PARENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS:
Please remember that our team will be experiencing reverse culture shock. We are all in the midst of processing everything we saw, experienced, and felt this week. Please give us time to process. We will not be ready to answer every question you have about the trip. We are not meaning to be rude. Please be patient with us as we process our trip. It may take us 3 weeks, 3 days or 3 years to truly understand and to be able to share everything from our trip.
If you press us before we are ready you will receive "cookie-cutter" answers. If you want to hear real answers, please gov us time. We love you all so much and we want to be to share everything with you. Give us time. Thanks!!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
Sheep and hot springs
Well, yesterday we delivered the 6 sheep and we went to the hot springs.
It was very moving to deliver the sheep. The people were extremely appreciative and were very happy to have the sheep. The church there is also in the process of being built and my hope is that a group of ours returns one day to help build it!!!!
Sent from my iPhone
It was very moving to deliver the sheep. The people were extremely appreciative and were very happy to have the sheep. The church there is also in the process of being built and my hope is that a group of ours returns one day to help build it!!!!
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Agua Dulce - July 3
Another wonderful day in Agua Dulce. The day was set up very similar to yesterday. Running, Breakfast, painting, lunch, and then VBS.
The morning run today was a lot easier than yesterday. It was only 3 miles, but it was not nearly as hilly so that made It easier. Again, the views we were able to see were magnificent. We stopped a few times just to take it all in. This is an extremely beautiful place that everyone should come and see!
The painting went well. We finished painting the new kitchen and it looks really nice. There were a couple of frustrations with the type of wall we were painting and whether or not the walls soaked up too much paint. But in the end, it all worked out.
Today's VBS was the best one I have been a part of in Agua Dulce. We had a great plan, thanks to Pat, and it was well executed by all of us. We sang a few songs with the kid. Then we Let them color, which they loved, and make a cool craft. After that, Annalise read a story to them. When all of that was done we asked the kids if they wanted to go and play and they ALL told us they would rather stay and sing songs! It was so cool. So, we sang some of the same songs again, but this time we took extra time to teach them the songs and the motions. They loved it. They especially loved "Alleluia, Praise Ye the Lord". All the standing and sitting down. After music we all went and played soccer, frisbee, and jump rope. It was really fun watching our group interacting with all of the little kids. Even the members of our group who know very little Spanish were doing an excellent job communicating. We gave all of the kids a little present/prize at the end and we thought they were all leaving, but most came back and we all continued to play. This lasted until 5pm!! But it was worth it, because it was great. All of the kids left at 5pm and our group decided to have its own soccer game. With only minimal casualties (Peyton and Nate M.) the game was a success and the game ended in a tie. It did start to rain pretty heavily at the end, but that did NOT deter us at all.
After dinner we basically just chilled all night. We had an early devotions and most of us played cards or read books. We taught Andrew and Hannah how to play Euchre and they almost beat Nate M. and Rob... But alas, they were unsuccessful and the team of Nate and Rob remains undefeated! But, we have an early morning tomorrow as we prepare to leave Agua Dulce, so we need to get our sleep. Good night!!
The morning run today was a lot easier than yesterday. It was only 3 miles, but it was not nearly as hilly so that made It easier. Again, the views we were able to see were magnificent. We stopped a few times just to take it all in. This is an extremely beautiful place that everyone should come and see!
The painting went well. We finished painting the new kitchen and it looks really nice. There were a couple of frustrations with the type of wall we were painting and whether or not the walls soaked up too much paint. But in the end, it all worked out.
