Settling In

I thought it was freezing here when I left, but somehow weeks of snowy weather put things back into perspective.  The days are sunny and warm--the evenings are still chilly, so my vests will come in handy, but it feels so nice to bask in the sun.  I'm hopeful that the rays will drive this winter cold I brought down with me away quickly.

The neighborhood children gave me a huge warm welcome.  Crysta and Litzy made me a welcome back poster and stuck it on my door for me.  Litzy and Rocio gave me a welcome back gift of stuffed animals and a Horton Hears a Who CD; Jenifer, Astrid, Moises, and Antony gave me candy; Astrid sang a song for me about how much she missed me and loves me.  How sweet!  They wanted to know if I was starting Saturday school again tomorrow.  I think we'll wait another week, though.

Things at my house are looking good.  I've gotten my arms working in the pila again, washing a few things here and there.  My neighbors were looking out for me while I was gone; one turned off the water for me and another parked his truck in front of my house (at least, I'm assuming that since he did so last night, not knowing I was home).  I am thankful for good neighbors, that's for sure!

The newest addition to the 'hood is a basketball hoop.  It's fun to see the teenagers out of their houses and playing--many times it's only the littluns that are running around the streets.

Tonight I am spending the night with the La Senda kids.  They are short a nanny, so the adults are taking turns sleeping in the children's home.  Tonight's my turn.  I'm looking forward to it, though, because between settling in and their busy schedules, I haven't seen them much since I got back.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Guatemala Bound

Currently sitting in the Houston airport, waiting an extra hour for my flight.  I should be in Guatemala by 3:20 Central time today. :)

It has been such a blessing for me to be home.  I was surrounded by people I love and who love me, and my soul feels refreshed.  I feel whole.  I am happy in Guatemala and thankful for the new friends I've made there, but I didn't realize how much I had missed those who know me well until I got back home.

Now, though.  Now I look forward to continuing relationships with those I already know.  I look forward to another school year.  I look forward to feeling like a real teacher since I'll be at La Senda from the beginning of the school year instead of diving in half way through.  I even look forward to faster internet at home (no hard feelings, Dad :)).

Thanks again for joining me on the journey. 

I had a friend--ahem, Mr. Salyer--talk about living a life that shows God's faithfulness.  This sounds like a pretty cool life, the kind I hope to have, one that I see he lives out with his family.  So, I am hopeful.  Our God is faithful.  And I am excited to see God's continuing faithfulness to me and to we who believe play out this next year.

Stateside Travels

My mom let me borrow her car for two weeks.  It's the nicest set of wheels I've driven, I think.  And I sure put some mileage on them.

Had a great time returning to First Alliance a couple of Sundays ago. I've missed worshipping with my home church!  I also got to meet with Kerry, the mission pastor, and Beth and Pat and Art, the people who take care of all the money stuff for me.

Additionally, I was able to meet with a number of friends.  We had dinners together, met for coffee, and just hung out.  I visited Dunbar to say hello to my former colleagues; I also visited the classroom of one of my elementary teacher friends to see how she makes magic in a first grade classroom.  I put on my dancing shoes again, too--I still love dancing.  Got my teeth checked, eye glasses adjusted, and shots up-to-date as well.

In North Carolina, I got to relax a bit from all of this catching up.  I spent some time with my brother, who is off work right now trying to recover from a bad spell with MS, and with one of my college roommates. 

I also returned to FairCreek for a visit this past Sunday.  Though I didn't get to see everyone I hoped to see, I enjoyed catching up with a few friends whom I have known since childhood. 

This week I get the privilege of meeting with a few more friends here in OH, and then I'll get to go back to First Alliance in KY for Sunday services.  This time the 'rents are coming with me.

Thanks for making time for me, friends!  It is such a blessing and encouragement to see you all and to remain a part of your lives.

Escuelita

Had the last Bible/English school until January at my house on Saturday.  Seven kids came.  Litzy showed up at 8:00 with her puppy Nacho to help me get ready.  I was still in my pajamas.  "Why don't you come back in thirty minutes?" I suggested, since it doesn't start until 9 and even then not until 9:15 or so when the kids actually arrive.  She didn't think it was necessary to leave and come back since she doesn't have a watch.  So, we prepared together--made little diplomas, prepared materials for the craft, swept the garage, moved the table and benches out into the garage. 

