Guatemala Conexions

Sunset over Guatemala City

2011-03-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

It's transition time. Guatemala City tonight - in a hotel that's safe and clean - and our traditional celebration buffet for the last night together. During this time, we typically share our stories of the conexions we felt most profoundly. It's an important time - hopeful and honest and hard and sometimes funny. Always a mix. Tomorrow morning each of us will return to our respective lives and all that they encompass... and try to make the transition.

Watching the sun set over Guatemala city tonight, I wondered at the beauty of its movement across the sky, the quiet colored glow. I wish I knew how to transition that beautifully. My own transition is typically bumpy and muddy; it takes a long while for my heart to catch up with my body. Still, we must move forward into life, and carry the stories and experiences, the knowledge and un-knowledge of this trip with us. Through it all, the sun rises and sets, the moon waxes and wanes. The natural world holds us in its rhythm, regular as a heartbeat. It makes me think of a story told tonight at the table, of how a baby at Hermano Pedro was taken from crying to a peaceful sleep in the arms of someone who loved him.

Lying at rest near the heartbeat of someone who loves you can be a primal and powerful experience of being truly alive. The solace of the earth's rhythm, this sacred mystery surrounds us, even now. Even though there is much that we've seen in Guatemala that is heartbreaking, or simply fathomless. Even though, as we re-acquaint ourselves with what's going on in the bigger world, we see that much has changed since we left 2 weeks ago - Libya, Syria, Japan - and alarmingly so. As we discussed around the table tonight, the belief in hope is so central. Tonight, and every night, we rest in the arms of hope. Lay our ears against God's chest, and listen. The heart beats strong...

I am Marta and I am Here

2011-03-23T10:29:00.001-07:00

I hesitated to add anything more to Melody's beautiful story about Marta - I hope you had a chance to read the blog she wrote yesterday, but thought at least I would add some pictures and some quotes offered so gently as gifts to us.

All of us were wrapped in silence for most of the conversation - awed by the depth of wisdom from a woman who has lived in the ruin of this Convent for 18 years! We were so grateful for Dave's Spanish allowing us to learn about her life.

"My children seldom come to visit me here but God is here and it is fine."

"All can be bad in the world, but I am here."

She asked us to tell her how beautiful Canada is. I wondered how far from Antigua she had ever been. June had some pictures to show her.

Jilo (her husband) and Marta with the blanket from Marta in Canada.

"I am Marta, and I am here."

I tried to write down these exact quotes as she talked. There was a peaceful resignation seeming to be behind what she said. Words were spoken with great love and tenderness. What a gift - in the ruins.

Site Two for Street Hockey - March 22

2011-03-23T09:54:00.001-07:00

Dave, Avril, Joanne, Ron and myself headed off to a community close to Antigua while many of the rest of the team visited at Hermano Pedro - Melody blogged this yesterday. The project we were hoping to find was a school built by Global Shores from Ontario - Katrina Janzen is an Abbotsford Connection in case many of you know her - she works full time for them based in Ontario, but travels to Guatemala with various teams. The roads were narrow

steep and windy, causing the van we were in to bottom out twice and back and forth maneuvering on numerous occasions.

This is a picture of the courtyard amidst the classrooms - the project was constructed in about 13 months at times employing over 60 local people in the construction phase. They just opened in the last couple of months.

There just happened to be a team from MEI there on summer break (MEI is a private school in Abbotsford) giving us a chance to meet some folks from home. I forget the names of these gals but the one on the left is the daughter of Henry Zukowski - a teacher at MEI. She was there as well. She is now working at the school teaching ESL.

Time to assemble the hockey nets.

A few instructions from Dave.

And let the game begin! No shortage of energy - and capacity either. Team two in Guatemala is underway.

Marta's cake

2011-03-22T18:55:00.001-07:00

We met Marta - and her husband, and their 2 dogs - last year. Kind of one of those moments that you don't plan, but they just happen. This is just the tip of the iceberg, of course, but she did mention last year that she was turning 61 this year. And that she'd sure like to have a birthday party. Thus the above. A delicious delectable full-on double-chocolate cake from one of our favorite restaurants. The rest of her story (at least a little more of the tip of the iceberg) follows in this blog. Kind of like following bread-crumbs. And certainly worth the journey.

Imagine....

2011-03-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

Imagine that this was the entrance to your home. With this picture, we invite you to enter the story of Marta and her family. It will continue a few posts down. Keep reading..... and remember the flowers.

Healthy havens

2011-03-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

First, before Marta's story, comes the story of Hermano Pedro. It's an orphanage/hospital close to our hotel; it was begun by Hermano Pedro (transl. "Brother Peter"). Brother Peter

was a Franciscan monk with an incredible love for the poor. He was a kind of Mother Teresa, picking up sick and abandoned people in the streets and caring for them. He founded this orphanage/hospital in Antigua in the early 1500’s. Over the next 300 years, the hospital was destroyed by earthquake and rebuilt many times.

The present Hermano Pedro is routinely a permanent home to several hundred people ranging in age from just a few days old to over ninety. Many of the people who live at Hermano Pedro have chronic conditions. We spend time at Hermano Pedro every year. Meanwhile, June's community in Toronto had made beautiful blankets with care, and so June was able to distribute them to some of the residents there. We often say that the love with which the blankets are made is something that translates into a 'blanket hug' when people receive them.

June and her sister Carol share a love for young'uns - must run in the family! In the nursery, there are many babies waiting for surgery and/or treatment. Love is a healer...

To be held in June's arms is to be loved. This little one smiled almost constantly in that wonderful and warm haven. (June did too)

Over the weeks, we've discovered that Carol's not scared of much. Including entertaining two kids at one time.

Imagine part 2 - Marta's front yard

2011-03-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

Imagine...you are walking down the street, and catch a glimpse of an ancient ruin. Like this one. You come a little closer. You stand at a wrought iron gate, fastened with a strong chain and big lock with a bunch of Canadians. And a big chocolate birthday cake. "Marta!" somebody calls.

We hear a call in return, but see nothing. Peering into the ruins. Then, Marta emerges - like Mary Poppins, like a scene out of a movie - she is sheltering her skin from the sun with a black umbrella.

While waiting, look to the left, and this is what you see. Marta's front yard.

Marta and her husband live in, and are caretakers of this ruin. Their youngest son lives with them, while he is in business school.

An important squiggle

2011-03-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

We duck into the doorway, met with darkness, and faint light from overhead. We are inside what used to be a massive church, I think. We are now standing - some uncertainly - inside Marta's home. Singing in our not-so-sweet voices, "Feliz cumpleaños" (Happy birthday) (We have to remind Stan not to say "Felix cumpleanos." Note the difference? The Spanish "n" in first entry, has a little squiggle over it. A verrrrry important squiggle. The squiggle means you pronounce that "n" like the first "n" in "onion". If you pronounce it as a flat "n" in "Feliz cumpleanos", you've just wished somebody a 'happy....well, anus.' Yup. Important distinction.

Marta cries.

She's got a fine set of lungs...

The birthday cake was served. It's not actually her birthday until August 12th, but I don't think anybody cared. A 61st birthday party can be stretched out for months...

Beautiful but dangerous

2011-03-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

Some balloons to wish her a 'Feliz cumpleaños" on her bed, which was pushed up against the stone wall.

Here's the foot of her bed. And beyond it - well, I don't really know if they use that part of the building? I think it might not be safe.

She took us into her kitchen to eat the cake. Marta's forks and spoons were all lined up. Same as the teddy bears we'd seen last year, lined up at the head of her bed. Lined up like ducks in a row.

But, really, ducks in a row? Just look up. Above you are massive stone blocks that were lined up and placed in the 1500's, and have withstood numerous earthquakes. Well, at least some of them. Remember the earlier photo of her front yard? Thankfully, the stonework over their beds look reasonably intact and solid. But, one archway away, notice that one of the blocks is already partially dislodged.
I eye it warily - what do I know about stone arches and architecture? Still, to me, that stone looks like a massive loose tooth ready to fall out. Marta and her husband sleep only yards away from this massive stone arch. They sleep...

Yes, sleep. Turns out, Marta is full of information about herbal remedies, and one of them for sleep. The tilo flower - a highly fragranced tiny Guatemalan flower apparently is good for nerves and for sleep. Marta had other ideas for remedies too, when she noticed Deb's cough. (Just ask Deb)

Marta, looking so relaxed, and yet incredibly attentive, began to share her story with us. Married at 11 years of age. Her first child born when she was 12. ( "I left my toys and dolls behind," Marta said, "And I became a child-mother.") And here's to the beauty of the Spanish language, for the Spanish words for giving birth, literally mean, "to bring to the light". And so, Marta and her husband brought 8 boys to the light over their 49 years together.

Marta, savouring the company I think, as much as the cake, told us that "God cares for me in this place, even though it is beautiful but dangerous." They have lived in this place for 18 years.

Namesake

2011-03-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Grace brought a birthday gift from another "Martha" in Canada. Upon hearing Marta's story, she'd sent a blanket to her namesake. Great for the cold nights - I imagine more than most, in a huge stone edifice. How could one heat this place, with its towering ceilings?

Marta, onions, flowers, and a 50th anniversary.

2011-03-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Just a cool glimpse of onions outside of her kitchen door.

Marta's husband showed up just as the first pieces of cake were finished. He works as a gardener in Antigua; it was great to be with him too.

Remember the flowers seen at the front entrance to Marta's house? Here's a picture we took of her with them last year. Beautiful, well-nurtured plants. In the midst of all these ruins and hard places. Marta and her Beloved will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. Want to bring them a cake?

Ice cream daze

2011-03-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

After several tries, we managed to provide these two discerning 'cafe glace' and 'chocolate milkshake' drinkers with the experience they'd been longing for for days...

Ahhhhhhhh

2011-03-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

As the experiences pile up in our minds & hearts, it is hard to know what to do with them, how to think. We don't want to miss anything, so we're often 'out there' doing, but the time comes, and is so welcome, when we can seize a quiet minute to rest or listen or even record some of what's happening - within, and without. Here's Deb, dappled with the late afternoon sunshine....wonder what she's thinking?

Which Way Do We Go?

2011-03-21T21:26:00.001-07:00

A number of years ago, Jim Collins wrote a book "Good to Great." In the book he suggested that it is more important to have the right people on the "bus," people who enjoy being with each other, then knowing exactly where the bus was going. If you have the right people together, people who share similar values etc., the bus will eventually be successful in conveying its occupants to a great place. This picture pretty much summed it up today. I was following the team when at this corner it was obvious, by the various "pointings," that a decision as to direction was being considered. I didn't capture it at first, but it looked comical and yet profound. This is a staged replication of that scene - pretty beautiful I would say. If we look back over the history of Conexions perhaps this has often been the case. The various participants have often helped determine direction as we travel along together. Perhaps, looking back provides the greatest clarity and maybe insight into going forward. Sure a lot of fun when you are in the company of great folks. Thanks all you wonderful members of the team this year.

Chicken Bus, Casa Maria and balloons and more

2011-03-21T21:11:00.001-07:00

A familiar site for those of you that have spent time in Antigua. Volcano Aqua stands as a constant sentinel to the south. A beautiful view down many of the colourful streets. We were waiting for the arrival of our chicken bus to take us to Casa Maria for our annual chicken bus fiesta with the residents there. Casa Maria is a home for the elderly just outside of Antigua in San Felipe. At least fifteen of the residents had passed away in the last four months - quite a hit for the community.

On the way to pick up the ice cream Volcano Fuego gave us a demonstration of its power. Apparently the lava flows from it are threatening some homes along its side.

When we arrived at Casa Maria - after making hats along the drive - this gentleman - Carlos, was the first on board. I think he may have been part of all of our previous expedition - this being the sixth. He was ready to go - we more of less had to carry him on board. We had the same driver, Jorge and helper Luis this year - they have been part of every chicken bus adventure and are incredibly helpful, carefully assisting many of the frail residents on board.

It is actually quite surprising that anyone would get on board with this welcoming committee.

Previous trip participants will recognize the woman on the right - she had just as much enthusiasm as ever, in spite of losing her hearing over the last year.

Go Canada Go! Perhaps not Olympic Mittens, but may have possibilities.

Avril became quite proficient at tying balloons hats as you can see. :)

Got to love this one.

Take a close look at this endearing photo - brought a lot of laughter to all of us - not sure who was blushing more.

This was beautiful. The man in the blue hat took care of the other fellow during the trip and upon our return to Casa Maria. Notice his hand on the shoulder of the other fellow - tenderly supporting him as we bumped along down the cobble stone streets. They both offered incredible smiles.

