Family Visit!!

This entry deserves a page of its own. Mum, Maura and Jimmy came to visit me! It was the best visit ever. It was so wonderful being able to share my life with them. It meant so much to me that they were able to meet important people in my life here, see where I work, and know how I live. Mum came a few days early. We were able to get some quality one-on-one time in, catching up, laughing on chicken buses, eating delicious home-made food, and enjoying each other’s company.

When Maura arrived she was probably the first, young, All-American, blonde-hair, blue-eyed little girl to visit Patzún. Some people just wanted to listen to her speak English, others touched her hair, the female students just wanted to play with her, and EVERYONE starred. Oh, Raquel and Hector spoiled her rotten! Maura simply stated her "favorite part of her trip" as, "Raquel and Hector".
It was such a special visit. I almost forgot how affectionate my family is and how non-affectionate this culture is (i.e. the Guatemalan side arm greet verses the American six second bear hug). It was so nice just spending time with my family- Jimmy answering my silly questions, singing with Maura, laughing with Mums. I wish I would have done a better job capturing the visit; the photos hardly do justice to the amazing experience we had together.

Mum finally got to see all three of my schools! This photo is her with a group of sixth grade students from the private school I work in.

All three grade levels in Chuchucá, the village I work in, prepared a “Welcoming” for Mum. It was very sweet. They each decorated their classroom.

Mum and I in Chuchuca. This was her favorite part of her visit.

I love this photo of Maura and Hector. It's my current backdrop for my computer.

Jimmy’s favorite part was our hike around Patzún. This is the sacred tree of Patzún.

Maura loved washing her hands in the pila.

Her favorite was swinging in the hammock.  She laughed really hard when Raquel and Hector pushed her. Her extensive Spanish consisted of, “Hector, hamaca por favor”.

Maura was mesmerized by the chickens.

The first morning in Patzún Maura and I got up early for my routinely walk with Raquel to school. When we got back to my house to get dressed for the day she asked if she could wear Guatemalan clothes. Unfortunately, I do not have traje in her size. However, when we went to visit Anacleto and family she was able to borrow some. She loved it! She also enjoyed playing with the kids.  It was neat watching how they communicated and played together even though they didn’t speak the same language.

My eyes filled with tears once I finally realized what the students of Telesecundaria (the public school) had prepared to welcome my family to Patzún. This same afternoon we enjoyed fresh ears of corn with these students!

Mum, Maura, and Jimmy (not pictured) learned how to make tortillas with Doña Anastasia. 

We attempted to play a basketball game, but only got about 10 minutes with all of the rain. An adorable picture of Maura and Anderson at the game!

Maura and my neighbor, Lizzy (4) playing with hair accessories.

My favorite photo- shopping in the market! I love the colors of the vegetables and Don Justo’s cheerful face. He got tears in his eyes when I gifted him this photo the following week.

My family’s visit made me love Patzún even more. It helped me realize how fortunate I am to be here, surrounded by so many wonderful, loving people. The community is super friendly and welcoming. It took us triple the time to get anywhere because we were greeted or greeted everyone. Everyone wanted to know my family.  SO many people showered my family with gifts- typical napkins, dolls, hair accessories, FOOD, purses, welcome signs, balloons, cologne, etc. I am so blessed to be here!

If you’re still reading…funny notes: in every photo that Maura is not wearing a typical Guatemalan blouse, she is borrowing my clothes. Ah! She is so big! Our family has a tradition during our last meal at the end of a vacation we all share our “favorite part”. Did you pick out everyone’s favorite part throughout the entry? Mine’s not included, so I have to share now. Maggie’s favorite part was all four of us laying in my bed watching Glee!