Barefoot Children in the Rain

And the Buffet references just keep coming.  When I first arrived in Guatemala, I was worried about the weekends.  I thought I'd have too much free time and be lonely.  Well the first weekend passed filled with chores and soccer games.  It was a pleasant surprise. As this weekend approached I was hopeful for another relaxing, fun couple of days with out teaching.  I know it's still too early to call, but I think I may have counted my chickens before they hacked (and definitely before they could begin crowing outside my window at all hours of the night.)  Friday came with the onset of what I think they call Mantazoma's revenge here.  My stomach was a wreck, and I slept most of the day.  Today was better. I tried to play some soccer with a little kid, but didn't really have the energy.  At the very least every hour seems to be getting better.  Just an unpleasant side affect of traveling abroad I suppose.

In other news I have continued to catch glimpses of a lizard which lives outside my room.  I always notice him as he runs off on his two hind legs.  Also the sisters said that something has been killing the chickens.  They also said it doesn't translate into and English animal name.  I suspect the dreaded, mythical Chupecabra.  I've begun to take dropping samples.  Monsterquest has agreed to come down for a week to investigate.

 I am coming to grips with the length of my travel.  Over the past two weeks I've found myself obsessed with time.  As if counting down the minutes would make them go by faster.  I'm slowly learning not to think about the future and enjoy the present.  It's harder than it seems, but I'm glad for the challenge.  I think it's part of the reason I signed up for this shindig. The change in thought was spurred by a visit to the local day care.  At first all the kids just starred at me.  Then one kid warmed up to me; we started playing catch.  Before I knew it I was playing catch with 5 kids and 3 balls.  After that got old, they took turns climbing up my legs and flipping over.  It was a blast.  On the next visit I had to lift my hands above my head so they would stop grabbing them and circle up for music.  When Hermana Herlinda ( a small quiet sister) entered, the place erupted with cheers and then a chants "Hermana Herlinda! Hermana Herlinda!" Kids were banging on tables. It was great. They were so happy just to see her. The reading for that day was about how we should be children at heart. I decided to just enjoy my time here for what it is.  To cheer for the entrance of new friends, and dive in the mud when playing soccer.  My mom never has to see the stains, why am I worried?  And so I think I'll vistit the day care on a regular basis.  I'll laugh at the fun of mud soccer.  I'll let myself get caught up in the wonder of the mountains.  And I wont stop any of it because of the daily douse of rain.  

Besides barefoot children in the rain, got no need to complain.