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...

Last Blog

No more cell coverage or Internet access until Saturday. Finished working in Giles. People here were fantastic!! We loved them. And they loved us. Students had a great time and I believe none of us will soon forget our time here!!

Rob Bradford

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White Water Rafting

Wednesday was white water rafting day!!!!! Everyone had a wonderful time braving the rapids. We were on a Class V rapid and that means it wasn't too dangerous, but a whole lot of fun!!

We were placed in three different rafts. We had a leader raft and two student rafts. We only had two people fall out (Neal and Nate M.) Both of them were quickly and easily rescued. But this was after Nate jumped on a flat rock while trying to give a high five and then was submerged under water long enough to make Rob cry a little. But he quickly emerged from the water with a BIG smile on his face and a great story to tell all of his friends.

After rafting we went to Gumbo's Cajun restaurant for dinner and we doubled the size of the customers. The food order ranged from a Turkey Club to a Steaming Pot of Mussels and everything in between.

So, all in all it was a great day...except for getting the rental van stuck in a hole and having someone break off the driver side mirror while we were at dinner!

Rob Bradford

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White water rafting

It is wednesday morning and we are preparing for our rafting trip. We are all really excited. About half of our group has never been white water rafting and I am certain they are in for a fantastic time!

Last night we had a community potluck with Colcord First Presbyterian Church. The food was amazing. My personal favorites were hot dogs with chili and Cole slaw, peanut butter fudge, and peach cobbler!!! After dinner a bunch if our guys played tackle football with a bunch of their guys. It was hilarious to watch and our guys were really getting into it. It was the first time Seth or Alex had ever played tackle football!! And Nate and Nate were studs. Nate M. on the defensive side and Nate V. on the offensive side. A few of us old guys (John R. and Rob B.) got into the action late, after the young guys were all tired out! We definitely let everyone know that we can play done football in Michigan.

Rob Bradford

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Sunday

Sunday

Well, we made it to Colcord safely. It was a very easy trip with no hiccups of problems. We made two stops of epically proportioned unhealthiness. But other than that, we were all set. There was a boys van and a girls van where there was a great deal of sleeping and also a lot of good bonding. 
The trip is shaping up really well and we are looking forward to church in the morning and the potluck to follow!! 

Rob Bradford

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West Virginia

Yes!!!

Rip raring and ready to go!! We leave for Wild West Virginia tomorrow morning and we are all so excited. We are looking forward to our time in Colcord doing simple home repairs and learning about the effects of strip mining.
We have a very full week planned for us and I plan on giving updates as often as I can get internet access...so stay tuned.