HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Yes, that is right, in Guatemala today is Father’s Day! This morning when I woke up in fear of my life to what sounded like a machine gun going off I had no idea it was Father’s Day. The sound I mistook for the end of my life was actually just fire crackers in celebration of the occasion. Other than that. . .
Today was easily one of the best days I have ever had! After I caught my breathe this morning I started to prepare for my first day of teaching English classes. I was super excited but mostly nervous. Around 9 this morning Claudita (little Claudia) and I set out to catch us some local transportation which included; the micro-bus (a 10 seater van in which they manage to cram at least 15 people) and a then a school bus (the major form of public transportation). I can confidently say that the ride to and from the community, which is about 20-30 minutes away from my house, was an adventure in itself. We’re not sure what we did wrong because Claudita is an expert, but we waited up to an hour for our school bus to come and take us to the community. Finally it came and we were on our way! We got there so late that I was not able to teach any classes but I think it was better this way because I was introduced to every child I am going to be working with for the next several weeks and they got to meet me. I start classes with them next Tuesday and I cannot wait.
After introductions Claudita and I made our way back down the mountain, via school bus, and came back to the AMA house. I had a two hour break before I was off again to the same community, this time with Claudita, Hilda, and Gladis. I would like to take this opportunity to tell all of you that none of them speak English and I am still alive! I am very proud of myself. This time we went to the community to participate in a women circle where in the coming weeks I will sharing some recipes with them. When we got to the house where it was supposed to be held only the woman of the house was there. It was quickly explained that because it was Father’s Day all of the women were at their own homes feverishly cooking for their hungry husbands. So we talked logistics of the coming weeks and set up a schedule. After that we walked at least a mile further up the mountain to meet with a Mayan doctor. We were there to speak with him about lecturing for some of the work groups that come to Guatemala. Obviously he agreed because he was speaking with Hilda. . . that woman is amazing. I am almost positive she could talk anyone into doing anything. After that we made our way back down the mountain and now I am back in my cute little room.
I have just finished eating my dinner and now I am getting ready to go out with my new friends/co-workers. I am very excited. I’m not sure what I will be doing tomorrow but I can’t wait.