Guatemala Departure: Safe in the U.S.

Riding in the back of a pickup... with the faster runners holding tightly to the pickup gate. This picture was taken on my last day in Pinalito. Although the kids are curious about where I am going, they do not seem sad to lose their English teacher. Everyone visit to Pinalito is a short-term visit-- Why would I be any different?

Now I'm home. My three-month Guatemalan stint is over, but my mind is fixed on the village of Pinalito, and I'm determined to go back. I've returned home 8 pounds lighter-- thanks to a friend amoeba that found its way to my stomach-- so I'm off to the doctor to regroup. It's so nice to return to the U.S... I love 24-hour Walgreens, paved roads, cold water out of the refrigerator door, and libraries. Such luxuries. I realize that my education is a luxury--even a 5th grade education is a luxury in the U.S.! I have already ordered three books from the Louisville Free Public Library; I cannot wait to dive into someone else's experience with bee keeping, teaching English, Guatemala history... This is what I'll be reading throughout the summer, and this knowledge is what I hope to take back to Guatemala with me.