The bright-eyed and ambitious group of volunteers that arrived in January 2008 are on their way out. Our replacements are already in training. As I finish up my service, I’m getting really busy (or as they would say in Q’eqchi’, my face is full), but here’s a parting shot for the Id.

Alvaro is one of my students in Samac. He and Fidelina were married a few days before Christmas. Her veil covers both of them, representing the union.

Here is the third (and probably final) installation in my series of word jumbles for The Id (a quarterly publication for PCVs in Guatemala). As for the solution, you’re on your own this time.

These days Cobán’s El Vaquero is a family-friendly open-air restaurant with fresh paint and clean tile. But there was a time not too long ago when it was a dingy churrasquería full of smoky fluorescent light and desiccated taxidermy.
The Q10 churrasco plate (beef, tortillas, slaw, potato) attracts pitiable vagrants like Chris and Dave who can often be found debating social responsibility in the Randian tycoon class, much to the indifference of the locals (pictured).

If the last one gave you trouble, here’s your chance to redeem yourself. This one should be a touch easier.

Peace Corps Guatemala has a quarterly publication for and by the in-country volunteer community. My submissions this quarter included a crossword and this jumble.

The idea of a promotional poster advertising “Grackles! Grackles! Grackles!” kind of makes me laugh.

See comments for the answer to the jumble.

Work doesn’t stop in Sanimtaca’ after the sun goes down.
Qana’ Margarita, Qana’ Rosa Victoria, and Li xJuanita sort the beans.

Maria Elena invited me to dinner with her family one afternoon when I was helping the men cut down a tree in the village. She was wearing a dress instead of the traditional huipil and I noticed that someone had mended the shoulder with heavy black thread.