well, i've made it though one week of being here in guatemala. This week has been harder then i could have ever imagined. it's really hard to be alone all the time, consumed in my own thoughts. Thankfully, i am staying in a guest house the has internet so i get to talk to my parents everyday.

I'm living in the town of Antigua, which is a very historical place that has a ton of old ruins in different parts of town. I have yet to venture very far because i'm a little scared to go out alone. I know it's crazy to think, because i came to guatemala alone, but it's scary to walk around alone. On wednesday i climbed up to the top of a volcano ( near the top, the summit is prohibited ) it was probably one of the hardest hikes i've ever done. 1) because of the steep incline, 2) because of the high altitude it was harder to breath and 3) because my tour guide didnt speak any english ( lol)the group i was with spoke less english then i did i ended up being the translator for the guide. Once i got to the top it was pretty magical. Just last year the volcano erupted and spewed lava where i was walking. Only the tour guide and i went on to the volcano side ( where the volcanic rock was new) and at one point he took me inside this 'cave' like compartment underneath the surface. it was unbelieveable hot! it amazed me that just under the surface it was so hot already. i cant imagine how hot it is deeper down!

This week is started my spanish schooling, and it is going pretty good. This past week i just kind of refreshed my memory of things i learnt in high school. everyone is friendly there and i've talked to a few others.

As i mentioned earlier, this week has been so incredibly hard. i've been majorly homesick and have been wanting to have some company. or else return to where life is comfortable and safe. i miss my family, bed, home cooked canadian meals, friends, dog maggie, everything. Prayers are very appreciated right now because this is such a challenge for me.

anyways, just a little update to what i've been doing and to let you know that i've made it one week.

love always.
katie

This is a view from my roof deck. It's Volcan de Agua. 

This is me close to Volcan de Pacaya. 

Inside the cave like hole.