The story goes like this, I'm standing in line to check my bag in the Ft. Lauderdale airport when a conversation begins with the young lady behind me. She's in college, she's headed to the Dominican Republic. Twas a short conversation, friendly nonetheless. It then becomes my turn to check my bag and show my passport at the counter. The bag gets checked, I'm awarded a boarding pass. I make my way to the gate. As I go, I pass the young lady I was just in conversation with and wished to tell her safe travels or a good trip and out came, "Safe Trap." And so I kept walking grimace faced. I couldn't help but think at the nonsense about to be muttered over the following months in a language I haven't been speaking for a lifetime.
Nevertheless I'm here, safe traply in Guatemala. Arrived yesterday and am nestled in with my familia, on the outskirts of Antigua, in the small town of Ciudad Vieja. I arrived to the house and met Josefina, kind and very warm and conversing in nothing but espanol. I comprehended a word here and there about every other paragraph. And into the ocean I've been tossed, but I always have been a fan of swimming in the ocean, this water is just a bit saltier than I'm used to...and by salty I mean trying to understand a language I do not currently understand. But I'll learn. The days will pass and the mind will do what it does. It's exciting, amongst other words, very exciting.
Ciudad Vieja is tucked in a valley with 3 volcanoes surrounding, a 10 minute chicken bus ride to Antigua, where I'll begin my classes tomorrow morning. I've taken today to familiarize with the surroundings. Woke to a beautifully brisk morning, the chill sends a pleasant kiss to the cheek before the sun makes its way over the volcanoes. Manuel helped show me around today, joining me on the chicken bus ride and showing me the market, bank, park, and path to and from my host family's casa to the escuela. It's been a good day, as most seem to be. And I was able to find some underwear and socks in the market, so that should aid in the comfortable transition.
Life can be beautiful regardless of where we wake, the choice lies within the body that is awakening. My time on this computer is nigh, I am here in Guatemala safely and alive and well. You all are with me, for you all have shaped me. Love in this day.
2 comments:
Luke you are an inspiration, and have always made me conscious of the oceans I want to swim in. Thanks for that.
Kacie
"Life can be beautiful regardless of where we wake, the choice lies within the body that is awakening. "
What a beautiful and profound sentiment. As one who is facing the waves in a different and perhaps smaller body of water...thanks for the reminder that there is a choice.
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