"Cuantas cuesta para lavar?"

This will be a short blog, but I wanted to share with y'all a funny story that happened today.
Today is Sunday, went to church and then lunch with some friends, and then went to the grocery store and ATM to get some cash for the week. My friend Tami and I then came back to my apartment to hang out for the afternoon.

Now, let me preface this for you...ALL over the streets here are people who will wash your car for you. You obviously have to pay them, but while you're doing your shopping or whatever, they will soap up and clean your car. Well, as you've previously read about Rubita, she doesn't have a whole lot going for her, so I'd like to give her a nice little bath at least. (WISHING FOR CLEARWATER CARWASH RIGHT ABOUT NOW)

So, upon arrival at my apartment, I see a sweet little man who is standing on a small step stool to wash his Honda Civic. (Just imagine the irony. A stepstool. For a Civic.) He has a water bucket, and his car is all sudsy. So I say to Tami, "OH MY GOODNESS! RUBITA NEEDS A BATH! I'm going to ask him how much he charges to wash cars and get her a little cleaning in the sunshine today." So, we get out of the car, collect our bags from the store, and I ask, (with enthusiasm, a smile, and my wallet ready) "Hola, Senor! Cuantas cuesta para lavar?!" Translated, that means "Hello Sir! How much does it cost to wash?"....So, before you get excited that Rubita is bright and shiny, you must know that the senor looked at me, with an equally as big smile, and said equally as enthusiastically, "Oh...no...es mio..." Translation, "Oh...no...it's mine..."

Moral of the story folks, until you KNOW your neighbors, don't assume they're car washing street people.

Rubita's Maiden Voyage

All of you, please meet Rubita! She is the newest addition to my life here in Guatemala. She’s a 1999 Nissan Altima, with character to boot! Today, (after two days of cold hard practice on the cobblestones of Antigua) she took her maiden voyage onto the highway.
People, I WAS BORN TO DRIVE HERE. Let me re-cap for you how this whole thing called “driving” goes here:

To park in Antigua (the city part, somewhat like downtown Charleston), you must either have a sticker that signifies that you’ve bought a year long pass, OR you must pay Q10 for a daily parking pass, where you can park as long as you’d like that day. This morning, I was not interested in paying the whole DOLLAR AND TWENTY CENTS to park just to use the ATM (even though the pass is still useful for the whole day). So, I went super mega Guatemalan, pulled halfway up the curb (in a red zone I might add. You are NOT allowed to park in a red zone because it’s red. RED people. It’s RED.), turned on my emergency flashers, turned off my car, locked it, ducked into the ATM to get money, all the while saying to the Police Officer who was staring at my car “DOS MINUTOS POR FAVOR. SOLO DOS MINUTOS” In the time that he spent telling me I was parked in a red zone, and I spent telling him I only needed two minutes, I had my money, and was back in my car. No tickets, just some healthy arguing.

Then, I navigated my way up and down the one-way streets to the exit of Antigua, where I made my way to the first paved roads I’ve driven on in the last month and a half. Now, the road out of Antigua and into San Lucas is curvy…what am I saying…THE ROAD HAS MORE CURVES THAN A NISSAN COMMERCIAL. In fact, I’m almost positive that Nissan pays this country to use this road for their stunt driving. I am so thankful that I grew up in a flat area with zero hills, straight roads, and absolutely no mountainous-drop-off-the-side-of-a-cliff-if-you’re-not-careful, so that I could confidently conquer these mountains and curves without breaking a sweat. (Which, of course I was sweating. 1. Because the road was like the before mentioned Nissan commercial, and 2. Because Rubita does NOT have functioning air conditioning.)

Here are some other things about Rubita that you should know, if you ever have the delight of cruising down the Nissan Highway in her.

