Emotions - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

In these final days before my departure to Kenya, I have felt excited, stressed, eager, overwhelmed, peaceful, frustrated, scared, inspired, confused and grateful. Despite my ever changing emotions there has always been happiness.

This got me to thinking, how often do we really feel happiness? If people really are happy why don’t they say so? When you ask someone “How ya doin’?” do you ever get the response “I’m happy!”? Most people just nod, give a half-ass smile and look away. Some people look you in the eye, smile and mumble a quick “I’m doing good, how about yourself?” It is a rare occasion when someone gives a response with passion and energy. I’ve tested this theory on Town Lake. I gave a huge smile to every person I passed on the trail and said “Good Morning!” Some people responded with a half-ass smile and quickly looked away, but most people just nodded. There were two individuals who responded with joy. They were in their eighties and probably just happy to still be walking.

So why now? Why am I so happy? The only conclusion I can come up with is my trip to Kenya is what God created me to do. Since He made me, He knows what will give me pure happiness. It makes perfect sense, right? Unfortunately it took me 30 years to figure out God is the key to happiness.

I am not disillusioned. I don’t expect to be happy every second of every day for the rest of my life, but I do expect myself to seek God, not worldly things for happiness. I recommend you try it out. What can it hurt?

Pair of shoes for me - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

While I was at the mall getting Martha's shoes, I had another panic attack. I think I need a different pair of shoes than my running shoes. I need something more rugged, especially since it is rainy season over there. I find it interesting that I opt to spend money when I get stressed or feel anxious.

I went to Acadamey and found some Merrell shoes that are meant for outdoor activity. They have some special material that does well in wet terrain.

I feel a little guilty about buying them, so I hope it was a good choice.

Guess I did need a few more things - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

I talked with Priscilla today about what to get Martha and Pacomis as a thank you gift. I already got a bag of chili powder (don't even know if they have ground beef to eat over there) and a prayer necklace for Martha. But I still felt like I should do something more. I thought about money for their time and travel, but I am not sure that is appropriate.

Priscilla said money is appropriate and would not be offensive. Especially since you never know what someone will like. She also said Martha can't get shoes over there like we have here. She recommeded a black pair of Easy Spirit walking shoes.

Guess I am off to the mall to get the shoes. It makes me feel better knowing I am giving something she will actually use.

Dad's House - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

I drove to Dallas today. My dad is watching Roxy (THANK YOU, DAD!) and becuase I fly out of DFW. I leave in 30 hours.

My journal entry and prayers for today:
I pray for a safe trip, a trip thath will allow me to share God's love and a trip that will not only change my life but others as well. God, I pray you give me the wisdom to know where you want me, how to help someone, where you need me, and the courage, wisdom, love, grace, compassion and faith to make your will be done.

I pray and give thanks for Priscilla. I thank you for her kindess and spirit. You have blown me away with your gifts this season. Please forgive me and my moments of uncertainty. I still have doubts even when you showed your love and power to me.

I thank you for Martha, Pacomis and Samuel. They are kind souls who are willing to help a perfect stranger. I pray you give them the resources they need and you fill their hearts with joy. I ask you take on any burden they may have today.

I thank you for all the support I am getting from friends and family. I pray they get inspired to do something to draw them closer to you.

I thank you for my friendship with Marlo. She and I had dinner tonight at my favorite restaraunt in Arlington, Royal Panda. She drove from Dallas in crazy traffic to see me before I left. Not only that, she contributed some money to the trip. She is not working right now, so that is a total act of love. I pray you give her love in return for her gift to me.

I am still feeling a little anxious. Like there is still so much to do. I guess at this point, if it isn't done I don't need it.

I don't feel like praying for anyone else right now. I hope you understand. Maybe I will feel like praying for them later today.

Day before departure - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

Today I had a total panick attack. I have felt pretty good up until this point but for some reason I flipped out. The first thing I did when I woke up was look into getting a massage. I can't really afford it, but I wasn't sure what else to do. So I called Massage Envy and made an appointment after getting the final rounds of immunization shots. It is only $35 for one hour massage for first time customers. I didn't know this, but they want people to buy a membership, so they give potential clients a deal. Who knew people got massages once a week? When I called to make the appointment they asked if I wanted a deep tissue or just the swedish massage. I told them I would like a little of both. I figured my shoulders and neck needed the deep tissue to relive the stress, but didn't want the rest of my body to feel sore. They said "Great! we can do that. I will set you up with Amanda. She can do both".

