Ahora decimos adios a Guatemala

The time has come to say goodbye to our lovely little Posadita Antigua. I know I speak for everyone in saying how excited we are to return home but I am really going to miss this place--especially the amazing staff. In the past week a few of us had the pleasure of hanging out with a few of them, hearing their stories, laughing about the language barrier and making up nicknames (or "sobrenombres"). I am so excited to be able to call them my friends and I can't wait to come back to my new home away from home.

It was incredible to me that we were able to build such awesome friendships despite the language differences. I have become extremely attached to everyone here, mostly just by smiling at one another each time we come and go through the front door. I am astounded by the care we received while here; care that goes above and beyond a typical hotel staff. They made special soup for a few of us when we were sick, passed us sweets through our bedroom windows, and by the end, pretty much knew what each of us liked for breakfast and how much milk to put in our coffee. 

I am going to miss it here but I am so thankful for my new friends- I can't help but start planning my trip back. ¡Hasta pronto Guatemala!

From left to right: Marcela (aka Chela), Mario (Nano), Walter Uno (La Loca), Luis (Sammy), Jamie (La Girafa), Me (Peque), Alfredo

Goodbye to ANA

Monday was our ceremony to say goodbye to those who we met at Asociacion Nuestros Ahijados, and who were a large part of our time here in Guatemala. The night began with a delicious dinner with Jose, the director of ANA in Guatemala who has been so caring to our group all along, Jorge, who we became close to through house-building, and Vanessa, the doctor who helped many of us through our illnesses. All of whom have made an impact on us in only a few weeks time through their never ending willingness to help and care, and friendly personalities. After chatting and enjoying dinner, we hustled through the rain, over to the chapel on the ANA campus to close out our time volunteering. Jose began by explaining what a blessing our time here has been for not only ourselves, but ANA and the families we worked with as well. He had us close our eyes and imagine what each family whom we built the houses for are doing right at that moment, on a cold rainy night. Envisioning them not having to worry about their clothes and beds getting drenched, and trying to keep warm with soggy blanket; that they’re able to keep warm and dry in a house with a solid roof, cement floor, and sturdy walls- that we constructed. It was a beautiful thought to ponder on as we end our time here, knowing that even though we are leaving, the work we did will still be benefiting them for a long time come. The ANA team then celebrated our time here by giving us each a certificate, a necklace with a charm on it in hopes to come back and add new charms each year, and custom “God’s Child” caps, which came in handy on our trip to Tikal the following day.

After the ceremony, Teslin, Megan, and I headed over to our new friend, Micaela’s, house for dinner and conversation. We met her from several stops into her shop of handmade goods, we quickly learned she was a pretty amazing woman, and had a lot we could learn from her. She welcomed us into her house with abundant hospitality and made us feel at home. It was great to be able to talk with a Maya woman who has had many trying experiences, and has worked so hard to get where she is today. Definitely a memorable and valuable night for us on this trip.

An Ode to Volcan Pacaya

A van full of girls and a bumpy car ride later, we found ourselves standing below a steaming crater. Walking sticks and horse taxis galore, we definitely weren't in Antigua anymore, praying to God the volcano doesn't roar. The day insisted we hike Pacaya, all the while learning about the Maya and their history, about the devastating lava we hope to never see. Miguel took charge, leading the way, up a trail that resembled a used ashtray surrounded by beautiful greens that, to most eyes, are unseen, making it pleasantly serene. Persistent with the steady incline, we made it to the top with plenty of time to enjoy the view, one that was breathtakingly beautiful through and through. There were many a dog, all seemingly astray, and all charming in their own rugged kind of way. Even when begging hastily, we couldn't help but sympathize with those bright, wide, puppy dog eyes. And of course the steam hole, how could I forget -- perhaps the "summit's" most exciting feature yet. We all took a turn climbing in to what could have been a mini sauna, under which lies the boiling lava. As a storm appeared to be headed our direction, our Pacaya adventure seemed to wrap up with perfection. As we hustled down the mountainside, everyone seemed to be more than satisfied with what they had gained through this experience in which nothing was feigned. There and back again we are, an hour away isn't so far. It's funny though, how leaving Antigua feels like leaving home. But it's important to roam new terrain, it's important to grab each opporunity by the reins. I'm excited to see what this next week brings, with Tikal in our sights, it's time to further spread our wings!

