Category Stories

One Year Ago

I’ve been in Guatemala for almost one year now. When I reflect on all that’s taken place, I am amazed at the changes I’ve experienced in my personal life. One year ago, I could barely introduce myself in Spanish. One…

It’s not too much longer until much, much longer.

Maybe a lot of you saw Hilary’s picture on Facebook.  I guess I haven’t talked about it a lot.  We have exactly three weeks left with the Lumos program, but Hilary and I are already making plans to return back…

Beauty in the work

Whoa! Where has this week gone? Actually the past two weeks have been a blur to me. When you love what you are doing, it is easy to let time fly by! But these last two weeks have flown by…

Team Sparkles

Its been a while since my last post- I just figured out how to make this work on my phone. As of last Wednesday, I am no longer a part of Belmonts study abroad program. I am solo. For the…

La Pesa (The Weight)

I had two large suitcases packed with all my clothes and belongings I needed for the next four months. I bought a suitcase scale at Wal-Mart because I didn’t want my bags to be overweight, and when I got to…

Queen Bee is in Stores Now!

We had an amazing event last week launching Queen Bee here in our local community of Chimaltenango. We advertised all the products Monte Cristo sells: coffee, fresh vegetables, metal work, wooden furniture, and last but not least- Queen Bee! The…

Familia

I think Hilary and I expected to find a lot of things in Guatemala.  Most definitely the beauty of the countryside, and even more certainly adventure.  I think we expected a freewheeling love, an easy and windswept affection for each other…

Adventure Awaits

It’s hard to believe that I leave for Buenos Aires one week from today.  Though this trip will last only 4 months, it’s been about 8 months in the making.  I want you to understand more about this trip and…

Everything is real!

It is my third week in Germany and I now feel like I am at home. The more things I see and the more I learn about the country’s history, the more I am fascinated by every inch of the…

Constant Change

Let’s begin today with some GREAT news! My Computer is FIXED! I finally got in contact with my brother who informed me that my computer had a virus on it! Naturally I panicked because I have no idea how to get rid…