1.The driver’s window doesn’t work. It will roll down, but then it will not roll back up. No matter how hard you push and pull upward, it will NOT come back up without the help of a very skilled mechanic.
2.The radio. This is such a blessing. The volume control does not work. So we get moderately loud music, and there’s no turning back, unless you just turn it off. Also, the CD player doesn’t work. So, in Antigua, I receive a total of 5 different stations (on the SCAN setting of course, because who would ever think that you’d want to program these stations). On the road to San Lucas I do not receive any stations, mostly because of the Nissan curves and the immense overhang of trees. Once I hit San Lucas, I receive a multitude of stations, I like 92.5 the best so far. It plays a lot of Pitbull.
3.The emergency flashers flash (even when turned off) for a total of 5 minutes after turning off the car, and locking it, and walking away. Gave me a mild heart attack the first time, because I envisioned the battery dying and me being trapped.
4.The headlights are not exceptionally bright. Could have something to do with the other electrical issues that we’re facing. Therefore, after about 7:00, she’s semi-useless on dark roads. Highways, she’s good to go because you have other cars helping you out.


So now that you know all you can stand about Rubita, let me tell you that she was an excellent companion in navigating her way to the Oasis this morning. Even pulled smoothly to the side of the road so I could put some more minutes on my phone and get an ice cold Pepsi for the morning’s work.
I feel like my life here has TRULY begun. I drove to work this morning, spent half of the day searching for nowhere-to-be-found-I-wonder-if-it-really-exists curriculum, and am now stuffing stockings.

Cue One Republic’s “Ohhh this is gonna be a good life.” (I always wanted that as my soundtrack here.)

"Austin! You're a runner!"

Now, the only person on this planet that will understand the title of this blog is my mama. And that's okay, simply because some commercials warrant mockery by mothers and daughters for 15+ years.

If my mama and I have anything in common, it's our ability to find something absolutely hilarious and dwell on it for the rest of our lives and begin laughing without even saying a word. I find it a gift, really.

Another thing that I'm finding a gift lately, is my ability to be persuaded into things. I've always been terrible at saying no. And I always measure things on a scale of "Fun" and "How-many-fun-friends-will-be-involved". So here's my latest "I can't say no to save my life" moment.

So I'm not a big exerciser. I like sports. I like to play sports. I can't be still for more than about 30 minutes (an hour if Revenge or Nashville are on TV and I'm really perplexed, and probably 24 hours if Tim Riggins is on my television screen) BUT I typically like to be moving. I like to be going, doing things. However, my dedication to a gym is less than stellar, and my arch nemesis of the exercising world is running. Oh how I LOATHE running.

A few examples for you:
1. You can't play sports alone, and I need to be moving or exercising, so when my friends aren't available, I chose to take up rollerblading. (Now, I LOVE this form of exercise, but I will go to all lengths of looking like a 90's Venus Beach Barbie in jean shorts and a tank top skating down the street, just simply to avoid running.

2. It always kind of makes me gag when people say, "Oh, this morning I went for a little run. It really got me moving and ready for my day" Nooooo, what gets you ready for your day is the bowl of grits and side of bacon that's at your kitchen table while you watch Kelly & Michael for an hour.

3. When I was in high school, my best friend was a runner. We would always try each others' "sports" so we'd actually have time to hang out. (Apparently in high school is when you're so busy with school, sports, relationships that are half lackluster, and perfecting the "messy bun") She'd get going ("Just a quick 2 mile run down Wilderness Road Bets! You can do it!"), and I'd lace up my tennis shoes, jog for about 30 seconds, and then find a patch of sunlight on the street and lay there until she got back.

Well, in Guatemala, the options for exercise or sports are a bit limited. It's either soccer or running. Very frowned upon if you don't like soccer, but for 3 years in Recreational Leagues when I was younger, I broke toes every time I kicked a ball, therefore, IT AIN'T HAPPENIN' PEOPLE. So, want to exercise? Run.

BARRRRRFFFFF! GAAAAAG!