The sign above Deb says - God Bless You - hmm

Time for ice cream - all of the residents love it. Every since we opened up Hallmark, we have offered ice cream at both buildings two afternoons a week. It just seemed right to include ice cream as part of this adventure. Many residents had two or three helpings - fabulous - and it was just before lunch! The director, when asked if it was okay to give more than one helping said: "Of course - but maybe stop at two or three helpings!"

At first we thought this gal did not want any ice cream. Gratefully Grace persisted and found out otherwise.

I wished I could have captured this connection better. Almost every time that Joanne would place a spoon full of ice cream into his mouth, he would close his eyes as she drew the empty spoon back and savour the flavour - as Joanne said: "The way ice cream should be eaten."

Avril helped dish out well over hundred servings of ice cream.

Many residents of the Hallmark Communities have made blankets among other items for gifts. This lady was just given one of those blankets. She was very moved and expressed a powerful sincere thanks. What a delight to tell her that another abuela (grandmother) in Canada had made it. Thank-you.

Maybe this should be dedicated to Nadia and Ali-Zaaman Maki - previous trip participants who also rode on top of the chicken bus. Ron was continuing with his surfing theme adding chicken bus surfing to the list - Dave and I tried as well. It was alright until the bus braked - fortunately he was not going very fast. Carol joined us as well. Where else can you ride on top of a bus! Love it in Guatemala.

Ron even completed a 180 degree leap when moving down the road - very impressive for a Grandpa!

Carol said she was out of here.

She climbed down the ladder and into the back of the bus.

Later this afternoon Grace and I had a chance to go to Casa de Fe - House of Faith - where people are either waiting for surgeries done by Faith in Practise form the U.S. or recovering. Truly it was a delight to pass on many hand made gifts to the many there. Thanks again.

The women are saying: "Thanks to Canada!" One woman actually told me to "Saludes Canada para mi." Basically she wanted me to greet all of Canada - I have a lot of work to do.

Our niece and nephew - Heidi and Eric Wiens - arrived from Kelowna last night - they joined us for supper tonight - wonderful to spend a bit of time with them.

"Leaving Panajachel," and a couple of stories

2011-03-20T21:26:00.001-07:00

We left the beautiful city of Panajachel this morning. We said our goodbyes to the wonderful staff at the hotel where we stay. They refuse to let us carry even the smallest suitcase out to the bus. The manager, whom many of you know, assured us that he would not cry for too long. "Hasta mananas" all around - see you later. Our friendships where we stay have become very significant. Thanks. But before we leave, let me share a few more stories - once again only a Coles note version at best because one can rarely capture a story - at best this is but an attempt. Thanks for hanging in there with us.

A few days ago while at Casa Del Mundo Grace and I passed a tiny Mayan girl with a "purse" hanging over her head and down her back. We of course commented how cute it was. It wasn't until we got a little close that we realized she had a couple of rocks in the sack and was carrying them up the hill. Those of you that have been to Casa Del Mundo know how many steep steps to get to the actual suites ( for fun I counted the steps to our suite - 250 plus or minus). She likely had to carry her load up at least one hundred steps. She looked about the age of one of our grand daughters. Kind of hit home. We carried on down to the chaises along the lake where I noticed her Mom loading a massive produce sack with rocks. Of course I wondered how in the world any two guys would get that up the hill. To my horror, once the bag was full, she pulled out a string from somewhere and commenced to tie the bag shut. She was going to carry that bag up the hill. I ran over to at least assist her in lifting it onto her forehead as they traditionally do. I grabbed the bag and could not believe the load. I could barely lift it (I think if it were 150 pounds or less, I could have). Needless to say, once the load was in place, she turned to start up the hill (I bet she maybe weighed 100 pounds), bent over and picked up one more rock. Off she went - one spare arm to steady herself. The long solo journey with a load she had accepted as necessary. Hmm...

This might give you an idea of how steep the slope was.

Once in Antigua, Grace and I took a cab to visit our youngest son Jared's dear Guatemalan family whom he stayed with for several weeks in 1999 - our visit with him while he was there marked the start of our love for many people here. This family is wonderful and made Jared feel so at home. To this day they are referred to as Jared's Guatemalan mother and father. Some of you may know that Jared got married to Sonja (a wonderful gal if I do say so myself) this last summer. Of course these folks were invited but could not make it. Olga, his Guatemalan mother brought out a gift for them. A very special mayan garment - close to 100 years old. She wanted us to give it to them to hang on a wall in their home - a very precious gift.

Olga and her husband Juan Antonio. We had a wonderful visit with most of their family.

This is their grand daughter. We brought down a back pack that Jared used to carry his books to school in many years ago. Now she will use it in Guatemala for taking her books to school.

Meat lovers special - a great restaurant find by Melody for supper - Epicure - ask Melody (and I think her friend Bev) about the after dinner "mints," an amazing truffle.

You have read many stories coming from the lives of Gregorio and Candelaria. Truly one of the highlights this trip has been the connection with dear people. Every one of us has been enriched with the time spent with them. During Gregorio's mentorship class yesterday afternoon which Melody blogged about yesterday, he said something quite profound. He told the boys about a man who had an enormous leg infection that would have taken his life because he could not afford medical care. Fortunately that help came along. Gregorio's comment: "Some say that money cannot buy your health, but here in Guatemala, it sometimes can." Wise words.

More wise words. Mike (from Crossroads Cafe) was showing us their home that they have been working on for nine years when he told us three important things that they have learned - 1. you must be patient in life - willingness to wait is important, 2. Time is valuable - you either sell it or give it away, and 3. work hard and don't give up. They are living proof of the power of those words.

Dave and Danaya put together flash cards to hand out to their Guatemalan friends who wanted to learn English. These are very innovative - ask them about them. Well, this fellow is living proof that they work. While we were touring Mike and Adele's home, this fellow - their main carpenter, pulled out the flash cards and spoke several English words. Dave asked him some words in Spanish and he repeated them in English - that was cool.

Could help but post this photo of Massimo and Jada. She was helping him reshape my Conexions ring. Loved to spend a bit of time with Massimo, his wife Irena and Jada.

One last story for tonight - sorry for being long winded! A few days ago I introduced you to a family that many of you may already know - Carlos and Juana - we helped them build a home more than five years ago. Grace, Avril and I had already paid them a visit a few days earlier, but I had hoped to see them again to talk to them about possibly sponsoring their three youngest children for Basico (junior high school - all students have to pay for any schooling beyond grade 6 and this often has to be raised through sponsorship or schooling cannot be continued). Last night Dave encouraged me to see them this morning before we left. There was not much time, but at seven this morning Dave, Melody, Deb and I were in a tuk-tuk on the way to Candelaria and Gregorio's home and school. Once there we asked Gregorio if he could join me (and Deb) to go see if the family was home and talk to them about possibilities. He was more than gracious to come along. Those of you that have been to their home know that it is off the beaten trail a bit - well, all the space around them is now filled in with other homes. I usually am fairly good at finding my way, at least I would not admit otherwise, but this morning, I took the wrong trail. When we had been to their home a few days earlier, we did not see one of their daughters that may be eligible. Guess who was on that trail - yup, the third daughter! She walking us back down the trails to her home where Gregorio had a wonderful talk with the whole family who had gathered there on this weekend for Eveline's (their daughter in the middle of the photo) fifteenth birthday party - a major event. Gregorio laid out the plan reminding that they would have to work hard in school until the end of the year to get good marks to qualify. So much to be grateful for - thanks Gregorio for your willingness. Who knows where this will go, but they now have an opportunity that they would not have had.

Back in Hotel Aurora - home to many members of Conexions.

Nothing needs to be said.

Thanks again for reading and following and participating in this Conexions Adventure.

beautiful boys, and penguin wars

2011-03-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

We've heard alot of stories about life in Guatemala. How many young boys grow up without a father. I hope these two little guys have a dad who comes home at night. Someone who models goodness, faithfulness, kindness. Meanwhile - I thought the moment when this photo was taken was kinda funny. These little guys had received a free stuffed toy from Nurse June - a perk for coming to the medical clinic. Within a short time, they began to clunk the heads of their penguins together, and...well, you can imagine, the wars went on from there.

Inspiring people

2011-03-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today we returned to Gregorio and Candelaria's Spanish School, and were able to, for a short time, join his scholarship/mentoring class. I believe there are about 30 boys total in the program; in today's class, 15 boys listened intently as Gregorio told them a story about the challenges of medical care in Guatemala.

In response to the question, "what are the most important things you have learned about life in this class?" , things like, "be kind", and "be honest" were mentioned. This could seem rather 'normal' to some, but there are social challenges which arise from the 'machismo' mentality, and it takes alot of courage for young men to choose to change some of these paradigms. It was said that the young men wished to be a light in their respective communities, and make positive changes.

It was so fine to see these young men's attentiveness, and obvious respect for Gregorio and what he had to say. Knowing Gregorio's story, they know that he has paid a price to be who he is, and is willing to continue to do so. Courage to them all...

Each young man told us their aspirations, and where they were in the course of study. Our Conexions group, in response to their question, told them what we did for a living, and told them how C O L D it was in Canada right now! :) Some group members had photos of snow, and we enjoyed shocking them with the prairie winter temperatures of 40 degrees below zero. It was fun to talk about our lives together. There was a beauty in our mutual curiosity about each other, and I think everyone enjoyed the conversation.

It was inspiring to see how these guys were willing to learn new approaches, and do the hard work of learning and finding a profession. Interest was in everything from teaching to accounting to mechanics. We wish them every goodness as they grow towards their goal.

Dave and Deb made a quick tuk-tuk ride up to visit Manual on his new piece of property. Manual has had a special place in our hearts for several years now; he is a carpenter who has worked with us on several building projects in the past, and we know him as a very kind, wise and fine soul. Hurricane season in the spring of 2010 however, destroyed his home, and he and his family lost everything. The Conexions group, together with Mayan Families, have assisted him in purchasing some land, and now he is beginning the long slow process of building a home for his family of 9. The newest member of the family is shown here, together with Manual, the proud grandpa.

This very old adobe house straddles two properties, and so before Manual can begin building his own house, he first needs to take down this one - at least the part that is on his land. (Charlie, want to come help him?) Starting from scratch requires great courage from this man, whose raw heart-felt rendition of 'Tu fidelidad es grande" (Your faithfulness is great) on the back of a fletta/truck about 5 years ago had us all in tears. Life has asked alot of him, and he keeps on keeping on - we wish he and his family every goodness as they labour to make their home.

this beautiful earth

2011-03-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

We have spent more and more time in Panajachel over the years, and this year in particular, we've done several boat trips back and forth across Lake Atitlán. Just ask Deb! :) We've learned a bit more about the moods of this lake, and which parts of the day are more tranquil than others. The below photo is taken when the wind was howling - you can see a squall coming across the water - and, the waves got pretty impressive.

And then, there's the moon. Wow. This picture doesn't begin to capture how beautiful it was. As the sky darkened, the moon's reflection shimmied its way across the water. Funny how sights like that are endlessly fascinating - like looking into a fire - you never get enough.

And, because sometimes some of us aren't able to sleep, we get the opportunity to see what the moon looks like at 4:30 a.m.! Still breathtaking, still fascinating. It's like seeing into another strata of being. Glimpsing things eternal.

Can you imagine the stillness? the movement of the water?

How quiet this earth is at night, how unassuming.
It is what it is - mysterious, beautiful - even while we're sleeping. Even if nobody sees it.

Wool & rainbows

2011-03-19T20:38:00.001-07:00

A rainbow of colors made their way into our suitcases and bins today as we packed up to leave for Antigua tomorrow. Eight of us made a local vendor very verrrrry happy, as we came into his stall and bought just under a dozen wool blankets that he said his father made. They are gorgeous, and each person found a style and color combination that floated their boat. Me, I went for the 'rainbow' look. It just makes my toes happy.

Whenever we can - if we're not too bagged - we enjoy hanging out together in the evenings, talking about our low and high moments. There's often chocolate passed around, and alot of laughter. There's so many stories in the day, and hearing each others take on them can be almost as diverse and fascinating as a moon over a lake...

Fresh Milk, Beautiful Stories, and This and That.

2011-03-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

The winner of Contest One is:

Diane Smid, who suggested the following for the picture of the back of Tim's head - "An arid parcel of land that could use a drip irrigation system and probably some healthy organic manure to get things growing."

Honorable mention: Ryan Hindmarsh, who said: "a coffee sponge".

Thanks for all the great guesses.

Many of you will likely remember Juana and Carlos, a family that Mayan Families introduced us to about six years ago. They were in need of a home. We worked with the family to provide them a house - they are making it home.

