet.

Photobucket
My host dad, Don Juan, and I on a hike (Don is how you say Mr.).

Photobucket
Jared, Charlie (Carlos), and Don Juan in the cave.

Photobucket
Charlie on a hike.

Photobucket
Our first garden!

Photobucket
An average days work, carrying banana leaves through the streets while locals stare and shake their heads.

11 comments:

  1. Thank you for the pics!!! It is amazing to read about your adventures....kinda living my life through you since the Peace Corps was something I wanted to do when I was in nursing school!! so why do you have to drag banana leaves through the street?!?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barrett,
    I'm also a history major (now a history Ph.D. student!) and was a PC volunteer in Guatemala (04-06) and enjoyed reading this. It brings back memories. Congrats on your one month anniversary. It'll go by faster than you think. Enjoy the moments.
    Best,
    Lisa Munro
    (RPCV, Guatemala, 2004-2006)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey Barrett,
    This comment from Lisa is so cool! I love the pics. I'm excited that things are going well. I'm wondering the same thing as Jill. What about the banana leaves? You have a nice tile floor in your room. I want to see pics of the bathroom and kitchen. Tell your host family hi from us.
    Love ya lots,
    Mom

    ReplyDelete
  4. hey i lost you there i guess, but it was good to hear from you brother! liking the photos. keep having fun and call me when you get a chance.
    solamente 26 meses mas! Hasta luego hombre!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi, Barrett David:
    So happy to see the pictures. THey are great! Glad you are enjoying your adventure. Tell your foster parents hello for me. Glad you have a nice pleasant home!
    Geremy and Ashley were at my house this weekend for Carson's 4th birthday. Everyone sends their love. Take care and be safe..
    Love MEME

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey bub! We sure miss you around here, but are all so proud of the commitment you've made to sacrifice our lavish American lifestyle and help others less fortunate. :) Enjoying the updates and pictures, and I've also posted this link on my Facebook page for others to view. Love you, man. Keep up the good work! ~Britt

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi!Barrett,
    I really enjoyed reading all this and getting a word from you. I think about you often! I am especially proud of your writing skills. The Sept. 12 entry was awesome!You have come a long way from writing 3 sentences and claiming to be finished.You take care, and enjoy every minute of your adventure.
    Love ya,
    Barbara Clark

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Son,
    As always it is good to hear from you. The town has a distinctively different look....almost compound like. Are these blocks of houses usually family members, i.e., brothers/sisters/cousins, etc.? Do they all have a similar outside appearance with a single door? Do they have a community type back yard area? Quite different from what you are used to, right. Hey, one huge positive is no yard to mow! I enjoyed seeing you and Juan, and your friends, plus the "Hotel California" and the beautiful Church. Very interesting pictures and comments. Keep them coming. Love ya, DAD.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi, Barrett:

    I wrote once this am..did something to lose it..Just wanted to say how proud of you I am!! Your writing is like I am there..Loved the pictures...What did you plan in the garden? hope I can send my comment.love MEME

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey Barrett, it looks like you are having a wonderful adventure! I love that you have a blog and will keep checking in to see how you are doing!
    Take care of yourself,
    Heather B.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey Barrett,
    I saw Charlie's blog with your pic on it in your new hat!!! I saw on your facebook that you had an eventful week! Glad you ended it with the whole zipline thing... you're braver than I!! I can't wait to hear about all your training.
    I love ya and miss ya! Make sure you get lots of pics with your host family before you leave them; I feel connected to them:-) Love ya, Mom

    ReplyDelete