I ask that you support the progress being made in Paquila and Pabeya. I am raising money and donations for the next trip in October 2010. We will be installing more ONIL stoves and water filters, deworming, providing multi-vitamins, and training local leaders in wilderness first aid.
Please give all that you can:
- baby clothes
- children's clothes
- small adult sizes
- tools
- first aid & basic medical supplies
- shoes of all sizes, especially flip flops and sandals
- $ for additional closed-fire stoves and water filtration systems ($300 provides both for a family)
- school supplies and Spanish-language books for all ages
- duct tape
Make checks payble to Oak Ridge United Methodist Church or High Point University (Memo: Guatemala Mission). Mail to:
Kelly Norton
High Point University
833 Montlieu Avenue
High Point, NC 27262-3598
Questions: knorton@highpoint.edu or 336.841.9636.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
First Week Back
Last October I returned and immediately went through my closets, scaling down anything that I didn't need or use. Clothes I haven't worn in a long time. I got rid of a lot of stuff. I simplified my life quite a bit in light of the experience I had had and the things I take for granted.
But this trip, I've noticed that my frustrations have been pointed outward. I have become easily frustrated by the pettiness and ridiculousness of drama going on at work. Everything from people who waste food and resources to people who argue over how a credit card can be used. When there are such bigger problems in the world, why are these issues even regarded as issues? I've come to the conclusion that I cannot change people, only experiences can. And that associating myself with these close-minded people is a waste of my energy (and my time). I love them, but I can't keep up the facade that these matters matter to me. Someone else can fight the battle of the credit card. It's just not worth getting upset over. And if that is all someone has to argue then they really need to do some soul-searching on their priorities in life.
I will continue to assimilate back into American (and HPU) culture, but I will constantly keep my eyes open for opportunities to make a positive impact because I know they will come.
At an institute on social entrepreneurship on Tuesday, someone said, "Little cubic centimeters of opportunity are being thrown at us all the time. It's our choice to ignore them or to pick up one that really means something to us." When I find my cubic centimeter of opportunity, I will not let it pass.
But this trip, I've noticed that my frustrations have been pointed outward. I have become easily frustrated by the pettiness and ridiculousness of drama going on at work. Everything from people who waste food and resources to people who argue over how a credit card can be used. When there are such bigger problems in the world, why are these issues even regarded as issues? I've come to the conclusion that I cannot change people, only experiences can. And that associating myself with these close-minded people is a waste of my energy (and my time). I love them, but I can't keep up the facade that these matters matter to me. Someone else can fight the battle of the credit card. It's just not worth getting upset over. And if that is all someone has to argue then they really need to do some soul-searching on their priorities in life.
I will continue to assimilate back into American (and HPU) culture, but I will constantly keep my eyes open for opportunities to make a positive impact because I know they will come.
At an institute on social entrepreneurship on Tuesday, someone said, "Little cubic centimeters of opportunity are being thrown at us all the time. It's our choice to ignore them or to pick up one that really means something to us." When I find my cubic centimeter of opportunity, I will not let it pass.
Day 10: Going Home
I walked around Antigua one more time after breakfast at Cafe Condesa (yes, Omelete Santiago). I wasn't planning to buy anything, but I still had the thought of the hammock in my mind. I made my way to the outdoor market and negotiated for 2 seated hammocks for dosciento quetzales (about $12 each). Dad will have to make frames for them, but I'm sure he won't mind. With hammocks in hand, I made my way back to the Panchoy to figure out how to pack them.
If I can’t be in the community, then I’m ready to be at home. I have a loving pup who is anxiously awaiting my return. We said a tearful goodbye to Raul at the airport and boarded the plane. A brief layover and dinner in Atlanta, and then we were at GSO. I can't wait to start preparing for the trip in October!
If I can’t be in the community, then I’m ready to be at home. I have a loving pup who is anxiously awaiting my return. We said a tearful goodbye to Raul at the airport and boarded the plane. A brief layover and dinner in Atlanta, and then we were at GSO. I can't wait to start preparing for the trip in October!
Day 9: Paquila to Antigua
We awoke, dressed, and packed before light. The church members had been up for at least an hour before us. They knew we were leaving and wanted to be there to see us off. We distributed the gifts to our helpers. Bill presented Pastor Gaspar with the symbol of the Methodist Church painted onto a board and lacquered with a plaque on the back commemorating our inaugural trip to Paquila. Then we were hugging children and comforting Jorge, Marta, Solamita, and Francisco. Francisco is only 13 and Solamita is only 14, but they worked hard and have a long life to look forward to. Marta is preparing to be married, so we didn’t assemble her stove. Jorge is expecting his third child. They will be busy with other things until we see them again in October.
I have so much to share with our October team. They will not be able to prepare themselves emotionally for what they are about to experience. They can only come with an open mind and an open heart and soak in every bit of what these people have to offer. They will leave with mind and heart overflowing.
We drove to Antigua filled with energy and high spirits. Len played the guitar, and we sang everything from the old-time gospel to the Eagles. And for the first time ever, I played and sang Kasey & Shane’s “One More Year” and OCMS’s “Wagon Wheel,” something I could never bring myself to do in front of my Wildwater friends. It just felt like the right time and place.
I won’t spend a lot of time talking about Antigua. It’s a tourist city, and while it’s nice to have some cleaned-up transitional time before and after our time in the community, it’s not the highlight of my trip. I was glad to see that tuna tartare was still on the degustativo (tasting) menu at the monastery. I brought some coffee for friends at home, and some things for my office to start conversations with interested students.
We drove to Antigua filled with energy and high spirits. Len played the guitar, and we sang everything from the old-time gospel to the Eagles. And for the first time ever, I played and sang Kasey & Shane’s “One More Year” and OCMS’s “Wagon Wheel,” something I could never bring myself to do in front of my Wildwater friends. It just felt like the right time and place.
I won’t spend a lot of time talking about Antigua. It’s a tourist city, and while it’s nice to have some cleaned-up transitional time before and after our time in the community, it’s not the highlight of my trip. I was glad to see that tuna tartare was still on the degustativo (tasting) menu at the monastery. I brought some coffee for friends at home, and some things for my office to start conversations with interested students.
Day 8: Paquila School & Day Trip to Pabeya
We arose this morning to a beautiful sunrise over a far-off volcano, whose name I may never know. I snapped a few photos and prepared for breakfast.