When the kids arrived, we played a few games to practice English and talked about the Christmas story.

In Country

Two things I've noticed thus far:

1.) I'm short again.

2.) I can eavesdrop really well. 
"Just calling to say thank you..." "How ya'll doing?" "So I was talking to this security guard.  Not the security security, just one of those ones that helps..." "Uneventful..." "And I was like, what the *, I mean come on.  I'm not putting up with that..." "Were you visiting friends?"

Celebrating Don Cristobal

Had a fun little neighborhood get together at my house last Friday night.  We were celebrating the completion of our neighborhood--the last house is finished--and the neighborhood construction manager, Don Cristobal.  He's also the go-to guy for any problem.  Your sink is linking?  Call Don Cristobal.  Your window broke?  Call Don Cristobal.  Your pila's backed up?  Call Don Cristobal.  There was a break in?  Call Don Cristobal.  He'll fix it.  He's earned the trust and respect of the neighbors, and he has been a good friend to me as well as I've transitioned to living down here.

Thus, Johana and I sent out the invitations and several of the neighbors were able to come.  They brought dobladas and taquitos and tostadas with all of the toppings (beans, salsa, meat, vegetables, cheese), Johana brought the Christmas punch, and I brought the Texas sheet cake.  The neighbors spoke words of appreciation to Don Cristobal, led by the neighborhood president, and Don Victor said the grace and blessing.  I am thankful for my neighbors.

 About 1/4 of my neighbors--but the ones I know the best.  In my garage.

 Don Cristobal and Me

Me and Johana

Christmas at La Senda

I arrived at school yesterday afternoon to see three tables laid out on the porch, Christmas decorations strewn across them.  The La Senda kids were scattered around the various banisters, wrapping them with greenery and fitting the strands of lights among them just so.  The girls diligently checked each strand before putting them in place.   Rosita learned a fun little trick from Lito for fixing the fuses--simply put a piece of copper inside instead, and the lights are as good as new. 

Pam told me the intention was not to start decorating.  But the kids all got mad at her when she suggested they just bring down the decorations from the attic and decorate another day.  Christmas fever has struck.

Dieting

I've been saying I want to diet.  Guess I didn't specify which one.  Somehow the BRAT diet isn't what I had in mind, but it does seem to be a bit more--compelling--to stick to. 

I think I'm on the upside of this, though, so that's the good news. 

The La Senda Kids Are Growing Up

Wow! What an exciting day for La Senda! Geovany graduated from high school this morning—La Senda home’s first high school grad.  He graduated in the field of tourism and has landed a job at Holiday Inn, where he had his practicum. All of the kids made him a gift, and Zucy planned a special dinner and service in his honor. Pam made a delicious lasagna. We sang praise songs with a guest musician, Steve shared a bit, Dorcas and Jefy prayed. Everyone dressed up, and even though it was probably the coldest day that I’ve felt here thus far (I’m guessing in the high 40s or low 50s), we ate outside.


Saturday Samy takes an extremely important test to get into the high school he would like to attend. Please say a prayer for him. If he passes, he gets to follow the career path he’s chosen (they choose it in high school here); if not, he has to come up with another plan for next school year. He’s been studying nearly a month for the test, so pray the knowledge sticks with him. Thanks!

English Camp

The last day of English Camp is tomorrow.  We've had a good two weeks with a small crew of kids who I think have enjoyed themselves.  We've gone on bear hunt, visited where the wild things are, learned the true story of the three little pigs, and fed a very hungry caterpillar.  The kids have played all sorts of games--from parachute to The King Needs to relays--made all sorts of food in the kitchen (dobladas, cookies, tortillas, vegetable boats), and made keepsakes in crafttime.  We've also learned about compassion and the armor of God in devotionals.

Hoping to post pics and videos soon.

Spanish Misspeaks

Well, they keep piling up.  They seem a little more embarrassing in retrospect--in the moment they just provide a good laugh.