(Pictures to come!)

Building Team Una Vez Mas!

During the third week of our time here in Guatemala we had the opportunity to build houses for families in need.  I had the privilege to change the lives of a family of a single mother with six children in a part of Guatemala called Santa Ana.  This aspect of our time building just might have been my favorite part of the trip.   

On the first day we mixed cement and created a foundation with bricks.  On the second day we secured the frame of the pressed cement walls and hammered and sawed until we thought we couldn't.  This is all easier said than done.  Let's just say our team name was Una Vez Mas, and we did just that until we were finished. All the while the children were more than eager to help.  The spirit and energy in these kids was something I can't describe.

On the third day we had a blast painting our soon to be smurf blue house. It turned out that the kids also loved to paint. :)

In a matter of days these people who not only don't speak the same language as us but were also strangers, became people that I could respect and connect with.  From this experience I  learned just how important and rewarding it is to help people living in need.  In those three days I not only learned how to build a house, but also learned a great deal about the people of Guatemala and how grateful I am that I had the opportunity to give this amazing family a house.  

Conversation Partners

For the last three weeks we have been taking Spanish classes along with meeting with a Guatemalan conversation partner who is trying to learn English.  Having taken absolutely no Spanish classes before I arrived in Guatemala, I didn't know what I was getting myself into.  Similar to anything in life, starting from scratch is difficult to do!  Fortunately, Sarah and I were assigned to a very patient conversation partner named Alma.

Sarah and I had so many questions about Antigua and Guatemala in general, especially the first week here.  Alma was so willing to answer questions and show us around to places we would have never seen without her.  Though Spanish class was very beneficial, talking with Alma allowed me to learn applicable words used in casual conversation.  Sarah and I were also very impressed by how much English Alma knew.  She told us she had taken English for three years now.  She became bashful when we told her she was a great speaker but Sarah and I agree that she would certainly find her way around in an English speaking country with her skill level!

As our time in Guatemala is coming to an end, Friday was our last day meeting with Alma.  We thanked her with ice cream and hugs and wish her the best!

 A beautiful fountain Alma led us to

Maximo Nivel- our Spanish/English school

Tanque de la Union- a historic public laundry washbasin Alma showed us

Highlights

As we come to our last week here, I wanted to share 

some of my favorite sights and moments

El Arco is located near the city center and was created to connect two monasteries, located on each side of the street. Apparently there used to be a problem with the nuns leaving the church and giving in to the temptations of men whispering "sweet nothings" as they cross the street. They created the arc as a bridge that the nuns could use to cross the street and avoid mingling with street folk.

Deanna and I took a field trip with our classes to some ruins in downtown Antigua.

The 6th grade class in front of the mural at the ANA. I requested this group picture after our field trip and some of the kids were not enthused after our long walk back to campus. 

Our early morning hike to Cerro de la Cruz to celebrated Teslin's 20th birthday. We watched the sun fall over the city as it rose above the trees behind us.

Safety first! Our boat ride back to Panajachel from Santa Domingo was cold and wet, but at least we were stylish in our orange life vests.

A view of the country side spotted with humble housing and checkered with various crops.  The lush green plants and trees span through all the valleys and over even the steepest of hills. 

BUILDING!

This week has been long and exhausting but very rewarding. Monday was my last day at Casa Jackson and I was sad to say goodbye to all of the babies. About half of them were finally getting  over their illness and we were able to spend the day playing with them.  A few other kids were hospitalized over the weekend due to respiratory infections, and as worried as I am for them, I am also thankful that these kids have that resource available to them since , any other kids do not.
Tuesday through Thursday we built houses. We split into groups of four or five and each group build one house.  Day one we built the foundation, day two the walls and roof went up, and the last day (today) we painted the entire house bright blue, put up the gutters, and put our finishing touches on the house.

