Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is called Día de Cariño (Day of Affection) here in Guatemala. The students usually celebrate it in the schools with valentine´s and the youth (remember youth is anyone who is not married) celebrate it, but it is not commonly celebrated among adults. It still is a fun day!

Marie and I made valentines with our students, which was fun. Of course, Marie and I also received gifts from our students. Marie happily received 7 bananas, 1 apple, and 1 orange. I received a plate, 7 or so valentine's of my own, a mug, and a couple cards. :)

School was also done at 11 so that students could participate in various activities. I couldn't tell you what those various activities were, however, because there was a surprise lunch in the principal´s office to celebrate Marie and I coming to teach and a couple birthdays. Fried chicken with papas fritas (french fries), coleslaw, and tortillas. It was delicious!

After school, Marie and I spent some time planning and then we met a couple of our friends to go to a different town. We didn't really know what we were getting ourselves into because when they asked, they asked if we would go to sing with them. We didn't know what that meant, but we agreed to go. On the way, one of our friends asked if we would sing. Marie pointed to me and I reluctantly said I would try.

After lots of thinking and searching for a song, we settled on "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion. I told him I could try as long as I had the words. So, we went through the concert at the music studio where our friends teacher. A variety of people sang and played instruments. Toward the end it was my turn. My friend was going to play the keyboard and I was going to sing, but he told me he couldn't find the words. "Do you remember any words?" he asked in Spanish. I only knew bits and pieces of the Chorus. Well, I ended up "singing." Marie ended up laughing. End of story. I definitely forgot most of the words and ended up singing "la la la," but hey, it was an effort! Marie gave me a loud applause at the end (thanks good friend!).

Then Marie and I had a blast teaching English classes that night with some of the same people and other people we have come to enjoy teaching and being with! Overall, it was a very nice day!

 Second Grade Valentines

 Fifth Grade Valentines

 Gifts

 Our lunch!!!

All the teachers at lunch