These are very old (almost 10 months!) and stolen photos. But thought I should document my appearance at the Guatemalan US Ambassador’s house.  

In August I had my 23rd birthday, but my first-but-not-last Guatemalan birthday. Here are a few ways this birthday was different.   1. My first birthday with a Guatemalan “moist” birthday cake (basically a cake soaked in sweet liquid and covered in icing)   2. My first birthday to ride in the back of a pick-up [...]

It seems like every other month there is a parade or procession for something. But the Parade of All Parades is held on September 15, also known as Día de Independencia. I mean, they even had PRACTICE parades to prepare for the big one. I do believe I’ve had my fair share of these events, [...]

Part of my job in Guatemala as a Municipal School Health Coordinator is to make sure that every classroom in every school has a Rincón de Salud, or Health Corner. These rincones are where students and their teachers store toothbrushes, soap, clean water, toilet paper, towels, and everything else you need to practice healthy habits. [...]

As one of the only gringas in town, I’m expected to participate in local events in SAX. Hoping to meet new people, I accept most any invitation. I was especially excited when I was asked to judge the Niña de Independencia Contest (Girl of Independence) back in August at my biggest school. I was a seasoned [...]

San Andrés Xecul is surrounded by mountains that are great for hiking. Some trails have been forbidden to me by well meaning locals. I usually stick to the paths where women graze their cattle and where men can be sean carrying loads to market. My favorite trail leads up to the poorest aldea (small town) [...]

In SAX, the biggest tourist attraction is the colorful Catholic church that is in the center of town. Like most of the country, the majority of the population in SAX is Catholic and here Semana Santa (Week of the Saint or Easter) is a huge celebration. The most popular way to celebrate is with large [...]

Throughout Guatemala you can find women (and some men) in traditional Mayan dress. The outfit varies from place to place, and most towns have their own signature style. Because my town is 98% indigenous, most women still where traje (traditional dress) everyday like their ancestors did centuries ago. The huipil is a large blouse that is tucked into the [...]

Well, hello there! I know, you’ve been asking yourself where I’ve been. Really, I’m sure you have, right? The answer is that I am still in Guatemala, I just haven’t been updating this site as I should be. I made promises to myself to update this blog soon after the last time I posted. I [...]

Megan Peyton Voluntaria del Cuerpo de Paz 25 Avenida 8-32 Zona 3 Quetzaltenango, Quetzaltenango Guatemala Centro America use it, abuse it.

I spent the rest of swear-in weekend in Antigua relaxing with wonderful friends, eating good food, and enjoying beautiful weather. It was so nice to have a weekend getaway after three months of non-stop training. On Sunday morning, all the Healthy Schools people met up at the PC office and headed out to Xela where [...]

After my last post, life became a whirlwind of training and preparing to swear-in and leave for my sight. Once I catch everyone up to speed, I promise these posts will become more frequent. On March 23, we were given our site assignments. This was basically the most anxious filled day of my life, the [...]

As I’m writing this, rain is pattering on my tin roof ever so gently. I’m feeling really good today, and that’s probably how I worked up enough energy to finally post something on here. Sorry for the blog neglect. It seems really strange to think that I’ve been here for over two months now, and [...]

That’s a great question. I’m glad you asked. I’ve been asking myself this for the last nine weeks, and I think I’m finally starting to understand. Taken me long enough, no? The simple answer is, I’m a Peace Corps volunteer. Not good enough? OK, well, I’m a Healthy Schools Peace Corps Volunteers. You’re still clueless, right? The [...]

I stopped by the PC office today and checked my mailbox here. Like every other time, no mail– sad face. So if you want to brighten my day, please send me a letter or postcard. If you’re feeling really generous, you can even send me a care package. I’m totally missing dark chocolate, hint hint. Here is my [...]

I’ve been in Parramos for three weeks now, and I’m really enjoying my time here. I have a great Spanish group, an amazing family, and a beautiful view of the cloud covered mountains that you see in the guide books. Training seems to be flying by, I’m guessing mostly because we’re always so busy with [...]

We arrived in Guatemala City and were greeted by the shining faces of the Guatemalan Training staff. We gathered our bags, loaded them onto PC vans, and hopped on our personal camionetas (buses). the Peace Corps Guatemala office is located in Santa Lucia Milpas Altas in the department of Sacatepequez, a gorgeous little aldea (small [...]

OK, so let’s go back in time a bit. I arrived in DC on January 3 with a hiking backpack, duffle bag, school backpack, and a purse. I wish I had a list of everything that I brought (for those future volunteers who might look at this blog one day), but trust me – I [...]

I made it through the first week of orientation, and I´m now in Parramos for the next 11 weeks of training before I get my permanent site for the next two years. I´m here with eight other people who are at about the same Spanish level as me. Our first day of official training was [...]

… and it is beautiful. Seriously, the landscape is amazing and the weather is simply perfect. I will write more and post photos when I have the tiempo, but for all the people out there who are wondering (especially family) – I AM HERE AND WELL!

I had an amazing New Year’s Eve in Austin and was able to see all my friends before I left. I’ll miss everything about Austin, especially the wonderful people who I’ve met over the last five years. I had the most “Austin” NYE I could think of – live music! I saw Black Joe Lewis & [...]

Big news- I’m headed to Guatemala in January to join the Peace Corps! I’m still wrapping my head around it all, but I’ve started to prepare myself for this big change. Currently, I’m interviewing applicants for my job in Austin, making plans to see family, and enjoying everything about my current life. Necesito practicar mi [...]