Today.

I think the scariest thing is that the excitement might wear off. It hasn't yet, and I pray it never does, but even so, the things I used to be so fascinated by are now so close to normal.

But I still can't believe I am here. I still can't believe I get to call Antigua home. I still feel overwhelming joy and love for this place when I look at the volcanoes surrounded by wisps of clouds and the colorful architecture and every time I trip on a cobblestone in the bumpy streets.

I'm on a rickety chicken bus that is playing bachata quietly in the front. I'm sitting besides a well dressed man with a young boy on his lap. A flew minutes into our journey, his sweet wife in front of us handed back a baby. The baby looks at me with huge, dark eyes and smiles, revealing his two tiny teeth on the bottom.

I engage in conversation, the babe is right months old and named Armadeo. He grabs my finger and his mama looks back at me and smiles. My heart melts. And this is a normal bus ride. Always sitting besides sweet people. Always engaging in conversation. Always melting.

Two gringas are sitting nearby and they take countless selfies. The way they take pictures and talk and stare out the window I can tell this is still new to them. Part of me misses when it was new. Part of me loves that even though it's not new, it's still just as wonderful.

Today is my day off, and thanks be to God I got a good 12 hours of sleep last night, in my new house that feels like home and makes me so happy. I have two awesome roomies, an open garden, and volcanoes painted on my walls. And the landlord, who also lives in the house, just finished building a rock climbing wall. I have a rock climbing wall in my house. If anyone is wondering, rent is 1,300Q a month - roughly $125. Everything included. Wifi, laundry, cable, water. Everything. And it's pretty much central Antigua.

As of yesterday, I am working two jobs. I started in a hostel, working reception at the Doozy Koala, owned by the coolest Australians I have ever met, being trained by a sweet Tico that never stops saying Pura Vida. 😁🤗 So many times he said he was so happy I was there because the day was so crazy, and he hopes I stay awhile.

Earlier this week one of my best friends here said his manager needed maseros (Waiters) at the Irish bar and grill, and I should talk to him. I figured why not, walked in, the manager filled me in and said I start Monday. Alrighty then.

Best. Job. Ever. It's a more classy place, specializing in fancy cocktails and delicious nachos and fajitas. After the second day, my manager said he was impressed I remembered the cocktails and loves how I engage with customers. He said I don't seem like I'm still in training and to keep it up. Thank you daddy and farm life for teaching me how to work, and mama for teaching me how to communicate and love people. ❤

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I was sad, missing home, feeling lonely. As I was getting ready to go to the gym, I felt the Lord whisper, "Go run to the cross". I used to run to the cross, but since I moved into my apartment, its pretty far and I opt for the gym. But I went. I ran up, passed two sweet ladies who commented on my stamina running up the hill. I laughed, reached the top, ran back down...and felt the need to run it again. I never, ever run the hill twice. But I did. and about the time I reached those two ladies, I was dying, so after they said, " Oh goodness, God bless you lady." I stopped and started to talk.

And after a good half hour of blessed conversation, they invited me to their thanksgiving dinner with their mission group at a church that is a block from my house. A block. I went to dinner, met the coolest people, and felt blessed. Blessings follow obedience. Always.

A few days ago, I was walking home from salsa class and a young man approached me with a rose. He said, "Hey, you're really beautiful so I got you a rose." Take note, men. :)

Besides the work life and random happenings, my friends here fill my life with so much joy. There is no end to the love and adventures that we have, and I am so thankful for them all. But, I can't believe how much I miss home. The busy life keeps me from talking too much with friends and family at home, but I am learning how to balance. My heart hurts for Wisconsin the way it hurts for Guatemala when I am not here. It's so true once you've traveled, your heart will never be completely content again, because you're always missing people and places. But at the thought of moving back, my whole being balks.

So here I am to stay for awhile. And it's the absolute best.

The Beginning of Life

Isn't it funny how plans can change so quickly?

Exactly five years ago, I left the USA for my second backpacking trip. I arrived in Guatemala, fell in love, an swore someday I would live in Central America.

But how the heck do you do that?

Answer: You book a flight, pack a few belongings, and leave.

Five years and 30 countries later, I have arrived in my new home. I did not realize how hard leaving would be. Yeah, I'm a seasoned traveler. But I didn't realize how different it is to "travel" and "move" abroad. The last two weeks before I left were heart wrenching.

I cried more than I have since I broke up with my first boyfriend. I clung to my family and friends and valued every last second, while at the same time just wishing the transition was over.

Well, the transition is over, and 15 days later, Antigua feels like home.

Fifteen days!? How on earth have 15 days passed already since I left the USA?

I gave myself ten days. Ten days to relax, visit friends, enjoy my vacation, and get used to Guatemala again. (Things like not flushing toilet paper, holding the handle down for 10 seconds to ensure whatever is in there goes down, no traffic rules, $3 meals, speaking Spanish and learning palabras chapines (Guatemalan words), connecting with old friends...) 

Okay, in all reality, it took me a whopping five days to feel completely at home again.

But then, after the ten days I gave myself to just enjoy and relax, I began hardcore house and job searching. Five apartment viewings and three interviews later, I have a job, I have an apartment (the first I viewed, with awesome roomies!!) and have a second interview on Tuesday for MY DREAM JOB. A job I was never expecting to be considered for. A job I did not apply for. But sometimes God just does super cool things, and well...stay posted. I first have to ace this interview...in Spanish. :)