-Evidently today I said, "Don't lick me" instead of "Don't call me."  Of course, in this case saying the negative instead of the affirmative is preferable, but it gave my teacher a good laugh nevertheless.
-I told a guy once that he was hot when I was asking about the weather.  To avoid this problem, don't use the adejective "caliente" with the verb "estar."  Instead, use "calor."
-I told my friend Johana that I had dreamed of a man.  What I really meant was that I sounded like a man--my voice was a little hoarse.  Silly tilde and stem-changing verbs (sonar and son[n with a ~]ar).

Live and learn, live and learn.

A Day to Rest

Praise God.  I'm tired.

In Guatemala, today is a holiday--Dia de Los Santos (All Saints Day, or Day of the Dead).  Zucy dropped off fiambre, the traditional dish, for me to eat.  Yummy!  I'll let you know how it is.

La Playa: Puerto San Jose

Seeing 12 kids bobbing in the ocean waves at night is enough to make my stomach tighten with a tiny bit of fear.  But boy, did they have a blast!  Franz and Lito served as the buoys; kids clung to them as they waited for waves to come in, and the two men acted as the barrier between the shore and the great depths of the Pacific.  Little Steven clung to my hand, and we "surfed" by jumping each wave that slapped the shore.  At least until he decided sitting down was far better when the waves came in, forcing me each time to cling to his hand a little tighter as the current swept out, wanting to carry his little body along with it.

Jefy loved being tumbled by the waves.  Several times he was the picture of being washed ashore: arms and legs akimbo, yellow swim trunks billowing out as he flipped several times until he stopped on the sand.  Then he stood up with his wrinkle-nosed grin and ran back into the water for more.

Even Victor tested the waters.  Usually, I understand, he prefers to stay dry on the beach.  But this time the waves enticed him, and, after playing at the water's edge, he decided to join the rest of the crew in the wave-catching game. 

On Wednesday, a holiday here, we swam in the pool at the house near the coast.  Fearless Yeny tried any trick Franz or anyone else put her up to--being thrown in the water, learning how to dive and do handstands, swinging from a branch of the nearby tree and timing her jump into the water just right.   She also improved her strokes.  Carlos and Mimi did, too, both feeling confident by the end of the day to swim from one end of the pool to the other without any balls or clinging to the side.  Progress!  Rosita also perfected her handstand.   Lito and Franz got the award for bad idea tricks, as they jumped into the water from the wall surrounding the house, over the concrete walkway.

Zucy cooked delicious food--meat, chermole, tamalitos, beans, salad, and many more yummy Guatemalan things. 

The heat felt wonderful.  It was nice to wear tank tops and shorts again, though I must say my pasty white legs are much better covered up. :)  Sometimes I forget how white I am after looking at all of these beautiful brown-skinned people all day.

The only heart-stopping moment of the trip occurred on the way to the beach.  Lito parked the car to run into the store and buy a few last-minute things.  Suddenly, the car started rolling.  No parking break employed.  Franz and Zucy yelled from the back, "Brake!  Brake!"  So I slammed on the brake (after first mistaking the clutch for the brake and realizing it did nothing to help the situation, haha) and threw us all forward, but fortunately we did not roll down the hill after all.  And it didn't turn out to be an omen of things to come, either.

 La Senda Home kids at the Pacific Ocean

 Victor's flying leap.  Awesome picture taken by Rosita.

 Yaquelin, Rosita, and Me

 Sweet boy Jefy

 the house where we stayed

Carlos's proof 

Summer Break Is Here!

