T-minus one year

So i've hit and passed the one-year-left mark in my service in a whirlwind- last few days of my parents' visit, 24th birthday celebration, and now heading to mid-service conference. The month of april holds all the craziness involving Semana Santa, or holy week-which in Guatemala, a country renowned worlwide for its Holy Week (easter) processions and celebrations, is basically a two week long hiatus from work and school for practically everyone (unless you sell food or fireworks, or have won the lottery and get the honor of carrying the giant altar/diorama type things down the street, which for those noncatholics out there is a form of penance i guess) ... What does that mean for me? A lull in school and library activity which will hopefully give me a chance to get on my feet after vacation-and allow me to hit the ground running with renewed gusto (!) after Holy Week..

So, since I've hit the big one year mark in service, I suppose I should like, reflect on my Peace Corps Experience thus far, answer the big questions, something like that? And renew my commitment to blogging for the family, perhaps? Ok here goes a little self-interview to shed some light on peace corps and me:

Is Peace Corps what you expected?

Let me first say that I tried very hard to go into this whole thing without big expectations because i think that's the easiest way to ruin these experiences for yourself. Each and every peace corps country, program, and individual site and project is different-and comes with its own ups and downs, perks and let downs. So no, it hasn't been what i expected in the respect that i'm not in a village (population 200) with thatch roofs, dirt floors, and the only water source a well a mile down the road.....I think that's what everyone pictures automatically when you say peace corps, right? So my advice, for potential peace corps applicants or anyone considering a dramatic change in their life, is to try really hard to keep an open mind about it.

Would you do it again, knowing what you know now?

A thousand times yes. Becoming versed in another culture and language alone is an experience that you can't buy or gain in two weeks time on vacation. Of course there are good times and bad times in your service-but this is true of life in general. I've tried to remember that in the past year-things are always changing and they can't always be good. But i've had more than enough good times to be worth it. Interacting with the women and children in my town has been infinitely rewarding, as well as the people that i meet every now and then who really understand what i'm saying when I talk about environmental issues, conservation, trash management, etc. I've learned so much that I couldn't have learned in a classroom (no offense Cal Poly)...or in a job in the states.

Working in a developing country tests you constantly on a whole other level-you're constantly blindsided and surprised by the issues you encounter in your job. I've learned, above all, to have PATIENCE...it's so important here. And I have definitely surprised myself by what I am capable of, that has been very empowering. So for those of you 'thinking about' joining peace corps or any other organization working outside of the states, i say go for it. its not for everyone, but at least you'll know you've tried.

What do you hope to accomplish in the year ahead?

Man, that's a tough one...I feel like i've finally got the ball rolling on various projects-i've started working very strongly with the community library so there is a ton of potential there. I've seen the most rewards from working with the youth here on environmental education and awareness about the dire environmental problems that guatemala is facing right now. A fun way i've found of doing that is doing recycled art projects-they are so creative here and they really love new ideas for art projects-especially ones that make use of what would otherwise be trash. This saves on costs for schools and craft hour at the library, while also making use of items that would otherwise end up in the dump (which is basically a ravine...).

So to return to the question-I would like to work with more schools on environmental education, continue to work with women and young girls on gender development, self esteem and leadership, continue to develop the park project i've been working on, start a cultural tourism project with the artesan cheesemakers here, start work on HIV/AIDS education with the youth....... In short, i have a lot to do, and little time to do it in. Only time will tell....

What about your long distance relationship?

Well.... I don't want to jinx us, but its going really great. I'm only writing about this for those potential peace corps applicants wondering to do about their current boyfriend or girlfriend. I literally Googled "peace corps long distance relationship?" before deciding to come here.

I guess my best advice is not to duck out on a Big Dream like Peace Corps because of your significant other....because i think in the end it leads to resentment. I've been extremely lucky thus far because things are working out as well as they could between my boyfriend and i. Long distance sucks, but if its the right person, you'll find a way to make it work. Thats all.

What do you miss most about the States?