Apparantly, that is not the case. According to Amanda, you can't do a half of a deep tissue massage and half swedish massage, it is all or nothing baby. I told her what they said when I booked the appointment, and she seemed to get uber frustrated with me. That did not help my stress. So I started to feel guilty, like I did something wrong. Then the guilt turned into resentment. I resented that she made me feel bad about what I wanted. Truth is she didn't make me feel any of those things. I made myself feel that way. I have been working on allowing myself to feel what I feel and express it without GUILT. I often supress my feelings because I don't want to rock the boat. So practicing on this unsuspecting massage therapist seemed like a good idea. I told her "I feel uncomfortable because it seems you are frustrated with what I requested." She responded " OH NO! I am so sorry I didn't mean to come off that way. Just relax and I will take care of you." Amazing!! It worked! As soon as I told her how I felt, a weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I was able to fully enjoy the massage.

What Do Conferences Do for You & Me? - by Emlyn Lee

I spent the past week attending back-to-back conferences in Boston, MA and Charlotte, NC. I attended these conferences to support the trends of education abroad, and work-integrated learning programs, and to market our programs and services. At Cultural Embrace, we organize programs that support students, alumni, faculty, and educational institutions to go abroad to enhance their academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

In Boston, colleges and universities' career service departments met together to discuss the trends of internships and cooperatives. The vision of many career services parallel the vision of Cultural Embrace, and how professional workforce may enhance student's education, and it's ability to improve continuous learning.

In Charlotte, the Forum of Education Abroad's conference brought faculty members who are passionate about education abroad under one roof. The conference focused on "articulating the vital nature of education abroad and the many benefits that it brings to students, organizations, institutions, communities and societies."

Cultural Embrace's Internship and Volunteer programs provide individuals and groups to go abroad to gain first-hand experience with large, mid and small size companies, non-profits, and NGOs throughout Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, and Europe. We pre-arrange and guarantee placement based on one's work & education background, personal, professional, and academic goals with the needs and availabilities of the local employer and community.

Internship placements are classified as professional and technical jobs, such as but not limited to: architect, business, computers, engineering, nursing/medical, education, fashion, law, etc. Volunteer placements may be in similar related fields, but usually with non-profits, NGOs, and humanitarian efforts. Most placements are 'unpaid' due to visa regulations, with the exception of Brazil and China. Cultural Embrace tries to negotiate and encourage our local partners and employers to compensate our participants based on their work performance and duration (ie: airfare reimbursement, pocket allowance, transportation, meals, housing, sight-seeing activities, etc).

Our Teach and Work placements are great ways to get paid while you travel abroad. Paid teach opportunities are available for semester and year-long commitments in Mexico, Chile, Guatemala, China, India, and Thailand. Most schools require bachelor's degree in any major, and foreign language knowledge is helpful, but not required. Short-term unpaid tutor English placements are available in Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Spain, India, and China. These placements include room and board, which provide a very affordable way to travel abroad with flexible work schedule.

Work placements are available in the non-technical, childcare, farm, and hospitality fields. Cultural Embrace pre-arranges placements in France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, and provides job placement assistance in Australia and New Zealand for 18-30 years old of many nationalities.

Our Austin office will work with individuals and groups to learn more about their background skills, schedule, budget, and goals. We will phone interview, pre-screen, and help each participant prepare for a cultural experience abroad. Cultural Embrace has English-speaking local coordinators in every country we work with, so they work with the local employer, nonprofit, NGO, and make the local arrangements for housing, transportation, etc.

Attending conferences allow me to meet and discuss with education and workforce leaders about the latest trends and opinions of how to improve your future. It allows me to know what is needed, and how we may better serve you, schools, communities, and the world.

Más! más! más!

This week we raised 800Q ($100) selling jewelry, which is a lot by Guatemalan standards.  It's not always that profitable, but we can usually count on $50 a week selling jewelry during break at the language school (10-10:30 am).  

