Moving, Teaching, & Visits

I began the New Year by moving into a small house with three of the local teachers. It took a bit of convincing to move me out of the Peters house because life there was quite comfortable. Honestly who doesn't enjoy having their meals prepared, internet access, the use of a washing machine, hot showers, and being surrounded by English speaking people!

Despite losing a few precious comforts I accepted the challenge of moving into my own place. The three woman I share my new place with seem very nice (though none of them speak English, so I'm trying out my Spanish skills on them). It's a quaint little house and I'm really enjoying living there. I never thought my first big move away from home would be in a completely different country!

Amber and I have started teaching English at the school (grades 8, 9, 10) and the kids seem really great. I never had the desire to be a teacher but I think I will really enjoy it once I get the hang of it. Amber is a very good teacher and I'm learning a lot from her.

My dad came to visit me here which was a really nice treat, especially since I've been away from my family and friends now for 3 months (it seems so much longer). He stayed here in Tactic for the first week and than we traveled to Antigua and Tikal so he could visit the open markets and see the Mayan ruins. It was really enjoyable to have him here and to share the experience of life in Guatemala.

Other great news: my mom sent a camera so now I can post some much requested pictures on my blog.

!Feliz Ano Nuevo!

I celebrated the coming of the New Year by attending an 8:00 - 12:00 church service at Beerseba. It was quite a different experience than I've had in previous years where I would attend a friends party, eat lots of junk food, socialize and count down to midnight (with the exception of last year where we missed the count down).

One celebration aspect that is common across countries is the fireworks! Central America loves their fireworks and firecrackers! We watched the whole city fill the sky with flashes and loud bangs, it was quite fun :) The whole valley fills with smoke from all the explosions and when it is over, a deep fog that blankets everything.

Well now I've experienced Christmas, my birthday, and the New Year in another country. Though the celebrations are quite different without my family and friends, I'm doing my best to cherish these new experiences!

I hope the past year has been good to you and that the new one will bring many new adventures!