Finding the little things
On Tuesday it will have been a month since I arrived here in Guatemala. Time feels like an anomaly right now. One one hand it feels like I’ve been here for months and on the other it feels like it was yesterday when we were exploring the Peace Corps campus for the first time.
I’m learning to be patient. Patient with myself, others, and the process. The days are long and often leave me feeling exhausted mentally and emotionally. Training is packed with literally every single piece of information we could need for the next 2 years. Learning how to compartmentalize has been my newest challenge. I’m trying to learn how to manage different emotions, feel them, and let them pass. Something I have been doing is pouring into the little things that make me happy. Whether that’s going for a walk with friends after training, getting frappes at the local cafe, having a long conversation at the dinner table (in Spanish), or seeing an amazing sunset. These are things remind me why I’m here and embarking on this journey.
Today I had one of those moments. After a challenging day, I was feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and insecure about my Spanish. But on my walk home I noticed a rainbow, the first one I’ve seen here despite the fact that it rains everyday. Once I got home I went to the roof and called my mom while watching the sunrise. It grounded me and reminded me it’s all going to work out.
Adjustments
Adjusting to a new environment and community doesn’t come without its challenges. It’s officially been one week living with our host families. It has been a great week. The adjustment was a little hard at first given the overwhelming amount of information I took in and the lack of sleep I had gotten in the days leading up to our move in. It has been so special being welcomed with such kindness. My host family encourages me to continue practicing Spanish through constant conversation, despite my nervousness. The adjustment has been a bit easier because they remind me of home in some ways. My family here is so close (in distance and relationship) to their cousins, grandparents, siblings, etc. It reminds me of home, having constant family events or just popping by each other’s houses and saying hi. Many people I know the United States do not live very close to grandparents or cousins, and only see them during holidays or vacations. It has been a gift to understand what it is like to live close to family, both at home in NC and here. The sense of community and loyalty that comes from being close to family is an amazing thing to experience.
Over the past week I have participated in various local events. On Sunday, my host family took me to the terrano (land) up the mountain a little where the Grandpa in my family had built a soccer field overlooking the town and the mountains in the distance. Community members came up to play the weekly pick up soccer game. I was encouraged by my family to play, and although I did not do very well, the wind in my face and the laughter of the community members made the experience worth the slight embarrassment. It reminded me of my dad’s weekly Sunday league, a consistent third space to exercise and build community. I find myself looking for pieces of home in my experiences here. On Monday, I had my first 6 hour Spanish class where I learned a plethora of new words to figure out how to work into my Spanish vocabulary. In the evening, my family and I drove down the mountain just before the entrance to Antigua. Here is where the antorcha began. The antorcha (torch run) happens before the Independence Day to symbolize liberty and freedom. The run in total was about 8 miles and the majority was up the mountain. It was incredibly steep but many children and adults ran despite the challenging route. After reaching the top of the mountain, the rest of the run was throughout the town (where community members threw water on those running) and finished at the park and municipality building where bands were playing and people were cheering. The energy was electric. Although I was exhausted from the run in an altitude I was not used to, I was so happy I said yes to doing it.
On Tuesday, it was Independence Day and there were various activities and traditions happening throughout the day. I started the morning by watching the different school bands perform at the stadium near my house. The entire town filled the stadium to watch and support the kids. Later in the day there were more traditions, including an activity where people chase a greased pig. I found this tradition a little difficult to watch, I found myself feeling sad for the pigs, but nevertheless understood it meant a lot to the community as it happens every year. The end of the night consisted of watching community members climb a greased pole — their strategy and teamwork was fascinating to watch. And finally a concert where other Peace Corps Trainees danced and enjoyed our time with the community.
I’m learning many things despite the fact that I’ve been here for less than two weeks. There is no telling how much you’ll learn when you integrate yourself into a community. I am very thankful for the ability to learn about a new culture and their traditions and understand the differences and similarities between mine and theirs. This is just the beginning and I look forward to learning much more.
New Beginnings
When I first moved to Washington, D.C. for school I was shocked at how little people acknowledged those around them. Coming from the South, I was used to smiling, waving and the occasional “Good Morning”. After spending 4 years in D.C. I became more accustomed to minding my business and rarely saying hi to those around me, since I rarely was met with the same energy.
One of the biggest changes I have noticed since moving to Guatemala, is the frequency of which people acknowledged those around them. In fact, it is seen as very disrespectful to not say “Buenas (Dias/Tardes/Noches)” when passing people in the street. The towns I have been in so far are relatively small yet filled with people in the streets — walking, driving, motorcycling, etc. It almost feels like I don’t stop saying “Buenas Dias” the second I exit my house. It’s different yet it’s wonderful. It is a sign of respect and community to acknowledge those around you.
We are in Magdalena for our community based training. Spending time this weekend with our host families and adjusting to our new normal for the next 10 weeks. It is a challenge to learn a new language and adjust to a new environment but as Peace Corps says…”it’s the magic zone.” The magic happens when you step outside your comfort zone and allow for growth. Having to remind myself this when things feel hard. Nevertheless…poco a poco.
Yesterday morning, Mom hosted a brunch of her RPCV friends to give me advice as I prepare to leave for my service. It was a lovely morning sitting around the table telling stories and laughing. The toughest job you’ll ever love. Soon we will do this again and I’ll contribute stories and lessons from my time.