Before we left for Pabeya, we visited the high school in Paquila and talked to the principal about their needs. And we played a little basketball. Paquila may be the only place in the world where Louisa can post up and have a reasonable chance of success. She's 5'8".
We left one community with smiles and tears and arrived at the other to squealing laughter and rambunctiousness. It was Sandy’s birthday, and although we’d already done one round of the “happy birthday” song at breakfast, we did another one after fireworks. Ron had made arrangements to have them purchased, and Raul was more than happy to oblige. Pastor Gaspar was so excited while they were exploding that he grabbed Ron’s arm and jumped up and down like a little boy. It had truly been a good day! And an unforgettable birthday for Sandy!
That night would be our last in Paquila, for this trip anyway. We packed up our stuff, leaving much of it behind for our helpers. A suitcase for each of them, filled with clothes, work supplies, linens, treats, you name it. And at least 12 air mattresses were donated. I slept soundly, anxious for the morning and the time we would say “so long” to our Paquila friends.
Before we left for Pabeya, we visited the high school in Paquila and talked to the principal about their needs. And we played a little basketball. Paquila may be the only place in the world where Louisa can post up and have a reasonable chance of success. She's 5'8".
Joshua showed up in La Super Nina right on time. We loaded the medicines, kid’s shoes, lunch, drinks, and other items in just a few minutes, and then we were on our way. We were traveling east on roads where we hadn’t been before. The northbound road from Mazatenango was rough, but the road between Paquila and Chuisimiac was really rough. Joshua did a great job of navigating the pot holes, broken pavement, and dirt roads. The ups and downs were very noticeable with tires spinning on the steeper uphill sections and brakes grabbing on the steep downhills.
As we turned left onto the smaller path to Pabeya, I started to get excited. And when I saw the school, I was out of my seat scanning the faces that began to come out of the woods. Eliseo was the first person I locked eyes with. He was running alongside the bus with his son in his arms. I yelled his name and waved, and I think we both teared up. I was so happy to see him again, and it appeared that he felt the same. As we stopped at the butcher’s corner at the end of our path to La Voz de Jehova, I saw Miguel, Juan and Manuela, Lorenzo, and so many other familiar faces. They were all smiling and jumping up and down, waving like their arms would fall off. There was no shyness like there was last October. No hidden smiles, no peaking through doors. The kids were yelling and cheering and running after us. I couldn’t get off the bus fast enough to give and receive hugs!
The only face that I saw missing was Juana, the pastor’s wife, who I had a moment with on the last trip. I was told she was waiting to greet us at the church. Other than the reunion I was having, one of the most special parts about this visit was that Vickie, Louisa, and Dan were on the trip. They had helped build the church and hadn’t seen it since they left more than a year ago. It was quite a powerful feeling for them to see the completed product of all their efforts. And since I left in October, Max had sent a financial gift for the church to purchase 6 ceiling fans, which were swirling full-speed. And they had decorated the entire church with silk flowers and decorative lace. It was gorgeous!
We unloaded our bags and made our way up the path. Juana, Big Miguel, and Santos met us at the church with tables already set up for us to use. Apparently, there had been some misunderstanding about the purpose of our medical visit. Some of the community members thought we were there to treat health conditions (burns, lumps, infections, etc.), which we weren’t prepared for. However, they were happy to receive the dewormer and vitamins that we offered.
Each family entered the front door of the church. Big Miguel was charged with letting one family in at a time, and he did it well. I commented to Max how much more vocal he had become. Last October, he hardly said a word, but it seems that since then he has stepped forwarded to carry some of the responsibility of the church in the pastor’s absence. (The pastor is still working in LA.)
The family would be directed to one of two lines, where a nurse (Sandy on my side, Vickie on the other) would administer dewormer to each person. Jorge, Marta, Solamita, Francisco, and Pastor Gaspar accompanied us from Paquila to assist with the day, since they had worked with us in their own community the day before. Marta helped us ask how many people in the family, whether the women had a husband in the country now, whether there were other children at school or parents at home, whether anyone was pregnant, and the ages of the children. The dewormer is counter-indicated for pregnant women, although breast-feeding was ok. Good thing because the women are pregnant often. Juan’s son is one year old, and Manuela is pregnant again. They are such proud parents. We were very happy for them both, but I was sad that Manuela couldn’t take the dewormer on this trip. She won’t have given birth by the time the next team comes in May. Perhaps we can administer it in October when we return, if we go to Pabeya. Joshua even jumped in a few times and helped translated when I couldn’t keep up with the Spanish.
I cannot say enough about Sandy’s gentle way with the children and older adults. Many of the touching stories I will keep to myself, but I have to tell about Sandy and one child in particular. As soon as I saw his face, I knew his life (and his mother’s) had been such a challenge so far. He was 15 years old, and his mother carried him in sling cloth like a baby or small child. He had some type of cerebral palsy. Marta had stepped away to help with something else, so I asked her in Spanish if he was able to chew. She said he could not. For infants, we had a liquid version of the dewormer. Sandy prepared a squirtable syringe with the fluid. Sandy gave the medicine a little at a time, allowing him time to work it through his mouth and swallow it. Then she would give him a bit more. She stood with his mother for at least 10 minutes until the boy had swallowed the necessary dosage for his weight (which compared to that of a 4-year-old in the U.S.). All the while, tears streamed down her cheeks, but she just smiled and smiled with wet cheeks. Her tender heart makes her so well-suited for her profession. During the trip, we have all had moments or days where we’ve had to lean on or be carried by other team members. We have taken up slack, we have hugged, we have motivated, we have listened to, and we have loved one another. I am so proud to call Sandy and every other member of this team family.
Dan ran a pool on how many people we would see that day. In Paquila we saw about 300 people with 70 stoves. In Pabeya, more than 100 families had stoves, so I shot for the moon—671—the highest guess in the group. I hoped we weren’t playing the Price is Right rules about not going over. But I was so happy to learn that after Big Miguel closed the doors at the end of the day, we had seen 678 people. And while we ate lunch, even more people came in. More than 700 people by the end of the day. I didn’t hear the exact number, but over two days, we dewormed and provided a month’s worth of vitamins for more than 1,000 people in Paquila and Pabeya. What a staggering impact! Take that, parasites! Up yours, malnutrition!
