[True story: I just typed "Thongs I will miss" on accident... that would have made for a far more interesting paragraph for sure.]
Really though, things I will miss include:
- Wearing rain boots inside the house because it's just that wet
- Sharing a bathroom with 11 people
- Speaking Spanish every second of every day
- Extreme affection x 10 (cultural bonus)
- Wheel of Fortune in Spanish (this is for you, Teen)
- Buying lichee fruits for about a penny each at the market
- Walking everywhere... uphill...both ways literally sometimes
- Seeing a volcano from my bedroom each morning*(picture reference)
- Brian and my host family (pics below)
Brian (4 years old) and I played soccer pretty often, ate together (well, he took my food mostly, but I didn't mind), played guitar (well, he strummed and I did the chords), and pretty much just hung out around the house. He "helped" me pack my bags by throwing all of my shoes that were neatly organized in the corner of the room into the a large pile in the middle of my room. I was exceedingly grateful. It's the thought that counts. He wants to play the guitar when he's a bit older so I gave him a pic for when he gets a guitar. He also took a liking to my Phinneas and Ferb band-aids. He took a few for the road. I kind of love that child.
The dark skinned young man I live with is Rafa. He is extraordinarily affectionate. This, I love for obvious reasons. I feel super loved when I am around him, like I have a brother here in Guatemala. I am grateful he was living here with me while I was sick. Hugs, kisses [the appropriate type, no funny bidness], you name it. When you are sick, sometimes you just need affection of some sort.
The other fellow is Derik. He is fifteen, but seems to think that marriage is a good idea for the both of us. I explained that whole age thing may pose a bit of a problem for me. Well, a big one lol.
Las fotos:
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| Me, Derik, Brian |
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| My guitar buddy |
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| All of the boys minus one |
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| Me, Rafa, Derik |
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| Me, Brian |
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| It was terribly hard to get this child to smile for the camera |
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| What's gooooood? |
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| ? |
The rest of my family has been awesome. Zoila is the grandmother of everyone. She feed me IN BED when I wasn't able to get up, provided three meals a day, and did everything in her power to make me feel comfortable and welcome in the family. It worked, and I did feel welcome.
I am so, so sad to leave, but I know there are some great things coming.
I graduated from my school tonight. We had a huge party, and I danced salsa like there's no tomorrow. I really, really enjoy salsa more than I thought. So long as I'm dancing with a gentleman who knows what he's doing, I could literally go all night.
Pics from Grad Night:
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| Turns out there's a lot of pretty blondes in Guatemala... |
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| Crazy |
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| This is my house mate, JD. Beautiful, I know. |
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| Boyss |
I leave for Panajachel tomorrow at noon.
My flight back to the States is on August 5th (just in time for my good friend, Kristi's, wedding).
I love you all very much,
Cody
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| * View from my house of the volcano Santa Maria |
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your host family. I'm so very happy that you have been with such a caring, loving group of people. I hope I get to see you when you get home. Love you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad that you had to go, but totally understand that the leave is pretty much justified. I'm so happy that you made some many memories and met lots of great people.The pics really made me smile. I love how people are just as loving and caring in Guatemala as they are in PR. I wouldn't trade my culture for the world. Praying that you get healthy very soon. Much love, J&B.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post, enjoyed the pics! At first, I was like she lives with all boys? A little relieved when you said there was a grandmother :) I love you and hope you have a safe trip to the new place and can't wait to see you when you come home!
ReplyDeleteSabrina- Thanks so much for your support! I'm sure I'll see you when I get home.
ReplyDeleteBeth- Thanks, love. I know! Your culture pretty much knocks the socks of any other culture I'm familiar with. I rest in the fact that the Lord has a reason for me to be born in a certain culture, but long to be a part of another. Thanks for your prayers. I'm hoping to bounce back ASAP.
Danny- I cannot wait to see you guys again. Can we do the beach and country music? Please?
Well YEAH! I guess I can force myself to go ;) Khloe would love that!
ReplyDelete