Tropical Storm Agatha in June 2010 just about took it away from them. Carlitos showed me where a river of mud came down behind their home and left mud piled up again the corner along with some pretty substantial boulders - so grateful that their house stood. They had to move out for several weeks as water flowed through the main area of their home. They are now back at home.

What a delightful visit we had with them - some great video of Carlitos singing - what else but Soy Una Pizza and De Colores - all the words with no help.

Carlitos sends hello back to Shelley. Thanks for the blanket from one of our residents.

We bumped into the builder of their home - Julio - good to see him and to see that his workmanship with stood the storm.

Carol doing her best on the drive up to Tierra Linda yesterday.

We visited a community just up the road from Tierra Linda - Concepcion - a very vibrant community. We met a Daniel a representative from Reading Village there to see one of their programs, using high school students to read to younger children - they get paid and the kids get exposed to reading. The gals got a lesson on tortilla making - very funny to watch.

Carol doing her best again.

Found these scissors hanging on a wall. I am certain they could tell quite a story.

Beauty can be found everywhere. One has to constantly remind oneself of that beauty - in people, in flowers, in children laughing.

Dave with a dear family friend Jeronima - ask Dave and Danaya about her - a beautiful story.

Many of you may know that since last year we 'built' a house with Massimo. Ron, Grace and I looked at it last spring. It was an adobe home that was falling down. We had no idea how to do it. We provided the funding and Massimo got it done. They basically built this house around the adobe home and torn the home down inside - the family never were without a home.

This fellow carries a tree of cotton candy up this steep hill from Panajachel every day to sell it in the village - that is Pana down below.

Dave with some books donated to a school in Buena Vista - the same general area as Tierra Linda. Gregorio is on the right - he spent the day with us - a delightful friend connected to Starfish Project. Absolutely loved the day with him and look forward to many more. He taught us a word for the day as our driver Flavio navigated the highland roads and trails. The word: "cuidado" which means - be careful.

Fields and fields of vegetables grown for our tables at home.

I want to tell a little story with this next series of pictures. We had just walked back to the Flete to continue our drive to various communities after saying our goodbyes to our friends of Tierra Linda at the community centre Thursday morning. If you notice, this little fellow wasn't too pleased and offered a bit of a pout. He was looking at Ron and wasn't quite sure if he felt secure or not, especially when Ron initially tried to connect with him. Notice the smile on his sister's face - she felt completely at peace. You cannot see "love," just like you cannot see the wind, but you know when it is present. All of a sudden, the pout turned to a smile as if this little child changed his mind about Ron. He reached out his little hands to embrace Ron. Ron bend over and the little fellow stretched to pull himself into Ron's embrace. What followed was a loving embrace from two human beings - love transcending age. We all need and love hugs - Ron is no exception. None of us are. A little child gave us all a gift - especially Ron.

The playground was in use again at the community center - this time for soccer.

Carol had brought a fabulous craft for the preschool - sorry for the clarity of the photo but it shows the action.

Carol doing her "best" again. The hats and decorations were incredibly successful.

By the way, they were working on the retaining wall Friday morning - and guess what, they are making this bank into bleachers! You bet, bleachers for community events and of course - street hockey.

Grace and I walked down to Lake Atitlan at 6:30 this morning - no need to say more.

One more quick story - supper is ready. Every morning these two fellows shepherd these goats down the street in front of our hotel. This morning I saw fresh milk delivery in action.

The boss pulled a styrofoam cup from his "purse" and drew a cup of fresh milk from one of the goats and ....

served it up to a bus driver. I just missed his milk moustache - "very good" he exclaimed as he quickly downed a fresh glass of milk. And off they went to find another customer.

If you look very carefully in this picture you will see a sparrow sitting outside our hotel room window. Every morning at 6:00 he rams his beak up against the window - a wake up call. By now we laugh and get up for the day.

By the way - we miss you Tim and Amber.

Thanks all of you who are following this blog and who contribute to make this trip possible.

Tim & Amber

2011-03-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

Our compañeros Tim and Amber left for home this morning...on to other adventures. We'll miss them!

Tierra Linda & Santiago Atitlan, Mostly Medical

2011-03-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning found the Conexions medical team - Deb, June, Melody, Dr. Juan Pablo and Dr. Francisco - riding behind a fletta full of ....well, what word do you suggest we apply to the people depicted below? On our way to the community of Tierra Linda. (Stan wrote about the Tierra Linda experience for Wednesday, but I'll add a few more stories and pics from the medical team's experience both Wednesday and Thursday.) We had alot of fun, and worked our buns off.

We arrived to a full-on life scene - people preparing for a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the junior high school, others getting ready to introduce Canadian street hockey into the community, and then, the challenge of trying to set up a medical clinic as quickly as possible to accommodate what looked like a horde of women and children lined up to see the two doctors. Masking tape helped put sheets over the windows, makeshift examining tables covered with sheets, Deb unpacking boxes of donated meds, June getting her triage system together, and, winding through it all like colored ribbons, children and students and Conexions people and staff and volunteers from Mayan Families....it was high-energy, and fun.
Joanne and Carol took on the task of measuring out dosages of parasite medicine for all the children at the clinic, celebration, and hockey game. You can imagine the challenges of organizing this! Talk about moving targets....ay carumba!

Most of the kids l o v e d the taste of the medicine - possibly because their reward for drinking it was a sticker. They got quite creative in finding ways to rub off the felt pen mark on their hand that indicated they'd had their dosage, and were coming back for more. Thus, Joanne needed to both BE wise as well as LOOK like a schoolmarm.

I was delighted to see this woman at the clinic - she was someone I'd carried in my memory from a previous clinic, as she'd initially come to us without having eaten for 5 days, and pregnant. I believe she is now sponsored through Mayan families - it was lovely to see her face filled out, light in her eyes and her baby healthy.

It is these moments that I love - just a glimpse of conexion and kindness, however momentary, in the middle of everyone's busy-ness. It seems that many Guatemalans value relationship over efficiency.

Does this room look calm? June is taking blood pressures, temperatures, and names - in Kakchiquel, the local dialect, or sometimes Spanish. And so we had a translator from English to Spanish, and another for Spanish to Kachiquel. In the back, Deb is navigating the same complexity - and giving out meds and instructions for taking them at the same time. I wish I could play an audio of what this sounds like! It's beautiful. It's chaotic. It's music that clashes and sings. Remember Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of life"...

Amber, bless her heart, came to the rescue and brought some entertainment to the kids waiting with their moms. Coloring is a universal language.

Working together

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A happy moment - and after seeing many patients we can't blame Dr Juan Pablo for closing his eyes - to offer a pregnant Mayan woman a glimpse of her baby's healthy heart, legs, and even a glimpse of his face! Magical...

In the middle of everything, Sharon from Mayan Families was doing what she does best - focusing on the person who is before her, and offering the goodness and care that she has to give. Here she's doing a quick measure of a cool soccer shirt.

I wonder if Deb knew, when she graduated from nursing, if she'd one day be disseminating medicines in Guatemala, and traversing 2 languages to do so?

Handmade with care in Canada, this blanket was received with delight, as close to a hug across the miles as you can get.

Avril is staying true to her promise - she's eating EVERYTHING on her plate. Well, not everything maybe. Someone said she was asking 'where's the plantains'....?!!

What a team!!! 92 patients later....

A Gravol Smile

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Now we've caught up the medical team to this morning. We packed up our bins of vitamins and other meds, and were joined by Dr Juan Pablo on a ride across the glass-smooth Lake Atitlan. Just ask Deb...

The ride to Santiago Atitlan is gorgeous. Even a passage through the reeds...

A Gravol Smile...

It was Carlos' first trip to Santiago Atitlan. Not only is he a fine translator, he also told us that we looked "pretty good" in photos. Of course, now we're friends for life. :)

Our plan was to give a clinic to the members of a women's cooperative group, begun and fostered by Dr. Francisco. They live in a small new village built through European funds for the displaced people of Panabaj - a town covered by a mudslide in 2005 during Hurricane Stan, where some 1000 people were lost.
Dr Francisco began the clinic with an education session on the female reproductive system, and family planning. It was amazing! Clearly he had won the trust of these women - as you can see, his method of sharing information is simple, clear and easy to understand. The women were laughing and asking questions, and also sharing their own stories with Dr. Francisco and each other. It was just beautiful to watch.

When Dr. Francisco finished the session on family planning, one elderly woman, who had 13 children, spoke up and said, "I wish I'd known this when I was 15."

Happy to be together

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While the doctors were seeing patients, the women gathered outside the front door of the clinic, talking and laughing. Community. Conexions.

We gave away lots of donated vitamins. They are much-needed, and much appreciated.

The huipil designs change according to geography, we're told. Just a taste of the beauty and creativity of the Mayan people.

Here we are, after a clinic that served about 40 people - happy to be of service, happy to be together.

Meanwhile, the other part of the Conexions Team headed on up to Tierra Linda for the day. Other adventures ensued - I know Grace returned with a bit of a sunburn - and we managed to catch up a little bit over supper. We're all bagged, but happy, and...I believe Stan is going to tell you the story from 'the other half' of the team in his blog tomorrow nite. Rest well!

Tierra Linda - Medical Clinic, Official Opening Ceremonies of the Junior High School, and Street Hockey (and a whole lot more today)

2011-03-16T22:37:00.001-07:00

The long anticipated return to Tierra Linda was finally here. A great drive up through the beautiful country side. The community center, complete with freshly poured playground was an awesome sight - filled with many of our friends from the community. Several from Mayan Families joined us for the day - a great group to work with. Without them, it is very unlikely that this would ever have included us - thanks Mayan Families.

The medical team of Melody, Deb, June (and her sister Carol), had made arrangements with Dr. Francisco and Dr. Juan Pablo to provide medical clinics in the community today (tomorrow the same team heads across the Lake for another full day - today they say 92 patients - a new record!) This is Dr. Francisco talking to Estulio - the community leader of Tierra Linda.

Joanne checks out the inventory for street hockey.

The medical team worked with precision - many gathered on the second floor balcony and waited their turn.

Preparation on the main floor for the celebration to mark the opening of the Junior High School. Everyone helps out.

Dr. Juan Pablo with the new ultrasound - quite a story that involved extreme dedication to get it there from the US - Melody, Deb, Dave, Dr. JP, and Dwight from Mayan Families - not for the faint of heart. We can fill you in on the details if you want. This is a portable ultrasound and it was used at the clinic today. Grace and many others, were blown away by the miracle of a developing child as Juan Pablo explained to her the imaging while checking out a mother - 6 months pregnant.

Sharon Smart - Founding Director of Mayan Families and I were asked to give speeches - the only good part was that we had no idea before hand - no preparation needed.

Waiting to see the doctor.

Avril was a whiz at assembling the nets - lots of help offered by many.

Tim gearing up "Luongo" for the team Guatemala. He was one awesome goalie!

A little bit of shooting practise.

Estulio joined the game as well - the game was about to begin.

Guatemalan Hockey continued

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This photo was taken from the balcony of the second floor of the community center. Dave is giving instructions to a very enthusiastic crowd of players. We could not believe how quickly they caught on. When the first blades were attached to the sticks, the guys thought they were guns and started "loading and firing them." Moments later, they were engaged in the great Canadian game of street hockey.

Tim drops the street hockey ball - let the game begin!

Francesca, the preschool teacher was invited by us to join in - much to the surprise of many of the local guys. These pictures will never do justice to the laughter and joy. Francesca - as was the case with many of the guy, including Dave, and of course our Canadian gals - Avril, Joanne, Carol, Amber and Grace - and some of us old guys (you should have seen us wheezing - good thing we had Dave to shore up the Canadian team!) played spirited street hockey for a long time. At times I would stagger to the sidelines and pass my stick on - catch my breath and watch almost with disbelief - the great Canadian sport of street hockey is now in Guatemala!

A building isn't everything but it can sure become a great center of activity.

Time for a Pepsi.

Built in bottle opener.

Contest Two

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Note: the winner of Contest One will be announced shortly.

Who is the mysterioso persona - dubbed the michelin man?

Open Doors

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Over the years we've teased our fearless leader Stan, because while in Guatemala, it seemed it was impossible for him to walk past any open door - even if it was open just a crack - without seeing what was inside. Sometimes the door was shut, and even then, at times he'd knock on it, or wait a bit to see if anyone was coming or going. And so, as we explored the streets of Antigua, we peered into innumerable doorways, feasted our eyes on glimpses of lighted courtyards, gently waving palm fronds, & green green moss beside stone fountains of mermaids, frogs, and saints. A sight for sore eyes – sore from working, from striving, from paddling upstream, from the rush & complexity of life at home in Canada.

