What's been happening lately

It's been a while since I've written so I thought I'd just try and write a quick catch-up of what life has been like here lately.

Last Friday, we took a group of about 45 ten and eleven year olds up to the park we've been working with for a morning of environmental education/ just time to run around in the park. We were actually just planning on hanging out around the entrance because it is a steep hike up to the top, but the teachers were determined that we should make it all the way up to where the lookout points, playground equipment, and picnic shelters are. They even brought a pinata because it was someone's birthday. So, after learning all about why we should protect the forests and not throw our trash there, we broke a pinata and got paper absolutely everywhere. Oh well, a good time was had by all.

This past Saturday I went with a group of about 25 trainees to Monterrico, which is a small town on the Pacific coast. We rented two buses and spent the day enjoying the sun on the beach. The sand there is black which means that it is HOT but it was a lot of fun and a great way to get away for a little while and feel like we were somewhere completely different.

On Monday, the U.S. ambassador came and we got to have pizza for lunch with him and ask questions about the political situation in Guatemala and about U.S./Guatemala relations. He was pretty interesting and pizza was a really nice treat.

This week, my Magdalena crew has been busy working on finishing up the Annual Operating Plan and budget we've been writing for our park and making a promotional brochure and an interpretive brochure that guides visitors through the trails. I am definitely not a graphic designer and got slightly frustrated with making brochures, but I actually think they turned out really well. The mayor and the people we've been working with at the Municipal building seemed to like them, so I would say it was a success.

Now, just a couple more days until I find out where I'll be living for the next two years.... March 11 cannot come quickly enough.