After the medicines were distributed and lunch was eaten, the leaders of the church had a meeting with Max while a few others and I eavesdropped. I was so glad to see Juan, Miguel, Eliseo, and Lorenzo present. I had wished that I had told them the things I wanted to tell them last October, but it seems that they heard it anyway and embraced it whole-heartedly. They didn’t just listen; they participated. With interpreting and explaining, it took some time for the meeting. I saw Pastor Gaspar from Paquila nod off for a brief siesta. And Marta, Solamita, and Jorge also napped during the meeting. They hope to build 6 classrooms for Sunday school classes along the side of the church wall. Very encouraging for our on-going relationship with them. Only 32 more stoves are needed in Pabeya to fill every qualified request. Also very encouraging!
We all knew that the time to leave was approaching quickly. It was the elephant in the room. But no one talked about it until it was time. Instead, we laughed and joked and pinched babies’ cheeks and patted backs, and took photos. It was a fantastic reunion. And then we got the nod from Max. It was time.
We packed our leftover materials, hugged each other, and made our way back down the path to the bus. Everyone held the hand of at least one local child; some held two. We loaded the bus, spoke hopeful words of hasta luego (see you later), not adios (good-bye). Last time, I cried and cried and cried as we gathered to leave. At that time I didn’t know if the January/February trip would happen for me. Leaving this time was so much easier because I knew for certain that I will see my friends again soon. Just like leaving my rafting friends or friends from home-home, I know I will see them again soon. And when we do, we will pick up just where we left off with laughing and games and teasing and love. Each trip will bring them closer, and each departure will be bittersweet.
That night would be our last in Paquila, for this trip anyway. We packed up our stuff, leaving much of it behind for our helpers. A suitcase for each of them, filled with clothes, work supplies, linens, treats, you name it. And at least 12 air mattresses were donated. I slept soundly, anxious for the morning and the time we would say “so long” to our Paquila friends.
Day 7: Medicine and Photos
The morning started out cool, which was a nice change.
Jim got a beautiful photo of the sun coming up over the side of Volcano Santiago, what appears to be the most active volcano in the region, about 15 miles away (that’s a major guesstamation). The next closest volcano is Santa Maria (about 10 miles), and the volcano just up the hill from Paquila is San Tomas (about 4 miles). Having watched too many episodes of “Worst Case Scenario,” I wondered how quickly we could escape the area if any of the 3 erupted full-scale. A breakfast of pancakes, and medicine/photo day began!
We organized two stations of dewormer, adult vitamins, children’s vitamins, Gatorade, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. In my station, the families, mostly women and children, would pass from Marta (who asked all of the important questions—are you pregnant, how many in your family, how old are they, what are their names), then to Sandy (who gave them dewormer to chew and swallow or to drink for children under 2 years old), then to Shirley (who handed them Gatorade; many of the older women didn’t like), and then to me for a toothbrush and toothpaste for each member of the family.
Our station was the lesser used of the two. We saw 18 adults (puberty and older) and 19 children, but we knew we didn’t get them all recorded. The primary station saw 87 adults and 86 children. That’s a total of 210 residents of Paquila who will feel a bit better for a while. The parasites from the water will be eliminated with the use of the water filtration systems. However, there is still the challenge of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, which can be transmitted due to poor sewage systems. While we were working today, we saw men walking with large pipes on their shoulders. Evidently they were laying sewer pipes in various parts of the community, most just uphill from the church. When we were delivering photos to the house tonight, we were surprised at how much work already had been completed. We saw several new latrines that are connected to the new lines. I cannot imagine how difficult it was to hand-dig the holes so deep for the pipes and then to cover them.
I’m getting ahead of myself. After the medicines were distributed, Soracha and Louisa took the children to another area, so the women could concentrate on learning about the stoves and water filters. Only one man represented his family. His wife had died. I don’t know what the local traditions or expectations are related to re-marrying. I didn’t ask. One of a thousand questions for another day. Raul explained the parts and basic assembly of the ONIL stoves as well as maintenance on the stoves, planchas, and chimney. Then we handed out the various parts of the water filters and helped install the pieces correctly. Then they collected their children and departed for home, and we reset for another group. After the third group, we were done.
I was able to contribute two sponsored stoves—one from my parents and one from a close friend. My mom wasn’t really keen on the idea of her photo hanging in someone else’s home, but my friend was even more adamant about not wanting to send a photo. Since I have to see her on a regular basis (and because my parents have to love me; it’s like a genetic law or something), I opted to bring two photos of my parents.
I don’t have many photos of them together, so I chose a photo of my mom and me flying to England in September 2009. It was a special trip for both of us (her first international trip, tracing family ancestry, etc.) For more about it, see http://explearn4.blogspot.com/. For the photo of my dad, I debated between two photos. My favorite is him lying on the lounge chair—toboggan and reading glasses on, RC Cola nearby, Alaska magazine in hand. The photo I brought was taken the same day. Him standing in front of the foundation of the house at the farm, smiling from ear to ear. I don’t think he even knew I took it. He was doing what he loves to do the most—talking about what he’s building. I know he enjoys the building part, too, but when he talks about the decisions he’s had to make in building their new house in Vonore, you can really get him talking. And he’s so proud (as is the entire family) that everything is working so well. Ask me about the cool siding! He is so meticulous in every detail you could imagine. Since they have done most of the work themselves, without much hired help, it’s a slow process. But I couldn’t imagine a safer, sturdier, more beautiful place for my parents to grow old, or for me and my nephew to play/fight over the bedroom with the best view. (He’s 9. I think I’ll let him win.) The day of the photo, I remember my dad played with my dog Chloe, trying to get her to jump up onto the retaining wall. One of many good days had in Vonore and even more to come. A favorite saying at our house: “The view is always better in a house by the lake.” And: “I hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.”
I was fortunate enough to be able to give my photos to families who meant something to me. On our first day here, a girl name Lorca befriended me. She is 12, I think, which means she’ll be marrying and starting a family within the next half-decade. Very sweet and a little more shy than some of the other girls. I remembered her name and the names of only a handful of others from the very first day. When we arrived at her house, she was there with her mother. I told her and her mother in Spanish that the photo was of me and my mother. And I took a photo with them both in front of the stove. I thought my mom would like that.