We moved on into the more rural areas within, and around Panajachel. There were other doorways here, other ways of living, many of them hard to witness. Still, the doors kept appearing, and - for whatever reason - we kept wanting to open them, even walk through.

10 years later. A decade of moving deeper into unknown places, and realizing how little we know, but still, mysteriously, the desire to connect and discover this 'world of Guatemala' only strengthens. To me, this 2011 trip feels significant somehow. It is as if a door has swung wide open - or maybe there's not even a door, but an open archway that beckons us through. (thanks Stan, for taking the perfect pic today!) Who knows what the next day, week, year will hold? I think of the well-worn phrase, "Vamos a ver" ("We will see") One doorway at a time....

Serenity

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Yesterday, with our heads still swimming from the goodness of the morning's Convivio meeting, we headed across the water to a place of serenity for the night. Sitting on the quiet deck before supper, listening to the birds, hearing the faraway drone of motorboats, and watching the fishermen out on the water, we reflected on the events of the day. I would say that we felt both sobered by the realities, and buoyed by hope - that 'conexions' can really change things; that Guatemalan friends might find support and inspiration in each other; and a deep sense of how honored we were/are to be part of this mystery.

Haven

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Lake Atitlan can be mirror-like in the morning, and after lunch, the wind picks up, and the waves can make the traverse quite bumpy (just ask Deb). On our ride across the lake, the waves seemed to come from several directions, and....well, don't they look like they're relishing their cold shower?

Away. Quiet. Haven. These are the words that come to mind when thinking of Casa Del Mundo. Yup. Enjoy the view...

As you can see, Lake Atitlan is indeed beautiful, and in the morning, while we sat in a row on the deck, feet up, drinking coffee, and watching the fishermen, the volcano across the water let out a delicate puff of smoke. Magic.

"Small Steps of Love".
"How can we choose love when many have experienced so little of it? We choose love by taking small steps of love every time there is an opportunity. A smile, a handshake, a word of encouragement, a phonecall, a card, an embrace, a kind greeting, a moment of attention, a helping hand, a present, a financial contribution, a visit - all these are little steps towards love.
Each step is like a candle burning in the night. It does not take the darkness away, but it guides us through the darkness. When we look back after many small steps of love, we will discover that we have made a long and beautiful journey." - Henri Nouwen

Later in the day, we were invited for dinner with Dwight and Sharon of Mayan Families, a small non-profit group operating in the Highlands of Guatemala in the Lake Atitlan area. They are amazing people with astonishing capacity, and big hearts. They did a beautiful job of decorating their house with bright weavings and candles, and it was good to be together.

They have opened their hearts to our motley crew as well...and the bevy of staff around them have also become friends, like Patty (left), and beside her, Matilda. We ate a delicious meal, and listened to story after story about their experiences in Guatemala.

Avril, Hallmark staffer, apparently a very discerning eater, gives her first fried plantain a shot. This is not her first, but her SECOND bite, so that's a good sign. Apparently, Mike, she promised you she's going to try something new EVERY DAY at least once...

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Please pour yourself a cup of coffee and grab yourself a cinnamon bun or whatever and pretend that you were with us at Crossroads Cafe. Join us for our first Pana Convivios meeting (it is a term meaning Panajachel Gathering). I ordered this cup of coffee for you and added a fresh home made cinnamon bun made by Adele this morning. (Mike and Adele own and operate Crossroads with their two daughters) - We saved a place for you at our table this morning. Sorry but I had to drink your coffee and eat the cinnamon bun, but it was the thought that counted, right? Conexions has talked and planned for this meeting for months now, and today it happened. The plan was to bring some of our dear friends together and discuss how we can support one another, believing that together we are better. We hoped that stories shared between our Guatemalan friends, Candaleria and Gregorio, Massimo, and Dr. Francisco, would open up each others worlds and invitation offered to one another as they have done to us.

Mike was installing part of the septic system at their home under constrution, so Adele filled in as our Barista. We are very grateful that they allowed us to meet at Crossroads today. It just seemed like the right place as we wondered if Conexions was at a Crossroads of sorts looking ahead. Coffees and conversations were easy - loved see the group come together.

Melody had put together a fabulous slide show summarizing the years of Conexions Guatemalan Adventures to tell our story a bit. Many of you were in the pictures - it is a powerful presentation of ordinary people who have done some pretty cool stuff and made some fabulous friends. We hope to attach that to the Guatemala Conexions website - www.guatemalaconexions.org asap - it is a worthwhile watch.

From the slide show some opening comments were made on behalf of Conexions followed by the "four" sharing their stories. They all sat together and we more or less got to sit back and listen to incredible stories. They engaged with each other. Candelaria and her husband Gregorio had just told their story and about their commitment to education - both proving that even the very poor in Guatemala can improve the condition of themselves and their family. Massimo just told Candelaria how important their work was because the children would listen to them because it was a story similar to the one they are living. They had earned the right to teach.

Gregorio told how he started work at 6 years of age - one of eight children in his family. He was one of the boys selling whatever along Santander in Pana - bare foot and in clean clothes - what you still see today. In four years he had saved up 300 Quetzales - that is about $40.00 and went to school to learn to be a tailor. He was a professional tailor by 11. His father told him that if you buy land you can lose it, but if you invest in education, in a profession, it will always be with you. Continued hard work and dedication to his people have led him to owning and operating a Spanish school and mentoring program with Candelaria - and so much more. The dreams these two have left us spinning - and many of those dreams they are putting into practise. And example - Gregorio works with young men/boys similarily to the mentorship program that Candelaria operates with girls. As part of the program the boys are required to gather up the empty plastic pop bottles that seem to be everywhere (they are not recycled in Guatemala) and fill them with chip wrappers etc that are plentious as well. Two hundred and fifty chip wrappers fill the bottle. They recently build a room at a school using 3,000 such filled plastic bottles for the walls - wire and stucco cover the wall asssembly (we hope to see this school in a couple of days). That removed 3,000 bottles from the streets and 750,000 chip wrappers! The boys are required to collect 2 such bottles a week as part of their program - that is cool! So much more.

Dr. Francisco told us a little of his story. He was planning on becoming a Jesuit priest. When people ask why he did not become one, he shows them the picture of his wife! As in every story this morning, parents played a great role in encouraging their children. Not only that, but in the case of Dr. Francisco, Candelaria and Gregorio - scholarships - without the help of others, they would likely be writing different stories.

The right place this morning. We were amazed. Many tears were shed together in that place where so many meet. We left believing that we were together for a reason. We have prayed often about this conexion - thanks for joining us. Who knows where this will take us - take you.

The members of the first Pana Convivios - Guatemala Conexions. Standing - Deb, Melody, Candelaria, Gregorio, Grace, Massimo, Dr. Francisco and sitting - Dave, Amber, Tim, Ron and myself.

Ron and Massimo continuing conexion out onto the street.

A cool water story March 13 2011

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These are leaders of a community up in the mountains above Panajachel that we were honored to meet today! We had heard some of their story from our friend Massimo, and we travelled up a steep and winding road (just ask Deb) to see them. It's a cool story...keep on reading.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

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We started the day off right today - good to see that at least someone is choosing fruit, yogurt and granola over bacon, pancakes and syrup! June & Carol are sisters - in case you can't tell - and now that their luggage, which was lost for several days, has returned, their socks don't smell so bad anymore... :)

We headed off to the Spanish School, Jabel Tinamit, owned by Candelaria and Gregorio, wonderful people who opened a private Spanish school about 13 years ago in a rented space, and then took a bold step towards their dream and recently completed building a home/school that is beautiful and functional, graced with a garden full of fruit trees, rosebushes, and many other growing things.
Below is Gregorio, proudly sharing the fruits of their very first banana harvest. Delicious!

We climbed several flights of stairs to the rooftop classroom, where Candelaria was leading some 20 girls in one of their weekly scholarship classes. They went around the room and told us their ages - between 15 - 22 years of age - and their goals. Many of them were hoping to be teachers; other career options such as accounting and nursing were mentioned. Candelaria, who is Mayan, has many hopes for these young students, and envisions a life for them in which they function independently, with self-assurance, and belief in the possibility of following their dreams. They typically meet on Sundays for 5 hours, and Candelaria mentors them in subjects such as English, leadership, their rights and values, computers, mathematics, reading, and family planning.

They have a similar scholarship program for boys that meets on Saturdays, led by her husband Gregorio - we hope to drop in and see this as well this coming weekend.

Women who live in Guatemala face significant challenges, and often any change to the present social limitations and expectations they experience is not met with support. It was inspiring and deeply moving to see - and to feel - the positive energy, life and hope of this gathering.

The strength and resolve in Candelaria carries her into some pretty amazing places. The sense of hope was palpable in the room. As real as light.

Candelaria spoke with great enthusiasm about the changes she had seen in the lives of many of her students, and her hopes and ideas for the future. She is someone who seems to see hope and possibility where many would just see the obstacle.

School and water, Sunday

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Next, we headed up to a mountain community with Massimo, to see the school that served the needs of some 350 students. This community was motivated to dig a trench from a spring in a mountain at a higher elevation, in order to lay about 2 km of pipe to carry that water to serve the school. No shortage of ambition there! In our conversations with our Guatemalan friends over the last 2 days, it has repeatedly been said that the future and hope for this country is in the children, and a sound education. And so, these desks may look a bit worse for wear, but to us they looked mighty beautiful, as they have served the needs of students in this small community for several years, and hopefully will continue to do so in years to come.

big broom little people

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Massimo told us that one of the more endearing sights for him when he came to visit the community, was to see the smaller children sweeping up the classroom after the day's work. A big broom used by a determined little person makes a picture that warms the heart.

Sunday, water, schools, dreams

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Led by our trusty guide Massimo, we walked down the road that approached the school. Higher up in the mountains now, we noticed that the air was fresh and noteably clean. (However, we won't comment on the air quality for those of us walking BEHIND these guys...)

Okay, so the below picture may seem somewhat unremarkable....but, consider this! Imagine yourself standing behind the eye of the camera, on the cement pad in front of the school. Now, imagine digging a trench by hand all the way to the mountain peak that you see in the distance, and laying pipe in that trench. This is what this community needs - and wants - to do in order to provide water to the school!

When we asked one of the community leaders who would be doing the digging, he looked at us and without hesitation, said, "Everybody." It was an honor and an inspiration to come alongside people like this, fund the purchase of what they need to get the job done, and see their resolve and inspiration. There isn't room in this blog to tell you all the stories that we heard, but suffice it to say that the obstacles that these people have faced and overcome in order to bring education - and now, hopefully, water - to their community are many, and significant. So, 2 kilometers of digging is yet another hurdle soon to be overcome by their working together. How did we get so fortunate, to rub shoulders with people with this kind of mettle and hope, to witness this kind of fortitude and commitment? Hopefully we can let this gift into our own lives and let them change us.

Stan's photo, below of a 'water garden' reminds me of the beauty that is reflected back to us all around us here in Guatemala. It will take days - or maybe a lifetime - to really take it all in. Being in another country and culture shakes you up a bit so that you notice more than you usually would. Massimo, when speaking about the importance of education, spoke about how "the solution is in the hands of people, but they don't always know it." I'd like to follow that thot a bit more, but - I'm pretty sleepy, and a long day ahead tomorrow! Maybe you would like to finish this blog with your own thoughts. Use the comments section. Maybe you see something reflected back at you...

Conexions - What's in a Name

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Team members here so far - we will introduce you to the other four who will be joining us in the next few days. Left to right - Stan, Ron, Dr. Francisco, Tim, Melody, Dave, Deb (the Bandito - read below), Amber and Grace, who took the picture.

Many years ago, Grace and I were visiting one of our sons in Bible School and heard a fellow speak on the topic “what is in a name.” He suggested that children often live up to the names they are given. I do not know if that is true or not, but I have thought often about the influence that naming may have. Well, on this trip, truly Conexions seems to be connecting more than ever with its name. We are now roughly ten years into our adventures, and seem to be following a path laid out before us – perhaps with a lot of meandering and stopping for coffee along the way, gathering up friends and experience, sharing the journey. Maybe, we are living up to our name. I don’t think we could say that we “planned” this and that is why it happened. I think it was waiting for us to show up. Many of you have been on our trips, or supported us in one way or another. You are all part of the connections that have been made. So far, in the couple of days here, several people have pointed to my ball cap sporting the Conexions logo and name – and commented: “conexions,” I thought I would just attach a few pictures – only samples of the many beautiful friendships made. And there are so many.

