miércoles, 3 de julio de 2013
Jamesly's Blog Post
Junior Journey so far has been a great experience. For a week we have been helping a community fix around their church in Hermano Pedro. The work was hard but the result was breath taking. During these days a few Junior Journey students and I went to San Pedro and helpedconstruct a home that was burned down. I felt sad about the situation and wanted to help. Walking to the burnt area and seeing what was left to the home was horrible. But what struck me the most was that the family wasn’t showing a hint of sadness. We helped take out the ash from the area where we would help rebuild the home. We worked for a few hours and when it was time to leave, the family members were sad.The next day we helped with the construction of the home where we dug a hole in the ground to put huge logs in. Those logs were the foundations of the home. It was a difficult challenge. After helping out, we went home feeling satisfied. I can’t imagine how long it would take them to construct the home. At the end of the day I felt pleased to help a family in need.
Liliana's Blog Post
I’m a part of the ConstruCasa group so this blog post is
going to be about that. For ConstruCasa we are building a community center in a
village near San Pedro where the others are teaching called San Gasper. The
community center is mainly for kids from the surrounding community after school
to help them with their school work like math and writing as well as teaching
them extra life skills like cooking. The building they had before was too small
so we’re helping to build a new one for them.
A lot of the walls of the downstairs are done so most of the
actual building is going on upstairs. At this point most of the building is
made of cement and concrete, but there are some pillars that are partially made
of wood and other materials will be added on later. One of these materials will
cover the ceilings of the rooms. However to attach this, the ceiling needs to
be rough and one of the days last week that was out job. There was a sort of
platform build in one of the rooms and we stood on it and had small axes to hit
the ceiling with. It was dark and dirty work because we were in one of the back
rooms and there’s no electricity yet so we couldn’t see well and when we hit
the concrete small pieces flew off. If you weren’t careful you could hit
yourself or someone else in the face or eye and you often ending up covered in
dust and small chips of concrete.
It was really hard work and tiring but it was cool to here
that the masons said that we did an important job really well. I have a lot of respect
for the masons because they work at the site all day doing harder jobs in the
hot sun, because there isn’t a roof on the building yet, and they don’t use the
power tools that you see and hear at the construction sites back in the US.
Liliana Beckman
viernes, 14 de junio de 2013
Last Day With my 4th Graders
Dear whoever is reading this,
Today was our last day in San Pedro. It was really sad for me, but it was also a very happy time. I went into their classroom with nothing in my hands, and they all said Good morning to me as usual. Then I asked them how were they and only a few people replied with I am good like we trained them. I just wanted to visit them before the whole party started, both 4A and 4B, which is me and Karen's class. They were all so happy...it broke my heart a little.
During the party, they got to show their final projects. We didn't really plan out how we were going to show it, but I think it was fine. People got a little annoyed about my volume in the microphone, but hey, it was my kid's moment and I was proud. Afterwards Karen and I went into their classroom with sweets, and got swarmed by the kids with sweets, thanks you cards, and flowers. They were hugging us, telling us goodbye, and saying how much they would miss us. It was such a beautiful moment.... that I cried. I cried so much, and afterwards I left with Karen because she began to cry too. Somehow the kids found us and gave us feel better hugs, which kind of made it worse. I gave my hugs, handed out some candy, and tried to say goodbye to as many people as possible.
This was a sad moment for me, but also a great one. These kids were speaking English to me, and some of them were even using the words that we taught them in the conversations unit. We may be leaving now, but I know that we came come back to the States knowing that Karen and I have taught them something. They know new vocabulary, and they can use them correctly. That makes me proud, and feel too accomplished for words. They also have their packets that Karen and I created for them.... I hope they keep those for a really long time. I will miss these kids.... but I know that I have made my mark, finished my stay, and now it was time for them to move on to new vocabulary and better things. Good luck to all of them, and I am so happy that I was their teacher and could help along with their journey.
With much love,
Garlyn Colas
Today was our last day in San Pedro. It was really sad for me, but it was also a very happy time. I went into their classroom with nothing in my hands, and they all said Good morning to me as usual. Then I asked them how were they and only a few people replied with I am good like we trained them. I just wanted to visit them before the whole party started, both 4A and 4B, which is me and Karen's class. They were all so happy...it broke my heart a little.
During the party, they got to show their final projects. We didn't really plan out how we were going to show it, but I think it was fine. People got a little annoyed about my volume in the microphone, but hey, it was my kid's moment and I was proud. Afterwards Karen and I went into their classroom with sweets, and got swarmed by the kids with sweets, thanks you cards, and flowers. They were hugging us, telling us goodbye, and saying how much they would miss us. It was such a beautiful moment.... that I cried. I cried so much, and afterwards I left with Karen because she began to cry too. Somehow the kids found us and gave us feel better hugs, which kind of made it worse. I gave my hugs, handed out some candy, and tried to say goodbye to as many people as possible.