The next house was one where I remember building the base of the stove. It was a duplex of sorts, with the living quarters on one side and the kitchen on the other. I left my dad’s photo there. I thought he would appreciate my ability to lay level (although irregular) block as well as my use of a brick hammer, a level, a plumb bob, and a drill with a 4” saw bit. On the way out, I learned that Lorena lived there. Lorena was also one of the girls from the first day of playing. I have photos of both of them to help me remember until I’m back in Paquila.
(FYI: When I mentioned that my parents were building a house in Vonore, Louisa mentioned that she had led a mission trip to Vonore and knew exactly where I was talking about. I’ll have to ask her where she worked. But now, it’s very late.)
Just before dinner, I asked Pastor Gaspar if he recognized the woman who was weaving the hammock that I saw on Monday. He did know her, and he led me and Ron to her home to look at her work. It was my mistake because it was not a hammock she was weaving; it was a belt, like the ones they use to hold up their traditional skirts. I was speaking in broken Spanish. Gaspar was speaking in Spanish and K’iche. The woman was speaking in K’iche only. Ron was speaking in gestures. And everyone else was laughing. I was trying to ask if I could purchase a belt from her. Somehow, the planets aligned, and she understood. Doscientos. 200 quetzales, which is about $22USD, for what must have taken her weeks to complete. It was worth more, I thought, but she was tickled that I accepted her offer. That was likely more money than she earned in weeks. She was laughing and smiling when I gave it to her. Even funnier was that she sold it to me out of her laundry basket, where she recently had cleaned and folded her clothes.
We retired tonight after a good dinner and a lot of laugh with the children and mothers. Many are regulars, but I can’t forget Diego, who hardly let go of Ron’s hand long enough for him to work today.
Tomorrow we will be reunited with her friends in Pabeya. I hope to find everyone using their stoves and water filters and doing well. I hope everyone is able to be there during our visit. The 3.5 months we’ve been away feel like such a long time!
We organized two stations of dewormer, adult vitamins, children’s vitamins, Gatorade, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. In my station, the families, mostly women and children, would pass from Marta (who asked all of the important questions—are you pregnant, how many in your family, how old are they, what are their names), then to Sandy (who gave them dewormer to chew and swallow or to drink for children under 2 years old), then to Shirley (who handed them Gatorade; many of the older women didn’t like), and then to me for a toothbrush and toothpaste for each member of the family.
Our station was the lesser used of the two. We saw 18 adults (puberty and older) and 19 children, but we knew we didn’t get them all recorded. The primary station saw 87 adults and 86 children. That’s a total of 210 residents of Paquila who will feel a bit better for a while. The parasites from the water will be eliminated with the use of the water filtration systems. However, there is still the challenge of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, which can be transmitted due to poor sewage systems. While we were working today, we saw men walking with large pipes on their shoulders. Evidently they were laying sewer pipes in various parts of the community, most just uphill from the church. When we were delivering photos to the house tonight, we were surprised at how much work already had been completed. We saw several new latrines that are connected to the new lines. I cannot imagine how difficult it was to hand-dig the holes so deep for the pipes and then to cover them.
I’m getting ahead of myself. After the medicines were distributed, Soracha and Louisa took the children to another area, so the women could concentrate on learning about the stoves and water filters. Only one man represented his family. His wife had died. I don’t know what the local traditions or expectations are related to re-marrying. I didn’t ask. One of a thousand questions for another day. Raul explained the parts and basic assembly of the ONIL stoves as well as maintenance on the stoves, planchas, and chimney. Then we handed out the various parts of the water filters and helped install the pieces correctly. Then they collected their children and departed for home, and we reset for another group. After the third group, we were done.
After lunch (watermelon again!), we gathered photos of the sponsoring families, a certificate from the local church, and cooking utensils (spatula, spoon, and ladle). Then we separated into our various groups and went out into the community with our various leaders (Pastor Gaspar, Jorge, Marta, Francisco, y Solomita) to deliver these items to the families. At each house, we presented the certificate, the utensils, and the photo. Then we took a photo of them holding the photo of the sponsoring family. That way, the family in the U.S. can see exactly how their donation was used.
I was able to contribute two sponsored stoves—one from my parents and one from a close friend. My mom wasn’t really keen on the idea of her photo hanging in someone else’s home, but my friend was even more adamant about not wanting to send a photo. Since I have to see her on a regular basis (and because my parents have to love me; it’s like a genetic law or something), I opted to bring two photos of my parents.
I don’t have many photos of them together, so I chose a photo of my mom and me flying to England in September 2009. It was a special trip for both of us (her first international trip, tracing family ancestry, etc.) For more about it, see http://explearn4.blogspot.com/. For the photo of my dad, I debated between two photos. My favorite is him lying on the lounge chair—toboggan and reading glasses on, RC Cola nearby, Alaska magazine in hand. The photo I brought was taken the same day. Him standing in front of the foundation of the house at the farm, smiling from ear to ear. I don’t think he even knew I took it. He was doing what he loves to do the most—talking about what he’s building. I know he enjoys the building part, too, but when he talks about the decisions he’s had to make in building their new house in Vonore, you can really get him talking. And he’s so proud (as is the entire family) that everything is working so well. Ask me about the cool siding! He is so meticulous in every detail you could imagine. Since they have done most of the work themselves, without much hired help, it’s a slow process. But I couldn’t imagine a safer, sturdier, more beautiful place for my parents to grow old, or for me and my nephew to play/fight over the bedroom with the best view. (He’s 9. I think I’ll let him win.) The day of the photo, I remember my dad played with my dog Chloe, trying to get her to jump up onto the retaining wall. One of many good days had in Vonore and even more to come. A favorite saying at our house: “The view is always better in a house by the lake.” And: “I hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.”
I was fortunate enough to be able to give my photos to families who meant something to me. On our first day here, a girl name Lorca befriended me. She is 12, I think, which means she’ll be marrying and starting a family within the next half-decade. Very sweet and a little more shy than some of the other girls. I remembered her name and the names of only a handful of others from the very first day. When we arrived at her house, she was there with her mother. I told her and her mother in Spanish that the photo was of me and my mother. And I took a photo with them both in front of the stove. I thought my mom would like that.
