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