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| Library reading class finale with the kiddos and my sitemate Maggie! |
I love December! It means Christmas, my birthday, new years... But this year it was especially special, it meant a visit to Rene's house and back to Cleveland for one of my best friend's wedding!
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| Girls group secret santa... |
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| Rene's house in La Democracia, Huehuetenango |
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| Christmas day with a coffee plant (the coffee is the seed of the red fruit) |
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| Christmas day smoothies |
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| We got a puppy for Rene's little sister's high school graduation gift |
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| Roasting coffee to take to fam/friends in the US |
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| From right to left Rene, his mom Rosenda, his little sister Vicky, his nephew Emanuel, his brother Juan, his sister in law Celida (Christmas tree in background!) |
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| My birthday cake (25 and soooo mature) |
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| The bday get together with all 18 of us, cake and hot chocolate! |
Many people asked me what the Christmas traditions are like in Guatemala. Generally speaking, it's a Christmas Eve dinner with the family (mass if the family is Catholic) and staying up until midnight to light fireworks (and almost burn down the house!). Normally families do not give formal gifts, they might go shopping together and give kids money (which most little boys spend on fireworks/firecrackers). Families eat grapes and American apples and of course MARSHMELLOWS... I did not open one single gift, and you know what, it was nice. I would urge you to take the gifts out of Christmas, try it!
My birthday was wonderful! I took my laundry to the Laundromat and had icecream with a friend. I then went shopping and splurged on a pair of shoes and Rene met me for a subway lunch (what a treat), we bought the cakes and hot chocolate and then I went back home to prepare for the family party...
I am now back in Cleveland for my dear Laura's wedding (soooo excited)! It is wonderful to see family and enjoy the snow and eat tons of delicious food (although I have been stomach sick here, probably all of the dairy and rich foods and processed junk).
Thanks to everyone who called, wrote, emailed, and sent me love and light during these beautiful days. Here's to getting older and starting new....
