Guatemala - Part VII

I'm mostly packed.  Just a couple small things left to do.  Good thing I still have two hours, though.  I'll need every minute.

My FitBit is charging (and probably done).  I forgot to eat breakfast, so I guess I'll be having brunch.

Side note, there's a neighbor kid screaming his head off.  I don't know how he has any voice left.  It's been one heck of a tantrum.  Anyway...

I have a plan for sending messages.  I figured out how to get to my blog on my phone which was not easy by the way.  I plan to send messages to designated individuals who can then share with others.  That should cut down on minute and message usage.

I had better get back to packing and preparing.

Guatemala - Part VI

I can't believe it.  It's that time already.  I'm supposed to be packing, but instead I'm writing an update.  It's been a crazy last couple days and tomorrow the adventure begins.  I'm very nervous.

I should have everything I need either purchased or washed and ready to go into my bags...I just need to actually put my stuff into those bags.  Thank goodness I still have tomorrow morning for that activity.

So, last week I got the date for when to meet my sponsored child.  Monday the lady wrote to change the date.  She picked a date that was probably the worst, but was able to arrange it now for the best.  I will meet him and his family on my last full day in Guatemala.  I think that will be a good way to end my trip.  We're meeting at the zoo, having lunch, and spending time just getting to know each other.

I will also get to meet a whole lot of my friend's family.  I'm actually looking forward to that even though we probably won't be able to understand each other much.  Sadly, one of her grandmothers passed away just a few days ago.  A sad twist of fate!  But it was good she was very happy at the prospect of the coming reunion.

I feel like there is still so much to do like wash the dishes, and in general clean up a little besides just packing.  I suppose that means I had better get off the computer and go accomplish something.

Guatemala - Part V

Finally!  I heard from the agency representative in Guatemala late this afternoon.  Apparently she had been out of the office for the last two weeks.  She confirmed she received my messages and tells me I will get to meet Carlos on Monday, the 29th.  She promised to provide more details on this coming Monday.  Nothing like cutting things close!  But how exciting to finally have the beginnings of a plan!  The date is set and it's right at the beginning of my visit.  I look forward to Monday when I can find out more about the visit.

Meanwhile, I am gathering my "supplies" and will soon be putting things in my bag.  I'm gradually crossing more "to do" items off my list.  I cannot believe how fast this has arrived!  Am I really doing this?!  Anxiety much?!  But I suspect I'll live.  People ask if I'm excited.  I say maybe when I am on the plane and all the preparation and running through the airport is over, then maybe I'll get excited.

Now It's Summer

I got home late tonight with a million things to do.  One of those things is yard work that just keeps getting put off.  I had stepped outside to do some minor garden chores and on the way back in I had to stop for a moment.
Out of the corner of my eye I had caught a tiny flash of light.  So I stopped and looked around.  Then I saw them.  A blink here.  A blink there.  The sign from all the way back to my earliest memories of summer as a child.  Lightning bugs!  I stood and watched a moment - a pretty, quiet moment - watching stars dance in yard.  And I thought, okay, now it really is summer.

Guatemala - Part IV

Yesterday I got my last immunization/vaccination shot (typhoid this time).  My arm is still a little sore and stiff.  Also have a prescription for malaria...well, anti-malaria.  The pharmacy didn't have enough to fill it, so I will have to pick it up next week.  The shot gave me a red blotch on my arm, but otherwise, no side-effects, which is good.  The nurse lady gave me all sorts of informational sheets and a luggage tag for my trouble yesterday.  I have to submit to my own insurance claim as they were out of network (figures).  Not sure insurance covers things like this.

I have not heard back from the agency rep in Guatemala since my last message.  This does not help with my nerves.  Doesn't she know this?!  I am praying she responds soon.  I don't think anything hotel-wise has been determined since we don't even know what day(s) I will be visiting with my sponsored child and his family.

I have started making a pile of things I need to take and have made a few purchases to make sure I am ready since I will only have a couple days between Colorado next week and leaving for this adventure.  I think I am as prepared as I can be for any physical...um...difficulties.  I will have to do laundry next weekend to start packing clothes.

I am somewhat sad that Samson will have to be away from home basically a whole month or longer.  Mom is right.  We practically have shared custody these days.

Guatemala - Part III

I heard from the agency rep again.  She wanted to know more details about the trip.  (I had very few to give her) and specific dates for when I'd be available to visit my sponsored child.  I chatted with Claudia to get some better ideas for what our plans were and what ideas she might have.  Today I sent my response to the agency person with suggestions and asking for her feedback.  I suspect I'll hear from her again early next week.

I've started thinking about and collecting things I'll need.  Today I went to the bank and my cell phone provider to make sure my monies and my tech will be ready to go.  I have mosquito repellent, sunscreen, convenient makeup, and a book all about traveling in Guatemala.  I also have distinct feelings of unpreparedness as there are so many things to try to accomplish between now the then.

Who Knew?

So I was eating dinner sitting on the sofa and Samson was lounging next to me.  It occurred to me as I ate some peas that I've seen commercials for fancy dog food that seemed to think it was wonderful to include peas in the mix for doggies.  So, on a whim, I offered Samson a pea.  He snarfed it down.  I thought maybe it was a fluke.  I had just finished my beef and cheese sandwich.  Maybe there was something more on my fingers.  So I offered him another one.  He sucked that one up right away too.  I found this very amusing.  So when I got tired of the peas, I gave the last couple and the juice to Samson.  He was very pleased to finish it off for me.

There you have it.  If there ever was any doubt, this dog at least does like peas...and it's kind of fun watching him eat them one at a time, too.