Today's VBS was the best one I have been a part of in Agua Dulce. We had a great plan, thanks to Pat, and it was well executed by all of us. We sang a few songs with the kid. Then we Let them color, which they loved, and make a cool craft. After that, Annalise read a story to them. When all of that was done we asked the kids if they wanted to go and play and they ALL told us they would rather stay and sing songs! It was so cool. So, we sang some of the same songs again, but this time we took extra time to teach them the songs and the motions. They loved it. They especially loved "Alleluia, Praise Ye the Lord". All the standing and sitting down. After music we all went and played soccer, frisbee, and jump rope. It was really fun watching our group interacting with all of the little kids. Even the members of our group who know very little Spanish were doing an excellent job communicating. We gave all of the kids a little present/prize at the end and we thought they were all leaving, but most came back and we all continued to play. This lasted until 5pm!! But it was worth it, because it was great. All of the kids left at 5pm and our group decided to have its own soccer game. With only minimal casualties (Peyton and Nate M.) the game was a success and the game ended in a tie. It did start to rain pretty heavily at the end, but that did NOT deter us at all.
After dinner we basically just chilled all night. We had an early devotions and most of us played cards or read books. We taught Andrew and Hannah how to play Euchre and they almost beat Nate M. and Rob... But alas, they were unsuccessful and the team of Nate and Rob remains undefeated! But, we have an early morning tomorrow as we prepare to leave Agua Dulce, so we need to get our sleep. Good night!!
July 2 - Agua Dulce
Today was definitely a fun one. We started the day with an intense 3 mile run up the mountain. The participants on today's run were: Liz, Neal, Edwin, Andrew, Rob and Nate M. The run was crazy because so much of it was uphill. We ran about two miles up the mountain on the road and then came down the mountain on a very narrow walking path for the last mile. There were a few stops and moments when we walked. And the way down was tricky. We didn't have too many falls, but Nate had a good spill!
After the run and breakfast we started painting the new kitchen while some of us prepared for VBS. The painting was fun and we were in Close quarters so there was a lot of talking and interacting.
After painting we had lunch and then headed over to the church for VBS. It was crazy! There were over 220 kids there. We had a plan ( a good one made by Pat) but it was quickly abandoned. Kids were everywhere and really interested in all we were doing. We were helping them make bracelets and color pictures. We also played soccer outside with them and Neal read some simple Bible stories to them in Spanish. The VBS is nearly impossibly to put into words, but I recommend you ask any of our participants to explain it to you!
After VBS we had the opportunity to go on a hike with Edwin as he explained all about coffee and the plantation. He gave us the history and talked to us about distribution, roasting, picking, fertilizing and everything else. We were able to see much of the plantation and even the spot where they make/start new coffee plants. The talk was extremely informative and it gave us all a better understanding of the ins and outs of the plantation. One interesting thing he told us is that they see the coffee industry as similar to the wine industry. There are specifics about the beans and where they are grown and how they're grown. This gives different flavor to the coffee and an expert can tell the difference between coffee from different countries and even the cities, the plantations, and the lots within the plantations.
We got to experience Soupa Verde tonight. It was amazing! Green soup with so many tasty types of vegetables to bring out amazing flavors. And we were to add tortilla chips, cheese and sweet cream. I'm pretty sure everyone liked it.
After dinner we had a bonfire and we all sat around, singing songs, laughing, and having a good time. We sang songs in Spanish and English. We also made s'mores!! Some of the neighbors and their children came and joined us also. It was a great way to end a magnificent day!
After the run and breakfast we started painting the new kitchen while some of us prepared for VBS. The painting was fun and we were in Close quarters so there was a lot of talking and interacting.
After painting we had lunch and then headed over to the church for VBS. It was crazy! There were over 220 kids there. We had a plan ( a good one made by Pat) but it was quickly abandoned. Kids were everywhere and really interested in all we were doing. We were helping them make bracelets and color pictures. We also played soccer outside with them and Neal read some simple Bible stories to them in Spanish. The VBS is nearly impossibly to put into words, but I recommend you ask any of our participants to explain it to you!
After VBS we had the opportunity to go on a hike with Edwin as he explained all about coffee and the plantation. He gave us the history and talked to us about distribution, roasting, picking, fertilizing and everything else. We were able to see much of the plantation and even the spot where they make/start new coffee plants. The talk was extremely informative and it gave us all a better understanding of the ins and outs of the plantation. One interesting thing he told us is that they see the coffee industry as similar to the wine industry. There are specifics about the beans and where they are grown and how they're grown. This gives different flavor to the coffee and an expert can tell the difference between coffee from different countries and even the cities, the plantations, and the lots within the plantations.