The extra income helps to offset the costs of school materials as the kids go through notebook after notebook of tarea.  I am reluctant to leave the modest little business without a selling successor, but feel good that a few of the kids have really taken to the art (craft?) and at the very least can have fun with it.  

I left some Joyas stands in a few gringrofied cafés so that they could sell on their own.   I am hoping the jewelry stands will earn a few extra dollars a month or at the very least spread the word about the orphanage. 

The baby bracelet on the top right hasn't sold yet. My team of jewelry makers have a different concept of what fits. 

The little sombreros at the bottom are made out of Avacado seeds.  One of the older kids, Carlos, carves them during craft hour. Que talento!

más!

más!

más!

Picture me in that chair and you have an idea of what my mornings look like. 

Hola a todos!

Hello and welcome to what is sure to be the most exciting thing you have ever read! My name is Caroline McCurdy and I am planning to embark on a most excellent journey to Chile in late July thanks to the awesome people at Cultural Embrace! Until July, this blog is going to be dedicated exclusively to my trip preparation, which means you will probably get stressed out from just reading it. Once I get to Chile, I’m going to update regularly with new adventures and trip advice. If anyone has questions about Chile, I’m your girl. I’m excited to get to share with you my future trip to Chile, and I hope that this blog will provide you with chuckles and useful information. So, until next time, I present you with a philosophical question of the day:

Why is the word "abbreviation" so long?

-Caroline
Advisor Abroad in Chile

Sigh of relief - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

Yesterday I started to pack for my trip. It was another moment of high anxiety. I couldn't fit the items for the kids (clothes, toys, shoes, and sanitary napkins) into the allowed luggage. I emailed the director of the orphanage to find out if shipping was an option. He didn't recommend shipping b/c it is not reliable, and you have to pay additional to get it through customs. In addition, things tend to get confiscated. He suggested I buy the items over there as I will get more for my money. BRILLIANT! The plan is still to take some items with me but buy more once I am over there.


Also, I found out that b/c I am flying on a humanitarian ticket I can check 3 bags instead of two.

I still have to re-pack and organize, but all in all it has been a good day!

BA Strike - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

Just found British Airways is going through a pending strike with employees. There doesn't seem to be any reason to worry about my flights, but it is kind of hard not to.

Time to pray

I think it is time to pull out the prozac! - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

I have officially started to stress out. Even though I have been checking things off my list "To Do" for 6 weeks, I am worried I won't get it all done. The clock is ticking and what do I decide to do? Blog.

I still need to do:

Exchange dollars for schillings. no one has them on hand, so I am not sure what to do. I would prefer to not do it at Nairobi airport.

Pack the suitcase with the items for the kids. I still want to get them shoes, but don't know if there is enough room.

Call my credit card company to let them know I will be out of the country

Get a power of attorney

Make sure I have all by bills paid in advance

Get an umbrella, adaptor, pillow for airplane

Create a list of important information and phone numbers for my family

Get a present for the couple that is picking me up at the airport. BTW they are driving 300 miles to get me at the airport. This is another blessing God has given me. My dad just happens to have a friend that is from Kenya. Her sister still lives there and is picking me up. How cool is that?

I don't know what else I need to get done, but I know I need to get off the damn blog.

Anyone have some prozac I can borrow?

Fun at Wally - World - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

I just had the most fun at Wal-Mart, which is uncommon. I spent about two hours buying toys, clothes, games, color books, etc. for the kids at the orphanage. I think it may be the first time I went shopping and didn't buy anything for myself. Well I did buy some travel size items for my trip, but I don't think that counts.

You should try it out. The next time you go to Wal-Mart or Target, buy something for someone else. You don't have to buy something for a child in need or spend a lot of money. Think about getting an encouraging card for a friend, a loved ones' favorite DVD or a candy bar for your co-worker. It doesn't really matter, it is the simple act that will brighten their day.

Task for the day: Simply love someone

Embracing the Culture called Social Media - by Emlyn Lee

The time has come for me to bite the bullet and embrace...social media. You would think for someone that started a business, enjoys writing, and thrives off of connecting people to life-rewarding experiences, I would relish off of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, I tend to live in the Flintstones age when it comes to technology, yet I will put the turkey leg down, ignore the 'would ofs,' 'could ofs,' and 'should ofs,' and move forward, to say...WELCOME, and THANK YOU for reading this!