My friends here (who have also convinced me to get a Snapchat) decided that we'd all start running together in the mornings. At. SIX.AM. So, being the "oh these are fun people and an activity" lover that I am, I started running. We run around the cobblestone city each morning, the entire time, I'm praying that my inheritance of my dad's coordination would prevail and I wouldn't break my legs in half by tripping on these rocks that they consider a road. I haven't voiced to these friends my pure disgust in running. And that could be my first mistake...

People, I've committed to participate in a New Year's 10K. For those of you who aren't running savvy, and don't know that races are always measured in the metric system, or you aren't fluent in metric, let me tell you...that's SIX MILES. SIX I said! How I get myself roped into these things...so upon already committing to this extravaganza, I find out that I'm able to run, bike, or skate this race. (YES I SAID SKATE!!!!!!) So, I've spent the last 2 days in and out of the market and several tiendas trying to find rollerblades for this dang thing. Found a pair. They're my size. They're only missing 3 wheels on each skate. ENTONCES (means, SO), I'll be running.

This morning was my first run since the commitment. Made it around our 2 mile loop without wheezing. The future is promising people. So, December 31st is the date. I'll remind you when it gets closer to time, so that for the entire 3.5 days it will take me to run 6 miles, you can all be in prayer for me. You can all also be laying on your couches with plates of strawberries covered in powdered sugar to cut the salty of the heaping bowl of chili that you've just put away.

Guatemaltecqueandose

This afternoon was one of the best adventures I've had thus far in Guatemala. If you haven't picked up on it by now, things are simply done just a bit differently around here. Today my friends Tami and Julia and I wanted to go into San Lucas for a special event they were having at The Oasis. However, our only way there was by public transportation.
Now, before everyone panics, just know that I would only travel by "chicken bus" in daylight hours, and with other people.
So, let me re-cap this precious bus situation for all of you at home, who may have never been gifted the opportunity to ride on one of these gems. (I wish I could have taken a photo of one for you, but then I probably would have gotten robbed, so this one from google will have to do)

The first thing we did in preparation for the chicken bus was hide most of our money. Put the Q5 that we'd need to pay in our pockets and the rest...er...elsewhere...Then we put our little frijolitos (pay as you go phones) in our pockets with the money, and just hoped nobody would want those, if they were to happen to rob us.
We walked across town to the "bus lot" where about 50 buses are all lined up, and there are Guatemalan men screaming different locations and pointing at these brilliantly colored buses.
We boarded our bus (3 to a seat - much like an elementary school field trip..however I don't remember feeling quite so squished in 3rd grade) In the front of the bus there was a small TV screen, showing clips of all of the tricks that are done with whales and seals at Sea World. These were circa 2000, because they still had trainers in the water with the animals, and we all know that idea went down the drain when that trainer got eaten that one time. So, we're watching these tricks, (stopped at a bus stop) when about 6 different vendors hop on the bus and begin screaming "Agua! Coca! Manis! Tostadas! Galletas!" Many people bought things from them, but we, (not wanting to pull extra money out of "elsewhere") chose not to.
Then, the most precious, so in love with each other, very hands on, couldn't stop gazing into each others eyes, agressively kissing, holding hands couple, joined us right in the seat in front of us. I don't know if you remember how T I G H T the space is on a school bus, but we were right on in there with the action.
(If you know me well, you know that I don't like PDA one bit. And really, don't really even like "A" very much.) It was TMTH (Too Much To Handle) and so Tami and I found ourselves in fits of laughter, making the 85 degrees of the bus, every bit hotter.

After about 45 minutes of riding, we finally made it to our destination! I will say, I felt completely safe on that bus. I won't make it a habit of riding, but I won't hesitate to ride it again short distances if needed. (Mom, quit hyperventilating)

Gratitude

So, I've officially been in this country for a month now, and I haven't found many things that I don't like about it. I typically try to not find things I "don't like", and look for the ones that I do.