Walking into the hotel here and receiving hugs all around. At breakfast today, the General Manager of the hotel walked around our table and gently touched each team member – an endearing hug included in some cases. Truly, we are in this together. Love crosses all barriers. So for those of you that have experienced our trips – these are just a few of those “conexions.” And for those of you who have not – well, meet some of our friends down here. There are so many more – and so many likely to come. If possible, we will be posting more pictures including “conexions.”

Thanks for reading this blog.

We hope that in some way you feel included.

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Massimo - who now has become a dear friend. He has a lovely wife and daughter. If there was a time that we wished we could have had you here, this is one of those times. We met with Massimo for three hours this morning. All of us were deeply touched by his stories - the depth of his reflection and love as he extends himself to the community around him. He openly conveyed his heart breaking stories of how difficult life can be for so many here - but not once complaining about himself. He was asked: "Why do you stay?" His answer: "Because I have hope for the people here." Massimo has worked down here - self employed as a very talented jeweller (many of you probably wear jewelry made by him) - for many years. We have been fortunate to have been provided with opportunities by him many times. He never asks - he just tells a story. Tomorrow morning we are on the way up to a village who works together on the challenges they face (population about 1500). Recently the well that provided water for the school caved in and because it is dangerous, it cannot be restored. The towns people have gathered to come up with a solution. They have a small creek that they can access - all you need is to hand dig over 2 kilometres of trench and the pipe to deliver the water. It didn't take long for us to realize that if we could purchase the pipe, that would be a much better deal for us! Thanks to all you supports for helping make this possible. Hopefully we will post pictures tomorrow night. So much more could be said about the morning conversation.

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Arsenio - are wonderful bus driver. He has a great sense of humour, and even a greater capacity to get us there safely and on time.

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Tim and a friend made several years ago. She came into the restaurant to see

Tim. Her three year old son was

fast asleep, strapped to her back.

We had no idea until she pointed him out to us. Something quite beautiful about a mother's love. Thanks Mom.

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Dr. Francisco, whom Melody blogged about yesterday and that you will hear more about.

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And of course there is Crossroads Cafe - where friends are made. The best coffee anywhere served with love by a beautiful family.

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Many of you will recognize beautiful Lake Atitlan.

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CONTEST ONE
What is this? Free gift from Guatemala for the first correct answer, or the most creative!

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Rumour has it that this trip participant was actually held in "prison" by her staff earlier in the week. They managed to raise bail for her -(Conexions passes on a big thanks) - but she bolted to the highlands of Guatemala fearing a repeat occurance. Fortunately she was discovered and returned under supervision of the "general" behind her.

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Thought you might need a closer look to help this bandito being escorted back from hiding out in Santiago. Comforting to note that the "General" kept a good eye on her while conveying her back to Panajachel to be returned to the custody of responsible Canadian citizens.

A few random pics

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maybe a bit blurry, but still her face speaks volumes

The kids never tire of seeing their faces on camera.

2011-03-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the women from the cooperative who wanted to pose with Tim for a picture. (Tim's the short one... : )

We all piled into the back of a fletta (a small truck), along with about 8 others. Dave's pretty happy to be back in Guatemala.

The women headed home also...here you can get an idea of their new homes. Dr Francisco commented that it was hard for many of them whenever rainstorms come - so many traumatic and difficult memories from Hurricane Stan. In this picture, they may just look like normal people going to their normal homes, but these - and all- former occupants of the village of Panabaj now carry collectively a huge story of loss and endurance within their memories and hearts. We hope this new start is life-giving and healing for them all, and feel honored to witness their courage, strength, and hope in working towards the future.

The shortest (and sweetest) occupant in our fletta.

Beautiful white clouds...if we were in BC, we'd be wondering if snow was coming.

We said goodbye to Dr. Francisco for now, and headed back home. The ride was....well, ask Deb ! (Okay, okay, if you don't know Deb, then wait for it - I think Stan may post a few telling pictures tomorrow.) Meanwhile, this pic of our boat was taken after we'd landed... it's a mystery to me why the water looks so calm. It was far from that whilst we were scudding and thudding across the swells. It was a good day - the crickets are chirping - and it's time for rest. Hope you rest well too. Thanks for reading our stories!

2011-03-11T20:49:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Santiago Atitlan, and promptly hopped a few tuk-tuks, and to the small new village - built by mostly European funds - that has been created to house the some 900 families (about 5000 people) displaced by the mudslide of Hurricane Stan in 2005, which tragically covered the entire village and took the lives of most of Panabaj's inhabitants. Dr. Francisco has set up a small women's cooperative with microfinancing from Conexions, and loans range from $7 to $15.

The women were hopeful and beautiful, and were exploring the possibilities of marketing their creative bead jewelry.

It was alot of fun for us to choose jewelry, making sure that each participant in the program benefitted from the sale.

And of course, one can't resist the children. They were jewels too.

2011-03-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

After a sumptuous brunch and shopping spree, we headed on down the long and winding (just ask Deb) road to Panajachel. We met Dr Francisco, our physician friend, who has a special interest in Public Health. We took the boat on a long and wavy (just ask Deb) trip across the lake to Santiago Atitlan....

With a very brave Amber, who doesn't mind travelling with a bunch of boomers...and, thankfully....

at least one of us was under 50!

A beautiful sunny day, with much to be grateful for. I'm grateful for friends of nearly a decade - we're all pretty relaxed with each other - it's a safe place.

We're here!

2011-03-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

Here's what I saw when I looked out my hotel window this morning - Guatemala City in view. (As I write this a small bug happily explores my computer screen, and yes, it is that warm here.) Most of the Guatemala Conexions Team 2011 is here, and the rest will arrive in a few days. The Conexions Board has chosen to travel here a few days early, to take time to vision and strategize. After about a decade of travelling from Canada to Guatemala, it seems a good time to ponder, listen, and converse with our Guatemalan conexions about the future.

Here we are, on a shopping spree at a "Hyper-Paiz" in Guatemala City. As bringing medications into the country is increasingly complicated, this year we elected to purchase the meds here before we headed to Panajachel to offer medical clinics. It was great fun to almost clean the shelves of vitamins, medications, etc...shopping with a purpose. Several staff followed us around, trying to re-stock behind us....the receipt was impressively long.

Shop till you drop!

Guatemala 2011

2011-02-17T14:50:00.001-08:00

We are preparing for our departure on March 10, and looking forward to a new round of adventures and learning, as always, and we're especially excited to see all our friends again. Stay tuned here for updates after we arrive!

Sunday in Guatemala

2010-06-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

Houston Airport, on the way home:

How to reflect on the last two weeks in Guatemala:

I have held people who have lost children who drowned in mud, had houses fall on them, or who had a niece swept away from her mother's hand. I have listened to their stories, put up tents with them, and told them they are not forgotten.

I have followed that little nudging voice on my shoulder (the one we usually ignore) that said "go", even though I couldn't see any further.

I have stood in the ruins of their homes with Manuel, Claudia, Nicolasa, Julio, Marcelino, and many more who have no such thing as "resources" or "savings" or "insurance".

They have told me about their dreams for a brick home with tin roof, an education, a community, or just to be able to provide food for their family.

I have sat on a rickety chair with Manuel as he shook his head, telling me that he had prayed for our help the day before I felt called to go.

I have carried a cheerful, laughing Mayan lady across a mudslide in the dark, on what is now her normal commute home.

I have met my computer students, who are jumping ahead in their studies and opportunities.

I have walked down trails and paths, in the shoes of others for a brief minute.

The shallow things we complain about, the imperfections of our houses - wardrobes - jobs - cars - diets - vacations - bank accounts - country...pile up in a sheepish "oops" as I compare my attitude to 70-year-old Julio, who straps his 125-pound tent-in-a-box to his head, stoops, smiles, and starts uphill to set up his new tent house, one small step at a time, just glad to be alive.

I won't forget Juana with her toothy smile, standing barefoot in the rubble of her house, telling me that life is good, because all her kids escaped with their lives. I hope you hug your family today.

Thanks to all of you who have pitched in so we can help some of these people, just a little bit. I told them repeatedly that you care about them. Thank you for feeling, crying, reading, and believing that out of disaster can come chances to love and be loved, help and be helped. I am never quite sure if I am giving or receiving, and I think somehow that's how it's meant to be.

My hope for you is that you have been touched by a story, that you resolve (again) to live your life to the fullest for the things that really matter, and that you have the wisdom to know the difference. In that narrow, challenging place, we find joy.

This is my shoe. I look forward to hearing where yours will take you.

Thanks for being with me,

Dave

Saturday in Guatemala

2010-06-26T21:06:00.001-07:00

We left at 5:30 this morning to go up to Maria Tecun, one of the hardest-hit landslide areas. ShelterBox, a Rotary Club International program, delivers 125-pound boxes filled with a tent, a stove, cooking equipment, water filters, blankets, and other disaster relief supplies. They delivered 112 of them to Maria Tecun this morning!

Mike and his team of ShelterBox volunteers trained the villagers on how to set up the tents. Imagine him explaining it in English, someone translating to Spanish, and then Julio from Mayan Families translating it to Kakchiquel and Quiche.

For many of the villagers, this is the first time they have seen a tent. A number of them asked me if this is what a Canadian house is like.

Marcelino worked in the US for three years, then built a house here with his savings, in a location he thought was safe, since it hadn't been touched by the river in 61 years.

This is Marcelino's home, which was filled with mud to the ceiling, and his walls were blown out. It was hard to talk with him, because he had this shell-shocked look on his face.

They thought this "tent thing" was pretty cool, and caught on really quickly.

Santiago was eager to get this rolling.

Imagine mud splashing up to the very top of a three-story building.

The Guatemalan men use "tumplines", which are headstraps that they use for carrying very heavy loads up mountain paths. These boxes weigh 125 pounds.

Julio is 70, and when I commented on the load he was about to carry, he mentioned that he had once carried 200 pounds of carrots over mountain paths for 35 hours.

The mountain paths across the landslide areas are slim.

Nice to have the scouts along today too!

One family made us lunch, which we shared in their old house - soup with potatoes and a bit of meat, and of course, tortillas. It was amazing to be invited.

The "green box convoy" carried on up the hillsides, heading off to safer sites high in the mountains.

Friday in Guatemala

2010-06-25T21:33:00.001-07:00

We brought a whole group of Mayan Families workers up to Los Encuentros today, prepared to meet a truck loaded with emergency tents, then deliver and set them up in a destroyed village. This is Dwight explaining to the Rotary Club volunteers that their truck is still stuck in customs, and that we won't be able to start today. We all felt like the lady on the right.

We then drove out to the village, Maria Tecun, to explain the delay to the people. The damage from mudslides and river flooding is inexplicable, and over 300 people lost their homes.

Julio from Mayan Families is in the middle, explaining to the villagers about the delay. The town committee has told all the men that they must stay home and help rebuild the town, rather than leaving to find work right now. Tough choices.

Santiago explained to me how the mudslide broke down this classroom door, filled the classroom, then broke through the wall behind him.

Houses like this are everywhere, which is why these temporary tents seem like a great idea (www.shelterbox.org). We're going back tomorrow morning at 5:30 to try again.

A scout troop from Xela was with us today, prepared to set up tents. They are returning tomorrow, along with more scouts. There are apparently more than 5,000 scouts in Guatemala, boys and girls together.

Thursday in Guatemala

2010-06-24T20:23:00.001-07:00

Antonio is Candelaria's dad. He told me this morning about being 14, and wishing that he could learn to read and write. His parents couldn't afford to send him to school. He decided that he was going to work hard enough to send his own kids to school, and now all 8 of his kids have an education, including Candelaria's sister, who is finishing medical school. At the time, people and relatives told he was crazy, paying to educate his girls. I think he's one of my heroes.

I recognized Artemio at Candelaria and Gregorio's school this morning. He's from Tierra Linda, and is in first-year basico (seventh grade). Based on poverty, good marks, good attitude, and ambition, he won a scholarship with Starfish, and is now mentored by Gregorio. Gregorio said he was the only first-year student who knew his way around a computer...he was in our computer classes last year.

It was a crowded commute with Gregorio this morning - chicken bus to Solola, packed flete (pickup) to Buena Vista, then a long walk through the hillside.

Candelaria and Gregorio regularly visit the homes of their scholarship students, to talk with the parents about their progress and/or challenges. We visited Jeronima, one of their best students. When we arrived, she was washing clothes.

Jeronima is on the right, with her mother Juana in the middle, and her sister Lidia on the left.