The entire three days that we were building, the two oldest girls, Sylvia (13 years old, seen left) and Cecelia (11 years old, seen in window), worked side by side with our crew and were such an inspiration to me. Every time I got tired of mixing concrete or digging a ditch I would look over and find one of these girls next to me working just as hard (barefoot and without gloves mind you) to build their future house. They also enjoyed drawing pictures in the wet cement when we had a few minutes of down time between each reloading of the buckets. 

The third and final day was by far the most rewarding when the entire family came out to see their new home.  We all gathered inside the house and they expressed their gratitude for our hard work.  The children made each of us a card with stickers and a handwritten letter inside. This family is just so beautiful standing in front of their new blue home. 

Photo Highlights

An example of the huipil (blouse) and corte (skirt), the typical dress of Guatemala. Each community has a unique design to distinguish them from other pueblos. This dress is from Chichicastenango.

A view of Lake Atitlan from the road descending into Panajachel. 

Each of these mausoleums are painted different colors that represent the gender of the deceased person and are organized by family. Such a beautiful way to honor the dead. 

Another view of Lago de Atitlan

Roadside stand. 

Lake Atitlan has risen 4 meters in the past 10 years so there are many buildings and park benches that are completely submerged underwater. 

Our first stop at Lake Atitlan was the small village of San Juan. There are a few cooperatives of artists and crafts people so they can all benefit from the tourism. Many of us bought scarves from these women who hand weave and dye their threads with all natural materials. 

The giant hill of San Juan. 

We were all a bit nervous about getting into a tuk-tuk for the first time, especially because it was on a dangerously steep hill. Needless to say, we all survived, but it definitely felt like a Disneyland ride. Complete with sharp unexpected turns, dodging pot holes and pedestrians, and careening down narrow alleyways. 

We made it through most of the day totally dry...And then it started raining. The streets flooded and we had to wade through 5 inch deep puddles. The thunder and lightning was quite thrilling!

Thoroughly soggy and still smiling!

Building A Casa

Today was our third and final day building a casa pequeña (small house) for a family in need. Faith, Megan Wood, Rebecca, Jamie and I formed one team and the remainder of our classmates formed two other teams. Along with the help from our  absolutely wonderful and patient team leader, Jorge, we were able to build a solid house with a cement floor for one family to live in. Jorge told us that he had never had a team consisting only of women, we were pretty excited to prove our abilities.

The past three days have been extremely demanding and long, we had to dig a trench, mix what seemed like endless amounts of cement and concrete, build a frame, hang dry wall and so much more. Our hands are blistered and our bodies are aching but we had the best time. Between Faith's tireless humor and the wonderful feeling of giving back we smiled and laughed our way through the physically demanding labor.
The family we built for consisted of a grand total of nine or ten people. The parents and their children. Although we did not meet all of the children since some were older and not living with the parents. The children we did meet were; Silvia, 13, Cecilia, 11, Juana, 5, and Cruz, 9. Silvia and Cecilia were there every step of the way and helped with everything we did. The father was also a huge help in the process.

Before it was time for us to go today, Jorge conducted a simple ceremony for presenting the new home to the family. We said a prayer and the family thanked us and we thanked them for all of their help. As the father thanked us and began to cry it was difficult for me to not feel emotional. The pride of the hard work we had done and the impact it has made and will make on this family was significant. We are planning on surprising the family with various school supplies and maybe some non-parishable food this coming Monday. Pictures to come!

Birthday in Guatemala!

  In the morning me, Becca, Lauren, Rachel, and Jaimie hiked up to Cerro de la Cruz. The hike was beautiful, and somewhat fast because we had to be back for breakfast at 7 am. It was right around sunrise and the sun illuminated the volcano in front of us making the morning even more special. 

