Hola, from the wonderful land of Guatemala! I'm excited to start writing about my adventures here in the beautiful city of Panachachel and keep you up to date on what is going on with us. :)
One thing I have already learned in the week and a half that I have been here, is that the culture here is polar opposite from the culture of the United States. Do you remember the phrase from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf that says "it would do us well to take time to slow down a little?" Well, the people of Guatemala certainly have gotten that down...maybe even too well. It is a very slow culture where the major plans of the day are to do laundry or make dinner. When walking down the street I am probably the only one rushing to my destination just like us good ol' Americans. Maybe I should learn a few lessons from these people. :)
Anyway, it's a very beautiful place and we have been engulfed in the beautiful language as well. There is no room for not trying to learn the language. Even blogger decided to make it impossible for me to switch back to English. It is a lifestyle that will take a little getting use to, but I'm sure I will come to love.
We have met a lot of great people already. Some understand what we are saying others just nod their heads, smile and laugh and move on their way, but they are sweet people overall. When walking down the street there isn't a person who won't say hola to you. Sometimes they are saying hello just to be friendly other times they say hello and then try to sell you something. It helps that we don't speak the language quite yet. ;)
Emree is having a blast playing with Bailey (JC and Allie's dog). Bailey loves Emree as well so they make a pretty cute pair. We live a one room apartment called a bungalo. Picture a master bedroom with a kitchen, two queen sized beds and a bathroom. That is our home for right now. Emree had a hard time sleeping for a while there. She doesn't have a crib or her own room for the first time in her life so she has struggled, but JC (my brother-in-law) and Travis, being the creative men that they are built Emree her own queen sized crib. It was definitely a blessing!
Overall, this place has a welcoming feel to it. I feel a little out of place being so far away from the life I am use to, but I have seen so many great blessings that have come from working so hard to get here. I don't know what the lord has in store for us, but I am truly grateful for the blessing it is to have this opportunity to be here.
Adios!
Jessica
P.S. Pictures to come. (Probably on Facebook)
Oh because you are using internet in Guatemala, we get spanish Blogger, how funny! I hope I can figure that out or it may really mess up my social media efforts lol.
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