Juana wove all their clothes with this loom. They live in a mud-brick adobe house. Juana sells a few eggs, washes clothes for people, and her husband collects firewood on the mountainside and sells it.

Jeronima is 21, and finishing grade 11. She is now the most educated person in her village of 600, and is now the first adult to able to read and write - so the town committee made her the secretary last year.

Jeronima took us to her school library in Buena Vista, which could use a few more books, for sure.

Jeronima started an adult literacy class on Saturdays for village women, teaching them the alphabet and reading. She has fifteen women coming.

So when Antonio decided his girls would go to school, Candelaria got a break - which she is passing on to Jeronima, who will pass it on to...

They don't call it Buena Vista (good view) for nothing.

We walked down from Buena Vista to Panajachel, which you can see far below. Both the Tierra Linda trail and the Grouse Grind pale in comparison. I got back just in time to Skype back to a fourth-grade class in Langley, answering their questions about Guatemala.

Wednesday in Guatemala

2010-06-23T22:25:00.001-07:00

Zoe and I met with Daniel from Reading Village for breakfast at 7, then over to Candelaria's scholarship students at 8.

The students are all chosen for excellence in their studies, and for having very limited financial situations.

Today was for learning about banking and finance, and how the local bank works. Candelaria is such a good teacher.

It was the first time in the bank for all the students.

Maria from the Banrural bank explained how to make a deposit with the form.

And then we all jammed into the tiny ATM closet, and I showed them how to take out money with a debit card. This was the entertainment highlight.

By 10 AM, we were on the boat to San Pedro. This one even had life jackets.

Dr. Francisco picked us up in San Pedro, and took us to see the mudslide area. I cannot convey the immensity of the area. it is probably a mile long and a thousand feet wide.

This was a white house before the mudslide. It is one of the very few still standing.

There is virtually no debris from house destruction - it is just gone, pushed right into the lake, or buried.

This looks like a floodplain, but this was a neighbourhood of houses two weeks ago.

Dr. Francisco's parents heard the rumbling coming, and ran from their house a minute ahead of the mudslide. The mud poured into their house, four feet deep, breaking down doors and windows, but left the house standing. Their home is the last home on the edge of the mudslide, but they are too scared to live there again. It is very difficult on his parents, and his mom cried as she talked about it.

Notice the clear path that the rock has carved out. The mudslide has carried massive boulders, some the size of cars. Dr. Francisco's ten-year-old niece was running with her mom, holding her hand, when the mudslide hit them, taking away the little girl. They have not been able to find her body.

Juana has seven children, with this one just a week old. She and her husband brought her to Dr. Francisco's clinic today. Within five minutes, he had diagnosed the problem, gently explained it in the Mayan Tzutujil language to the parents, and prescribed a medication.

In case you've wondered where pumice stone comes from, it comes from volcanoes. It also floats, weirdly enough. There are small patches of floating pumice all over the lake, and it sounds like gravel scraping when your boat goes through a patch. We're assuming the pumice came down in the mudslides, the mud sank, and the pumice floated.

The "commuter train" here happens to be a boat, and at "rush hour", it's crowded.

After a busy day, we stopped at Casa Del Mundo for lemonade, nachos, and thinking.

Tuesday in Guatemala

2010-06-22T22:19:00.001-07:00

We left early this morning in a truck to Santa Catarina with Candelaria and Gregorio, our Spanish teachers. This was Zoe's first time to meet them.

This is Claudia, an ninth-grade student in Candelaria's scholarship program, offered by an organization called Starfish from Colorado. She is standing beside what's left of her house.

This mudslide filled most of their house. Her cousin died in the next house.

Claudia's mom, Margarita, showed us the homemade hammock cradle she uses for her youngest.

Claudia's dad, Antonio, was digging out the riverbed when we arrived. Their family is renting a single small room. Claudia's dream is to be a doctor, and return to help her community.

Juana is another mom who lost her home. She is standing where her house was. Her daughter, Nicolasa, is one of Candelaria's excellent scholarship students. Juana told me that she and her kids heard a rumble uphill during the storm, ran out of the house, and the mudslide leveled their house a minute later.

When a scholarship student reads five books, Candelaria buys them a lime tree to plant at their house. This one is Nicolasa's. Candelaria also teaches them leadership skills, personal development, and community service.

Candelaria has a little "things made by scholarship students" table at her Spanish school. You can purchase their handiwork, and know who made it.

For those of you who donated tarps, they have been marvelous. Lidia from Mayan Families is showing how they are using it on a wet floor to make a dry bed.

Berta cooked a wonderful dinner at Mayan Families tonight. A bunch of us took her home afterwards. She lives in San Andres, and the bridge to there has been wiped out by a massive slide. I piggybacked her through the knee-deep mud.

I can't capture it in the dark, but it's a massive slide.

When I walked back in the door at Hotel Kakchiquel, the young desk clerk was standing in the doorway, holding my key. He said he'd been worried that I was OK, since it was so late. I won't forget that.

Monday in Guatemala

2010-06-21T22:54:00.001-07:00

I hiked around Mike's land with him this morning. They have been building a home there for almost 10 years, little by little. Their dream has always been to open a youth hostel. It has a big brick wall all around it, because people kept stealing everything at night. Two mudslides punched holes in the wall, and we realized this morning that much of it was from a broken municipal water supply pipe, further up the hill. Next time we all pay taxes, maybe we'll remember the quality of Canadian infrastructure that we take for granted...

The mudslide sent rocks down the hill, bouncing some of them over Mike's 12-foot wall. Some of the rocks are the size of small cars.

And in case you wonder what you do with a big rock in Guatemala, you break it up into little rocks - with a hammer and chisel. If you have a car-sized rock, you work on it for two weeks, burning tires under it to heat it up, then pouring cold water on it to create cracks.

Somehow your job seems quite nice, eh?

Sunday in Guatemala

2010-06-20T18:39:00.001-07:00

I am going on Tuesday with Candelaria and Gregorio, our former Spanish teachers, to visit families in Santa Catarina who lost homes. You can see some photos of these families here:

http://starfishpanajachel.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html

http://starfishpanajachel.blogspot.com/2010/06/little-bit-more-about-claudia-after.html

http://starfishpanajachel.blogspot.com/2010/06/little-bit-more-about-nicolasa.html

Sunday in Guatemala

2010-06-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a quiet Father's Day here, and I have been fixing computers, catching up with people, and thinking how much I have learned from Guatemalan fathers, as well as my own great dad.

I will never forget watching Julio from Tierra Linda go barefoot on the jobsite, in order to save his shoes - but send his kids to school.

I will never forget Manuel telling me about standing with his kids, ten feet from their house as it collapses into the river, ask his kids ask "Papa, where are we going to live"? And then he tells me that faith is real when life is hardest, believing that God will look after them, and that there is always a way forward.

And from another very wise father I know:

Fathers spend a lot of time doing, living out their love physically by their actions.

A father stands up for those that are vulnerable. A father speaks for those who have lost their voices. A father values security for those he loves. A father wrestles with God. A father sheds tears. A father walks around with a broken heart wishing things were different, but tries anyways, fuelled by hope. A father plays, laughs, and loves to eat. A father misses those he loves when he cannot be with them. A father gets tired but takes another step, and another, seeming to believe that each step will help and is necessary. A father prays for his family. A father loves.

Our Father loves us.

Hug your dad or your kid today, if you're anywhere within reach.

Saturday in Guatemala

2010-06-19T19:01:00.001-07:00

The width of the riverbed in Pana still amazes me. The machines are continuously moving more rocks to the edges.

We visited Manuel's new rented home again to see how safe it might be from possible future mudslides. It seems good.

Sharon and Dwight came over to talk with Manuel.

We stopped at Sharon and Dwight's old house, and looked out their back window. The river had come to the base of the tree, but before the storm, it was 150 feet away.

Mayan Families is starting to work on a biosand water filter project, where the water filters are constructed from cement, using simple sand as the filter. It apparently gives excellent clean water.

Any time there is a moment for lunch with the Roberts' at Crossroads, snap it up. I learn a lot about hospitality from them and their oasis.

Some visitors today brought a "vuvuzela" from South Africa. If you don't know what that is, you aren't watching enough World Cup. It's a very loud horn that the South African fans blow all the time at games.

Friday in Guatemala

2010-06-18T23:16:00.001-07:00

Dr. Juan Pablo was glad to see the electrocardiograph I delivered this morning, courtesy of a former trip member, a doctor from Abbotsford. Glad it fit in my luggage!

The familiar trail to Tierra Linda looks quite different now. Fields that were recently planted with onions, cabbages, or beans are now partly destroyed, still soggy, or covered in sand.

This was a thriving cabbage field last year.

This was planted with little onions before the storm, and is now just sand.

Martin and his dad were hoeing a strip of rented pasture to plant some onions. There was a steer tethered here before, nearly ready for market. It was washed away downstream in the storm, still tied to its tree.

The steep trail to Tierra Linda now includes a massive scenic mudslide crossing.

I can't capture how many hundreds of feet this slide stretches.

Some of you may not know Zoe, Stan and Grace's niece. She's volunteering with Mayan Families here for a few months. Her Spanish is good too, which sure helps!

Maria is married to David, son of Julio, who we ran into in San Lucas yesterday. Small world!

When we arrived in Tierra Linda at the top of the trail, it was great to see the second floor classrooms progressing at the school. We helped pour the floor back in March.

This is a foot-powered treadle pump, invented in India for using human power to pump water. While water isn't an issue this week in Tierra Linda, they are using this to pump water from the pila to the second and third floors for construction use!

Estulio, the "mayor" of Tierra Linda, was working hard to lay the ceramic floors in the new junior high school rooms.

They were finishing the last room today, and then starting on the breezeway floor. Looks great!

Computer classes were researching the solar system on the internet, and copying details and graphics into documents. Internet is slow right now, because some cell towers are damaged from the storm.

It still amazes me that they are doing this. Thanks to all of you who believed in the possibility.

I was able to talk with Manuel today (white shirt). He explained that the building we see is the second floor of his home, which fell down when the first floor collapsed into the river. The site is still in an unsafe area, obviously, making rebuilding unwise.

Manuel showed me with the shovel where his front wall once stood. He watched from ten feet away as the house collapsed last Saturday night, as his children cried beside him, asking him where they were going to live. He has his wife, seven children, eighty-year-old father-in-law, and a brother-in-law: eleven people in the household.

Manuel and his family are renting a small house across the street, owned by a friend. We are going to see what we may be able to do to help. He told me he had been at his wit's end last week, and had prayed that somehow Conexions might be able to help him.

I was at a cafe for supper, talking to Danaya on the phone, when a young street vendor showed up at my table. I put my untouched lasagna in front of him, and he started chowing down. Then Lucia, a street vendor friend, came by. They turned out to be brother and sister, so we shared dinner all together. Lucia and her son Thomas are fine. I have never seen someone eat so much pizza with ketchup. :)

Thursday in Guatemala

2010-06-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

Today was Gloria's birthday, celebrated with cake and a piñata at the Panajachel preschool.

This was the home of Manuel and his family, close by to Sharon's home, which was also damaged. As the river dug out underneath the home, it fell into the river.

Manuel's home, from the front. He and his family are living somewhere else right now, but I haven't been able to find them yet. They have seven children. When we first came to Panajachel, Manuel was the first builder we worked with, building a home close by to this site.

Many machines are working to dredge out the river, hoping to expedite the river flow. One man I talked with this morning said that the river rose about 12 feet last night, during an average rainfall. While the bulldozers are building this large berm for protection, one rainfall like last night eats away about 6 feet of the berm's width. There is talk of the government constructing a massive retaining wall, but that may well just be talk.

Zoe, bundled up on our cold ride to San Lucas Toliman, on the other side of the lake. A group of us went with Juan from Mayan Families, delivering construction materials to a site where Mayan Families is rebuilding a home for a family.

This is what is left of one of the neighbourhoods of San Lucas. As the rain saturated the soil at the top of the Santiago volcano, the soil started a landslide that destroyed an entire neighbourhood. Because of advance notice, the people escaped.

This was once the main road into the neighbourhood.

Remember the photos of people sitting on their roofs in New Orleans, dumbfounded at the destruction?

The church and a few other buildings still stand.

This was all homes a few weeks ago.

We delivered food to the Sanchez family near San Lucas, whom Mayan Families has been helping greatly. I talked with Ernesto, the father, for a long time. He is very proud of his two little girls. Ernesto had a landslide fall on him six years ago, breaking his back, and paralyzing him from the waist down.

As I talked with him today, which is Father's Day in Guatemala, I thought again how we all want the same for our families - a safe place to live, food to eat, an education, etc. We are not so very different, just neighbours from a little farther away.

