Goodbye summer, Hello Guatemala

As most of you have no doubt realized by now, I am not very good at keeping in touch. So, in an effort to do better, I've decided to start a blog: subscribe to get updates via email, check in when you're bored, or scramble to catch up before the next time we speak... its totally up to you!


A quick update on the summer:
Since leaving New York, I have had an incredible summer of spending quality, uninterrupted (blackberry-free) time with my family -- both immediate and extended. On this note, I have to give a special shout to all of my adorable nieces and nephews. Some of these kids I met for the first time, while others have grown up unbelievably since I last saw them. But no matter the case -- or the age -- it was amazing to see such large, lively personalities in such tiny, little bodies! I can't wait to see all of the little cuties again very soon!

Aside from family time, I revisited old hobbies (drawing, painting, reading) and picked up a few new ones (cooking, swimming). It has been a very, very relaxing summer!


But now, summer is over, and I'm headed to Guatemala:
Firstly, you're probably wondering, "Where is Guatemala?"  Yes, we've all heard of the country but unless you've been there (or are a geography superstar), you may be having trouble visualizing it on the map.  Well, Guatemala is a Tennessee-size patch of land just south of Mexico.  It's bordered on the east by Belize and the Gulf of Mexico and also has a Pacific Coast.  But despite its fairly small size, Guatemala has a wide range of terrain.  The land contains beaches, mountains, jungles, dry lowlands, and even holds more than 30 volcanoes! 

Next, I'm sure you'd like to know what I'll be doing there.  Well, I am volunteering with an organization that has two primary focuses: (i) bringing health and wellness products to remote villages and (ii) providing advice and resources to local entrepreneurs. (A tie-in to my old banking life, but with far more heart!) In addition, I will simultaneously be working with a tourism company in Nebaj, Guatemala, which aims to create a market for travelers while building sustainable jobs for locals. So basically, I will have lots to do!

But before getting to work, I am going to spend three weeks in Antigua, a city about 30 miles west of Guatemala City. There, I plan on joining the hoards of backpackers and students that come to this city specifically to take Spanish lessons.  Also, I will have training through my volunteer organization and live with a host family to get a sincere taste for the vibrant culture!


More to come soon, from Guatemala!