   After returning from our hike and eating breakfast, we went to volunteer at the dream center. I was with a group of fourth grade kids. They asked me questions if I had a mom and dad and where I was from. At recess, one of the little boys that was in the classroom that I volunteered in taught me how to make a paper airplane step by step. Every fold of the paper he would check, and then help correct it if it was wrong. I have never had such a functional flying airplane in my life. 

      Returning to our posidita, I got the nicest surprise from our hotel staff. They came into my room singing happy birthday in Spanish. In addition to singing, they brought a tres leche cake with "happy birthday" written on the plate in chocolate, a candle, roses,and a frog piñata.

     After that, we went and got supplies at the store to make posters in English for each of the 8 classrooms. On the way back from the store, my friend and I got popsicles that were yogurt and fruit. There were large chunks of fruit randomly placed in the yogurt. They were recommended to us the first day we got here by our tour guide from Maximo Nivel.

    Then after we had our daily Spanish classes, we came back and made the posters and little books for the project the next day. The project was to teach children useful phrases in English.

    We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner, then went to try to get ice cream but most places were closes. We did go into a McDonald's which was huge and really nice. There was a huge courtyard in the back that had a fountain. There was also a separate part of McDonalds that sold really good cakes.

 Overall it was the best way to spend my 20th birthday in another country. I was surrounded by friends, and only good memories for the day. 

Lake Atitlan

This past weekend we visited the beautiful Lake Atitlan. The road to Lake Atitlan was very narrow and winding and lasted about 2 hours. When we reached the lake we took a boat tour to visit the smaller villages surrounding the lake: San Marcos, San Pedro and Santiago. Our tour guide explained that the lake formed through volcanic explosions for millions of years, eventually creating the lake. Smaller volcanoes rose out of the lakes thousands of years later. 

The weather was beautiful on the first boat ride to San Marcos. We stopped by several stores that sold handmade textiles. At one of the stores, our tour guide explained the different ways the Guatemalan women dye the yearn they used to make the different textiles. The Guatemalan women dye their yarn with bark, green tea, coconut, insects etc.

After spending some time at the art and textiles stores at San Marcos, we all took 'tuk tuks' (a motorcycle with attached seating) to the next town, San Pedro. Tuk tuks are very common in Guatemala as a cheap form of transportation for short distances. They are apparently called tuk tuks because of the sound they make. 

From San Pedro we hopped on or boat again to the last village, Santiago. On our way to the boat, the sky turned grey and cloudy and we also heard very loud thunder. 

At Santiago, we visited Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apostal. Which was built by the Franciscans between 1571 a d 1582. There were several Mayan figures of corn (which humans were formed, according to the Mayan religion) within the Catholic Church. At this time, the rain was really pouring down to the point where we had to sit in the church for a few minutes to see if the thunderstorm would pass. Eventually we realized that the rain storm was not going to die down anytime soon. We tired our best to dodge the rain puddles by using the plastic tarps the small fruit and textiles stores put up to keep their belongings dry but there was no use. Because the morning showed promising weather, most of the group did not have the proper attire to adventure through the rainstorm like true Washington residents. Also the Guatemalan rainstorms are VERY different from Washington rainstorms. Guatemalan rainstorms come out of no where, contain massive raindrops and can last several minutes or up to several hours.Unfortunately, this rainstorm lasted for hours.

When we got to the boat, the storm was in full blast. Fortunately, the captain of our boat put a tarp over the sides and front of the boat to keep us dry as we hit the rough waters. The waves were very choppy and the ride was very bumpy. We were all so relieved when we finally reached land!

At the time, the rainstorm was uncomfortable and seemed like a burden. However, looking back on it... The rainstorm was an unforgettable adventure and a great memory of Lake Atitlan! 

Chichicastenango

This past weekend we went to the market in Chichicastenango, on our way home from Lake Atitlan.  We woke up bright and early for a bus ride through the very curvy yet scenic mountain roads.  I knew that Chichi was going to be a very different experience, but I wasn't quite prepared for the crowd of locals trying to sell us their goods the moment we stepped off the bus!

