Change of Plans

When I left Comalapa for Guatemala City I didn't really make an effort to say goodbye to everyone because I knew I'd be back. I cleaned up my room and packed everything into my wardrobe so that things wouldn't be too dusty when I returned. I only took the things home with me that I would need and left the majority of what I own there. I gave my dog to a friend to look after and said my see-ya-laters to my LWH family. What I didn't know then is that in less than three weeks my plans would drastically change.

As it turns out, my student loans and debt have become unmanageable on a grass-roots development worker's 'salary'. After a lot of long conversations and thinking things through, it is impossible for me to return to Guatemala until I get my finances in order here; something that I just cannot do without bringing in some Gringo dollars. So, I will stay in the first-world for at least nine months, but pragmatically I think I will have to be here for longer.

I don't think the decision has sunk in yet. I talked to my bosses (they're really more like my sisters) at Long Way Home yesterday and that definitely made it official. But, everything seems surreal right now.

My family has been awesome in making this decision. My brother and I had a series of long conversations earlier this week that were incredibly helpful. My parents just want me to do what's best for me and are very supportive and understanding. While these talks were exceptionally painful at the time and probably less graceful than I am describing, I am grateful that I have such a caring and compassionate family. 

My friends have also been wonderful. From inviting me over for beers on them to long conversations on the phone or via Skype, I thank everyone for their patience, time and nonjudgmental attitude towards my situation. Words don't do justice to the gratitude that I feel to be surrounded by such phenomenal people. I don't know how I lucked out. 

My next steps and trying to get myself into a position where I can return to my life in Guatemala...I am not entirely certain what Canada holds for me. I know I need to figure out how to get my dog here with me, sooner rather than later (she'll help me with the happiness factor). I think the process is fairly straightforward, but nothing in Guatemala is ever straightforward. I have lined up a couple jobs that will carry me through until the end of October. I think that's a good period of time to let me settle-in and figure things out a little bit more. I'm still adjusting to life here and have an even bigger task of adapting to the idea of being home for more than just three months.