Oh...Canada. Thanks for being you.

Coming home to Canada after being in Guatemala for 7 months is exactly what I expected. It's home. I know what to expect. It hasn't changed much. There are some things, though, that stand out to me. One of the biggest differences is simply going from a rural farming town to a city of 90, 000. In this city things are big, fast, new, expensive, and clean (for example, the cars, streets, houses, stores, and lifestyle). That is definitely not what I am used to, yet from previous experience, I know to expect this. Many times, however, I catch myself saying, "Wow, that's brilliant!" or "I can't decide, there are too many options!" For example: dishwashers. What a great idea! Crosswalks, and the right of way, and people who obey the written rules = a great combination. Door nobs and ceiling fans. Whoever invented those are geniuses. Seriously. In the grocery store here I need to allow myself twice as much time as in Tactic. For one, the stores here are much larger. But even trying to decide what kind of milk to get is so much more complicated. In Tactic there is powdered whole milk or 1L shelf life whole milk. There are also a few cartons of skim or partially skimmed. But here, there are at least 1L, 2L, 4L options, as well as carton or plastic jugs. Not to mention level of skimness/wholeness, and flavours. Not only choosing milk takes a long time, but bread. Tactic has white Bimbo, brown Bimbo, buttered Bimbo, or already-toasted Bimbo...or sweet buns to dip in your coffee. Here there's bread with seeds and fruit, and French baguettes, and pizza buns or cheese buns or whatever-you-can-think-of buns. I've realized that variety is a luxury for the rich. One more example: At the beginning of the school year in Tactic, I bought a 3-ring binder. I went to the biggest school supplies store in town, and asked for a binder. There was one option. No choice for size, colour, quality, or price. If you want a binder, this is what you get. On the flip side, this week I bought a bunch of school supplies as gifts for the teachers. I went on a Staples and Walmart shopping spree and I definitely took a very long time deciding, with the huge selection of options, prices, sizes, and colours. 

$2 for a single avacado?!

Despite the minor culture shock, I have been enjoying my vacation. 1) It's a vacation. I'm not working = guaranteed enjoyment. 2) Visiting friends and family. It has been such an encouragement having people ask how things are going in Guatemala. You mean, you remember that I was gone and am now back and that I was in Gautemala of all places? It means a lot to me, especially when you say, "I really love reading your blog!" 3) The Kamloops weather. 1 thunder storm and a few raindrops the next day is so much more manageable than rain at some point every single day. I can't get enough of this blue sky and sun :) 4) The night sky. I had forgotten how much I love looking at the stars. It's awefully hard to star-gaze when it's clouded over, or raining. Plus I don't spend a lot of time outside after dark for safety reasons. The only problem here is it stays light out so late that time gets away on me and I end up staying up late every night. 5) The fresh fruit. Sure there is a huge variety of fresh fruit in Tactic. But there are no raspberries, cherries, blueberries, or apricots. Mmmmmm, I've been getting my fill. 6) Weddings. I managed to make it to 2 weddings in 2 weeks (in one of which I was a bridesmaid) and they were both fun-filled, God-glorifying celebrations of life, love, and unity. 7) Mom's cooking. There are more things on the menu than opportunities to eat. Thankfully Mom will be coming to Guatemala to visit me less than a week after I arrive back there. It's her first time and she's been having a hard time picturing where and how I'm living. I'm excited to show her around my Guatemalan home, take her to my schools and the market, and introduce her to my friends and coworkers. And although Guatemala has become normal to me, I expect she will experience a fair amount of culture shock, both in going to Guatemala and returning to Canada afterward. So it would be good if you could remember to pray for her and her upcoming trip.  

As I head back to Guatemala, part of me is sad. I love Canada, and I hate goodbyes. But I know my mom is coming soon. And, I will be home for good in 2 and a half months. I look forward to seeing you all then!

Will and Hannah Iblings listening to speeches at their reception

Jodi Rhebergen (now Enns) ready to be married