This week was a hard one! I found myself having my first little dose of homesickness. We put up the Christmas tree in my host family's house, and trimmed the tree all together, put together the nativity scene (which is ginormous and has flashing blue lights). My friends and I tried to be as "Christmasy" as possible by watching several Christmas movies in a row and cutting out paper snowflakes (which are called "copas de nieve", by the way..not that I'll ever have a use for that word here.)
I also have been sick a lot since I've been here. The lack of ability to just eat a piece of fruit without bleaching it, or even in my specific case the lack of ability to just down a load of bread to soothe all the mess in there is a huge bummer.
I've currently been seeking an apartment to live in for the next two years that I'm here. Obviously because I'm a pretty spoiled individual I've been pretty picky. I am instantly having to remind myself that I am not going to find a featherbed under a ceiling fan with soft carpet under my toes, because that's not how I live here. I must live sacrificially in this instance. So having to take myself down a notch each day basically stinks.

But the title of this blog, GRATITUDE, is not for any of those reasons. It's for the reasons I've been able to take a deep breath and start my mornings, close my eyes and sit in peace, and LOVE every inch of this place.

In my moments of frustration and selfishness, I must remember the people here. The fact that when I walk out my door in the morning with the sunshine beaming down on my cheeks each and every person I pass in my 10 minute walk to school will greet me cheerfully with "Buenas Dias!" or "Hola!". The genuine-ness of these Guatemalans is almost overwhelming. They way that they smile cheerfully with smears of dirt on their face, trying to sell bracelets, because although they are struggling to live, there is more to their world than the crinkled quetzales in their pockets. For this, I am grateful.

When I am sick, tired, worn out, my friends (the ones that have known me for 4 weeks) walk to the store, buy & wash apples, and bring them to me, while they sit and talk with me. We've all been in the same place, and it's easy to become self-centered, but none of them have. For this, I am grateful.

I found out while I was in Canada that I'm an "outdoor person"...I'm not sure I actually discovered that there, but we did some personality tests, and that was a result. I've always known that I can receive joy simply by looking at a sunrise or sunset, and here, those are plentiful. I get to spend most of my time outdoors here, all buildings are open aired and the fresh breeze comes flowing in all day and night. I haven't breathed a second of air conditioning in 4 weeks. For this, I am grateful.

Finally, most places here have internet. Many of you know about me, that I love written words. I love to receive mail. Each day I am BLESSED to be able to communicate with so many of you from the United States. I received several e-mails detailing the holidays of a few people last week. I've been able to Skype and see my niece at least once a week, see my friends' kids grow up and share joy with me. Just to feel so connected to everyone I love, is something, for which, I am grateful.

Take some time today, and pick out a few things that counteract the irritations of the day. Remind yourselves of the things that you are grateful for, and that take your 20% day, and boost it to a 80% day!

Take a minute and read Psalm 107. Here's a sneak peek:

Psalm 107:1
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
his love endures forever!"

We're a Buffet?!!

So, as most of you probably predicted, having blonde hair in this place is a bit...noticeable. I'm easily 1/0980953450983204598 people here with blonde hair. It also doesn't help that I'm tall. (Thanks Mom & Dad) I stick out like a soreeee thumb. Also, it is kind of a "draw" for Guatemalan men. So, the "fth fth" sounds, the "ayyy bebe", the "hey dere..quats yor name?" gets to be pretty common.

However, my three closest friends here are Americans, and all have blonde hair too. So, when the four of us walk around together we look outrageously touristy. Although, we all live here semi-permanately, and can get around the town without a map, and with our eyes closed. So, on Sunday, we planned an outing to find a pool in town that we can pay for to lay out and swim. In hopes that even though our hair will get lighter, our skin would get darker, and maybe that would help blend us in? On the way there on Sunday, as we walk in our shorts, tshirts, and backpacks, each of us got hollered at, grinned at, and offered several rides.
As we approached the hotel, there was a man in a little shop who decided to tell us exactly how he felt about the four of us. In English (surprisingly good for that part of town) he said,

"You know, you all are a buffet for a lot of men around here"

So, there ya have it. We're a buffet. I've decided that the next time I see a good looking group of guys, I'll refer to them as a buffet too. I'm assuming each of us have something to offer like a buffet...I'm trying to not take it quite as brazen as he probably meant it.