My friends, family, staff, and clients frequently ask me where I am, what I am doing, and how to keep in touch. I travel a lot to promote Cultural Embrace, attend industry conferences, visit sites, meet partners, see friends and family. So hopefully through my blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media tools, together, we are able to connect, learn, grow, and explore exciting life-rewarding experiences. I stress the word, together, because I want to hear what you have to say, and encourage you to share your opinions, questions, and feedback.

I want you to know what Cultural Embrace is all about. You deserve to feel comfortable with a company that is trying to make you feel at-ease with going abroad. I started Cultural Embrace in 2002 as a direct result of 9/11/01 attacks. My main drive was to initiate peace, cultural sensitivity, and to re-awaken the 'tourism' industry, but selfishly, I wanted to combine my passion and 'hobbies'--travel, education, helping others, with work. (I'm sure I will blog more about C.E.'s history later, so if you have any questions, please ask away.)

I may have a lot to learn about utilizing social media, but am excited to keep you informed of what is going on at Cultural Embrace. So here is to another adventure...one that doesn't entail a passport, a map, or guidebook; but practice, for it to become my new hobby.

HUG Project with Appalachian State

In just one week, the Appalachian State University volunteers built the foundations of a library, cleaned and painted seven houses throughout San Mateo, and experienced Guatemala like true Chapínes.

From the first day, I could tell that this group of volunteers had great chemistry, big hearts, and a good sense of humor—all useful characteristics in combatting the daunting work that lay ahead.

To get to know each other and Antigua, we went to Frida's for some Mexican flavor on Sunday night.  Not quite typical Guatemalan food, but all the staples were there—tortillas, black beans, chicken and rice.  Plus, Frida's fajitas are divine.

Before we started

Early Monday morning, everyone greeted the first day of hard labor with the good spirits and positive energy that I would come to expect.  The week's primary goal was to lay the foundation for a library on the second story of the orphanage.  The construction area, however, was closer to a junk yard than a library.  When the volunteers got there, the upstairs was littered with toys, donated books, trash, and an unused mattress.   

Photo, Kristin Johnson

The mess didn't phase the volunteers though.  They were ready for any and every task Juan assigned: a guerrilla war against arañas (spiders),  or naranjas!! (oranges), if your spanish is rusty; two hours to carry 555 cinder blocks into the orphanage; or, an overhaul of the trash collection that had become the backyard.  In groups of five, the fifteen volunteers attacked every corner of the orphanage, including the dance floor.  

The volunteers completely reconfigured the back yard, itemized and organized the existing makeshift library, and prepared the construction area for its cement foundation. 

Photo, Kristin Johnson

Although there were two strapping young men in the group, not one of the thirteen girls shied away from the dirty work.  Las chicas took turns sieving sand, mixing cement, and plastering the walls.  

New Blue Walls—Photo, Kristin Johnson

Library walls afterwards—Photo, Amy Johnson

While a group of five was constantly working hard on the library, the other two groups helped the rest of San Mateo by cleaning and painting seven homes of children who attend the orphanage.  By the end of the week, the the locals recognized and greeted the volunteers.  And the kids, well, they had fifteen new best friends to play with. 

One of the most memorable events of the week was Thursday's lunch.  To show their appreciation for the work that Appalachian State did in the orphanage and throughout the community, local women prepared Pepian de Pollo, a Guatemalteca specialty. The women prepared enough for all of the volunteers and 46 children.  Although half of the group was incapacitated by stomach cramps, the volunteers did their best to digest the generous gesture. 

Pepian de Pollo Recipe

Ingredients:  

3 Pounds Chicken — in large pieces
4 Cups Water
1 Teaspoon Salt
2 Large Tomatoes — chopped
5 Medium Tomatillos — chopped
1 Large Pasilla Chile — chopped
1 Large Guajillo Chile — chopped
1/2 Cup Sesame Seeds
1 Tablespoon Squash Seeds — optional
1 Stick Cinnamon
2 Teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 Cup French Bread Crumbs — moistened with broth
1/4 Teaspoon Achiote
1 Tablespoon Flour

Directions: Cook chicken in 3 cups water with salt for 30 minutes. Cook tomatoes, tomatillos, both chiles in 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Toast sesame and squash seeds, cinnamon stick and hot chile flakes in a dry skillet over low heat for about 10 minutes. Careful not to burn them. Process toasted ingredients to a powder, then add to tomato mixture. Process this mixture to a smooth paste. Add bread, achiote, 2 cups chicken broth and flour. Process this to a smooth paste. Add this sauce to the chicken. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes or until sauce is a thick red paste. Serve with tortillas or rice.

