Day 29: Four Weeks Both Ways

I spent Sunday with the Lastrapes, going to church, washing my clothes, stealing their internet... It is always really nice to spent time with them- we have good conversations which I really appreciate after speaking with a limited vocabulary during the week. It is interesting though, because I can almost feeling my English has gone downhill when I return to speaking it. I forget simple words, transitions, and all sorts of things that I wouldn't have had to think on in the past... My poor brain.

Sunday night, we sat around at the house like we normally do, doing homework. Monday was a little strange. During the week for the past few weeks, the number in the house in the morning almost doubles because of all the teachers, but only two teachers came in... No longer the revolving door we used to be! It's an adjustment.

The faces we miss!

The face we have on now.

We are reviewing the subjunctive this week. For those of you who have studied another language that uses the subjunctive, you might feel my pain. It is something that we have lost in modern English. Therefore it is like there is not a space to fit it into when you are comparing the language that you are learning to the language you know. So the review is appreciated.

Last Thursday, we met a group of medical students from the U.S. Monday, we met them for drinks before dance class! It was nice to spend some time getting to know them. They came with us to dance class too, which was great. A full dance class is always more fun! Bachata. Salsa. The regulars. Dance class is such a great release and I look forward to it so much every day- I don't know what I'm going to do without it when I get back to the States!

Last night I went to bed super early and tried to wake up early to do my homework, but it didn't really work. I laid in my warm bed for an hour, wasting time on Facebook. Luckily, I was still able to finish my homework before class. Class went well today. We reviewed the subjunctive more. We talked about the history of Guatemala, how it tied in with the actions of the States, and the militarization that is happening here "for the sake" of some things where militarization might not actually be the answer. It's super interesting. If you have friends from other countries- please ask them about things like this. Even if your opinion doesn't change, it widens your horizon. 

After lunch, we went to Salcajá, a nearby pueblo that has an excellent market with lots of trajes and beautifully woven fabrics. We walked through and looked at all the beautiful things. I only bought a little whistle for Hobbie (you're welcome, Chelsea.), but I would love to go back when I know what I want! Those of you who have been shopping with me know I'm not the best at making quick decisions when shopping. 

We visited the first church built in Central America (in 1524, I think!) It was closed, because it is only open on Saturdays, but we peered through the keyhole and took pictures. 

¡A la gran!

Afterwards, we came back to Xela and went to our dance class. It went well, except we're short on guys (it's almost always that way)! Fingers crossed that more show up! I didn't realize until writing this that today is the half-way mark of my time here- four weeks behind me, four weeks ahead of me. I seriously cannot believe it. We're not going to talk about it, okay? The weekend is going to be strange again because Antulio went home, Sucely leaving Thursday, and Onelia might leave too. That only leaves Ángel, Cyndi, Andreita, don Jim, and me! We might go see Finding Dory (Buscando a Dory) which is certainly something to look forward too!

Okay, folks. Thanks for reading. Love you all bunches.