This was a sad moment for me, but also a great one. These kids were speaking English to me, and some of them were even using the words that we taught them in the conversations unit. We may be leaving now, but I know that we came come back to the States knowing that Karen and I have taught them something. They know new vocabulary, and they can use them correctly. That makes me proud, and feel too accomplished for words. They also have their packets that Karen and I created for them.... I hope they keep those for a really long time. I will miss these kids.... but I know that I have made my mark, finished my stay, and now it was time for them to move on to new vocabulary and better things. Good luck to all of them, and I am so happy that I was their teacher and could help along with their journey.
With much love,
Garlyn Colas
miércoles, 12 de junio de 2013
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martes, 11 de junio de 2013
Lessons with Billy!
Almost every weekday at 2:00pm, we all go into Sevilla to begin our Spanish lessons. The burning sunlight rests upon the plants that cover the garden of Sevilla, as PHA students run into the building at the last second before it's too late. Everyone there gets a different experience with their lessons, and it all depends on the personalities of the teacher and student. My own experience has been meaningful and I will never forget it, mainly because of my own teacher - Billy.
On the first day of classes at Sevilla, I believed that he would be strict and a bit difficult to get along with. But after 5 minutes of talking to him for the first time, I first found out that he was incredibly intelligent. He knew so much about things that never crossed my mind, such as the story of San Pedro, a saint that has a statue in the center of the garden of Sevilla. At the beginning of every lesson he would tell me a story. Some of these stories came from Guatemalan myths, and some of them were true stories about his grandfather. He's wise in my eyes. In addition to being intelligent and entertaining, he always has the ability to brighten my mood. I feel like my Spanish has improved because of him. We even have our own inside jokes about "La Llorona," which is a frightening Guatemalan myth that may have made it difficult for me to sleep some nights...
There's only a week left, which I'm sad about because I've cherished all of the hours I've spent with Billy. I see him more as a good friend than a teacher. His kindness, intelligence, and humor are all things that I am the most happy about on this trip. As some say, "people come, people go" - Unfortunately, this phrase applies to this situation. Although I won't see him after Junior Journey is over, he has left me with a lot to remember.
On the first day of classes at Sevilla, I believed that he would be strict and a bit difficult to get along with. But after 5 minutes of talking to him for the first time, I first found out that he was incredibly intelligent. He knew so much about things that never crossed my mind, such as the story of San Pedro, a saint that has a statue in the center of the garden of Sevilla. At the beginning of every lesson he would tell me a story. Some of these stories came from Guatemalan myths, and some of them were true stories about his grandfather. He's wise in my eyes. In addition to being intelligent and entertaining, he always has the ability to brighten my mood. I feel like my Spanish has improved because of him. We even have our own inside jokes about "La Llorona," which is a frightening Guatemalan myth that may have made it difficult for me to sleep some nights...
There's only a week left, which I'm sad about because I've cherished all of the hours I've spent with Billy. I see him more as a good friend than a teacher. His kindness, intelligence, and humor are all things that I am the most happy about on this trip. As some say, "people come, people go" - Unfortunately, this phrase applies to this situation. Although I won't see him after Junior Journey is over, he has left me with a lot to remember.
Adventure Time
These past few days were really great! We did so many fun things like going to the coffee and music museum, swimming in the lake, and competed against the sevilla staff in soccer at a really big soccer stadium. Its just been really good to get to know the people in our group and the sevilla staff. I realized how much I'm actually gunna miss this place! 'Ol Guatelala. I know I will never forget this place. There are so many different adventures in Guatemala and I'm happy that I got to experience them. I've become an adveturous person, which I probably thought I was before and now realize I wasn't. I eat everything even if its not what I'm used to. I involve myself in learning about different cultures and I try my hardest in any adventure that is placed in front of me. These are things that I wouldn't have been able to say before I came here.
-Whitney
-Whitney
The Ups and Downs of Teaching
Teaching has been a very interesting experience. I have become more comfortable with improvising as well as putting my own ideas into action. I have encountered moments of success as well as feelings of frustration. I am touched whenever I see my students improving and doing their best to follow our instructions. It is also a great feeling to watch them playing games with such enthusiasm that they begin to speak the English vocabulary automatically rather than with diligent encouragement on our part. I have learned that rewards have both good and bad effects as they encourage both cheating and participation.
Although many of the children already knew some of the vocabulary we planned on teaching them, I am glad to say that we never had a class where it felt like what we were doing was pointless. All of the students have improved their pronunciation and seem excited to learn more English most of the time. They are filled with curiousity and love to ask us how to say various words in English. They also greatly enjoy having us tell them the English version of their names. The only difficult part is trying to tell some students that there simply is no translation for their names.
Teaching has been such a rewarding experience and I feel grateful to have been given such an important opportunity. Although helping to build the house was also a very meaningful and rewarding experience, I feel that there is no substitute for the feeling that comes when your students cling to you and you know that you have bonded with them. I will always treasure my memories of them calling us "seño, seño."
One day we were in the plaza across from the school in San Pedro eating our lunch when one of my students came up to me. Her name was Josefina and she hung out with us while her mother did the laundry in the communal sinks. I had a nice time talking and playing with Josefina, who seemed like a normal, albeit a bit timid, child.