The next house was one where I remember building the base of the stove. It was a duplex of sorts, with the living quarters on one side and the kitchen on the other. I left my dad’s photo there. I thought he would appreciate my ability to lay level (although irregular) block as well as my use of a brick hammer, a level, a plumb bob, and a drill with a 4” saw bit. On the way out, I learned that Lorena lived there. Lorena was also one of the girls from the first day of playing. I have photos of both of them to help me remember until I’m back in Paquila.
(FYI: When I mentioned that my parents were building a house in Vonore, Louisa mentioned that she had led a mission trip to Vonore and knew exactly where I was talking about. I’ll have to ask her where she worked. But now, it’s very late.)
Just before dinner, I asked Pastor Gaspar if he recognized the woman who was weaving the hammock that I saw on Monday. He did know her, and he led me and Ron to her home to look at her work. It was my mistake because it was not a hammock she was weaving; it was a belt, like the ones they use to hold up their traditional skirts. I was speaking in broken Spanish. Gaspar was speaking in Spanish and K’iche. The woman was speaking in K’iche only. Ron was speaking in gestures. And everyone else was laughing. I was trying to ask if I could purchase a belt from her. Somehow, the planets aligned, and she understood. Doscientos. 200 quetzales, which is about $22USD, for what must have taken her weeks to complete. It was worth more, I thought, but she was tickled that I accepted her offer. That was likely more money than she earned in weeks. She was laughing and smiling when I gave it to her. Even funnier was that she sold it to me out of her laundry basket, where she recently had cleaned and folded her clothes.
We retired tonight after a good dinner and a lot of laugh with the children and mothers. Many are regulars, but I can’t forget Diego, who hardly let go of Ron’s hand long enough for him to work today.
Tomorrow we will be reunited with her friends in Pabeya. I hope to find everyone using their stoves and water filters and doing well. I hope everyone is able to be there during our visit. The 3.5 months we’ve been away feel like such a long time!
Day 6: Third Work Day
After lunch (watermelon!), we counted and bagged 25,000 adult vitamins. Then we spent some time playing with the children. Not a formal planned event but something much more personal. Sandy and I went outside with bubbles and played in the road until we were short of breath. We decided to trade the bubbles for something that would keep the children more occupied. We gathered 3 skeins of yarn and a pair of scissors and headed for downtown, which was a group of tiendas (stores), a community center, otra iglesia (another church), and la escuela (the school).
Perched along the community washing station (built by a Rotary Club), we distributed 3 long strands, one of each color, to all of the children who waited. The girls and many of the boys braided their yarn into bracelets and necklaces. Other boys used their string to make shapes, just like my dad taught me when I was young. Something I learned from them was how to make el avion (a bird). I’ll have to remember to show that to him when I get home.
As I cut the yarn, I begin to notice that occasionally someone would bump me in the back of the head. Over and over and over. The last hit was hard! And I caught the boy that was doing it. I grabbed his arm and did my best to show him that I would not tolerate that kind of treatment. I was told that eventually we would need to set boundaries with the children, but I hadn’t had to do it yet. We spent the next couple of hours braiding and cutting string for the kids, just to have them give us their handicrafts when they were finished.
We talked about the day ahead and how the pills and dewormer would be distributed. And then we turned in early, expecting a very early morning. The first group of families would be here at 8am.
Day 5: Second Work Day
I don’t remember much about the second work day because I spent most of it asleep. I woke up with the group and took another trip to the bathroom. No good. My head was hurting, and I was dizzy. It felt like every muscle in my body had clenched down all at once. Walking was a task that took all my concentration and teeth-gritting. I couldn’t eat more than 1 bite of scrambled eggs. Ron (who else) gave me a pep talk, told me it was ok to feel sick and take a slow day. I hated to do it, but I told Max I just couldn’t go today. At least Ron was back up and at it.
The next thing I knew, it was lunchtime, which I didn’t eat. And I still didn’t have the energy to do more than count pills while the rest of the team worked. 125 bags later, I was exhausted and went back down to bed. As I was walking in, Louis came in with Ron in tow, that look on his face. He had pushed too far for too long. La Iglesia Jehova es mi Pastor held two sleeping sick people for the next few hours. Even after dinner, I stayed in or near bed. One noticeable difference was that there were no more unwanted trips to the bathroom. That’s weird. I didn’t know Cipro and Imodium would work that quickly. Tomorrow will tell the tale.
The next thing I knew, it was lunchtime, which I didn’t eat. And I still didn’t have the energy to do more than count pills while the rest of the team worked. 125 bags later, I was exhausted and went back down to bed. As I was walking in, Louis came in with Ron in tow, that look on his face. He had pushed too far for too long. La Iglesia Jehova es mi Pastor held two sleeping sick people for the next few hours. Even after dinner, I stayed in or near bed. One noticeable difference was that there were no more unwanted trips to the bathroom. That’s weird. I didn’t know Cipro and Imodium would work that quickly. Tomorrow will tell the tale.
Day 4: First Work Day
Even though it’s winter, it’s hot! And so dry that the sweat was evaporating off of our skin. In fact, moisture was being sucked out of our skin as we worked, walked, ate, rested. We probably didn’t do enough resting and drinking for the heat and work that we were doing. I was on the base team, which did the most heavy lifting—setting and leveling 11 concrete blocks and 3 formed ONIL pieces and measuring and drilled a 4” hole for the chimney that will be added by the third team after the second team has installed the firebox and the grate (called planchas). By night’s end, we had finished 30 stoves. A staggering number for our 17 members! Having not used the bathroom since morning, I made a point to drink 2 full Nalgene’s of water before bed.
Ron went all-out during the morning, felt dizzy, and had to stay at the church after lunch. It’s strange how you can tell who’s feeling good and who’s not by looking at their faces. Glazed-over eyes, flushed or pale skin, blank stare. I know he felt bad, not just physically. Ron is the kind of guy, when he can’t be there for everyone when they need him, even if they don’t feel like they need him, he feels like he’s letting them down. He gives so much of himself, and I can’t begin to say how good of a friend and confidante he has become over the past 2 trips. I hope he’s feeling better tomorrow.
Every meal was delicious, and tonight’s was no different. I was so happy to eat every meal that was served. Yet my nose has grown intolerant to the smell of the kitchen. I don’t know what it is. The cleaner, the stove, the rice, something. And tonight it was complicated by the smell of 25,000 children’s multi-vitamins that we counted and sorted into snack-size bags. To be distributed to Paquila on Thursday and Pabeya on Friday.