We got to experience Soupa Verde tonight. It was amazing! Green soup with so many tasty types of vegetables to bring out amazing flavors. And we were to add tortilla chips, cheese and sweet cream. I'm pretty sure everyone liked it.
After dinner we had a bonfire and we all sat around, singing songs, laughing, and having a good time. We sang songs in Spanish and English. We also made s'mores!! Some of the neighbors and their children came and joined us also. It was a great way to end a magnificent day!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Agua Dulce - Day 1
It is so nice being up on the plantation. Huehue is also nice, but the serenity and scenery of Agua Dulce is amazing.
Our drive up was uneventful, which is always a good thing. Some of us rode in a van while everyone else rod in the back of the trucks. The trip was about two hours long, with one stop for lunch.
Once we got up here we got settled and headed over to church. We were asked to sing songs, give testimonies and preach, so our part of the service was very similar to Saturday night. The main thing that was different was that many of the people in the church do not speak Spanish. They only speak their native, Mayan language. So, when we spoke, Edwin translated it to Spanish and then the Pastor translated to their language. It was very interesting to witness!
For anyone who was here last year or had a student go last year you would be interested to know that there have been some improvements to the plantation and the guest area where we all stay. They made a very nice path leading up to our bedrooms out of concrete, with a railing.
There is also an amazing looking kitchen that is almost complete. And we get to paint it tomorrow! There is also a fence/gate around the porch to keep out the chickens, turkeys, and dogs. There is also another building down by the area where they process/clean the coffee beans.
Now, we are all just hanging out, waiting for dinner. People are reading on the hammock, playing soccer and ping pong. Good, relaxing time all around for everyone!
Sent from my iPad
Our drive up was uneventful, which is always a good thing. Some of us rode in a van while everyone else rod in the back of the trucks. The trip was about two hours long, with one stop for lunch.
Once we got up here we got settled and headed over to church. We were asked to sing songs, give testimonies and preach, so our part of the service was very similar to Saturday night. The main thing that was different was that many of the people in the church do not speak Spanish. They only speak their native, Mayan language. So, when we spoke, Edwin translated it to Spanish and then the Pastor translated to their language. It was very interesting to witness!
For anyone who was here last year or had a student go last year you would be interested to know that there have been some improvements to the plantation and the guest area where we all stay. They made a very nice path leading up to our bedrooms out of concrete, with a railing.
There is also an amazing looking kitchen that is almost complete. And we get to paint it tomorrow! There is also a fence/gate around the porch to keep out the chickens, turkeys, and dogs. There is also another building down by the area where they process/clean the coffee beans.
Now, we are all just hanging out, waiting for dinner. People are reading on the hammock, playing soccer and ping pong. Good, relaxing time all around for everyone!
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Church and pizza!
So, I have seemingly told you about the majority of our day already. But, alas, that was only the morning!!
We came home for a huge lunch that consisted of empanadas, but made with corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. They were amazing.
After lunch, we had free time and most of us adventured out to he market or to the downtown "mall". One of he groups never ally made it to the actual market, but they had a good adventure nevertheless. The other group returned with cowboy boots, a hacky sack and some other items. I made a stop at the supermarket and purchased a few bottles of hot sauce! Overall, it was a great, relaxing afternoon for all of us.
At around 5pm we left the guest house to travel to the church we painted on Friday. We attended a worship service there tonight. Everyone in the group did really well. We sang four songs (Nate V. Played the guitar), Neal and Liz gave testimonies and Rob preached. We also were able to sing and worship with their congregation in their typical fashion.
Church ended around 8:45 and we headed over to get dinner at a pizza restaurant in HueHue. The pizza was phenomenal and here was also a marimba band playing while we ate. I am certain all of us had our fill and then some. The ambiance of the whole place was really nice.
