3.31.20 “What does it mean to pack up your bags and go somewhere new? To leave family, friends, school, your way of living… and just restart in a new place, a new country perhaps? Well, these were my thoughts when we first left the United States in January, and I had similar feelings as we left … Continue Reading ››

Feb. 24, 2020 We are told there is bad in the world. We are told of war, malnutrition, poverty, starvation. But to what extent do we truly understand how these bad things look in the everyday lives of people who are no different from ourselves? This weekend we got the amazing opportunity to live in the … Continue Reading ››

Feb. 17, 2020

Thirty days here Lots of new experiences So many questions... Crowded buses but The sweetest people you’ll meet. Greeted with hugs and kisses Yet divided through language. Hot weather makes a beautiful day long walks to and from school. New people in your life means long lasting friendships. Volcán de Pacaya. Antigua. Cerró de la Cruz. Markets. Just a few places that encompass the vast beauty of … Continue Reading ››

1/30/20 I like to know what's going on. Unfortunately, I don't always in my host family. I have a couple of instances of this that come to mind. The first is with my host brother Jacob. He is in the army but comes home for weekends. Two weekends ago, I went along to take him back … Continue Reading ››

The sun makes a halo in the air pollution as it falls behind the mountains. A slight breeze plays with the leaves, my hair, and the laundry line. My brother’s Honda jacket still hangs there. How many days has it been now? Several dogs engage in territory disputes, paws and head visible over brightly-painted roof-edge walls. Barking. Grackles soar … Continue Reading ››

La Primera Semana (The First Week) We arrived on Jan. 9, and now it's Jan. 19.  10 days feel more like 30 days.  Highlights and low-lights have included me coming down with tonsillitis for the 3rd time in 2 months, quickly getting antibiotics thanks to Peyton's "host" cousin who is a doctor, hiking Pacaya Volcano (about … Continue Reading ››