AI-Generated Summary, which cracks me up: After moving to Guatemala, the author encountered challenges like navigating the unmarked roads and adapting to cultural differences, but found joy in the friendly locals and natural beauty. As a teacher in a struggling school, the author is determined to make a positive impact despite the lack of resources, feeling grateful for answered prayers and a chance to utilize their skills.
I couldn’t have ordered a more Rachel-esque day to get here to my new home in Panajachel, Guatemala. Moving out of my home in Hong Kong to the temporary spot at my parents in California for six weeks was wild enough. I was waiting on boxes still from Hong Kong . . .
me and bestie Everyone has a morning ritual. In this long six-week summer between teaching jobs, I’ve cozied into very different morning routines than from when I’m teaching. Those were usually "AH!/Coffee/get dressed/teeth/out door/try to not forget anything/forget something/AH!" mornings. But... Continue Reading →
The author shares the emotional turmoil of leaving Hong Kong after unexpectedly losing their teaching job. Despite initial challenges and rejections, they secured a teaching position in Guatemala. The new role comes with unique challenges, including teaching fifth grade without a partner and adapting to a different lifestyle. However, they express excitement about the opportunity, reconnecting with Spanish, and fulfilling a long-held desire to live in Guatemala.
I recently posted my 4ty-5 by 45 challenge list, with the next set of goals I’d like to accomplish by the next big birthday. Although, to be fair, every birthday should be celebrated as a big birthday. It’s a privilege... Continue Reading →
me, very cool, through almost all of my birthday, crying at anything nice said to me. (literally 90% of the pictures are a version of this.) The soundtrack for this blog can be found here. And I recommend the heck... Continue Reading →
a moment from last year's birthday! It is birthday week! Around lunchtime, seven days from now, I will officially have been out of the womb and in the world for 40 years. That's 14,610 days. What the heck does that... Continue Reading →
There are a few days that really make me miss home, and Thanksgiving is one of them. I don’t have any American friends here and the way I feel about the day doesn’t translate cross-culture. I’m coping well - bought... Continue Reading →
The end of a school year is always bittersweet - saying goodbye to colleagues moving on or away, cleaning out classrooms, changing year groups. It’s especially challenging when you teach in an international school and city because people - both... Continue Reading →
on teaching first grade (never again!), being a spinster, auntie life, good friends.
Lots of people do round-ups for New Year's Eve, but a few years ago I started marking each actual year of my life, answering these same set of questions each birthday to help me measure moments. Here are the last... Continue Reading →
“Habibi - for you, special price, almost free. Look, I give you these earrings. Make myself. Are you married? I can marry! I nice Egyptian man for you.” His name was (shocker) Mohammed and he was one of the many... Continue Reading →
Sunglasses Always Fit 