Guatemala: Part 2

I can hardly believe it has almost been 2 months since I returned to Guatemala. Time truly flies when it wants to. I am again living in Quetzaltenango (more commonly known as Xela). These past couple of months have filled themselves with highs and lows, lots of work, settling into living abroad again, big changes in my life and a renewed determination to live with passion.

I am working as the Program Manager and Volunteer Coordinator at TRAMA Textiles. TRAMA is a women’s weaving association that produces fair trade textiles. It was created after the war in Guatemala and continues to operate to provide a fair income for women within the association. The cooperative consists of 17 groups, made of over 400 women, living in 5 districts within the highlands of Guatemala.

Having first come to Xela in June I am able to appreciate the end of the rainy season that has finally arrived. We are basking in sun-filled days which are perfect with all of the holidays that have occurred this month. Independence Day in September was the kick off for a number of religious and political holidays which have included a week long fair, weekend bazaars, and numerous parades. Although work continues I have also enjoyed walking to the park in the middle of the day to watch school bands compete, the parade for the Virgin Mary, and eating my share of fair/bazaar foods including cotton candy, exotic liquados (smoothie drinks), local candies and churros. I am also growing more excited to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays in Xela now that I have seen how Guatemaltecos party and made a number of long-term friends.

Hope this update appeases the masses, especially those living vicariously through me. I will try my hardest not to be silent and return to filling my blog with stories of my adventures abroad, especially since I am off of Facebook and Gchat. As always thanks for all of the support and love! These last few months were hard but like I always say “no rain, no rainbow!”