We split into two groups, each with their own tour guide and were off!  We started by walking through the part of the market where the locals shop.  It was filled with food, clothing, and other everyday necessities.  We then checked out the part of the market more geared towards tourist.  What an experience!  Navigating through the dense crowd was next to impossible, and the vast amount of goods for sale was overwhelming.  I was amazed by the perseverance shown by those selling goods.  I had a little girl come up to me at one point and try to sell me a headband for nearly 5 minutes as I walked between market stalls.  

Even in all the chaos, my group was very successful with our shopping.  By the end of the day, a blanket, pants, table runner, Mayan calendar, and two hammocks had been bartered for and purchased!  One of the funniest moments of the day was when a little girl approached the group and tried to sell us bookmarks.  Many of the people selling goods seem to have little English phrases memorized, like "for your friend" and "for your mom", but this girl said "for your ex-wife!"  How she learned this phrase or why remains a mystery, but it gave us a good laugh and she ended up being successful in selling a bookmark or two!

To wrap up our tour, we visited Iglesia Santo Tomas.  Dating back to 1540, this church is quite unique as it is used for both Catholic and Maya purposes.  Pictures were not permitted, but it was by far one of the most beautiful churches I have seen while in Guatemala!

Although our weekend was utterly exhausting, the thriving, vibrant streets of Chichicastenango are something I won't soon forget!

Cerro de la Cruz

During the second week of our trip here in Guatemala a few of us in the group ventured to a view overlooking Antigua.  This trail starts at the bottom of the hills towards the north of the city.  This 20 minute trek up hill was very worth the work out.  You can see Volcano Agua as the back drop to this awesome view.  If you look closely you can also see the 5th Avenue arch, the park central, and the Iglesia De San Francisco.  A few of us enjoyed the view so much that we decided to attack the hike again a few days later in the morning before volunteering at the ANA.  Here are some pictures of our adventures to the amazing Cerro De La Cruz.

Food Distribution

Hola from Guatemala!

On this Friday morning were were woken up to the sound of rain pounding on our roof.  What a comforting noise for us!

Once again, we headed to La Asociacion Nuestros Ahijados (ANA) at 8:00am.  Every Friday families from the community line up to take home handfuls of green beans, carrots and bread.  We were told on our tour the first day that the ANA offers classes to mothers such as lessons on eating healthy and educating their children.  For each class they attend, they are given a stipend as to how much food they can take home with them.  These were the mothers we served this morning.

We were dumbfounded with the amount of food we found there!  I had never seen that many sugar peas at one time ever in my life!  We created an assembly line and passed down dozens of baskets filled with peas, green beans and carrots.  We then split up into our various positions: passing out peas, beans, carrots, bread, berries, tomatoes, and leeks OR we had the job to refill the baskets each time they became empty.

Mothers arrived with two or three bags and left with them filled with vegetable all the way to the top.  Noticing this, I reflected on my shopping experience back at home.  I often find myself choosing a cart opposed to a basket knowing that it will be heavy once I get to the checkout.  I admire the mothers I saw today knowing that they would have to carry these heavy bags back to their homes, perhaps even in far away villages outside of Antigua, for this week's meals.  I am constantly surprised how strong - physically and in other ways - the women of Guatemala are.

Though it was hard work distributing all of those vegetables, we accomplished a lot with all fourteen of us working together.  All we left with is some dirt under our fingernails.

Piles and piles of vegetables

Sugar peas and leeks

Distribution team

Refilling empty baskets

Making Juice

Yesterday I was accompanied by my lovely assistant Mara to make jugo (juice). It was for the 232 children who go to school at the Dreamer Center, the ANA's school. To make the juice you have to blend frozen fruit and pour it into a pot so big that I could be cooked in it! Depending on if it is berries or not, you have to strain the seeds. It was a lot of hard work, taking about 15 gallons of agua pura (clean water) to complete the job, but the process was very rewarding in the end! It was nice to feel like I was contributing to the nutrition of the students and that the work I was doing directly effected them, filling up their bellies! Here are some pictures of our jugo adventure!

Yum! Cantaloupe juice!

Mucho gusto!

Faith