T-1 Day Until Match

In less than 18 hours I will find out if I have a job next year! It has been difficult to focus this week, as a lot rides on if tomorrow's email says I matched or not, but I am hoping for the best. If I did match, I will be told on Friday where I matched!

This weekend, there were only three students left at the school. Myself, one other medical student, and a young girl on her gap year before college.

The other med student and I went to a sacred Mayan lake called lake Chicabal on Saturday. We had a wonderful female guide who talked to us about the sacred sites around the lake and her life in general (in Spanish). The lake is on top of a volcano. It is unknown if the lake is connected at the bottom with other sources of water. It is at least 600 m deep, but divers haven't yet reached the bottom. Around the lake, Christians and Catholics put fresh flowers, which last for days after their stems are stuck into the ground close to the water's edge. Mayan families sit in circles around the water's edge and use eggs, mangos, chiles, coffees and chocolate in prayers both in offering of the good in life and at time's to ask for bad to happen to people who have wronged them.

The water's green tint reflected the dark green jungle surrounding it. It took around 7 miles to go up to the lake and back down. In typical fashion, there was an issue with the entrance fee, but we know enough Spanish now not to be tricked. We had paid for it, and we simply refused to pay until the park rangers let us go.

We drove home and met with the young gap year student at a foreign owned restaurant called Tacorazon. We had chipotle style burritos and margaritas. We all agreed to go out later in the evening, but ended up falling to sleep.

I met with the gap year student this morning for studying and food at my favorite spot - El Cuartito. The restaurant didn't have all the normal faire, as electricity and water were cut off most of the day in Xela. We quizzed each other on flash cards, ate guacamole and drank margaritas in the sun all afternoon. I listened to all her hopes about college and reassured her that college will be one of the best times of her life.

I hope match day is as sunny as today was. I hope all of you have a great week! Happy b-day to my girl Tasha! - Drea