Despite the long, hot, and duro days, the volunteers were always ready for the afternoon activities.  Every evening we experienced a different element of Guatemala—tours of a coffee plantation, macadamia farm, and jade factory; salsa and meringue lessons; and lots of artisan markets.  

"Top Quality" Beans Drying 

Jade Mask at Carlos's One-Man Fábrica- Photo, Samantha Lane

Fun, if not effective, salsa lessons- Photo, Kristin Johnson

In just a week, each App Stater became part of a family in San Miguel and part of the community in San Mateo.   At the going away dinner on Friday night, the host families provided dinner, the coordinators offered speeches and the volunteers supplied saucy dance moves. 

App State's many quirks and personalities made it hard to say good bye on Saturday, but as a consolation, we started planning my visit to Boone, North Carolina this summer.  I hope that the HUG projects continue to be this successful, but the open minds and open hearts of App State will be hard to beat.  

Should I or Shouldn't I? - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

I am starting to pack for Kenya. My goal is to fit all the essientials into one carry-on travel backpack and check two more suitcases with items for the kids.

But my dilemma at the moment is: Should I bring my hairdryer?

My hair is a hot mess without one, but it's not like I am taking a vaction to a resort on the French Riviera. Guess I'll just make a game time decision.

How petty and vain is this post?

Kumi na tisa and counting... - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

Kumi na tisa is "19" in Swahili.

I decided to re-organize my closet today. It is a pretty good size walk-in closet; big enough to fit all my clothes AND a washer and dryer. I don't know about you, but when I organize my closet I do it by color and item. On one side of my closet you will find in order my jeans, work pants, skirts, shorts, dresses, belts and jackets . The other side has my sweaters, long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, and tank tops. On the floor I have four rows of shoes, and three bags stuffed with my purses.

As I was taking things out to only put them back in, I had a thought. Do the kids in Kenya even know what a walk-in closet is? How many articles of clothing do they have? I don't know the answer yet, but I imagine they don't have two pairs of riding boots, seven pairs of tennis shoes, six leather jackets or twenty pairs of jeans. I will be surprised if they have more than one article of clothing at all.

Kenya Or Bust - T minus 20 days - by Tracy Guthrie, CE Adviser in Africa

There are just 20 days left until I leave for Kenya. I can't believe it! I have been praying for this for more than two years. The purpose of my trip is to volunteer in an orphanage. I have no idea where the village actually is, nor what it looks like. But I will find out in 20 days!

How I got to this point is really a beautiful story. Even though I consider myself to have a pretty strong faith, I had serious doubts that it would ever happen. Doubt is a powerful enemy of faith and truth be told, doubt was kicking my ass.

Thus the story begins. In October of 2008 I met Emlyn, Director of Cultural Embrace, at a party. We talked briefly about her company and experience with international service trips. I checked out her website, but didn't do much more than that. I simply didn't have the financial means. Doubt was slowly but surely smothering my faith. The only thing I could do was pray. So I armed myself with prayer.

Fast forward to July 2009. I started a new job with a better salary that allowed me to save for the trip. I was planning to go in December of 2009. Well, the timing just wasn't right and it didn't happen. But I didn't give up hope. I kept saving and even gave up highlighting my hair! And of course I kept praying. I even commissioned my friends and family to pray with me. My faith started to make a come back.

On February 3, 2010 I was laid off due to budget cuts. I was devastated. I didn't think I would ever get to Kenya. My faith started to slip away again. So I changed my pray a bit. I challenged God that if this trip was His will for me, then he had to get me there. I somewhat jokingly asked Him to send me a check in the mail. I figured that would be the only way it would actually happen. To my surprise, God not only answered my prayer, but exceeded my expectations.