Yippee!  This is the first extended break (longer than two weeks) I've had in two and a half years.  Of course, I realize that many professions don't get such a privilege.  So I'm doubly grateful.  Now, don't get me wrong.  There's still plenty to do. Here's what I'm looking forward to:

• Planning for next year
• English camp, during the last week of October and first week of November
• Saturday Bible/English school for kids in my neighborhood
• Weekly dinners/Bible study with my friends
• Weekly meal with some of the kids from La Senda home at my house
• Tea with E (Or Te con E, if you will) with the teenage girls
• Spiritual retreats in November that Pam is planning
• Weekend trip to the beach with the teachers
• Time with the kids at La Senda
• Whatever else crops up

Martin Luther

Just watched the movie Martin Luther with the teenage kids here at La Senda.  It's well done, and it gives a good picture of Martin Luther's heart to find truth and be able to share that truth--Jesus--with the common people.  The kids were intrigued by it.  They've studied Luther, so they are familiar with the story.  What most impressed them were the extremes--the colleague of Luther who turned his ideas into blood by physically attacking worshippers at Catholic churches (not Luther's intent), the priest who resorted to extreme emotional appeals (fallacies, really) to get people to give money to the church, ultimately resorting to crudeness. 

I'd recommend it.  It's PG-13.

La Clausura

Thursday was graduation for the sixth graders and the kindergarteners.  It was a beautiful, chilly morning, and we were able to hold the ceremony in the garden here at La Senda.  Parents and students enjoyed an authentic Guatemalan breakfast (eggs with some sort of fish, bread, sausage, coffee, plantains, and beans).

Me and Brenda.  She's the only home kid who had a graduation this year.  This may be the only time we see her in a dress.  Isn't she beautiful?

The sixth grade class. 

The kindergarten class.

Entertainment provided by some of the 2nd and 3rd grade girls. 

Message by Steve.  Carlitos is so attentive!



Some of the teachers.  If you think they look young, you're right.  The youngest is 18; the oldest here is 32.

Redemption

Maybe not with Parvulos (preschool).  But teaching Prepa (kindergarten) science for the last week and a half was actually fun.

We had day six of creation to cover, specifically God's creation of Man.  And the five senses.  What fun lesson plans!  We listened to music, we smelled good and bad scents outside, we tasted sour lemons and sweet candy and salty crackers, we felt smooth and rough objects, we played I spy.  They are a fun group. 

La Senda Home

Jefy is running around chasing Yaquelin; Carlos has his mattress up against the entrance to his room to prevent others from entering; and now, it's time for devotionals.  I've bribed the boys with a sucker to see who can be the quietest as we wait for Brenda and Mimi to join us.  They're finishing up chores and their shower.  Ah, the tranquility is nice.  But it sure is fun watching them run around with so much energy.

Don't. Mess. With. Marbles.

A very serious marble match ensues during recess.

Politics in ESL

Banish.  to force someone to go elsewhere.  to send away for good.

As we were working on writing a sentence for banish today, the following conversation ensued:

Me: Who has the power to banish someone?  to send them away forever?
Paula: the president.
Mimi: Jesus.
Yeny: God.
Me: Good.  Yes, they all have power.  A king, too, has lots of power.  So, let's talk about the king.  Who would a king want to banish?  to send away for good?
Jefy: Obama.

No joke.  Jefy didn't skip a beat.  I couldn't stop laughing--the unexpected answer just went straight to my funny bone, and I couldn't start class again for a few minutes.  Each sentence came out, "Okay, let's try that again.  Who would a king want to b---tee hee hee," my shoulders shaking and everything.  As my friend Becca would say, I was tickled.  My students started laughing, not quite sure what the joke was, and one student continued to point out, "Miss, your face is red.  Your face, Miss, is red.  Your face is red, Miss."

I guess we know how his parents vote.

English Fair

If Jefy's reaction of exuberance is any indication of how the English Fair went, then I think it was a success.  I was working with the 4th graders while the 3rd graders--Jefy's class--attended the fair.  Ten minutes before it was time to switch, Jefy careened into my room at full speed, and his pure delight is etched into my mind forever: smile from ear to ear, with a few missing teeth; nose scrunched up, as he only does when he's extremely happy or up to no good; hair gelled and spiked from the Beauty Shop booth; and five bags of candy and popcorn clutched in his hands.  I don't think he knew what to do with himself in his ecstasy--he put his bags first on one desk and then another, and then raced back out without hardly saying a word.

The women from Bee Creek Unite Methodist Church in Texas surely outdid themselves.  They brought all of the materials they needed for their booths and went to town--and the kids enjoyed it.  Some kids wrote in their reflection that they learned how to pronounce words better; others wrote that they learned how much things cost. Nearly all said they are excited about learning more English.  One boy told me he's saving his deposit slip that he received from the bank.

