NICKNAMES, NOT UNDERSTANDING, AND REALLY NOT UNDERSTANDING

Yesterday was day 2 in Guatemala City. We’ve mostly just stayed in our host family’s home preparing for last night’s event. Juan Carlos and Jeanette hosted an all-night praise and prayer session with about 10 of their neighbors and friends.

Jeanette prepared a humble feast of authentic Guatemalan tostadas made with fresh guacamole, salsa, onions and parsley. Elise and I helped make rellenitos, an indigenous dessert made of plantains, black beans, sugar, and cinnamon.

After dinner, we played a quick icebreaker game that helped to loosen things up, but once the Spanish songs started, we struggled to keep up. It was the first time I think Elise and I felt completely out of place. Jeanette translated for us as best she could, but there’s only so much she can do. Those who have traveled to Latino countries know how fast the people talk, which makes comprehension a beast. It’s like being riddled by a machine gun.

Still, it was an interesting night. I led one song in Spanish. Luckily everyone knew it, so I didn’t have to fear screwing it up. After an extended prayer time, the night was capped off with roasted marshmallows in their fireplace and a showing of August Rush.

In other news, I’ve got a new name. Jeanette said that when we start to visit villages and meet with kids, it might be hard for them to say my name because the “a” in Chad is pronounced “ah” in Spanish. So Jeanette has christened me Chacho—a common name here that is short for Eduardo.

When last night’s visitors learned this, one of them quickly rechristened me “Chacho Libre” like the film Nacho Libre. And the name stuck. So from now on, Chacho and Chacho Libre have been added to the list of nicknames I already have. I suppose I should try to find a cape and mask like Jack Black. Also, Elise has become “Elisa.” But my name is way cooler.

Speaking of cooler, it’s the rainy season here in Guate, so we’ve been holding steady in the 70s with spots of rain every day. Guatemala City rests at 5,500 feet above sea level, so it’s naturally cooler here in the mountains that closer to the coasts. When we visit Chiquimalia, which is a few hours south, temperature can break past 100 degrees. So we’re enjoying not sweating right now.

Today we’re venturing into the city market. It’s always fun bartering with the vendors. We’ll be sure to get some pictures of that.

Next time: how to survive a chaotic market, and buying random things just because you can.