2010 Volunteers report from Guatemala
Mon, Feb 8, 2010
Friday we were all in Panimaquim at the school c, the community really out did itself with the incredible welcome they gave us. They have so little, and they were so generous with us (each volunteer was given a handwoven gift). There was a whole program full of speeches from local dignitaries along with entertainment.
Things are going very well, we had a very low key day today, resting, Monday and Tuesday are our last 2 days of stove building.
Anyways Tom wants to add some stuff.
Hope you are all well.
Rita
In one photo you can see the local priest (an American that has lived there for 33 years and speaks fluent Quiche,) and in another the Mayan mayor holding his staff.
Best
Tom
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| Children at the Escuela Niños de Sam in Panimaquim at the school inauguration |
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| In this photo you can see the local priest (an American that has lived there for 33 years and speaks fluent Quiche,) |
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| There was a whole program full of speeches from local dignitaries along with entertainment. |
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| This picture shows the int the Mayan mayor holding his staff. |
Here is a 'poem' that Paul Hauraney shared with us last night.
-IN GUATEMALA-
BEAUTIFUL, RAW, RUGGED GUATEMALA
Paul Hauraney, February 2010
We volunteers come – Meet – Interact - Full of nothing but good intentions toward the Maya.
We work on the estufas in the Village while learning of the Maya life, beliefs, and traditions with roots sunk deep into the earth
- In Guatemala.
Some days we Gringos eat or drink something disagreeable to our tender, virgin, digestive systems –the gut growls and rumble, expressing its discontent. BE WARNED, on these days, NEVER TRUST A FART.
- In Guatemala
Oh yes, there are stunningly beautiful Ladina Women aplenty in the streets. Equally beautiful are the Maya men, women, and Oh – the beautifully innocent children born into a lifetime of pain, suffering, and brutally hard work – as it has been for centuries.
- In Guatemala
Strolling the hot afternoon Avenidas of Xela, many scents both caress and assault your olfactory nerve. In the darkened streets young Ladino lovers share passionate embraces.
- In Guatemala
A Turista wandering the streets of Xela at night disappears – vanishes – perhaps the work of the mysterious policia. In their scary black uniforms, or maybe a beating, robbery, or murder at the hands of thugs – but more likely, I think, the unsuspecting Turista merely fell into an open manhole – never to be seen, or heard from again – in the night, in the dark,
- In Guatemala
The Maya survive with next to nothing by our materialistic North American measuring stick. While we dine on culinary delights from around the world, the Maya grind their maize for the tortillas they may eat with a few beans, day after day after day. Yet the Maya surrounded by family remain happy.
Are there lessons yet to be learned from the Maya?
- In Guatemala
Soon we leave, travel home to our families, friends and our busy lives. We try not to forget the Maya who remain here working, suffering, and surviving on the land.
- In Guatemala
Beautiful, Raw, Rugged, Controversial Guatemala