Here's a quick glimpse into the day:
Students picked up their passports.  It had their picture and name in it, the Guatemalan flag on the front, and a page for each booth, where they collected a stamp if they visited.



The older students then received money from the bank so they could purchase their goods.


Students could visit the Beauty Shop, Face Painting, a Department Store, the Doctor's Office, the Movie Theater, the Post Office, Donna's Diner, and the Sporting Good's Store.

 Face Painting

 Beauty Salon--Gel in the hair was a big hit with the boys

 Department Store--picking out new jeans

 Writing letters to friends at the Post Office

 Donna's Diner--cookies, anyone?

 Enthralled by Pixar's Short Films

Buying sports equipment at the Sporting Goods store

 Yes, the Doctor's In.  And you can't ask for better meds--tootsie rolls and other sweet things

Samy and Gerson are rockin' the punk band look 

Bee Creek UM Church ladies.  They made it happen!

Grateful for Friends

Hosted a pj party at my house.  Fun times with the teachers of La Senda!

 Luisa, Johana, and Me.  La Senda friends.

 Had the opportunity to tour Finca Filadelfia in Antigua.  This is where your Starbucks coffee from Antigua comes from.  Pretty cool!  Did you know that coffee is a red fruit when ripe?  And that the fleshy part tastes sweet?

 Me with Hermana Zucy, Director of La Senda

Me and Pablo 

Johana and Me

Thankful for a Car

The handle may have broken off this week, I may only be able to unlock the driver's side door from the outside, I may have to fill the front right tire with air on a weekly basis, and there are a couple of cigarette holes in the seats, but boy am I thankful for a car.  On Monday it has a doctor's appointment to make sure everything in the engine, etc. is on the up and up.

Doctor's Visit

First time to the doctor on Monday.  Got to take Brenda with me.  We sat in the waiting room for three hours, and then had time to drive in circles around Chimaltenango looking for the lab.  Fascinating to watch the myriad of people pass by the narrow wood door.  Located on the main street of the city, the doctor's office spies the lives of many--ice cream men; innumerable cars, tuk tuks, and buses; women hurrying buy on foot, baskets on their heads; business men and women strutting by in their suits; children tagging along with their mothers.

Brenda is still waiting word on her knee.  Fortunately, I'm fine.  Just need to avoid acidic food for a while.  Goodbye, coffee!  It's been fun.  And my back?  Praise the Lord, it's better.  I no longer want to cry when I get out of bed in the morning. 

Tweety Bird

Life in the Colony

Experienced our first neighborhood fiesta last night in honor of Independence Day.  True to Guatemalan form, the meal was ready at 8:30.  Johana and I had shown up just a little late at 6:45.  But boy was it rich--corn on the cob (helote), plaintains with mole, arroz con leche, tostadas, taquitos, and more. 

While running to and from the house getting things I forgot to bring, I quite simply locked myself out.  It was one of those moments where the door slammed shut and immediately I thought KEYS! Normally, I leave them in my pockets, but I just knew that my green alligator key chain was providing a nice contrast to my purple table cloth.  Inside the house.  On the other side of the metal door.

What am I going to do? It's not like they have Pop-A-Lock for houses down here.  And somehow I didn't think the old credit card trick would work so well.  Fortunately, Johana's brother helped me break in through the front window.  Good to retrieve the keys.  Enlightening to learn how easy it is to break in when the front window is open.  Noted.

Failure

As I leaned up against the wall of the classroom, I wondered how it could come to this.  I watched the kids squirrel around, play wrestling or going back to their seats to cut and paste or, in one case, running around the room like a hellion.  It was not working.  I was not working.  Let them paste all the pictures they want.  Who wants to learn about the color blue or the fur and paws of our favorite pet dogs anyways? 

The whole kids-don't-speak-English thing is challenging.  Little A. just looks at me, his big eyes staring at me intently.  "No entiendo," he says to everything I say.  Then, when his buddy starts rubbing his face with a toy as if he were washing it, A. closes his eyes and acts like he's in a spa.  E. continues running around the room and stealing other students' crayons.  C. dresses and undresses her Minnie Mouse doll.  J.P. pretends he can't hear me say his name.  Only tiny J.A. shows me his picture, trying to obey.  I've ceased being the novelty in the classroom and am now just one more person to ignore. 

