I sit on the plane trying to catch my breath from all the craziness that traveling entails and think to where I will be in just a few hours.  Since it is the summer the airport was packed with individuals flying across the continental US and abroad. After checking in at the counter and heading towards the security checkpoint, I said goodbye to my family, hugged my mother and father, thanked them for their support and told them that I would see them soon.  After all a month is such a short amount of time. Before I know it I will be back in the U.S.!

The whole summer I have been preparing for my research trip and the time has come where my proposed work will become a reality. While I was studying in Taos, I ensured that I had all my preliminary research complete so that when I arrived in Guatemala I could directly begin my interviews. I must admit that I am a bit nervous and can feel the butterflies (although the turbulence that the plane is currently experiencing seems to be emphasizing my butterflies). My feelings of worry are not due to the fact that I will be meeting new people. I absolutely adore meeting new people, learning about different cultures and languages. The world is such a beautiful place where each and every individual has a story to tell and I cannot wait to see what stories I will hear! Rather, I think that my feelings of worry come from the passion I feel for my research.  I am so passionate about my research, the culture and identity of Guatemala that I just want to ensure that I can convey this to those that I will meet. I did have a lovely conversation on the plane with the woman next to me and was excited to hear that she is going to complete mission work in Guatemala as well! While I have a busy month ahead I know that despite all this the experience I will gain as I conduct my research will create memories I will treasure forever.

I glance at the window and the sun is just beginning to set, illuminating the sky in brilliant colors of red, orange and gold.  The scenery is so peaceful and deep inside I know, by arriving in the land of my ancestors, I am going home.