Three Weeks
It’s been three weeks since I got to Guatemala. Three weeks
since I’ve slept in my bed with my nice memory foam pillow. Three weeks since I’ve
had real milk, since I’ve had the ability to browse the fridge for anything I’d
like. Three weeks since going to the gym. Three weeks since I last saw my
parents, since I last saw my friends. Three weeks since I could flush my toilet
paper down the toilet and three weeks since I last used a real towel. It’s been
three weeks since I’ve worn my favorite sweatpants, and three weeks without an
extensive wardrobe. Three weeks since I
drove my car, and three weeks since I’ve eaten sushi.
But, looking back thus far, I don’t miss everything as much as I thought I would and life here
isn’t as bad as it sounds. There are so many things I’ve done in the last three
weeks that I never would have done at home in the monotony of my daily life.
In the last three weeks, I’ve eaten chocolate covered
bananas, flan, fried plantains, fresh mango, peanut butter banana pancakes,
sardines, and more liquid beans than I care to imagine.
I’ve been to the most beautiful lake in the world and stood in
a hot spring. I’ve felt an earthquake and gotten pictures in front of a
volcano. I’ve gotten sunburnt in January, and chopped a field down with a
machete. I’ve taught in school for special needs kids, dug a small trench
around the sidewalk, sat on the dryer to keep it from shaking, and deep cleaned
several rooms in an orphanage. I’ve mopped the floors at least once a day,
washed hundreds of dishes by hand, and changed a few diapers. I’ve had a dance
party with the nannies (and even three clowns!) modeled on the runway for the
kids, painted a pharmacy, and watched Nancy eat ten bread rolls every morning.
I’ve made Helen laugh and read the New Testament to
Christopher. I’ve danced the Hokie Pokie with Daniel, and seen the joy within
Candi when you clap your hands. I’ve walked with Andres and Karlyn, and yelled “AMEN”
after every song with Lyla. I’ve sung with Rosemary and have listened to
stories of the miraculous situations Maureen has lived through. I’ve taught Helen
the number three and spent two hours gluing paper around the letter “U” with
Candi.
I’ve seen fried iguana in the market and sang worship hymns
everyday in Spanish. And most importantly, I’ve gotten to know my teammates and
have shared my heart.
So, really, the
things that I have done in the last three weeks far outweigh everything I might
be missing at home. Those things are awaiting my return, but these things I’ll
never get back.
Also: Here is a video tour of the complex that we are living in this month!
