Simply Simple

As I write, I’m relaxing amidst Semana Santa (Holy Week). Virtually everything in Guatemala has shut down for a few days and I have no choice but to enjoy the week for what it is. Guatemalan celebrations are usually rather prolonged events and if my inherent American fixation on time controls me, it’s grounds to drive me crazy.

I’ve been thinking back on the last year lately. I remember that Easter last year was my first big holiday away from home during my Peace Corps voyage. It was sad to be away from family, but I was also grappling for legitimacy in the community where I had lived for a mere two weeks. Fortunately, 12 months later, I have goals to drive me forward, friends with whom to enjoy passing moments, and a slightly more relaxed mindset to understand that if something doesn’t happen in a given day, there is always tomorrow.

I can’t say that every moment of Peace Corps can be civilly summarized in a short story or sound like an introspective look within, but such is the case in life. Still, the moments that are great, are the ones on which I’d rather center my focus and summarize my year in-site.

A kid asks to play a game or watches me cook. A friend asks me to play soccer or teaches me to break-dance. A woman tells me to take a seat on the bench outside the store while we chat. An acquaintance shouts my name in Mam, Kuẍ (koosh), and we have a mini-Mam-dialogue…Tinb’aj teya…Nchin b’eta. Another Peace Corps Volunteer calls me just to tell a funny story of what just happened to him or her. These are the snapshots that make life interesting, entertaining, pleasant, significant, and hilarious.

It’s the simplest moments that are most meaningful at the end of each day. Most of my pictures from Peace Corps illustrate such moments. The photos aren’t always great: I’m sweaty, my jeans have been patched five times over, or I feel ill. But those are the real moments.


Game night with friends. Age is irrelevant sometimes.


Another small friend who entertains me while I work in my room.


Kids flying as I spin them. One of their favorite routines, as well as one of mine...until I'm dizzy.


My break-dancing teacher and me practicing a basic move.


Why be clean when you can be stained with paint? On Día de Diablo (Day of the Devil), December 7, painted devils run in the streets and stain bystanders. Así es la vida.


Peace Corps friends always fuel me with positive energy before another week of work faces me.