More Vagabonding...

I have just passed my one year mark of Peace Corps Service. I have reached the time in my service where I need to start thinking about what to do after post Peace Corps, and up to this moment I havent got a clue! I have definatelly toyed around with the thought of Grad School through hopefully a fellowship provided by the Peace Corps, Working for the Peace Corps in the States, or maybe just maybe extending to another country for a year or serving in the Peace Corps Response in another country for less time. Then there´s the question of where should I move to in the States? NY or FL? those are the 2 choices.

But sure it will work itself out.

On another note I got to meet the U.S Ambassador to Guatemala Stephen McFarland this past weekend July 25th at a press conf in Momostenango Totonicapan. Four of us PCV´s were invited by the Peace Corps to meet him and have lunch with him, it was really cool, he is Learning the indigenous Dialect K´iche like I am and gave a brief speech in the dialect at the Press Conference. He seems very Fond of Peace Corps and also supports The PC and its Cause.

Dammn!, life in the Peace Corps can be tough!

Really, not only do you have to have a strong stomach for all the tropical intestinal diseases you acquire during your service, but you also need the patience of a saint and the mental capacity not to go insane, really.



I have been in Guatemala 15 months and in my town of service for 1 year, and to me this is a big accomplishment. Havent posted in a while but I try my best, plus sometimes I feel none of my friends or family back home reads this stuff anyway (Except for the lovely person in PC whose Job it is to read all blogs for unwantedness, dont worry, only positiveness come out of this Blog, Promise). I have managed to remain on top of work and at the same time sane. Let me see, some of the latest... Had to be evacuated out of site because of an on-going rivalry between my town and a neighboring town, (all under control now). Celebrated 4th of July Peace Corps Style with a Volunteer departamental B-ball tourney, (which my department got third place in! GO ToTo!), Volunteer Vs. PC staff Soccer match , Which the U.S Ambasador to Guatemala participated in, Barbecue w/ Burgers, hot dogs, Music and beer, after parties gallore.
In addition I have also been on the grind with AIDS workshops in my town, everyone including their mother plus the Mayor of S. Vicente and his buddies.
Happy Happy, Joy Joy! I also have someone to share my solitude with. I will be getting a site mate who will be working at the town´s health center. She is cool and fun.
So its another year and counting... I will dedicate the next year to remaining Sane of course, and ameoba free. Maybe a trip to Belize is waranted?, cuz Honduras is off limits and Mexico has the Flu. Also have been trying to study for the GRE´s which I can take here in Guate. I have several books, but TV is a major distraction and even though I dont have cable, bootleg DVD´s are very accesible here in C.A and us PCV´s love to trade them, so I will be looking for someone to borrow my DVD player within the next month, (only after Im done with the new transformer´s movie and the Breaking Bad series I am currently addicted to). Also Researching Scholarships through Peace Corps or anyone who would like to pay for this boy´s Grad school after his service for his country (preferably International development, or Political Science).

Well with that I will leave u, Holla if you read this, show a brother love. As always, ¨Will teach english, Aids Awareness, life skills, counsel your kid, or just show you around my town for food! ¨ Silly Motto.

Peace Out.

F.G.