Honestly, my family and friends there. And good microbrews... the rest of it I can live without. I mean, I do have most modern luxuries here anyways-internet, hot shower.... i do miss central heating too i guess. But i love the crazy, organized chaos that is central america and wouldn't mind just staying here. Well not here (no offense Sija)...somewhere warmer, where i can swim every day and hopefully snorkeling *cough* did someone say CARIBBEAN COAST?! but seriously guys, once you speak the language, most of the time central america's pretty cool. Now if only the guys here could learn that catcalling is not an acceptable social behavior..... maybe if i got brown contacts and dyed my hair?

What bugs you most about Guatemala?

The noise...its a really loud culture. Funny story though; I went to Tikal with the 'rents last week and the guide showed us how the central plaza had been constructed to produce amazing acoustics (read: lots of noise), which just show how far back the need for noise goes here in Guatemala (back to like 900 BC or something).

But the revving engines, roosters, loudspeakers driving slowly through the streets selling Zeta Ga-as, ice cream, soap, or just talking for the sake of talking, air compressor ( i live right above a mechanic shop)....well you get the picture. it wears on you after a while. Ear plugs are indispensible if you are headed to central america. lets just leave it at that.

What do you love most about Guatemala?

Had to follow up the negative with a positive...and seeing the country this past week through new eyes (my mom and dad) gave me a whole new-or at least refreshing-perspective on this country and its vibrant culture and tradition and rich history that has made Guatemala what it is today. Its mayan culture and historical value combined with a natural beauty and biodiversity-the northern peten region is virtually untouched jungle and known as one of the major "lungs" of the world... astound repeatedly.

Apparently on my birthday i gave a heartwarming, whiskey fueled speech on how much i love Guatemala.... It has a lot to offer. It's hard to choose just one thing.... Its natural beauty, the warmth and hospitality of its people, the chicken buses, diversity of landscape and culture, the food.... I can't pick just one thing-there's too much. To wrap up this lengthy reflective literary feat...i'd just like to say that its been a crazy, awesome, surprising, memorable 15 months and I can't wait to see what the next 12 months hold.

To everyone back home, stay safe and try not to be TOO jealous ;)

xoxo amber

The Branskes do Guatemala

Arriving in my site this is the hill I walk down to get to my house... it is the two level beige house right above my head.

The chicken buses in the bus station in Xela


The spice market, pumpkin and squash seeds, chili powder, sesame seeds, dried beans, and other unidentified spices.

The market in Xela where i occasionally pick up super cheap fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, and most importantly the newest blockbuster movies!


In El Cuartito, a cute little cafe and bar in Xela where we had breakfast


First bar in Guatemala!


Beautiful church front bordering the Central Park in Xela, Guatemalas second largest city. The church was constructed by Spanish conquistadores in 1538 (?), but now only the facade in front remains.

In the lobby of the hotel where my parents stayed their first nights in Xela...

The parents finally arrived this thursday after much anticipation. So far we have had incredible luck (knocking on wood) traveling and made some unforgettable memories. They have, in the three and a half days that they have been in Guatemala,
1. ridden on not one, but two chicken buses, a boat, an inner city microbus...and survived
2. met my adopted family here, dog, best friend, counterpart, and half the city
3. experienced the guatemalan Inauguration custom when they opened the new Muni (city hall) building
4. hiked the trail in the park i work in
5. seen my house (and did a little cleaning and fixing up while there, they couldnt help themselves!)
6. wined and dined me.....lots......

and now we find ourselves in the GORGEOUS Casa del Mundo hotel on Lake Atitlan, which Aldous Huxley once called the most beautiful lake in the world. The view is stunning, and more pictures to come. but right now i have to run.....theyre about to serve some grub up in the dining area. I should mention that the dining experience alone is an unforgettable one here, as everyone sits down to eat and greet, as it were, together in a dining area overlooking the lake and its bordering volcanoes. tonight were having grilled chicken with chimichurri as a thunderstorm rolls in across the lake.

ttfn,

your favorite peace corps volunteer