Whether it was sympathy pains for Ron or the smell of the kitchen and the pills… Late, late Monday night I felt some stomach grumblings coming on. Oh, no. The fruit in Antigua, water from the shower in my mouth, a gnaw on my dirty fingernail. What had I done to become susceptible to the agony that was waiting for me! A quick trip to the bathroom revealed the dirty (and smelly) truth. Ugh! I returned to bed, still not feeling bad, just a little disheveled.
Ron went all-out during the morning, felt dizzy, and had to stay at the church after lunch. It’s strange how you can tell who’s feeling good and who’s not by looking at their faces. Glazed-over eyes, flushed or pale skin, blank stare. I know he felt bad, not just physically. Ron is the kind of guy, when he can’t be there for everyone when they need him, even if they don’t feel like they need him, he feels like he’s letting them down. He gives so much of himself, and I can’t begin to say how good of a friend and confidante he has become over the past 2 trips. I hope he’s feeling better tomorrow.
Every meal was delicious, and tonight’s was no different. I was so happy to eat every meal that was served. Yet my nose has grown intolerant to the smell of the kitchen. I don’t know what it is. The cleaner, the stove, the rice, something. And tonight it was complicated by the smell of 25,000 children’s multi-vitamins that we counted and sorted into snack-size bags. To be distributed to Paquila on Thursday and Pabeya on Friday.
Whether it was sympathy pains for Ron or the smell of the kitchen and the pills… Late, late Monday night I felt some stomach grumblings coming on. Oh, no. The fruit in Antigua, water from the shower in my mouth, a gnaw on my dirty fingernail. What had I done to become susceptible to the agony that was waiting for me! A quick trip to the bathroom revealed the dirty (and smelly) truth. Ugh! I returned to bed, still not feeling bad, just a little disheveled.
Day 3: Antigua to Paquila
I slept like a rock. In fact, I know if I even rolled over the entire night, which came with its own kind of aches and pains. The morning walk to Café Condesa provided a welcomed stretch for the muscles and the spirit. The morning sights and smells of the city took me back to a week spent along the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I had the Omeleta Santiago with café con leche and fruta. Yummy! My fav!
We packed and loaded the chicken bus. Joshua told us the night before that it takes him about 1.5 hours to park the bus and return to the hotel. He has to drive out of town and park and then catch a shuttling chicken bus back into town. Plus, he’s just had a baby. A 4-month-old girl if I remember correctly. If she has any of his dashing good looks, I’m sure she’s a cutey!
I tried a local fruit called _____ that was so good but very difficult to explain how it tastes. Joshua tried to explain to me what it was called, but I couldn’t seem to get the consonants in the right order. It was softer and juicier than a plum and very sweet. I bought it from a woman walking down the street by our hotel. We were waiting for Max and a few others to get back from the traditional Saturday morning trip to the bank for change. I hope it doesn’t make me sick.
We stopped for lunch in Mazatenango. Instead of going into the hamburger place that took Ron and me an hour last October, a few of us walked over to Taco Bell. I really wanted to eat at Pollo Campero, but the line was quite long. Evidently, not many people like Taco Bell south of the border. Ha! I would be surprised if they did. For general information, there is no mild sauce at Taco Bell in Guatemala. No medium either. Just hot. No thanks, I’ll pass.
I didn’t see where we turned off to go to Paquila, so I’m not really sure whether we are north or south of the highway. I tried to use my Blackberry to mark our position on the GPS, but it didn’t have a photo on this part of Guatemala, so it was lost not far away from Antigua. When I get home, I’ll connect the phone to the computer and see if they can triangulate our position.
When we pulled into Paquila, I was very pleased to see that our “home” was right beside the main road. No luggage to carry a half mile in dress clothes. And the main road was more “main” than any road within an hour of Pabeya. It was very different in many ways, but the people shared common needs: clean drinking water, clean air, no parasites, and a fair shot a good life, however they define that. The church is called Iglesia Evangelista Methodista Jehova es mi Pastor. Pastor meaning shepherd. The pastor’s name is Gaspar. He is a very short and thin with dark hair. That’s a description that fits most of the people in Paquila. What distinguishes him is that he has a huge smile permanently glued to his face at all times. His father was very proud. I saw him introduce himself to Max more than a couple of times. Later in the week he was very pleased when I remembered who he was. One of the kids told me he was 80 years old. They called him muy viejo or very old.
Church service was held. A lot of singing by them and us, although I don’t anticipate an on-chore for us unless it’s Len playing an instrumental on his guitar. And that reminds me, I can now say that I’ve played a Beatles song on a traveling guitar, on a chicken bus, driving down a winding Guatemala road with 12 inch potholes. I can cross that one off my bucket list. Ha! As if…
We set up our indoor camp and prepared for dinner. Carmelina was back. This time with her helper Marisol. I don’t know where I heard it, but from what I understand, Lidia now has CDs of her singing. Homemade I think, but still! Kerri will be so pleased to hear that.
I fell into bed, exhausted from the day past and the day we were about to have.
We packed and loaded the chicken bus. Joshua told us the night before that it takes him about 1.5 hours to park the bus and return to the hotel. He has to drive out of town and park and then catch a shuttling chicken bus back into town. Plus, he’s just had a baby. A 4-month-old girl if I remember correctly. If she has any of his dashing good looks, I’m sure she’s a cutey!
I tried a local fruit called _____ that was so good but very difficult to explain how it tastes. Joshua tried to explain to me what it was called, but I couldn’t seem to get the consonants in the right order. It was softer and juicier than a plum and very sweet. I bought it from a woman walking down the street by our hotel. We were waiting for Max and a few others to get back from the traditional Saturday morning trip to the bank for change. I hope it doesn’t make me sick.
We stopped for lunch in Mazatenango. Instead of going into the hamburger place that took Ron and me an hour last October, a few of us walked over to Taco Bell. I really wanted to eat at Pollo Campero, but the line was quite long. Evidently, not many people like Taco Bell south of the border. Ha! I would be surprised if they did. For general information, there is no mild sauce at Taco Bell in Guatemala. No medium either. Just hot. No thanks, I’ll pass.