The preschoolers won.  I admit it.  The score was twelve to zero, all in their favor.  Later, another teacher came in to take over--we were subbing for the preschool teacher this day--and she asked them what they had learned with me.  Nothing.  Bless those children, they burst out into song, curly-headed K. jumping up and down, most enthusiastic of all.  Of course, not one I had taught them.  But it is something they have learned nonetheless.

P.S.--You may be waiting for a happy ending.  I don't have one yet.  Hopefully I will soon--I get to sub regularly in the classroom in October.  Bless you, preschool teachers of the world.

Guatemalan Independence Day

Enjoyed celebrating my first Guatemalan Independence Day.  The school hosted a celebration yesterday.  All the students wore traditional clothing and performed a song or skit with their class about Guatemalan heritage.  Today, I had the opportunity to spend time with Zucy and her family, the director of La Senda.  We watched the parade pass by in front of her house.

3rd grade girls

my 4th grade math class

6th grade skit

1st grade skit--los caballeros

1st grade skit--the market women

the teachers

beginning of the parade in El Tejar

Call 502-5555-5555 Now for Your Membership!

The Guatemalan Singles Club is now in session.  Meetings will be Tuesday evenings, dinner hour.  Plan to provide food on occasion.  Bring good conversation.  Expect to drink rich coffee.

This evening I had the pleasure of having Johana, my good friend and neighbor, and Cristobal, the neighborhood builder, over to my house for dinner.  I made homemade pizza, which thankfully turned out just like it does back in the states.  Yummy!  We had a great time talking and laughing and telling stories--anything from the neighborhood robbers to people we had met to the war in Guatemala back in the '80s to childhood memories.  Before we knew it, we had chatted for nearly three hours!

Apparently this will be a regular thing.  At least I hope so.  Next stop: McDonald's in Antigua.  (Before you think woop-de-do, realize that fast food here is equivalent to the Cheesecake Factory.  The Mickey D's in Antigua has a courtyard with a fountain, and amazing view of the volcano, and free Internet.)

Robbers and Thieves and Ladrones, Oh No!

Please continue to pray for safety and security for La Senda and at home.  A couple of weeks ago, five people came into La Senda during the school day and stole some checks from the office.  Fortunately, nobody was injured or even directly threatened, but sorting out the money situation appeared to be a little challenging.  The incident particularly unnerved Pam and Steve, understandably so.

They hired a new guard (the old one let the people in without receiving permission to do so).  Good news: the new guard is doing his job.  His first weekend of work I arrived at La Senda for Sunday church service.  I found Hermana Dora, one of the nannies, and her daughters waiting outside the gate, slightly exasperated.  The guard wouldn't let them in.  After waiting ten more minutes and still not being permitted to enter, I called Steve to let him know that his guard was doing an excellent job and asked him to please radio the guard to give permission for us to enter.

This past weekend, the house across the street from me was robbed.  There are a lot of theories rolling around about who did it and why, but the end result is that we had a neighborhood meeting.  This was advantageous to me because I got to meet many of my neighbors for the first time.  They talked for over two hours about various solutions.  I think they settled on changing the lock to the front gate, reminding everyone to lock the gates when we enter and leave, and installing cameras around the perimeter.  Right when I was feeling secure, God reminds me that it's not fences and barbed wire and locks or even neighbors who keep me safe.

Middle School Chicas

Pam and the middle school girls invited me to go to dessert with them recently.  I loved Lupita's hand-made invitation: "Miss Elizabeth.  You are invited to go to coffee with us tomorrow.  It will be at 3:00 something."  When they dropped me off, they got to see the digs, too.  The curtain ties inspired a little bit of fun...

Pam and the girls

Ninja Brenda

Lovely Lupita

Great Gaby

Rosy Rosita

Civics Day

First grade was in charge of the last Civics Day.  They are adorable in their native Guatemalan attire!