San Antonio Palopo

2010-06-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

As a Conexions response to Tropical Storm Agatha, Dave is in Panajachel for a few days, connecting with our friends in many places. He'll be posting news and photos. We are trying to figure out how and where best to help.

This is Martin, who lives two houses away to the left. He and his brother and nephew were digging out boulders along the water, trying to widen the channel so that the next flood will pass by quickly, instead of taking their houses too. We moved rocks with him for a while.

Since people's sacks of corn and beans ended up in the mudslide, they are now sprouting amidst the destruction.

We found a lady's family photos in the mud, and were able to return them to her.

Preschool enrolment started in San Antonio today, with very excited families starting their little ones.

Going to check out destroyed areas is a little sketchy.

Two mudslides converged on this point, from different directions. Twenty people died on this spot, mostly in their homes.

As you can see, not even the rebar was able to help. Some of the boulders coming down the hillside are massive, the size of small cars, accompanied by tree trunks.

The lady in the middle lost three children and two grandchildren, all in the same house. She broke down crying after telling us. It puts Father's Day in a very different perspective for me this year, and when I Skype-chatted with my son tonight, I am grateful in a new way.

This lady has dug out her house somewhat, but as you can see, much is still filled with mud.

Preschoolers love markers, of course.

Time Between The Trips

2010-06-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

Our blog won't be posting any news until our next trips, which (we hope) will be in Spring 2011. Check back here for more news then!

Guatemala Adventure - March 26, 2010 - another day to remember

2010-03-27T05:53:00.001-07:00

Everyday, each team member experiences Guatemala conexions from their own perspective. Those reading the blog are not able to hear those stories every day - truly amazing stories. Stories of how we seem to touch a tender humanity in this land of so many contrasts. A tenderness that draws us to one another and perhaps even allows each one of us an openness with ourselves. In the process, maybe we even learn a little more about love, acceptance and solidarity. Personally the time here has afforded many wonderful conversations with God, among the cobblestones and rich diversity. On this Friday morning, the last full day here, the walking club stepped out the front door of Hotel Aurora, hesitated as we decided which direction to turn - right towards the center of town - perhaps the most logical- or left towards the outskirts, a direction less travelled. For no particular reason we chose the latter and were immersed into a beautiful conexion - one that I will never forget. Pictures cannot capture what we experience - and those pictures are only from one person's camera. The walk took us down the street to the ruins of the Convent of Concepcion - one that we have passed by many times over the years. The main entrance has always been blocked off with an iron, secured gate. We paused to look through the bars at the crumbled rubble from an earthquake centuries ago (we think in 1770-ish).

To our surprise, we saw a lady watering her flowers and appearing to also spray the chunks of wall beside her. She gave us a beautiful smile, seeming to be a bashful, uncertain invitation. We considered this as our first chance to get onto the grounds of this convent - truly a delight. What followed was an unexpected invitation into someone's life.

"Beinvenidos a mi casa." Welcome to my house, said Marta.

"Yes, this is where I live. I have lived here for three years."

Her husband Jila (I think) and wanted to show us around their home, including the underground cemetery, or crypts, in which the nuns were buried.

Diane looks back into the light.

We said good-bye to Marta and Jila, hoping to return later in the day. Time did not allow us into their inner home - the old church, but there was no doubt that they wanted us to come into their home in the iglesia (church).

The busyness of the day almost prevented the return visit, and that would have been such a loss. It was around 3:30 but we could not imagine not returning to say our good-byes. You meet some people for a few minutes and become friends - you say 'good-bye', or 'see you later' to friends. A group of people were settled up against the gate when we arrived. There was no signs of life inside the compound but we boldly called out: "Marta." Diane said: "I think I see her looking through the crack alongside her door." "Marta." we called again.
She came looking a little stern and I must admit that I wondered if the welcome would be the same - but that wondering lasted only for a moment.
Grace asked her: "Can we come in and see you for five minutes?"
She looked at us as if we were strangers and responded: "No," then hesitated and added: "For an hour," and a grand smile spread across her face.

Marta immediately brought us into her home in the church and almost forced Grace to sit on the bed beside her with such love and delight. We had brought a blanket for her - oh how she cherished it in such a simple, playful way.

Four little teddy bears on the bed beside her were deliberately placed on their heads. She laughed as she called our attention to them.

"Yes, this is my home. You can come and stay here with us next time you are here."

She added: "Don't be afraid of Marta." How could we be?!

Time did not allow us to share the banana loaves that we had brought. The two blankets left behind we hope will keep her and her husband warm - as the thoughts of them will warm us many times over and over. We do hope to return and see our new friends next year. Conexions!

Like all of us there, Tim kept on repeating - "this is unbelievable." and it was.
Thank-you God for the amazing people you place on our path. Thank-you for the delight found when sharing ourselves in tenderness. Thank-you for the safety that we can feel with each other. Thank-you for Marta and Jila, who live in a church -my kind of church, where there's room for us all.

We said our good-byes to Leslie - what a delight. Some one described her as a flower that kept blooming more beautifully every day.

June saying her good-byes to Ashley in the nursery at Hermano Pedro.

Grace saying her good-byes to Olga - our son Jared's "Guatemalan mother" with whom he lived eleven years ago while studying here in Guatemala. Such a precious conexion.

Good-bye - no- "hasta luego", see you later. (Stan)

Last day in Antigua

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A morning walk in the Antigua sunshine. Wish moments like this would never end.

We said a fond 'adios' to Leslie, but not a goodbye. It's good to know that Conexions aren't bound by distance...

We offered medical care at Casa Maria, home to some 70 seniors. Some of us went around and sang and/or massaged their hands with lotion. It was very gratifying, and a gift to connect in such simple human ways.

A street scene near a church by Casa Maria.

And now I'm sitting in the courtyard at Hotel Aurora; it's dark, and the cars are rumbling by on the cobblestones outside. A cool breeze blows through the roses and flowers in the courtyard; the strands of small yellow orchids hanging down from the latticework lift and fall. Everyone's in their rooms now, packing for the trip home tomorrow. The fountain in the center of the courtyard is still, and lit up by small spotlights. I can see the stars, and a small sliver of moon. 9 pm in Antigua, and I'm not ready to go home yet. Other trip members have said the same thing, but responsibilities call us home. We talk often about next year, and that comforts those of us who feel there's much more we want to ...find? learn? be? do? in this place. There is something so life-giving about our experiences here, even though there is suffering. I hope we can listen more keenly to life at home too. It is too early to know/say what this trip has been about. The night sky is silent. And so I will take the same freedom. Listening to the mystery. (Melody)

Guatemala Adventure - March 25, 2010

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We started the day with a wonderful walk along the cobblestone streets. The volcano, Aqua, was showing off a bit this morning - not active, but pretty proud of its beauty.

It was market day in Antigua which gave us a fabulous experience among the hustle and bustle. A little pick up passed by every so slowing in the crowded corridor. I couldn't help but look into the back. Six picnic baskets covered with gingham table cloths. Yikes, a pigs ear hung out of the side of one of them. I guess it takes about six baskets to house a pig!

A good add for Toyota trucks - thought they needed a bit of good publicity. This truck was carrying around 4,000 pounds!

Back to beautiful Hotel Aurora for breakfast complete with the morning reading by Melody - always thought provoking.

The courtyard.

Group photo before boarding the chicken bus for the annual fiesta ride with the residents of Casa Maria.

Our fabulous driver - David for the fourth year in a row.

We picked up the ice cream on the way. Deb was quite willing to guard it. For those of you who know Deb - I think she said something about Lent ending early in Guatemala.

People from Rainy River, Ontario don't get out much but when they do, they do! Gail preparing to welcome the residents on to the bus. For some reason they seemed to scoot up those stairs pretty quickly.

An attempt was made to make balloon hats for all.

You really should get to know these two.

Like I say, Lent ends early in Guatemala!

Lot's of "singing"

Some sang and some hummed - yeah Alizamaan.

A familiar sight for those who have experience one of these adventures - an amazing day for it.

The ice cream went over very well - one lady cried when she got it she was so excited.

Ask Leslie about this if you want.

Some random shots. This is June and Deb, nicknamed the twisted sisters. They are heading out on a house call. I will let you imagine what they were planning on doing.

Yup - a convert! Moving over to the other side - we miss you Ron and Joanne. You would have enjoyed this moment!

On the bus

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Who says there's not enough seats?

Another magical day

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The day began, as many Guatemala days begin - with wonderful light, and beautiful ordinary things.

Waiting in Hotel Aurora's beautiful garden for our morning bus to Casa Maria, a senior's home about 15 minutes away.

We were sad to say goodbye to Ron and Joanne, who had to wing their way home to Canada today. When you experience so much together, it is hard to part...

We boarded the "chicken bus" together with about 30 residents from CASA Maria, and headed on up the mountain.

The view from on the mountain was amazing!

When we returned to Casa Maria, as is our custom, we had an ice cream fiesta with the residents.

Love. Joy. Beautiful.

On the Road Again...home to Hotel Aurora

2010-03-24T20:37:00.001-07:00

We said our goodbyes to our friends and conexions in Tierra Linda and the Panajachel area, and hit the road again - en route to Hotel Aurora in Antigua.

17 of us filled the van...

...and the bins - whose number seemed to increase - seems they're breeding like hamsters - filled the top luggage rack to capacity. (Actually, we were each bringing a significant order of Mike's gorgeous coffee with us. And about 10 hammocks...) So much so that, after a 2 1/2 hour ride, and 2 blocks from our hotel, a couple of bins tumbled from the roof rack onto the cobblestones. Next thing you know, a policeman was reloading bags of coffee into a bin, and we rumbled gratefully down the final stretch to beautiful Hotel Aurora.

Hotel Aurora has a gorgeous courtyard...filled with roses and other flowers. The air is sweet, and it's good to be 'home'...

Guatemala Adventure - March 23, 2010

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We started the day with breakfast at Kakquikel followed by coffee at Crossroads Cafe. This is an actual photo and it was that smoky in the coffee roasting room. If you look carefully you will see Tim (and Kasia) with a broad smile in the midst of the smoke - now that guy has to love coffee - ah maybe most of us do.

Carlos from IDE patiently waiting in the back of Ceasar's truck. Ceasar is an agronomist from Guatemala City, a friend of Carlos' who joined us for the day.

When we arrived at the salon (community center) this morning a Mayan Family freshman sewing class was underway.

Ron had to be an enfermero (male nurse) this morning as well. The medical team has been providing shots for this abuela (grandmother) and they were busy at another clinic in Pana so Ron did a very acceptable job; his past experience giving injections served him well.

Jo-anne caught this great picture. Her husband held her so tenderly and appeared to pray for her. I believe that she was 92.

A field is chosen for the drip irrigation system installation. Unfortunately the whole field had to be weeded first.

A well trained Canadian crew took on the responsibility.

It was very exciting to see the community engage with the system. Astulio, the leader called it a "buen idea." (a good idea). I wish that we could bring back the spirit that we felt as the system unfolded.

Successful team.

You can see the drip irrigation lines ready to bring water to the field of onions. A crop should be ready in three months. The agronomist told us that a field seventy meters square can support a family of six with vegetables in this kind of soil.

Tim, Grace and I dropped in to see Carlos and Juana - I had a great chance to try out Dave and Danaya's flashcards and read a book with Eveline and Carlitos.

Dave and Danaya dropped off two donated laptops at Life Schools - they were delighted - thank-you.

The end of:

A Great Day - thanks to everyone!

Tuesday, Medical Teamers

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The medical team headed off bright and early to Dr. Juan Pablo's clinic, along with the usual collection of bins of medical supplies. He'd asked us to join him in offering a clinic to some members of his church for whom medical care was typically not accessible. We were honored to be invited into his community.

Deb assumed her usual role of distributing medications and vitamins, together with one of Dr JP's staff members, while June continued as triage nurse.

The clinic ended with some 55 people having been seen by the doc's at the clinic! A full day, and a most rewarding one.

Waiting is an art, seemingly more cultivated in Guatemala than in Canada. During the medical clinic, I had opportunity to watch the many people in the waiting room as they...waited. Inexplicably, that small space in time was one of the finer moments in my day. Watching and waiting.

Dr Juan Pablo's wife Claudia, a pediatrician, holding one of the baby blankets from June's Toronto friends. It's easy to imagine a new baby, warm and nestled in its folds.

Amanda, Dr Juan Pablo's niece, and I, were able to enjoy some time together sitting on the edge of things, watching and waiting. Another favorite space in time for me.

