The countdown!

There is soooo much to do before I leave....aauughhh.

I am feeling really, really stressed out right now. I leave in 6 days to Guatemala to find a job and a place to live. aughhhhh.....

Right now I am focused on my best friend getting married! I am so excited for both of them, and I can't wait for the ceremony! :)

I leave the next morning after the wedding at four in the morning! yikes...that is going to hurt.
Things to do:
1) Fly there
2) Find a job
3) Find a place to live........

I am not sure what is going to happen, but I am ready. I have three job interviews...hopefully something will work out!

I will let you know and post some pictures when I return!

A Look into my Past

I distinctly remember my first trip to Guatemala (not so much the plane ride though). Me and another friend/co-worker flew there during the summer of 06. It was a graduation present to myself (because, well - why not?). I wanted to travel before I began my job in Maryland (my first real job!). Our University (SFA) was taking an outdoor adventure tip in May with students, and I thought that it would be the perfect trip before I moved. I love Central America, and I have never been to Guatemala before - so why not?

I vaguely remember being on the plane flying to Guatemala from Mexico City...however, I do remember sitting between two people as we made our way. I was extremely exhausted and only wanted to sleep - not hungover. The other two (who were on both sides of me) didn't want me to sleep, they were wide awake and wanted to talk (lucky me in the middle) - they won!! I don't remember much of what we spoke about (partly because I only slept about 3 hours the night before, and partly because they spoke in Spanish) during that flight - except for one comment.... The gentlemen asked me my reason for traveling to Guatemala - I answered, then he proceeded to tell me why I was going to love it and tell me the reasons why I would want to come back. He also told me that I was going to meet my Guatemalan man. I am pretty sure I laughed out loud in his face. I was about to move to MD, about to start a new job - and this guy is telling me I am going to meet someone and want to start a relationship with them in another country! Ha. I couldn't keep a relationship alive when we were only four hours away. hmmmm....
I knew I was going to love the country...but that comment through me way off guard!

He was right though (not about the guy part!) - Guatemala was amazing and more than I ever expected. I had the best nine days there and never wanted to leave. I was really excited to start my new job...but wanted to bring a little bit of Guatemala back with me!

Two years later, I am find myself emailing that same man and women I so hesitantly wanted to talk with, letting them know about my plans....I am moving to Guatemala!!
It is funny how things work out!
I did fall in love...with this amazing, gorgeous country and I want to spend the next couple of years exploring. Maybe after that I will think about dating! :)

Where My Heart Belongs

Many people have been asking where am I going and why? So I thought I would address those questions here.

While in high school, I traveled several times to Mexico which confirmed my love and passion for Spanish and that particular type of culture. I decided sometime in college that I wanted to become fluent in Spanish and live in Central America - at this point I didn't have a set location. Post graduate school I traveled to Guatemala on an adventure trip, and instantly fell in love. I remember arriving and loving everything in sight, from the scenery, to the people, to the community, and the language. I never expected to feel the way I did (and do) about one particular place. I have been reading this book and the author put it perfect. And I quote, "Some would-be expats are tired of living in a society where they seem to live only to work, rather than work as a part of daily living." and "About the Guatemala that I love, for there is also this lovely country that is woven into the tapestry of my soul." Al Argueta....amazing!!

While deciding where I was going to live, I searched many countries in Central America - but there comes a point where you have to concentrate on one location. Trust me, it is so time consuming and stressful. I chose Guatemala because I love the location, I have been there (so I feel a little more safe), and my mentor used to live there - so he has a good perspective on this sort of life I am setting myself up for.

So, the country as been chosen. One thing down....407 more to go. I again, have NO job, NO friends, NO place to live, and NO idea what I am doing. All I know is I am leaving with all of my stuff in a day pack and carrying that into the country!

Time is Tickin'

One of my goals for 2010 was to blog more often. Yeah, not going as well as I hoped since this is my second blog. oops!!
So I decided I would start blogging about my life in Maryland as I transition into my life in Guatemala. I figured I would really enjoying blogging about my move and my thoughts, not that I think others will really find this that interesting.......

So I sit here at home, watching crap tv as more and more time passes. I have 10 weeks left at my current employment before I move out of my house in Maryland and move back home with my parents. I am freaking out a little bit because 10 weeks is not that long to figure my life out. I have no job, no place to live, no friends...and no idea what I am getting myself into! :) I have searched for jobs over there, but haven't had much luck. I know I have to prepare myself in the idea that I probably won't have a job when I arrive, or even for a couple of weeks after. I thought I really accepted that notion awhile ago, but I am still freaking out about it today.

Don't get me wrong, I am really excited about moving, just nervous about what I am going to do. I bought a book about living/moving in Guatemala and it has been really helpful thus far...but at the same time, stressing me out. ha
I just wish something was set in stone!

I guess I will find out more detail when I visit in April!