Es la vida

Looking back on my first week in Guatemala, I can't believe it went by as fast as it did.  And yet, I remember almost everyday seemed to drag on.  Never in my life have I had this much time free.   There are no neighborhood games, TV shows, or internet to occupy my mind.  I do have access to the internet, and TV, but somehow wasting an hour sitting in a wooden chair doesn't seem as important in Guatemala or as apealling.  I've found that this time, between preparing for classes and talking with locals, has given me an opportunity to really read, study, and think.  Sometimes my thoughts are in a spanish English mix, which only gives me a headache because I'm just repeating spanish words I've heard. Half the time I have to laugh because I don't even understand my own thoughts.  That's when I have to reach for a book and get some good old English back in my system.  I try to work in a little spanish work out my old text book into the afternoons, but really any structure my day has, it has because I put it there.  I don't know, maybe you're jealous, and maybe its one of those things I'll appreciate more in retrospect, but at times it add makes for a long day.
I really am starting to enjoy the village.  I've been on two runs through the area.  They are the hottest, hilliest, and probably some of the prettiest runs I've been on.  It helps to get to know the area, and I think the newness of my visit is wearing off both for me and the locals.  Overall that helps me be more comfortable. I also played soccer with some 14 and 15 year olds the other night.  It started as an older guy (who acted as the coach) working with them on set plays.  I got to help and send a couple crosses into the box. It was reassuring to see someone teaching sports down here.  Anyway, after about a half hour of playing, people began to come out of the woodwork.  I had no idea this many people lived here. We had enough for four or five full teams, and switched after 15 minutes, or the first goal.  I was scrambling  to keep up.  Some how my soccer skills just aren't what they used to be, but it was great to get some good competition in.  Was it a coincidence that I did laundry earlier and so just happened to be wearing my Landon Donivan shirt.  Maybe, but if you had seen the the strike I sent in the upper 90 in warm ups you would have questioned who I actually was.
My spanish is coming a long poco a poco.  I've made a few friends who stop by and chat everyday which helps (both with spanish and homesickness).  I also figured out what the kids in my class have been calling me, since JT apparently is too hard to say for spanish speakers. Rafa, which is short for giraffe in spanish.  Kinda sweet intimidating nickname if you ask me.  It'll go great with this sweet mustache that has begun to creep its way onto my upper lip.  I'll keep ya posted on the progress.