It is now really late and we are all headed to bed and ready for another bug day tomorrow. We are waking up early and traveling up to Agua Dulce to the coffee plantation. I will not have internet access, but I will keep blogging and send them all when we return to HueHue.
Mayan Ruins
Weaving factory
Friday, June 29, 2012
Mint green paint
So, we have already done in one day as much work as we did the whole time we were here last time!!
Today, we were able to visit a church and paint the inside of it mint green. We painted 2-3 coats of paint on every wall on the inside. And the church was not small. This was definitely a huge task for our group, but we hunkered down and got it done.
We had to brush off all the walls, try to wash them, and paint them. We had ladders up, paint flying everywhere, and various brushes and rollers. But, no drop cloths. So, we had to have students on "wet rag" duty! Whenever we spilled or dripped paint we just yelled, "rag!!" and someone came running along to clean up the mess.
A member of the church was there with us and he was extremely grateful for what we did today. He prayed a pray of blessing on our entire group and it was extremely sincere and thoughtful.
We learned today that when we are visiting a foreign country we need to remember that things are different. Not bad, but different. Edwin reminded us of this today and we also saw it played out a few times:
1. The first two coats of paint were mixed with water before applying. this was so it would dry faster and then we didn't have to wait to apply the next coats.
2. Some of us rode in the back of a pick up truck today...
3. the church sound board was hooked up in a way I have never seen before. "
I am certain we will continue to see things that are different this week or are done differently. Our hope and prayer is that we continue to keep our minds and hearts open to all we see and to all that God has for us this week.
We ended the night with an amazing chili dinner, a lesson from Edwin, and group devotions. In devos we spent some time planning our participation in the church service tomorrow evening. We figured out our songs and testimonies. We have some good singers and some very thoughtful students on this trip. Should be fun tomorrow.
Peace!
Running
So, a two mile run at 5,000 feet altitude, up and down a bunch of hills, is intense. Especially for someone like me who is horribly out of shape. But it is a great way to learn our surroundings and to get an idea of where we are. Edwin and I went for a run this morning at 7am while everyone else was still asleep. It was hard, but it really did feel great. Plus, it gave Edwin and I a chance to catch up and talk about life, which is always fun.
Hopefully we will get o go on some more runs and maybe, if they wake up, a few of the students will be able to come with us!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
In Huehuetenango
So, we are all set in Huehuetenango. The trip was a long one today for sure. flight out of O'Hare at 5:45am and we are just getting ready for bed now. It is 11:06 here, which is 1:06am in Kalamazoo.
Other than delayed flights and mechanical issues in Atlanta everything went as planned today. Our group is all really excited to be here and they are even more excited to be out of the vans! The drive from Guatemala Ciy to Huehuetenango is a rough one. It is long, bumpy, curvy and increases in altitude. All of this tends to do wonders to most of our stomachs, but everyone is feeling better now. We did continue the Goethe tradition of sickness though...
For dinner we had this amazing rice, chicken and handmade tortillas. It was so good. The adventurous ones in the group even tried the "spicy green sauce".
Everyone is completely wiped out and I'm sure we will all crash tonight and sleep really well. Tomorrow we have a busy day as we prepare to paint, exchange money, and see more of Guatemala!
It all starts here...
Good morning!!
We are officially off and in flight! Delta has in flight wifi, so of course I am taking full advantage of it.
The drive to Chicago was uneventful, which is always good. my vehicle listened to music and talked as I am sure the other vehicles did also.
Once we arrived at the airport we found a nice, comfortable spot and set up camp. Our stuff was everywhere and we were laid out all over the floor. Many of us got a quick nap in. Checking in was a process and here was definitely some worry about time. People kept showing up and the line kept getting longer and longer. We were all worried we would not make it through check in and security before our flight. Once through security we did not have much time so we went straight to our gate, except a few ladies who "needed" to make a stop at the book store and it almost cost them getting on the flight in time. But, we are all here so there is no need for any parents to drive to Chicago to pick up their child!!
I am going to get back to reading, listening to music, and playing Word WELDER on this flight. Until next time...
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