I didn’t see where we turned off to go to Paquila, so I’m not really sure whether we are north or south of the highway. I tried to use my Blackberry to mark our position on the GPS, but it didn’t have a photo on this part of Guatemala, so it was lost not far away from Antigua. When I get home, I’ll connect the phone to the computer and see if they can triangulate our position.
When we pulled into Paquila, I was very pleased to see that our “home” was right beside the main road. No luggage to carry a half mile in dress clothes. And the main road was more “main” than any road within an hour of Pabeya. It was very different in many ways, but the people shared common needs: clean drinking water, clean air, no parasites, and a fair shot a good life, however they define that. The church is called Iglesia Evangelista Methodista Jehova es mi Pastor. Pastor meaning shepherd. The pastor’s name is Gaspar. He is a very short and thin with dark hair. That’s a description that fits most of the people in Paquila. What distinguishes him is that he has a huge smile permanently glued to his face at all times. His father was very proud. I saw him introduce himself to Max more than a couple of times. Later in the week he was very pleased when I remembered who he was. One of the kids told me he was 80 years old. They called him muy viejo or very old.
Church service was held. A lot of singing by them and us, although I don’t anticipate an on-chore for us unless it’s Len playing an instrumental on his guitar. And that reminds me, I can now say that I’ve played a Beatles song on a traveling guitar, on a chicken bus, driving down a winding Guatemala road with 12 inch potholes. I can cross that one off my bucket list. Ha! As if…
We set up our indoor camp and prepared for dinner. Carmelina was back. This time with her helper Marisol. I don’t know where I heard it, but from what I understand, Lidia now has CDs of her singing. Homemade I think, but still! Kerri will be so pleased to hear that.
I fell into bed, exhausted from the day past and the day we were about to have.
Day 2: Atlanta to Antigua
Once we arrived at the airport, the fun really began. We unloaded the vans and began shifting and shifting and shifting items from bag to bag to even out the weight. By the time we were finished, every traveler had 2 checked bags, each carefully maxed out at 50 pounds. It was disappointing to discover that Delta had added a $40 charge for the second bag, even on international flights.
A quick run through security, and we were at our gate. At first I found a prone perch across 2 chairs and a table. It was very comfortable until I rolled over on my side. Then I moved to the floor. I woke up cold a few times, and I woke up when someone’s camera captured the moment. Otherwise, I had a much-needed 2 hours of sleep.
Our arrival in Guatemala City was almost uneventful. One of Bill’s bags didn’t arrive. Unfortunately, it was the bag that contained his air mattress, sleeping bag, and most of his work clothes. Fortunately, another NC group was staging to leave Antigua. They had been working with Raul, and he will make the switch to our group in Antigua. They graciously offered to leave some of their stuff behind for Bill to use. Since many of them are from Greensboro, it will be easy to reconnect them with their items after we return.
It was so nice to see Joshua, our driver from the October trip. We won’t see Raul until we arrive in Antigua. He’s working with the other NC group. His reputation is known far and wide throughout the state!
Ahh, Antigua! Familiarity and new sights all wrapped into one. The band that was playing the night before we left last time was playing again tonight. Since we didn’t hike a volcano this time, we had a lot more time in Antigua before dark. There was some kind of festival going on. According to Raul, there is always some kind of festival going on in Antigua. This one came complete with men dressed as old women in funny masks, each representing a different country, dancing in pairs with one another and with people in the crowd. I can only say that the “women” representing the U.S. must have had the 1980s neon style of fashion in mind. It’s so nice to have a good hearty laugh at your own country.
Soracha and I are sharing a room at Panchoy with Anita from New Mexico. She joined the first NC team and is joining our team. She plans to lead a trip in June/July and wanted to see how our trip was run.
We have had some small world run-ins already. Georgia knows someone who Becky babysat during her childhood in Winchester, VA, which is also where my parents and I go to buy York apples every few years. But even closer to home was meeting a tall, Hawaiian-shirted man with mostly salt hair. He taught education classes at HPU as an adjunct, and he is very good friends with my friend and supervisor, Dennis. Daniel Cocken is his name, and I promised I would pass along the good work that is being done by the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.
This is a great time to publicly thank Dennis for allowing me to be away from work during the academic year, without it being an HPU-sponsored trip. He knows how much the October 2009 trip meant to me and offered his support for continuing this part of my “life” education. And I have been invited to train as a VIM trip leader this spring. That means, that it is possible that Max may be a volunteer on one of my teams, where he can sit back and enjoy it, without having to constantly manage logistics and money and schedules. I am learning from the best in multiple facets of my life. If it weren’t for the support of Dennis and Max, I would never have discovered just how important giving back has become for me.
Tonight we ate dinner at Pasado de Don Rodrigo. New friends, great food. But for now, I’m focused on getting some high-quality sleep, so I can be at the top of my game when we arrive in Paquila tomorrow. This bed will be a welcomed luxury that I’ll be without for the next several nights. Goodnight world!
A quick run through security, and we were at our gate. At first I found a prone perch across 2 chairs and a table. It was very comfortable until I rolled over on my side. Then I moved to the floor. I woke up cold a few times, and I woke up when someone’s camera captured the moment. Otherwise, I had a much-needed 2 hours of sleep.
Our arrival in Guatemala City was almost uneventful. One of Bill’s bags didn’t arrive. Unfortunately, it was the bag that contained his air mattress, sleeping bag, and most of his work clothes. Fortunately, another NC group was staging to leave Antigua. They had been working with Raul, and he will make the switch to our group in Antigua. They graciously offered to leave some of their stuff behind for Bill to use. Since many of them are from Greensboro, it will be easy to reconnect them with their items after we return.
It was so nice to see Joshua, our driver from the October trip. We won’t see Raul until we arrive in Antigua. He’s working with the other NC group. His reputation is known far and wide throughout the state!
Ahh, Antigua! Familiarity and new sights all wrapped into one. The band that was playing the night before we left last time was playing again tonight. Since we didn’t hike a volcano this time, we had a lot more time in Antigua before dark. There was some kind of festival going on. According to Raul, there is always some kind of festival going on in Antigua. This one came complete with men dressed as old women in funny masks, each representing a different country, dancing in pairs with one another and with people in the crowd. I can only say that the “women” representing the U.S. must have had the 1980s neon style of fashion in mind. It’s so nice to have a good hearty laugh at your own country.
