Visitor Reflections

Okay, it's Hannah again. Though my entry may not be as entertaining as Allison's last two, I thought I would reflect briefly on having my first visitor in Guate. All I really have to say is that I feel utterly blessed to have people in my life that love me enough to fly to another continent, get completely out of their comfort zone, and challenge themselves with a new form of traveling... just because. Allison being here filled me with a sense of pride for what I am doing here, the people I work with, and the country itself. It was so cool to have all the stories I've been telling Ho come to life. I found myself grinning from ear to ear every time she commented on the awesomeness of my students, the beauty within the country, the hilarity of my friends. Having an outsider view my life from inside confirmed my belief that my life here really is incredible. I won't lie. I was momentarily worried that I wouldn't be able to truly entertain Allison with all the other commitments that life here holds plus the lack of transportation, but the week really couldn't have been anymore stimulating, exhausting, or jam-packed with excitement.

I also love the fact that Allison truly lived in every moment while she was here, trying new things and being herself the whole time. My students fell in love with her, my friends adore her, and I appreciate her so much more than I already did. I'm getting increasingly more excited to come back to the US in December to reconnect with people and see what a typical week is like for them while I have been away.

In all, I'm still in a bit of shock that Ho has already come and gone but wouldn't change any of it. I hope Allison's entries and my constant attempts at persuasion will eventually convince you all to make a trip to C. America as well. I'm sure it will be different, I promise it will be exciting, I bet it will be life-changing, and I know it will mean a lot to me. Thanks, Allison, for taking the time, energy, and expenses to come visit and for reminding me just how great it is to have genuine friends :)