Thirteen strangers from across the country gathered in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala in preparation for six months of cultural immersion, Spanish classes, and voluntourism. Katie, a "Seattle" native and Santa Clara alumnus, Alex, a West "Seattle" native and Boston University grad, and 11 other well-meaning fools. She bought him a Cookie Monster piñata for his birthday (see photos) and they connected, smashing it to pieces for the sugar rush. Between weekend trips to Lago Atitlán, embarrassing themselves as they performed a choreographed, poorly-executed salsa dance at the local club with the rest of their group, and a Semana Santa road trip around various parts of Guatemala and Belize, it was an experience to remember. They returned stateside, well-rounded and overall just better people. He planned a drastic change and uprooted to Charleston, SC. She was hot on his tail, and he couldn't stand to leave her out West. They had a magical year exploring the Southeast, walking the sandy coast, discovering shrimp & grits, and watching the Riverdogs play. Wonderful surprise - they both were accepted to medical school! Surprise again - the schools are 3,000 miles apart... But as a great person once said, "distance... and heart fondness, and stuff." Katie knew how much Alex would miss her and decided he needed a furry friend (Bandit, see photos). Bandit was his shadow and kept him safe during their time apart. Before they knew it, it was time to decide on residency training. They considered and ranked hundreds of various combinations - Katie is well-known for considering every option thoroughly... including her marriage partner ;) - and they wondered what the next three years might hold. Alas, the algorithm Gods of The Match decided that their fate would be to freeze to death... in the Twin Cities, MN. So the two adventurers were off again, this time to the frozen North from the warm beaches of the South and beautiful mountains of the Northwest. "Doesn't it get below zero there in the winter?" said Katie... "And are there even mountains?" thought Alex... but they were ready for the next chapter of their story, this time together, finally. They were delighted to find welcoming people, beautiful surroundings, and a second dog to add to the crew (Bear, see photos). To be continued...