Quincenera!

Today I attended my very first Quincenera! This is a party that most Spanish cultures host for a girl's 15th birthday! The extravagance of it, kind of reminds me of that TV show on MTV, "My Super Sweet 16", but, I like that it's a custom for these people, rather than a demanded-snotty-if I don't get an elephant to ride on I'm going to scream-party..

Let me tell you just a little bit about this kind of party before you try to picture it in your mind.

Who: Girls who are turning 15. (Usually hosted on their birthday, but in our case (at the Oasis) it's for girls who will be 15 in the next calendar year)
*Each girl has 6 people who accompany her during this special day:
-Two "damas" - something like bridesmaids
-Her "padrinos" - parents, or someone who has stepped into that role.
-Her escort - the boy that will walk her into and out of the ceremony
-Her dancing partner - can be her escort, father, or another person of her choosing.

What: A ceremony that recognizes each girl, with a special message given by a pastor or other kind of speaker, along with a prayer, presentation of "quince rings", and a short dance. After, there is food, and CAKE!

In our case today, each girl was seated, and a pastor from a local church came in and gave a good sermon based on what a Biblical woman should look like. {see proverbs 31, and titus 2}. Then each of the pairs of Padrinos came forward and presented the girls with a quince ring, and prayed over them. Afterwards, the chosen "dancer" came forward and they danced about a minute long dance to a traditional Guatemalan song.
There is about a 30 minute visiting period, where the guests are able to greet each girl, and congratulate them, and perhaps present them with a gift. After this time, everyone is shuffled back inside for the meal. Today, we ate stuffed chicken, rice, and potato salad. Then, the cake is served. Each girl is given a cake about the size of a dinner plate, and it is up to them if they keep the whole thing for themselves, or if they share. {don't worry, the general guests got cake anyways}


Today's celebration is one that I'll keep in my head for a long time to come - it was so beautiful with tons of memories made for each girl! Here are some photos that I took of a couple things! Enjoy!

One week down...bunches of weeks to go!

Since I'm in language school, and learning continually, I thought that I'd teach you a few things that I've learned in my first week here!

1. When you are purchasing a cell phone, you must have a copy of your passport available. This is a new Guatemalan law that I'm not sure I 100% agree with, but it's supposed to cut down on the use of stolen phones.

2.The past tense of Spanish is without a doubt entirely too complicated for it's own good. There are several different ways to say many things, but heaven forbid you use the preterite when you're talking about an event that was merely interrupted, rather than completely over.

3. Guatemalan people are the most precious people in the world. Today I got a hairwrap from probably an 85 year old woman. She didn't have change for the bill I had, so she told me to just go get myself a treat to get change and come back. Absolutely trusting that I would come back to pay her, and being too kind to think otherwise. I then paid her Q5 more than I owed her, for her generosity.

4. When entering a room that someone else is already occupying, you must say "Pase" (Pah-say). If it is okay that you come in, they will respond with "Adelante" (Ah-del-ahn-tay). This only matters with rooms that have door frames.

5. Hot water is a life-long, hard-earned, skill. You must just turn the knob a tiny little baby smidge, let all the water run through the system for about 1 minute, then you need to make sure the switch for HOT on the shower head is on, and then you may turn the water up. Many a cold showers were taken before my host sister showed me these little tricks!

6. Guatemalan people are very affectionate. They all have the same love language of physical touch. This is where the Guatemalans and I don't agree. However, I do think it's a beautiful thing when a sweet old man greets you at church with "Bienvenidos, y Dios te bendiga" (Welcome, and God Bless You) and a tender kiss on the cheek.

7. It's OKAY if your kids don't get the XBox, Wii, iPhone, Rainbow Loom bracelet maker, pretty clothes, or even the bicycle that they wanted for Christmas this year. Because today I saw two children who made a small soccer game out of two sticks and a bottlecap. THAT'S what it's about people. Simplicity.

