Delegation Delirium

I have just a few moments before I head out to meet my first official delegation at the airport. This one is all mine, all the glory and all the blame. I think I am actually ready for them. Well, as ready as I can be.

Big news in the household, we finally got our third roommate. Gloria's little brother Mario moved in last week. He is beginning his first year of college at the National University which is within walking distance of the house, so that's pretty convenient for him. He is studying Civil Engineering. As often happens, I think he is a little overwhelmed by big city life, and being "on his own" for the first time. I think he is also bored out of his mind. I haven't been around all that much and don't seem to be very entertaining when I am. But he and Armando get together, watch cartoons and play video games. We're a pretty exciting bunch.

Other than that, besides work, there is not a whole lot to report. I will be crazy busy for the next week and then I am treating myself to an overnight at the beach. Can't wait!

Quick Breather

We made it through the wedding. It was a lot of fun. I am trying to get some more pictures uploaded through Kodak, but am having technical problems, so hopefully those will get worked out. The ceremony and reception was in La Nueva Concepcion, Gloria's hometown. My friend Kathy and her brother John flew in from San Francisco for the festivities.
Here's some pictures....

Gloria and Carlos

Me and Kathy

Dance Part-ay!

Kathy a la Carnival

Carlos, Raul, Kathy, Me, John, Paola, and Ileana

Afterwards, we, La Mara, continued with the festivities in La Palma. More pics from the after party....

Gloria in traditional post-wedding, pick-up truck ride home

Me and Kathy

La Mara at the Cabins in La Palma

Nadia, Kathy, me, Carlos, John
Armando

Directly after the wedding, a delegation arrived from Oregon of 25 high school kids. I spent the first three days with them, working 12+ hours a day until about 2 am Thursday morning when my body said "ENOUGH!" and began violently expelling fluids. So to say the least, I have not made it to work the last two days but am hoping to be able to join the delegation again this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning. This delegation leaves on next Friday and then I have about 5 busy days (one of those actually a non-work day) before my delegation arrives on the 28th. Followed shortly, I'm certain, by some sort of collapse.

Catch up

It has been quite a while since I wrote. I have been on quite a roller coaster lately and have had a hard time motivating myself to post. I will try to do better.

I lost my Grandma Sefcovic. She passed away at age 90 in Grand Junction, CO. She was an amazing and strong woman, much more so than I think she was given credit for in her life. I think I received from her the notion that you don't have to settle for the life you were born into. I will miss her terribly.

On the other end of the coaster, Carlos and Gloria are getting married this weekend so I have been up to my elbows in the pre-wedding festivities and preparations. We went out last week for Gloria's bachelorette party and I must say I blushed more than once. I am finding out that contrary to popular belief, we Gringos come from quite a prudish culture. My friend Kathy arrives Thursday night, so I am excited to hang out with her. It looks to be a very big, very fun party.

Work-wise, I am preparing for the arrival of my first official delegation. They will be coming from Weston Jesuit in Boston and get here the end of February. I am helping out with a youth delegation beginning next Monday, so that will be my trial run. I find myself running quite a bit trying to get prepared for this. It looks to be a great experience for the delegates so I hope I can pull through with the details.

I would also like to take a moment to welcome Rob back to Central America. He was a fellow Costa Rica PCV that is now working in an Orphanage for HIV positive kids in Honduras. We're neighbors! That's all for now.