We made it!

Here is a quick recap of our first day!

Saturday, August 6th
We made it! Everyone was reunited Saturday afternoon. Part of the group traveled here ahead of us and had a great 3 days before we got here. Another family traveled from New Mexico and also met us here. It was fun to see the kids and adults greeting each other and sharing their adventures.

After dropping off our stuff and cleaning up a bit from traveling, we headed into town. Luckily I remembered the route, as we were walking. I will say that carrying a heavy baby makes the walk seem a bit longer! However, Kareem loved taking in the different sights and sounds (except the motorbikes. He jumped in the carrier every time one went by!) :)

The plan was to walk into town, hit up the grovery store for some additional supplies, and then head over for some "coconut deliciousness" (a.k.a. coconut lime smoothies) at the Peruvian restaurant. Sadly, we arrived to find a Korean restaurant in its place. No coconut deliciousness to be had. :(

As a teacher, it is always good to have a "Plan B", so while folks did their shopping, Katrina and Sarah went down to my second favorite cool drink place--SabeRico--and got us a table for 21 (and a half). We were able to introduce the group to the strawberry basil smoothies and the delightful atmosphere at that restaurant. I hope to get back and have at least one more smoothie there before I leave!

Since it was already dark when we left the restaurant, we headed over to the central park to catch some taxis. There was a bit of a disagreement with the drivers on how much it should cost to get back to the campus, but we came to an agreement and piled into 6 taxis to go back to campus and relax.

Reflection was brief, as we were all tired, and we were updated on the plans for Sunday. Unfortunately our planned trip Sunday to attend Family Day at Nueva Esperanza School was cancelled due to the security situation along part of our route. It was disappointing to know I wasn't going to be able to visit my sponsor child (and neither could the other two families that sponsored a student there), but safety is very important, and everyone understands that. The plans shifted to going to the Women's Weaving Co-op in Santiago Zamora earlier in the trip (as I have done in the past). Everyone was excited to see the women and hear their stories (and support the work they do in education!). The van was set to depart at 9am, so we had an opportunity to sleep in! More about Sunday in the next post.

-Chris

I can't believe that it is almost time to return to Guatemala! After a hiatus last year (the calendar was full), we are back! This time it is Kareem's turn to join the group (he just turned 5 months). He already has his bottom 2 teeth, so maybe we'll be surprised by some teeth in Guatemala like his brother, or maybe we won't. I guess we'll just see when we get there!

Kareem being a ham

It will be difficult to leave Hakim--this is the first big trip without him for me--but I know that he and Othman will be livin' it up at home! I know we'll Skype and email, but there may be a few tears shed. :)

Hakim and Baba

I can't wait for this new group to experience the beauty of Guatemala! I love going back each year, and this year will be no different. It is such a welcoming place and Common Hope is such a wonderful partner to work with! Looking forward to seeing what the team members say about their time in Antigua. I'm also excited to have repeat chaperones this year. Sarah, Hannah, and Katrina already know the ropes and Lacy has been volunteering with Common Hope, so I think it will just make the trip that much more awesome!

2014 Guatemala Group #1

I'll post more when we arrive (or maybe en route, if I find the time). 7 more days!

School

    Today at school, I had so much fun. I played with the kindergartners and at recess and we worked as an intern with the first graders. It was very fun. I loved the first graders. The day went by very fast.

                                                                                                                                                 Ian

Fun day!

Today we did many fun activities. We woke up, and left for the schools at 7:40. It was fun to be with them and see how school is here in Guatemala. We then came back and ate lunch before we all left for different things! The Roaches and I (The Geitzenauers) went with a social worker named Beatriz and Rachel to our sponsered childs house. The Kalal's and Burfords went on a social work visit with 3 different families, and the Kryzer's went to go visit their sponsored child with their social worker and Hannah. We later on came back and spent some time resting and hanging out before dinner. After dinner we had reflection time and shared about our day, new friends, and fun new memories. We are all tired but can't wait for tomorrow!

-Evy

So far this trip to Guatemala is so much more than I expected. My highlight so far was visiting the women's weaving cooperative yesterday, in Santiago Zamora. The women there and the weaving they do are phenomenal. they told us great stories, we danced, learned how to grind coffee with stone and they showed us how they weave, Its very intricate. Before we left, the women made us a wonderful meal of chicken, potatoes, green beans, rice, tortillas and pepian (a wonderfully delicious sauce) they also made us home made lemonade. I'm a bit of a picky eater and I have loved every thing we've had here. Another favorite being the Limonada de coco a drink we had at a Peruvian restaurant the first night.

Nukoyia

First day thoughts

This first day was very adventurous.  We actually arrived yesterday, but was quite travel fatigued, and today we got the chance to visit the weaving co-op and spent the afternoon in town at the market.

We were welcomed at the weaving co-op with warm hospitality, and one of the women that worked there (named Filomena) shared stories of her life, which I felt was very moving.  I felt she wanted us to appreciate what her and her friends went through to build her business, and I think the kids (and us adults) could relate and admired her for it.

Later in the day we went to the market.  This was a massive indoor/outdoor mall that had over 100 vendors selling souveniers, clothing, and various items.  Many of the shops were tiny and it seemed that all were family run, and competition was rather fierce - as I walked past nearly every shop I was chased down with offers of "great price for you" and the like.  It wasn't uncomfortable, it actually reminded me of fair carnival games, where vendors attract patrons by bold and humorous means.

Some final thoughts about my first impressions - As we walked through town and stopped here and there,  I was reminded that the average person in Antigua is not very tall.  I stand 6 feet one inch (not terribly tall by US standards) but I bumped my head a lot - buildings are small, doorways are low, and the sidewalks are very narrow.  Tomorrow we visit the school, and I'm looking forward to that.

-Mark    

First full day for us, and wow, what a day!  Started off by going to the Women's Co-op in Santiago Zamora.  What amazing ladies they are.  They make the most beautiful hand made goods!  Scarves, purses, wallets, book marks, blankets, aprons, book covers... I think you get the picture! 

It was a hands on place too!  We were able to ground coffee, spin yarn, and dance.  Josh's favorite thing was watching them do the weaving!  It was amazing.. and they don't need patterns, they have everything memorized!  Ian's favorite thing was grounding the coffee, and I have to say, both he and his dad were very good at it, actually they were told they needed to stay since they were so good!

In the evening we went to the market, oh my goodness, nothing like I have ever seen before! Tomorrow we are off to the schools, we can hardly wait!

Beth