Soracha and I are sharing a room at Panchoy with Anita from New Mexico. She joined the first NC team and is joining our team. She plans to lead a trip in June/July and wanted to see how our trip was run.
We have had some small world run-ins already. Georgia knows someone who Becky babysat during her childhood in Winchester, VA, which is also where my parents and I go to buy York apples every few years. But even closer to home was meeting a tall, Hawaiian-shirted man with mostly salt hair. He taught education classes at HPU as an adjunct, and he is very good friends with my friend and supervisor, Dennis. Daniel Cocken is his name, and I promised I would pass along the good work that is being done by the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.
This is a great time to publicly thank Dennis for allowing me to be away from work during the academic year, without it being an HPU-sponsored trip. He knows how much the October 2009 trip meant to me and offered his support for continuing this part of my “life” education. And I have been invited to train as a VIM trip leader this spring. That means, that it is possible that Max may be a volunteer on one of my teams, where he can sit back and enjoy it, without having to constantly manage logistics and money and schedules. I am learning from the best in multiple facets of my life. If it weren’t for the support of Dennis and Max, I would never have discovered just how important giving back has become for me.
Tonight we ate dinner at Pasado de Don Rodrigo. New friends, great food. But for now, I’m focused on getting some high-quality sleep, so I can be at the top of my game when we arrive in Paquila tomorrow. This bed will be a welcomed luxury that I’ll be without for the next several nights. Goodnight world!
Day 1: Go Day!
Our trip began at 3:24am, when I received a voicemail at work that said Saturday’s 6:30am flight from Newark to Charlotte had been cancelled. When I checked the message 6 hours later, I was confused, especially since I wasn’t scheduled to fly from Newark to Charlotte at all. Max (team leader) made a few phone calls and confirmed that our flight was still listed as departing on time.
With weather heading our way, we had reason to be concerned. Friends and coworkers were debating between hitting the grocery stores and just riding it out on the provisions they already had. Then the prediction changed. The 0-3 inches on Wednesday turned into 3-5 inches. On Thursday it became 5-8 inches, and by Friday, they were predicting 8-11 inches of snow, ice, and freezing rain!
Max made the call just after lunch: “Can you leave by 7:00pm tonight? We need to beat the weather out of town.” We couldn’t realistically drive to Guatemala, so I knew he had a plan in mind. With the mounting predictions of snow, our flight from Greensboro to Atlanta had been cancelled. We were going to rent vans and drive to Atlanta to catch the second leg of our flight into Guatemala City.
I won’t dwell on the situation, but I will say that having the middle seat on a 3-person bench near the back of a 15-passenger van is much worse than the middle seat on a flight. No head rest, can’t lean to the left or right, can’t lean forward without hitting the person in front of you. Ugh, it was a long drive.
A couple of hours of sub-40mph playing chicken with tractor trailers and then we were out of the worse of it. We stopped in Clemson for a rest and some all-American sustenance—McDonalds. A few more hours and we were in Atlanta, eating at a packed and boisterous IHOP at 3am. I’ll have the Two x Two x Two please!
With weather heading our way, we had reason to be concerned. Friends and coworkers were debating between hitting the grocery stores and just riding it out on the provisions they already had. Then the prediction changed. The 0-3 inches on Wednesday turned into 3-5 inches. On Thursday it became 5-8 inches, and by Friday, they were predicting 8-11 inches of snow, ice, and freezing rain!
Max made the call just after lunch: “Can you leave by 7:00pm tonight? We need to beat the weather out of town.” We couldn’t realistically drive to Guatemala, so I knew he had a plan in mind. With the mounting predictions of snow, our flight from Greensboro to Atlanta had been cancelled. We were going to rent vans and drive to Atlanta to catch the second leg of our flight into Guatemala City.
I won’t dwell on the situation, but I will say that having the middle seat on a 3-person bench near the back of a 15-passenger van is much worse than the middle seat on a flight. No head rest, can’t lean to the left or right, can’t lean forward without hitting the person in front of you. Ugh, it was a long drive.
A couple of hours of sub-40mph playing chicken with tractor trailers and then we were out of the worse of it. We stopped in Clemson for a rest and some all-American sustenance—McDonalds. A few more hours and we were in Atlanta, eating at a packed and boisterous IHOP at 3am. I’ll have the Two x Two x Two please!
The Plan
Since we left early, I wasn’t able to post general info about the trip before we departed. Instead, I’ll share it here:
We’re on our way to Paquila, Guatemala (pronounced pa-kee-LA, like tequila with the emphasis on the last syllable). While the community is near Mazatenango, it is not close enough to Pabeya for us to stay there. We will stay in Antigua on Saturday night, drive to Paquila on Sunday, and install stoves and water filters in Paquila Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday we will distribute dewormer and vitamins to the people in Paquila and then take a day trip to Pabeya on Friday for deworming and vitamins. We will travel back to Antigua on Saturday and fly out Sunday morning.
I am looking forward to seeing our old friends and to making new ones. On this trip, I know Max, his wife Shirley, Ron Sr., and Soracha. In the wee hours of Saturday morning, I was flooded with memories from last October when I heard Ron call me Kelly Girl, even though Kelly Boy wasn’t on this trip. I am reminded because I call him Ron Sr., even though Ron Jr. isn’t on the trip. You know you’ve been “adopted” when your nickname sticks.
We’re on our way to Paquila, Guatemala (pronounced pa-kee-LA, like tequila with the emphasis on the last syllable). While the community is near Mazatenango, it is not close enough to Pabeya for us to stay there. We will stay in Antigua on Saturday night, drive to Paquila on Sunday, and install stoves and water filters in Paquila Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday we will distribute dewormer and vitamins to the people in Paquila and then take a day trip to Pabeya on Friday for deworming and vitamins. We will travel back to Antigua on Saturday and fly out Sunday morning.
I am looking forward to seeing our old friends and to making new ones. On this trip, I know Max, his wife Shirley, Ron Sr., and Soracha. In the wee hours of Saturday morning, I was flooded with memories from last October when I heard Ron call me Kelly Girl, even though Kelly Boy wasn’t on this trip. I am reminded because I call him Ron Sr., even though Ron Jr. isn’t on the trip. You know you’ve been “adopted” when your nickname sticks.
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