On February 24, 2010 my dad called with some "good news". My dad nonchalantly told me he got a random check in the mail from my dead grandmother. Well, not literally from my dead grandmother, but from a CD she put away years ago. The amount of the check was the exact amount of a plane ticket to Kenya. I shed many tears of joy that day. That is more than "good news", it was my miracle. It was a faith kicking the S**T out of doubt.

From that day forward things have continued to fall into place. God continues to answer my prayers and blow my expectations out of the water. Thanks to my friends, family and God, not only am I going, but I will be able to take items like shoes, shirts, and sanitary napkins to the kids at the orphanage.

Moral of the day: Faith is the best weapon we have. Never give up your faith.

More Joyas de Hope

And now, earrings.  Again, made from naturally colored beans that Juan and Judith grow in their garden and semi-entirely by the kids in San Mateo.   

Earrings are 40 Quetzales, or $5 a pair.  Let me know if you'd like me to bring some home for you.   Color requests are welcome. 

All proceeds go toward the kids' school supplies and come with good karma.  Thank you for your support!

Sudor y Amor: Rendezvous in Guatemala

Although I didn't think Chris would depart from Newark in the face of the latest East coast apocalyptic blizzard, he showed up as planned on Thursday evening. Three days with Chris weren't nearly enough, but we covered the basics:  San Mateo, tortillas, sunshine, mojitos, and lava.  Next time, we will make it to the beach.  

Liquados and views of Volcán Agua from Café Sky

On Friday, we took a chicken bus up to San Mateo where confusing games, rhythmless dancing, and running in circles gave Chris an idea of what I do every day. Always a little shy at first, the kids stared Chris down before making two important judgements: he can't dance, but he is a buena onda.  

Chris's interactions with the kids were graceless and thus hilarious.  As Chris doesn't speak Spanish, but will quickly remind me that he knows some French, the kids spent a lot of time communicating through body language, namely, grabbing his hands and jumping on him.  

  

He wasn't totally lost in San Mateo, however.  As it turns out, Chris is actually quite good at making jewelry—and I dare say that he enjoyed it.

After our trip to San Mateo, we wandered along the cobblestone streets of Antigua. We had dinner at Las Palmas, a noncommittally Cuban restaurant thats cuisine and decor have been cross-bred from various Latin American cultures.   We didn't learn much about Cuba by dining at Las Palmas, but we did enjoy two fantastic steaks and learn that there are four glasses (if you pour like Chris) or six glasses (if you're more urbane) in an average bottle of wine.  

On Saturday, we deferred our excitement for the volcano trek and filled the morning with ruins: La Catedral de San Francisco and Las Ruinas de Santo Domingo as pictured above and below, respectively.   

In 1717, Antigua suffered from a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that destroyed 3,000 of the city's majestic colonial buildings.  Again in 1773,  a string of earthquakes caused yet more damage, the remnants still visible today. 

With much anticipation, it finally came time to climb Volcán Pacaya.  Most who travel through Antigua make this hike within the first few days, but I have been waiting patiently for Chris to come so that we could sweat it out together.   And sweat we did.

I have been going to the gym religiously in Antigua, but no amount of time on the elliptical could have prepared me for this hike. We stayed at the head of the pack, crossing the hardened lava with the more experienced explorers, but the people to our left and right didn't break a sweat nor skip a beat in conversation.  

The messiest without exception were Chris, me, and "el gordo" (the fat guy who the guides kept teasing, offering him a horse as a "taxi." After 999 adamant "No, gracias'," he forfeited his dignity and got on a caballo). 

Approaching the lava was like walking into the deepest depths of Mordor;  I kept waiting for Gollum to emerge and alter my reality.  With or without Frodo, though, the thick mist gathering on the mountainside was too eerie to be anything but the end of the world. 

The lava was just a few feet away from us.  With uneven footing and masses of tourists navigating their way toward the lava, it is a wonder there aren't more burn victims.  Gotta love safety standards in Central America.

And here's the mouth of the monster where Chris made himself useful and roasted some marshmallows, melting his shoe soles and charring his leg hair in the process. 

While Volcán Pacaya was the highlight for both of us, the whole weekend was incredible.  I was so thrilled to introduce Chris to my little life here and share the sunshine with someone who needs it (first time ever that I am tanner than him).  Now, I just need to get everyone else to visit...any takers?