Rough Commute

One of the many things I appreciate about Guatemala is the simplicity of it. Although there have been more than a few instances when I have wished that I could hop in my own car and make haste for the next destination, it is nice being able to take the time to stroll at a leisurely pace as I make my way to work...or anywhere really. This dawned on me as I was taking a route to a small village where I work with the school, about a half hour walk I make once or twice a week. I imagine that this commute will probably be the one by which all others are measured throughout my lifetime and none of them will compare.  Take a look...

The trail begins here, about a five minute walk from my front door. 

Rush hour traffic can really be overwhelming at times. 

 A creek for me to cross, which I have only fallen into once. 

A nice meadow along the trail. 

Young corn growing on a hillside. 

This is what most of the trail looks like, nicely shaded. 

Buena vista. 

The trail to the left is my path.  

As the rainy season technically began in May, but seems to have begun officially in the last couple days, everything is nice and green. 

The road to the village. 

View from the village looking east. 

Guatemala Welcomes Me Back...

As you can see below, I had an unexpected and sudden family emergency that required me to travel to the US on April 26th. It was not ideal circumstances for a trip home, but it was great to be able to be there during this time. I had not planned on traveling home during my service, but really enjoyed the opportunity to see family and friends. 

So, upon my return to Guatemala I am ready to get home and get settled back in with all of the new books, food and other luxuries I brought with me from the US. I arrived in Guatemala on June 2nd, made it home on the 4th due to protests at some main thoroughfares on the highway and was well on my way to making myself at home when on Saturday June 6th, this happened:

Nope, that is not Quasimodo, that is yours truly. On the fateful day, Katie and I were on a walk when we stopped to visit with a friend of mine, Don Paulino, and his sons who were working in their corn field. As we were talking, a bee was buzzing around my head. I swatted at it with my  hat a few times and thought that I had scared it away. As I was talking to Paulino (and thinking about what the hell I was saying in Spanish--it took a bit of adjustment after 5 weeks of English) I saw this monster of a bee zoom in towards my face and land on my forehead for a direct hit. I once again swatted it off of my head, while Paulino's sons burst into laughter at the gringo flailing at a bee. Paulino asked me about 3 times, "Pica, verdad? Pica?", which means basically "It stings, right?". And yes, yes it did. That evening as we were making dinner, I noticed that my face had taken on a strange shape, more swollen and disfigured than normal. I contacted our nurses who recommended Benadryl and if the swelling hadn't gone down in the morning, then to contact them. Well, the photo above was taken the next morning and therefore, I contacted them to see what my next step was. The next step: traveling 4 hours to Xela to go to the hospital! I pack my bag and head out, get to the hospital and talk to the doctor. They tell me they will give me an injection and send me on my way with some stronger antihistamines, which would leave me enough time to travel about halfway home to Katie's place, but cut my trip in half. Well, it turns out that an injection is hooking me up to an IV for an hour, so I am then required to stay the night in Xela. Needless to say, this was an unexpected yet appropriate adventure upon my return to Guatemala. This country definitely keeps you on your toes. 

Daniel Marc Miller

Daniel Marc Miller, 23, passed away on April 25, 2009 in Moscow, Idaho. Daniel was born in Bremerton, Washington on January 20, 1986 and lived there until 1991 when his family moved to Homedale, Idaho. Daniel attended elementary, middle and high school in Homedale, graduating from Homedale High School in 2004 before attending the University of Idaho.

 

Daniel was a son, a brother, a cousin, a grandson, a nephew, and a friend to countless people during his life. Daniel had a positive outlook on life and a faith that no matter how great the problem was, it would be resolved. His attitude and demeanor made those around him realize how special life could be and that time should be taken to enjoy it. Daniel had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit, neither of which he ever hesitated to share with those around him. Since he was a young boy, Daniel loved to make others laugh and to share the joy that he had. He was an eternal optimist and his enthusiasm for life was apparent to all who knew him. Daniel had a passion for music and loved to attend concerts with his brothers, cousins and friends. During his middle school and high school years Daniel had no greater joy than playing football and always enjoyed watching games to cheer on his two favorite teams, the Idaho Vandals and the Dallas Cowboys. Friendship and friends were gifts that Daniel treasured and he always surrounded himself with those he loved.

 

Daniel, although you were taken away from us suddenly and too soon, we know that you knew Jesus, are in heaven with our Lord and have a peace that is unknown to us in this life. We treasure the time that we had with you and cherish all the memories of you. Daniel, in your short time here you made such an impact on so many people. Your quick smile and zeal for life spoke volumes to everyone around you.  In your short twenty-three years, you made your mark on this world.  Your kind nature and love for others were qualities that always shone through. Daniel, you will be missed greatly and even though you are gone, your impact on our lives has only just begun. Our memories of you and the time we had with you will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.

 

Daniel was preceded in death by his grandfathers Roy C. Miller and U.D. Asumendi, and by his uncle Mark Miller. He is survived by his father and mother, Bruce and Benita; his brothers Nicolas, Benjamin, and Andrew; his grandmothers Dolores Asumendi and Madelaine Miller; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who were all very close to him. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that you make memorial donations in the name of Daniel Marc Miller to University of Idaho, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences.

 

 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33