What Next?

From the time I was a teenager beginning to think about the next step from high school, I heard and contemplated--more like agonized--over the question "What’s next?”. This question alone, I believe, is the root cause of all stress in life especially when you don't know the answer and just want a vacation from dealing with the constant pressure of the future. I feel that my teenage years and thus far into my twenties has been a constant rehearsal of how to deal with the unknown, untested, boundless future. Where does it all go? Which path is the "right" choice? The torment and anxiety that develops from the endless questions of others and from within has the ability to send a person into cardiac arrest with the slightest hint of more stress. But the beauty in all that is found when you score the next job or living arrangement; when God has knocked on your door and shown you how to follow through. It is such a relief to know that I have even just one more year mapped out--granted that even maps are updated regularly.
This year I have been constantly immersed in the theme of US Immigration. Living here has really brought to my attention how the US impacts other world citizens in ways that we, US citizens, may not always realize. It has been such a blessing and a spotlight to live with a family that has been directly affected by immigration. I have learned and absorbed more than I could have living in any other situation. It has been alternating comforting, infuriating, frustrating, enlightening, educational, and always beautiful to live with my host family. They have inspired in me a passion to learn more and act on the theme of US immigration. I, as a US citizen, should know the impact of my country in the lives of wonderful people trying to do what is best for their family. I should know the truths and the myths about this theme that has more impact than any foreign relations department lets on. I cannot even begin to count how many people--men, women, and children--I have had immigration based discussions with during this year.
As the "What’s Next?" question was lingering in my mind, I began to look into possibilities for next year. I felt that between all the lessons learned from this year, I would like to solidify my growing passion for understanding my new definition of foreign relations through immigration, another YAV year in Tucson, AZ would be the perfect fit.
Therefore, after interviews with numerous YAV sites, past YAVs and friends via Skype, I have decided (and been accepted) to work at Borderlinks in a second YAV year. My position will entail coordinating and accompanying groups of Americans in the exploration of the immigration topic. I am excited to explore the next circle of light that God has illuminated for me in Tucson, Arizona.
If you are interested in supporting me in the next steps, I would ask for prayer for me and for the people with whom I will live. You will be able to follow my year through my blog at this same address (where I always love comments and questions). If you feel called to give financially to my next year of service you can do so by sending a check made out to Tucson Borderlands YAV with Austin Langley in the Memo Line to

Linda Marshal 

716 S. Lucinda Drive

Tucson, AZ 85748

Thank you so much for your continuing support and interest in my current and next year of service with YAV PC(USA).

Birthdays!

I accidentally forgot to post the remarkable hand made (by my six year old host brother) carpet and procession that passed in our carport. 

Alfonso's 15th!!!

The cookie cake we made.

Alfonso checking out his new wallet!

My wonderful birthday party.

Receiving the gifts from my aunts, including the handmade bag I am holding and scarf in the picture! Wow!

Lent!

Dead Jesus. There were several on the loose in the streets of Antigua.

Jesus carrying his cross in a sea of purple people.

The Virgin always follows Jesus. The early rain caused her to be put in a plastic bag. 

After Jesus, the virgin, purple people, Roman soldiers, and incense, there is always a band!

Don't forget the cleanup crew.

One of the carpets made of flowers and colored saw dust before a procession passed with the Roman soldiers standing guard.

Roman soldier in a horse drawn carriage.

Judas. And the fair below. 

FOOD

Lichas. Hairy Fruit.

My host dad preparing a coconut to eat... with a machete... scary.

The word for Pie and foot are the same! We thought it was a festival of feet until we realized it was a bakery!

YUMMY. Estofado is three kinds of meats cooked and stirred until the bones literally just fall out. 

Molletes. I believed I already explained these are MY FAVORITE desert. Traditional for Lent and Day of the Dead. Bread with sweet cream, rolled in egg and fried. 

Green, yet perfectly ripe and sweet orange.

Rapadura. More healthy and unprocessed traditional sweetener.

Gabriel, 6 year old host brother's favorite food! Grilled meat.

Traditional tortilla making station.

My part eaten Mollete.

Banana Tree. Did you know that technically banana trees are a type of grass?

Another traditional desert... Some kind of pumpkin like squash...with a TON of sugar.

Women of the family making tamales for Christmas!

The stuff in a chuchito.

Chuchitos ready to cook.

Mixing up the chuchito batter.

Chuchitos ready to eat!

Boiling platanos. They are NOT bananas.

Learning to make rellenitos with Dona Tina!

RELLENITOS... which are really my FAVORITE. Platano, sweet black beans, and cinnamon...fried. YUM.

I have always been so good with being on time... Theme for the day=Dia de Los Muertos (November 1st)

The yummy part. These are called Molletes--sweet, saturated, bread, sweet cream, sugar, fried.

Decorating, cleaning, and repainting the family tomb.

Decorated Graveyard.

Colorful graveyard

The nasty part. Fiambre.

Up close view. Fiambre-all kinds of canned meats and veggies... not to mention beets. 

Kite flying. Day of the Dead tradition. My host brother (6 years old) and host dad. 

Host brother (14 years old), Alfonso.

Focusing hard. Julio is a pro kite flyer. 

A Few Pictures!

My goal is to add a few... in no particular order each week. I apologize for the lack of visuals so far this year! 

Cerro de la Cruz. Its a park that overlooks Antigua!

This is the view of my town, San Miguel Duenas, from the roof of my house!

Learning to cook Guatemalan style with my host mom Marta and my 6 year old brother, Gabriel. Chuchitos!

Learning the coffee process... its a TON of work, but gosh its good!

The bus stop sign. Really not necessary or accurate. The bus stops wherever people wave it down making for a very long bus ride. 

The four of us Guatemalan superstar YAVs after learning about coffee.... ALL DAY LONG.

COFFEE! 

My classroom for sewing. Its a garage... for cars and open on two sides! Ironic that having classes outside at Vanderbilt was such a privilege.