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. :)
I love you Ms Jenna Menn! You are touching so many lives EVERYWHERE you go!
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