Holy smokes it’s been awhile since I last wrote. Sometimes I like to write these posts with a theme or about some revelation I’ve had. Sometimes it’s a reflection. Sometimes it turns into me playing catch-up because I haven’t been very consistent with writing…you can guess what this post is going to be. |
First thing’s first, the house project is DONE! Yes, you read that correctly, and yes, this is potentially the coolest thing I’ve ever gotten to help with. 3 months of constant laughter and countless scrapes and bruises. From tearing it down to building it up -- the house I have grown to love is finally finished! There are a few finishing touches to put on it and I hope to help with these within the next couple days but the construction part is done, and they can soon move into their beautiful, safe, clean home. I could not be prouder. (I also have mixed emotions about this being done…what the heck am I going to work on now??)
More exciting news – I climbed a volcano! It kicked my butt and was as difficult as you can imagine but I survived! I have no idea how far it was but it took us about 5.5 hours to summit and 10 hours in total. All the long-term volunteers did it so there were 7 of us including out guide. We left at 4:30am, flashlights in hand, groggily trudging up the first part of the hike. As if hiking a volcano weren't enough, we actually were able to see Volcán Fuego erupt from where we were hiking (don't worry we weren't that close and it was only an eruption of smoke). Overall, the hike was hard and we were exhausted by the time we got to the top but boy oh boy was it worth it. The view was incredible, and although I’ll for sure never do it again, I’m really happy we did it.
The picture on the left is a fortune I received a year ago. Apparently it still applies because I got into grad school! I’m not sure where I’m going yet because I’m waiting to hear back from UMKC and Portland State University. I’ve been accepted to University of New England (in Maine), University of Denver, and University of North Carolina in Charlotte. A lot of it will depend on financial aid packages and scholarships and what not, but I tried to pick places I want to explore and live in for the next couple years. So although I don’t know the exact location I’ll be at, I’ll be working toward my Master’s in Social Work. I'm really excited to be able to pursue this passion and for the adventures ahead!
Last of my updates but certainly not least, Claire came to visit me! She spent her spring break shoveling cement, stuccoing walls and a stove, and experiencing Guatemalan culture. It was so fun to have her here and to be able to share with her my love of San Lucas. When we weren't working, we visited natural pools, ate sweets to our hearts' content (choco bananas, coconut bars, sno cones, ice cream, etc), and hung out with all the people that have helped make this place my home. Claire - here's your shoutout. Thanks for coming & I miss ya already!