Now that we’ve passed the 1-month mark, settled into host families and Spanish classes, figured out the public transport system, gotten comfortable with our surroundings, etc., we’ve realized that we’re here to stay for a little while. The honeymoon phase is a thing of the past and some days feel harder than others. Some days....
One Month in Chiang Mai
In Journal Snippets -Kate Szambecki September 18, 2021 I am currently sitting at the laundromat. It’s outside (covered) and you must take your shoes off. It’s very nice. We flew to Bangkok, then Chiang Mai, and were greeted by YMCA staff and university interns, and drove to the YMCA. I napped, we ate, then went....
Quarantine on Phuket
Posted 14 September 2021 Today, we arrived in Phuket, and I write this as I hungrily wait for dinner. I am looking forward to sleeping in a bed because we had about 38 hours of travel. Driving through Phuket felt surreal. There were pineapple stands and little shops and so many people on motorcycles. I....
On Leaving Guatemala
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....
Guatemala: Joy in the Highlands
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....
Guatemala: Faith Expressions
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.....
Guatemala: Expectations
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....
Guatemala: Observations on a Roof in Zona 7 de Mixco
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....
Guatemala: An introduction
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....
Europe: A final thought
I haven’t really been able to process everything I’ve just seen and experienced and done over the past three and a half months, and I think it is going to take me some time to do so. I’ve learned so many things. But one thing that sticks out to me as of this moment that....