While people moved about, the constantly changing light transformed things, and made them beautiful. This pic was taken of the courtyard beside the clinic waiting room. It's a beautiful space; there are roses and numerous other flowering bushes. Yellow birds in a cage, singing. A small white dog named Lady - Amanda told me she's around 72 in people years! - who trots around and collects caresses. Dr. Juan Pablo's father, Dr. Juan, went out in the midday sun and sprinkled the roses with water. These are some of the images that flicker in my mind when I think of the day. I think these doctors have got it figured out; wellness and beauty are an essential match.

And if the day wasn't gorgeous enough, we then headed off for Mike's Crossroads Cafe for the world's best coffee and some of Adele's beyond-words carrot cake and South African melk-tart. Estamos contentos. y tranquilos. (Even without Spanish, you can probably figure out what we felt like at the end of the day.) Ever-supportive, Gail helped Mike's efforts by washing dishes.

Guatemalan Adventure - March 22, 2010

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The day started with a great flete ride up to Tierra Linda. The truck was festooned with balloons to honour Ursula's birthday.

We hope that Tierra Linda may have some fields like this after successful application of the IDE drip irrigation system introduced today - see below.

Getting ready for the medical clinic - a few tarps, some tables, etc, and the team was good to go.

Gail setting up the examination room for her and Dr. Fatim.

Triage is almost set up - now routine for the team.

Dr. Juan Pablo - a local doctor that we have worked together with for years and Fatim trying to figure out what was in the bottle. Deb and Mel looking very perplexed - not often you see them in a baseball cap.

Gail measuring out the oral medication with the help of a couple of trainees. Yup we need your help too.

Lunghi and Casha (Mike and Adele Robert's daughters from Crossroad Cafe) and Alizaman mark the hands of the children that had the medication.

A classroom in the new Basico was in use - the forms were stripped last week and now one of the rooms housed over forty students.

A little crowded getting to the desks!

Organizing supplies and books for the preschool and library.

Carlos Urmeneta, country director for IDE in Honduras arrived around noon after pushing through all the traffic snarl ups in Guatemala city due to protests by those in transportation - busses and trucks - wanting more security on the roadways. Carlos and Astulio, the community leader in Tierra Linda, had many discussions about the drip irrigation demonstration system that he brought along. We were all very excited to see the enthusiasm as this incredible product presented itself and possibilities.

Carlos explains the system to Sharon and Dwight - founders of Mayan Families - a great local organization that has provided us many opportunities over the years. They are extremely dedicated to the Mayan people in this are of Guatemala and we are grateful to them for including us along the way.

This drip irrigation system, called the "Family Nutrition Kit" was nothing less than amazing. We just stood back and watched something very beautiful happen. The local men grasped the potential very quickly. We hope that a 2,000 sq. ft. field is set up tomorrow - that would be amazing. Many dreams are starting to emerge around this invention. Thanks to IDE (www.ide.org) for providing this opportunity and expertise. Lots has to be discussed and processed but definitely felt a lot of hope. Yahoo!

The kids even got into it. You can see the little capillary tubes that deliver water to the base of a plant. This system, which covers about 200 sq. ft. requires 24 litres of water - amazing.

While the irrigation demonstration was going on, the afternoon computer class took over the classroom upstairs in the Basico. Dr. Juan Pablo was using their room on the main floor for an examination room.

Kasha and Tim bringing in some grub.

And getting a little bit of help!

Massimo paid us a wonderful visit today - first time that he has met Astulio

Team Keystone - hmm - this one will have challenges.

Who needs a leatherman?

Birthday in Guatemala

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What a better way to spend your birthday? Ursula is a wonderful gift to the team - we're glad she was born!

Monday, Tierra Linda Medical Clinic

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Monday morning, and a group of us drove up to Tierra Linda, preparing to offer medical services to people in this small community. First stop - to see this woman, whose face has become familiar and precious to us over the years. A valiant and strong soul; it is an honor to help with her medical care when we can.

Dr. Juan Pablo, who lives and works in his Panajachel clinic, offered to work with us today. He brought his niece, Amanda, to help with translation.

It may be her first trip, but far as I can tell, Gail's not scared of nuthin'! Here, she's preparing to give children under 10 a dose of anti-parasitic medication.

June settles readily into her role as triage nurse. An essential component of a child's wellness - cuddling - is included.

Mayan Families provided several translators for the local dialect - Kakchiquel - to Spanish. The man in the 10-gallon hat is the husband of the woman at the beginning of this blog section.

Deb was kept busy with sorting and distributing meds.

Leslie contributed to overall wellness in Tierra Linda with her infectious laugh, and playful spirit. Lots of love...

The medical team catches their collective breath. While preschool kids and Conexions teamers were whooping it up on a new plastic slide just on the other side of the tarps that delineated examining room and triage space, we managed to see about 50 people!

Tired, elated, and grateful, we headed on back home. A good productive day. We looked forward to hearing what the 'other half' of the team was up to today with Carlos and the drip irrigation dream! To have better water, and ability to grow food is inherently connected to wellness.

March 20 - Panabaj

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Saturday morning was a gorgeous morning to take the water taxi to Santiago Atitlan - a community across the lake - read more below.

A group of little boys diving off the "dock" in SA

June and Dr. Francisco - Fatim and June have lived with Dr. Francisco's parents in nearby San Pedro the last couple of years for two weeks before the Conexions teams arrive. They are both now quite fluent in Spanish, but more importantly they have introduced us to this wonderful Doctor who volunteers time away from his clinic in Guatemala City to work in Panabaj. He told us that originally he wanted to become a priest but became a doctor instead - we felt like he was a doctor/priest - very gently providing street medicine in the community. He told us that across Guatemala 190 of 1000 births are mortalities - in areas like Panabaj it would be much higher. Another great Conexions.

Notice the kids in the front window. I guess it is not everyday that they see a truck full of white folks and a local doctor in scrubs. While driving in the Panabaj area the ones in the front of the truck box had to warn of upcoming power lines that could leave a crease across your forehead or other places for that matter depending on your height.

Even when walking around we were grateful for the taller members who could hold up the live power lines for other team members.

Ron found a bit of dirt for soccer

Team Keystone finding yet another skill that they were good at.

This picture shows a "settlement" sponsored by the government and the delta left by the mudslide from Hurricane Stan. It was deemed unsafe so this is as far as it got. The tent village is right beside it. One has to wonder why they did not let the people live here instead of where they currently live. Just seemed very weird.

Saturday, Voyage across Lake Atitlan

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These cheery bears, made in Canada by my friend's mom, joined our team for a boat ride across Lake Atitlan. Follow our trip...and see where they end up!

Amazing how much stuff and people can fit onto a boat! Of course there's more room made when you leave out the lifejackets!

The bears took the view seats.

Once again, Diane grins in anticipation of another unknown adventure.

Lots of blues, but Ursula clearly doesn't have them!

Bon Voyage

Bearing comfort...

And, we're all wondering what the day will hold.

Visit to Panabaj

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We were picked up at the dock at Santiago Atitlan by Dr. Francisco - a Guatemalan friend of June and Fatim's - and taken to Panabaj, the village where some 1000 people were killed in a mudslide during Hurricane Stan in 2005. Many bodies were unrecovered; however, since the people owned no other land, they began to rebuild on top of the slide. Some 900 of the survivors have been moved to another location, as the site is now deemed unsafe. However, about 100 people still live here in USAID tent homes - some five years after the fact! While Dr. Francisco made some 'tent calls', we tried to grasp what we saw around us.

This house made of plastic water and pop bottles was apparently constructed by some creative aid workers. When I asked, the mom who lived there told me it was warm at night - the workers had put a layer of plaster on the inside.

Only a glimpse

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One soccerball, many players...and much to ponder.

The woman to my right lives in a tiny US AID tent space with her mother as well as her own five children. Her sixth child is due any day now. And so, the first teddy bear found a home, and will await the baby's arrival!

Love seems as resilient as a prairie dandelion; it flourishes anywhere.

Time in Panabaj

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Well Dan...Joanne forgot to tell you something before she'd left!

Walking together is hallowed ground...

A pensive moment. What is this little girl thinking, I wonder?

The way it is

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I came upon this little 7 year-old girl doing laundry...and tried to brighten her day a bit with a bear. Her little brother showed up too.

I did not know how to fathom the experience of this place. The ground we were walking on had covered the family members and friends of the people we were with.

Panabaj and the Teddy Bears

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The teddy bears have found good homes.

Many of the children we noticed weren't wearing the traditional clothing; we wondered if they were wearing donated clothing instead.

Our tiny boat, this wide wide world

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Doctor Francisco doing a house call.

The pure beauty of this girl's smile...

We didn't take these boats to cross back across Lake Atitlan...nonetheless, I found them rather beautiful. These wooden boats are yet another ancient way of being that still actively exists here in Guatemala. My world, my understandings seem so far away... and I am - rather unusually so - speechless. I don't know how to describe this day. For now, it's our tiny boat, and this wide wide world. One more day has passed through us. In our evening Examen/debrief, we sat out on the hotel deck under the stars. Across the lake from us, we could see the lights near Panabaj glittering. We lit a few candles, and around their warm glow, listened to each other's questions and thoughts, and were sad and unsettled. And grateful for the gifts of life, and each other.
(Melody)

2010-03-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

I woke up early this morning - not sure why. It could have been the dogs fighting outside our window, the staff member walking in high heals on the tile floor above our suite, but more than likely it was in anticipation of the day ahead. More sleep was doubtful and so I decided to take a walk down to Lake Atitlan. Not many on the street, giving time for thought. The Lake was beautiful, the air washed clean by the overnight rains. A lone fisherman stroked slowly, hoping for a catch - do I know that feeling. What would the day hold? How privileged we are to be here today. Much at home threatened to keep us there, but it seemed right to come, perhaps the momentum of the weeks of planning assured us. The support back home has been enormous, for which we are grateful. The birds sang their morning melody - I smiled - offered up thanksgiving, turned around and walked back up the cobblestones. We are here! (Stan)

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I am sure that Joanne was practising her Spanish - notice the look on the little boy's face

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Thanks to donors, this slide was assembled in the community center for the preschoolers this afternoon. Tim is supervising the first slider. Ron suggested that we install one from the roof of the second floor.

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Royalty on board the flete this morning

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In Guatemala, safety never has a quitting time. Innovation created the safety strap to assure newbies safe passage to Tierra Linda.

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The safety strap gave way to the combo - safety strap and safety belt

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Flete surfing - not bad for a Grandma!

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A fabulous drive up to Tierra Linda this morning. We stopped a the look-out over the community just to allow some time to ponder the beauty of this place. This is the Basico built on top of the community center completed a little over a year ago. The Basico, a middle school for grades 7 - 9, consists of four classrooms, 2 bathrooms, and one of the rooms is wired to be used as a computer lab. What a pleasure to spend time with our friends there. Talk about feeling at home - especially when you are welcomed by fireworks! Thanks to all of you who have been involved - this truly is wonderful.

Tierra Linda - Beautiful Earth - Friday, March 19, 2010

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Moments worth a mention

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We don't take for granted the moments that seem to arrive as gifts - moments which have a kind of perfection. Moments in which time stands still, and you get to forget what's sad about the world...

And yes, we have alot of fun in the middle of it all. Here's our boxes of donated meds, and we thought we'd try to mime a drug deal. Okay, not too convincing maybe, but ...who are we trying to impress anyhow?

Anyone want to hazard a guess regarding what June is doing? (verry scarrey)

Medical Team Daze (Team 2 in Panajachel)

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The first 'hands-on' day for the medical team; it felt great - we luuuuv working together!

This sign was put up on a gate by a building rented by Mayan Families - it says there's a free clinic offered - and we commenced to work together with a great team from Texas - 2 nurses, and a doctor.

Here's the 'pharmacy', set up in the hallway by the ever-efficient Deb, and a most capable local pharmacist.

Broken, beautiful (Team 2 in Panajachel)

2010-03-19T20:03:00.001-07:00

Sharon of "Mayan Families", a key Panajachel contact, told us of an elderly women who they'd heard was not well. Some of the medical team went to visit this 82 year-old woman, who lived in this 'house' on her own. Dirt floor, no food anywhere, just a bed and some rags. The boards of her house had many cracks between them...can't imagine how she survives the cold, especially at night. It was hard to glimpse what she had to soldier through to survive. She was taken by ambulance to Dr. Juan Pablo's clinic, and there was received with love and immediate care. It felt SO GOOD to know she was there.

This broken vessel was laying on the dirt just beside her door. To me, it seemed a metaphor for something. Something broken, yet exquisite, and of infinite value.