I love the now

This one may be a bit of a stretch, but I think it fits.  Another group arrived from Wisconsin last night.  They're a group of 4.  A guy Sister Jo had in seventh grade in Milwaukee and his daughter, and then a guy and a girl who worked down here on a mission trip last summer.  Its great to have their company.  They're filled with the excitement and joy that accompanies a mission trip.  The two guys are in my room.  We're a little cramped with three beds occupying a room that usually only has one, but I'm more than happy for the company.  As hard as my first weeks were here, I am grateful for the experience.  It seems like the group arrived right as I was settled in.  Right when I was capable of helping them and showing them the ropes of how to flush the toilet, kill scorpions, fish with nothing more than an knife in your teeth, hunt mosquitos with dart guns, and pull of flawless bicycle kicks on the pitch.  I am grateful for their company and the assistance I can lend them in their trip down here in the Big G.
My students took their first test Friday.  Needless to say the scores were disheartening.  There were a few who dominated it. (The 1/8 of the class that participates and plays the games in class) Unfortunately, it seems like I'll have to do a little more work in involving these shy fourth grade students.  I think we'll have to take the test again in a week.  I need to look up some "tough love" words in spanish.  Time to bring the hammer down.
Also this week I finally took an objective look at my surroundings.  To this point I had been describing everything as "different" (which it is), but I wasn't allowing myself to call the village poor.  I think I was afraid that if I realized how poverty stricken the area was, I would think poorly of the people.  Not so.  If any thing it has allowed me to see just how great, and strong the people here are.  I continue to play soccer a few times a week with some young sisters behind there small 2 room house.  They laugh and giggle the whole time, and their parents usually stick there heads out a few times and smile.  I don't have much to give here, but a smile and a hand shake (yeah Mom I'm shaking hands) seem to go a long way.  The other day we were playing perro, perro, gato (dog, dog, cat but we say duck, duck, goose).  I forgot how fun the game was (not really I knew it was a blast, but there just aren't any intramural leagues in Madison).  Afterwards, I picked up the two year old above my head.  Then I had to pick up everyone.  The 4 year-old, the 8 year-old, even the 11 year-old.  Needless to say my chest is pretty chiseled after the workout.    It has been a blessing to slowly acclimate to life here and and slowly work my way into the lives of those in the village.  Overall at the present time in Guatemala, I like Jimmy Buffet and the corral reefer Love the now.  Life is good and I can't wait to see what the next 4 weeks will bring.

As a side note I've gotten to watch 2 Cardinals games here.  Who would've thought I'd see more Cardinal games in Guatemala than Wisconsin.  Sister Jo is a Brewers fan, we all have our vices, don't judge her, I have to bite my tongue a few times in a game.  She's jealous the Brewers aren't on. Also I may have to extend my trip a few more weeks.  By Brians suggestion Ellie sent me the Count of Monte Cristo. Is there a better story of Manliness and all things good?  What a guy, what a gal.  I also shouldn't neglect my family.  They sent my retainer.  Very thoughtful, my teeth and their new hat (this mustache) are very appreciative. Can't wait to see them less than a month.