Well...my how time flies when you are having fun and studying like crazy! We are more than halfway done with our trip and are finishing up our time in Guatemala. Both of those things are very hard to wrap my head around. It seems like just yesterday we were meeting our host families and teachers for the first time.
Last week we visited the U.S. Embassy here in Guatemala. I had no idea that there were so many U.S. Embassies in the world and that they have so many different functions other than just maintaining good relations with other countries. Our speaker there talked about how they give out visas and who gets approved. It is somewhat difficult to get one, but about 2/3 of people get approved. She also talked about how they are working to show a positive U.S. presence in Guatemala and talk with people in the highland areas. She said that most times, it makes a huge difference just to show up and be present with the people there. Hmm...talking with people, that seems like such a hard thing to do but yet the U.S. does so little of it. In addition, she talked about how she got her job at the embassy. It involved a giant extremely hard test, lots of interviews, group examinations and more. It sounds like a pretty cool job...traveling, talking to people, etc. but after she explained how she got the job, I changed my mind.
On the same day, last Thursday, my class and another class (4 students and 2 teachers), had another cooking day during class. The first time we made traditional Guatemalan foods (dobladas and banana bread) so this time we made a chocolate pudding cake. We talked only in Spanish and it´s amazing how much you learn just by baking a cake. While we were waiting for the cake to bake, we watched the Disney movie Tangled in Spanish. Last time we watched the Incredibles, and both were equally funny in Spanish. :)
Today, I completed all of my exams for my second section of Spanish classes. So I had an oral portion, written exam and I to read a page of information and write over 30 lines of response. I think overall they went ok. The oral portion was much better than last time and I felt comfortable talking this time. I am just so glad to be done!! My brain is fried and I need a break! Buuuuuut, this afternoon we have a lecture again, and tomorrow morning I have a presentation in Spanish. Also, I have reading and reflections to do for my history and culture class due tomorrow. In addition, tonight is our last night with our host families and I am not really ready to leave. I have a few gifts and pictures for them and will give those tonight. I just hope that I can come back and visit soon, and there is a possibility that 2 of my siblings might come to the U.S. so that is definitely a positive!! :)
Thursday morning, I´m leaving on a bus at 3:45am....yes, in the morning on a taxi and then a 13 hour, yes 13 hour bus ride....for Honduras and the beach!!!!! :) I´m going with 6 of my friends for our free travel. We may also be visiting some museums, snorkeling and kayaking but most of our time will be spent on the beach. If you can´t tell, I´m pretty excited!!
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