And so it begins

Ups and downs, twists and turns, stunning setbacks and minor miracles... that is to say: life happens.

I went "off script" about six months ago, leaving behind a wonderful job at Tierra Nueva in Washington State for a rather undefined future in Guatemala.

I know that the future is unknowable. I, however, took this concept to the extreme... improvisation as a way of life. (Which, not-so-ironically, is an ability I refined during my previous years in Guatemala.) These past few months have been an impromptu interweaving of family activities, long hours of study, conversations with former coworkers in Guatemala, and lots and lots of coffee.

I am pleased to announce that the time of waiting and preparing is over. The holing up, holding on, and hanging out has ended. The countdown has begun.

10.

Days, that is.

Ten more days until I board American Airlines flight # 933, New York City to Guatemala City (layover in Miami, for those of you keeping track at home.)

Ten more days of my gringo ways, until everyone starts calling me “Canche” again.

Ten more days until I begin my new position with Incidencia Democratica (Democratic Impact), a Guatemalan nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening civil society by providing news and analysis to progressive social and political organizations.

Ten more days to pack.

Holy shnikes, I should probably go now. I’ll write more soon!