8. If you've never roasted potatoes in balsalmic vinagrette, salt, and pepper, do it RIGHT NOW!

6 days 'til I say "I do".....to Guatemala

I'm experiencing a little of what I think planning a wedding is like.

Here's why:
1. Everyday, I am trying to organize every person I know, and how I can see/make everyone I love feel important.
2. I'm trying to pack everything I own, to be in a very new place that I have never lived in with people I have never lived with.
3. I'm not sure what it's going to be like living with other people. What are their habits? What kinds of food do they like? Do they leave the toothpaste un-capped??? [ I really hope not, cause that's just gross ]
4. Because of the stress, my favorite part of the day is eating cupcakes/tasting the different flavors we've made this week.
5. I'm about to say "YES!" to the most wonderful thing in the world, and commit my life to loving, serving, and working unconditionally for it.

Ok, so OBVIOUSLY not planning a wedding over here, BUT, you can see the similarities.

This week, my precious friend Tori came over and helped me sort through all of the clothes I own, and make Yes, No, and Maybe-if-there's-extra-room piles. From there we re-folded everything, and put it in categorized stacks all over the bedroom. Step Two, DOWN. So thankful for her patience, because I wouldn't ever have actually done it quite so organized if she weren't there!
Here's an update of my to-do list:
*PACK
*Eat
*PACK
*Eat
*PACK
*Sit on Ziplock bags
*Sit on suitcases

thirteen.

Well, take-off is on the horizon. I can almost see it. I know exactly how many hours until I leave (310), and STILL my to-do list is longer than ever. I can't decide if that's me being lazy, or if subconsciously I'm afraid of packing. Here's what's on my agenda for the next two weeks:

1. Eat meals with people

2. Go Skating

3. Eat more with people.

4. Pack one or two things.

5. Eat.

6. Watch Revenge, Nashville, and Sons of Anarchy.

7. Pack a few more things.

8. Bake cookies.


Priorities people...

If at any time you're interested in being a part of any of those things, please just let me know! I am gladly welcoming company, and recruiting help from people who may be more expert at packing than I am.

Pray with me this week as I go on Tuesday to Columbia. I'm meeting a girl who worked with the Oasis for the last two years. I'm so stinkin' excited to not only meet someone who lived my future life, but to also pick her brain a little bit, to help me feed a TAD more organized! Also, if you'd like to ride with me to Columbia, I'm accepting applications for co-pilots. ((I HATE to drive alone)) Qualifications: You must be willing to drink soft drinks/sweet tea, listen to any given genre of music (from Drake to Pocahontas soundtrack), and you can't fall asleep.

Happy Monday, people!

20 Days til Take-Off!

I've decided to start back up this blog, so that I can give you an insight to what my life looks like currently. I'm leaving to live in a foreign country in 20 days. This dream, passion, and mission is FINALLY becoming a reality! I couldn't be more stoked to hop on that plane at 7:30 a.m. and GET.GOING. In the meantime... I'm using my last few weeks in the U.S. to do visiting hours. I've been up, down, all around in the last week to see everyone that I want to see before I leave. I'm preparing myself for some pretty heavy, basket-case, teary-eyed goodbyes, but so far, it's been a lot of joy. Mostly joy to intentionally see friends and family that I love so much, and joy because I KNOW, that, in the word's of Carrie Underwood, "I will see you again, ooh ooh ooh!" This week, I'm substitute teaching for our Spanish teacher at Christian Academy. Reminding myself of high school spanish classes makes me want to light a fire for this language under these kids' feet! I SO WISH that I had used those classes more to my advantage. For example, three words that I'd forgotten since high school spanish: *cave = cueva *text message = mensaje de texto *bathroom (PLEASE ITS AN EMERGENCY) = bano? (POR FAVOR ES UN EMERGENCIA!) I'm hopeful that as they days get closer and closer, my to-do list will get smaller and smaller. That's the positive outlook right?! Here's to 20 days!