Post Written December 13, 2013 (due to holiday festivities
it never got posted)
Here I am…sitting at the same gate in the Houston airport
writing a blog entry. But this time, my heart is full of certainty: certainty
that seeing my best friend get married to the most fun loving, committed man on
Sunday will be a joy-filled day, certainty that home will feel better than ever
after months of so much growth and challenge, and attempts to generate the
holiday season, but also certainty that Panajachel and my life in Guatemala is
truly feeling like home.
The bride to be: couldn't me more proud and excited!
Last night, as a celebratory “Send Off,”Alejandro, the
guardian/custodian/ father figure of AMA prepared dinner with his family to
feed me and a couple of friends. The youngest amongst us was his 12 year old nephew,
and the ages ranged then from 12 – 60 ish. But, we all sat around the table
right outside my classroom and giggled like middle schoolers over translation
errors yet persistent attempts to understand eachothers jokes, and the teeeeny tiny plastic spoons we
resorted to using because we were not about to let our ice cream go to waste.
The Alejandro Crew
Alejandro is one of the most selfless, inspiring, strong
people I’ve met. He lost his sister a while back and his wife just a few years
ago. He is the father of 3 and proud grandfather of 1. He is the backbone of
this school, the behind the scenes “go-to” man that makes everything happen,
the heart and soul of the community. I arrive to school 30 minutes before most
teachers every morning, and he, without a doubt, is waiting outside the gate to
greet me with his wrinkled grin, and fervent wave! “Buenas Dias Allison!!”
–Everyday it’s the same, and seeing his little face peer around the gate is
what I look forward to every morning on the way to school. A few mornings ago,
he got a late start and was not outside when I arrived. When he did eventually
come, he apologized profusely for not having the school Christmas tree lit for
when I arrived. He knows how much I love that tree, and takes pride in making
AMA the happiest place it can be!
Head elf: Alejandro, asleep on the job
I was also fortunate enough to be invited to one of our
students 6th birthday bash this past weekend…and let me tell you,
when they throw birthday parties here, they do not mess around! Victor turned 6
but has been coming to my math class, because he is beyond gifted! I love this
kid. He has such a solid, sense of self and individuality at just 6 years old!
The party was supposed to start at 2:15, so Emily and I arrived at 2:45,
assuming that things would be in full swing. Why haven’t we learned the
Guatemalan sense of time yet…meaning that 2:15 is when things start getting set
up….the real party doesn’t start until 4! But as soon as we arrived Victor
greeted his teachers with a tour of the bouncy house, blow up slide, carnival
games, stage for the live clown, and drum roll please…. Chocolate fountain!!
Yes. It’s all true. We were in awe. I’ve never attended a party quite like
this. His family came from hours away to celebrate. Meat was grilled, cake was
cut, presents were opened and tons of toddlers ran around with chocolate
fountain covered cheeks!
Victor rocking the shades that Emily and I gave him for his birthday
Showing us how to successfully dip a mallow in the fondue fountain
This last week of school before the holidays has been bitter
sweet. While everyday brings it’s new, unexpected challenges, this kids have
such a spot in my heart, as my first class. I will always remember this
fun-loving, sometimes out of control, hilarious group of Guatemalan 6-10 year
olds. That being said: bring on the next few weeks of holiday festivities! I’ve
never been so ready to go home and sit by my Christmas tree with a hot cup of
tea (straight from the tap!) Can’t wait to flush paper down the toilet, feel
clean after a shower, uncake the dirt from under my fingernails, and not have
to think so hard about my translation before speaking. I’m so ready for
Starbucks holiday flavors, homecooked meals and Black Thunder, I hope you are
ready for me, cuz I am ready to cruise the I-405 with my windows down and warm
106.9 continuous Christmas tunes bumping! Party in the USA!
See you goons so so soon!
