Carey and I live at the corner of ? and ? (see pictures below - we're on the second floor). It's said that our street has a name, it's just that no one knows what it is anymore : )
The best way to break down the past 3 days is like this...
The Good:
- Praying in the Cathedral in Antigua.
- Getting to know our new boss Phil (great guy, big heart, kind soul).
- We haven't gotten sick (yet!)
- Resting in the natural sunlight that pours into our new place.
- Thinking about the awesome work we have the opportunity to do come November.
- The scenery and view of Lake Atitlan (picture the most breath-taking view of volcanoes and a lake ever)
- The city - quaint (only 15,000 people), great places to see, eat, and hang-out.
- Black beans, eggs, and homemade tortillas at most meals.
- Being students again while brushing up on our Spanish.
- The indigenous people and children - they're everywhere and I love their smiles and way of being.
The Bad:
- The crazy-high cost of all gringo foods (peanut butter, cereal, granola bars).
- Feeling a little queezy during our first ride on one of the local "Chicken" buses.
- Black beans, eggs, and tortillas at most meals : )
- The crazy-high cost of all gringo foods (peanut butter, cereal, granola bars).
- Feeling a little queezy during our first ride on one of the local "Chicken" buses.
- Black beans, eggs, and tortillas at most meals : )
- Feeling a little overwhelmed while shopping and trying to do basic, everyday things in a new culture.
- A little disappointment after our first visit to church (you thought I couldn't sing!)
- The sound of bone-rattling "fireworks" (more like bombs) going off all weekend for La Feria (the annual fair for the Patron Saint of Pana).
- Feeling SO guilty at not being able to give the poor, begging Mayan children money : (
- A little disappointment after our first visit to church (you thought I couldn't sing!)
- The sound of bone-rattling "fireworks" (more like bombs) going off all weekend for La Feria (the annual fair for the Patron Saint of Pana).
- Feeling SO guilty at not being able to give the poor, begging Mayan children money : (
The ugly:
- Witnessing our first decapitated pig head in a basket balancing on a Mayan woman's head!
- Witnessing our first decapitated pig head in a basket balancing on a Mayan woman's head!
Overall, our first several days here have been a mix of successes and struggles, but so far things are going as well as can be expected. Thanks for your prayers and NOTE: it will take us 4-6 weeks to receive your donations, but please know that we WILL send you all thank-you notes as soon as we can!
Peace to you,
Jay (and Carey)
Peace to you,
Jay (and Carey)
p.s. - here are a few pics from the last several days...
Overlooking Panajachel and Lake Atitlan.
3 comments:
very beautiful. you guys are going to have a wonderful experience.
I'm so glad we learned about your blog... I look forward to reading more and learning about your experiences. I hope it's all you expect it to be and more.
looks so amazing!!!!
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