Bartlett Wedding (1 of 2)

Last weekend, I had the pleasure to attend the first of two weddings of one of my favorite couples, Nicole Sanders and Mau Bartlett. Yes, I did say the first of two. The way it works in Guatemala is you must be married legally before you can get married in the church. Since they are having an out of town wedding, they decided to have a "Xela" wedding and a religious wedding (which will be in December in Antigua). Usually, the civil wedding is smaller and just for close friends and family. Well, if there is a chance to have a party, these two are going to do it! And they did it well.

Mau and Nicole have been an instrumental part of my happiness and family here in Guatemala. They have fed me when I was hungry, they have cried with me what I was crying, they have given me a place to sleep when I get locked out of my house, and most importantly, they have been genuine friends and I couldn't ask for more. So, when it comes to them getting married, of course it's going to be a wonderful celebration and all of our Guatemalan friends were there.

I was also honored to be one of the official witnesses of the marriage. It makes me feel like I am truly a part of the community here. And I think that is where my attitude needs to change a bit because instead of 'feeling' that way, it's realizing that I am a part of the community.

Anyway, the wedding was wonderful and it was great to be apart of it. It was wonderful to have so many friends in one place and it was an honor to be apart of it as well.

Below are a few pictures from the wedding!

Enjoy!

Liz

Oct. 2010

October of 2010 and here I sit in Guatemala. Am I surprised to still be here? yes. When I came back two years ago to 'study Spanish' and visit friends before I headed south on my journey, I wouldn't have expected to be here two years later. Yes, I have ventured south a few time but it has only been for a short stay. Guatemala and Xela have become my home for now. No, I don't know how long this 'home' will be mine but for now, it is. I have a great job, great friends, and I'm able to live life fully. Could I do these things in another part of the world? Of course. But I have family here. My Spanish is getting good. And there are still a few things that I haven't seen. I discover something new about the culture around me everyday. People want to help you. Yes, the men on the streets get a little annoying but I have come up with ways to quite them. A lot can be said about walking with confidence and addressing them before they have time to address you. I know that with each random post in the last year (a total of two bloggings), I have promised to be more diligent and faithful. Well, this time, I'm not going to make those promises. I just hope that I can get back into the habit of writing and publicly processing. As for now, I will leave you with a few pictures from June until now. A few things that have been important or interesting...

On my way to paradise!

Well, once again, I am sitting at the end of my school year, trying to reflect on yet another incredible year and I have no idea where to start. I am currently in Eastern Guatemala on my way to Honduras for a week of SCUBA diving. I will be staying on the island of Utila while there. I spent 4 days on Utila during April for Semana Santa and just had to go back. I am traveling with some of my closest friends here and we have had a great time thus far. I fly back into the states June 15 before my 5 week tour to see friends and family.

Like I always say, I will try to update when I have more time. I have quite a bit to share with you. I can leave you with this.

I am happy.

I am living well.

I am living passionately.

I love my life.

Well friends, I know I have been very neglectful of this blog in 2010 and I will try to do something about that. Guatemala has been wonderful and life has continued as normal. It has become hard for me to write because life here is so normal now. I have a feeling that when I'm home for the summer, I will be more shocked by the things I see in the US than what I have seen here. My dad and sister were able to come for a visit a couple weeks ago and they both were able to see my home with fresh eyes. I found myself laughing at some things that I would have normally just passed by...it makes me realize that I need to get out and 'refresh' my eyes!

Well, I don't have much time right now but know that I will be updating soon! Oh, for those of you that don't know, I have signed my contract for next year so I will be down here until at least May 2011! Come visit me!

Viva la Vida!

Liz