Getting Ready!

As my trip gets closer, I am trying to pull everything together and make sure I am prepared to live and work in a different country (and climate, culture, and language). This is my last week of classes before finals week and as such I have also been packing up my things. Before I go to Guatemala, I must first somehow move all my things from my rental property in Morris, MN to my dad's garage. At first I thought this would be easy...then I realized if I didn't start sorting my things now I would never find what I needed for Guatemala in time. So I have begun setting clothes, documents, information, and useful things aside in a 'Guatemala' hamper. I'm hoping that things like a headlamp, battery recharger, passport, TEVA sandals, and TUMS will come in handy.

I also made a big purchase this past week: Hiking Boots. I plan on climbing at least two volcanoes while I am in Guatemala, and hopefully will feel up to climbing more. The first (and supposedly easiest) trek will be Volcan Pacaya. Here's one site that is an American company based in Antigua which provides excursions there. Though they're kinda pricey ($59), they look professional and very safe (there have been reports of hikers being robbed, so the more professional (aka $$), the better chance they'll bring their own security personal, ensuring safety :) )



I also want to climb volcan Fuego or Agua. There's another volcano in Santaigo Atitlan that I'm interested in climbing too. Anyways, back to the boots. I recently went shopping with my dad and Gander Mountain and found these gems. While the same price as two months food for me, I think they are a worthwhile investment. (For readers who know boots, they have a 'Vibram' sole, Merrel brand, and supposedly waterproof). The second big purchase are a pair of Merona Wool socks for hot weather hiking. Apparently they keep your foot dry and are a 'must'. Seeing as they were also more than I had ever paid for socks, I only bought one pair with the thought that I will wash them at night if I need to.

I am getting very excited for my trip and to start using my Spanish skills. Today I received a confirmation e-mail from the CommonHope sponsorship office about my (and Melanie's) visit to Ana, the child my parents have supported for the past 8 (?) years. They were very specific about what was appropriate to talk about and what was not (no promises, no cash, ect) and suggested that we, as padrinos (godparents) encourage education. <--duh! I am currently in the process of filling up a backpack full of school supplies like paper, pens, pencils, stickers, ect. to give to Ana when we visit.

Please keep praying for a safe trip!
~Betsey~