Hola desde Guatemala

Hello friends and family!!

Well here we are, a little over a week since we have arrived here. The journey has begun! A little time line thus far starts Thursday the 12th when we arrived at CASAS, the language school a part of the seminary Semillas. The next day included orientation and then being passed on to host families. From the outside, it may have looked like the EMU students were a group of lost puppies looking for a home. :) After a weekend in our new homes with our host families, classes started on Monday as well as mid day adventures throughout the week to various historical sights as well as having guest speakers come in to share.

Some highlights so far include...

• random adventures with my host family
• seeing the new president live at a Sunday afternoon Mega Church Service.
• getting to know/talk with my host families auydante (househelp) Epep
• learning more of the history social make up and reformation going on in Guatemala
• studying Spanish grammar- hopefully it will help improve my Spanish!

Coming back into a culture different than my own does have its fair share of challenges as well. Cultural norms, language, and being the stranger make certain tasks more difficult, but I find life from these challenges. After having lived and reflected (which I am sure the reflection process is sure to continue) on another previous cross cultural experience, I greatly appreciate the importance of living each moment to the fullest, reflecting and keeping God at the center of everything I do.

With that said, some more "everyday" yet profound events have included...

• being able to engage in conversation (at home, CASAS, the street, and with other host families)
• figuring out a new bus system
• pulling un chiste (a joke) in Spanish!
• reflecting with our ayudante Epep on the inequalities in Guatemala

Hopefully this gives a taste of what I am thinking and experience. I hope for the following blog entries to focus on stories, encounters, and observations of my experience. From these experiences both you and I will be given new ways to view the world and most importantly bits of truth from God.

Desde Guatemala,
Rosita <3