Calle como un rio

9/1/08

I have arrived safe and soundly in Guatemala! Juan picked me up at the airport. The taxi was not there but Juan quickly found us another. We both were so excited to see each other. The taxi ride was surreal. I could not believe that I am actually here!! It was raining and some streets in San Felipe (the town next to Antigua) were flooded. It looked like we were driving through a river. The taxi dropped us off on the corner of a street because the street to casa de Anbial was flooded as well. So Juan and I stood on the corner, in the rain, with three suitcases looking around to think about our next move. I am thankful to God for Juan. I would have been lost without him. Juan called Anibal and he came to get us with his sister Dinora.

From the moment I saw Dinora I knew that I liked her. She did not mind smushing in the back seat of Anibal’s car because my suitcases were too big for all of them to fit in the car. She is so friendly and we get along very well- bonding through jokes- it did not take us long to become friends. When I walked into the house Nora, Anibal’s mom said to me welcome to the family. The house is beautiful. High ceilings, pretty paintings, and a quaint small courtyard in the middle. My room is larger than I imaged. The size of my bed is similar to my own and my pillow is muy suave! The first few hours in the house were spending chatting and laughing a lot. Anibal has a younger brother- Rafael, but his nickname is Lalo. He’s shy but already starting to talk more.

In the evening Juan, Anibal, and I went into Antigua. We had a drink in Mono Loco and then walked around the city. It was nice to reminisce. It began to rain again and I was tired so we went back to Jocotenango. Nora, Dinora, and I talked for a while at the dining room table. I feel comfortable here. I am not embarrassed to speak Spanish and I actually surprised myself with how well I am doing with it. Nora is great to talk to because she is very understanding and open.

Today after breakfast Juan and I went into Antigua to buy some things I needed. He showed me the streets I should take and the location of the bus stop. Afterwards we sat in central park and then ate lunch at Fridas. We walked around more and visited places like churches, La Union (the school I will be going to) and the CMP. Again it started to rain so Juan took me back to Jocotenango. Dinora, Lalo, and I watched TV and relaxed. I did a lot of walking. We had black beans, cheese, plantains, and bread. The plantains were soooo good. I am nervous about starting school- I have to wake up at 6AM!! As I’m writing this I’m still thinking in Spanish- already my brain is in Spanish mode.

Well I’m looking forward to going to the Dreamer center tomorrow to see the rest of my friends and to meet new people!! I have been telling everyone here about all of you and the great stories we have. The family loves my pictures!