The next day we assigned a small project to her class to have them practice writing numbers in English. Each student was assigned a number and given an index card. They had to write the number in English and Spanish as well as draw a picture with that number of things. When I saw that Josefina's card was blank, I asked her why she wasn't doing the assignment. I was shocked to learn that she was unable to write the number "one" in English or Spanish. I was able to help her complete the assignment. However, I did feel that it seemed a bit futile to try to teach a second language to someone who isn't even literate in their native language.
--Samantha Bergman
Although many of the children already knew some of the vocabulary we planned on teaching them, I am glad to say that we never had a class where it felt like what we were doing was pointless. All of the students have improved their pronunciation and seem excited to learn more English most of the time. They are filled with curiousity and love to ask us how to say various words in English. They also greatly enjoy having us tell them the English version of their names. The only difficult part is trying to tell some students that there simply is no translation for their names.
Teaching has been such a rewarding experience and I feel grateful to have been given such an important opportunity. Although helping to build the house was also a very meaningful and rewarding experience, I feel that there is no substitute for the feeling that comes when your students cling to you and you know that you have bonded with them. I will always treasure my memories of them calling us "seño, seño."
One day we were in the plaza across from the school in San Pedro eating our lunch when one of my students came up to me. Her name was Josefina and she hung out with us while her mother did the laundry in the communal sinks. I had a nice time talking and playing with Josefina, who seemed like a normal, albeit a bit timid, child.
The next day we assigned a small project to her class to have them practice writing numbers in English. Each student was assigned a number and given an index card. They had to write the number in English and Spanish as well as draw a picture with that number of things. When I saw that Josefina's card was blank, I asked her why she wasn't doing the assignment. I was shocked to learn that she was unable to write the number "one" in English or Spanish. I was able to help her complete the assignment. However, I did feel that it seemed a bit futile to try to teach a second language to someone who isn't even literate in their native language.
--Samantha Bergman
ConstruCasa
Volunteering in construction has definitely provided a unique experience here in Guatemala. Working with ConstruCasa lets me see just how much work we've accomplished since we've arrived. We've set up foundations, we've mixed cement, we've helped set cinderblocks, and we've been able to get to know the construction workers. Every day, I can see the school we're working on grow a little bit. Whenever I come back to the work site, I see a new beam set up, or a new wall standing, and it's encouraging to know that our work actually serves a purpose.
However, I've also learned that this really is a team effort. The first day that we mixed cement, I had a nice vantage point of the whole process. Mr. Cantu called it an ant line; someone would shovel gravel into buckets, someone else would shovel cement mix into buckets, other people would carry the buckets to the mixer, others would shovel the freshly poured cement into more buckets, and on and on until the cement was wheelbarrowed into place.
Everone had a part in the process, and if one person slacked off, it slowed everyone else down. It was humbling to see how dedicated the Guatemalan workers were. We started working at 8 and ended at 11:20. They started working at 4 in the morning and ended at around 2. One worker, Charlie, was in charge of taking the mixed cement and throwing to others in the ant line. He was absolutely covered in cement. His face was splattered with it and at one point I saw him spit cement out of his mouth. He didn't complain--none of them did. They just kept working and by breaktime, they bought all of us soda and were smiling and laughing and telling jokes. They weren't dead exhausted or angry.
They've been welcoming, patient and hard-working. At home, it's so common to hear how stressful everything is and to complain. If they can deal with work like that and still keep a smile, I shouldn't have to sweat the little things.
Everone had a part in the process, and if one person slacked off, it slowed everyone else down. It was humbling to see how dedicated the Guatemalan workers were. We started working at 8 and ended at 11:20. They started working at 4 in the morning and ended at around 2. One worker, Charlie, was in charge of taking the mixed cement and throwing to others in the ant line. He was absolutely covered in cement. His face was splattered with it and at one point I saw him spit cement out of his mouth. He didn't complain--none of them did. They just kept working and by breaktime, they bought all of us soda and were smiling and laughing and telling jokes. They weren't dead exhausted or angry.
They've been welcoming, patient and hard-working. At home, it's so common to hear how stressful everything is and to complain. If they can deal with work like that and still keep a smile, I shouldn't have to sweat the little things.
Guatemalan and Mayan Ceremonies
This past weekend we've been participating in a variety of Guatemalan and Mayan ceremonies. These ceremonies really stick out in my mind, because they are unforgettable. On Friday, we saw an example of how people in Guatemala dress up in a variety of costumes and dance around, and we watched an example of a Christmas procession. On Saturday, we saw an example of a Mayan wedding and two students were able to be the "husband and wife", and we all got to dance afterward. Finally, on another night, we watched another example of a Mayan ceremony performed by a man of Mayan descent. This ceremony was very interesting, because he asked for volunteers to participate (I was one of the volunteers) and after going through a few rituals he asked the volunteers for permission to say his interpretations based on our energy. Needless to say, I was impressed with how accurately he read the energy I was giving off, and some of the other volunteers also thought he was on point.
I know we've only been here for a few days, but I feel more connected with Guatemalan traditions and ways of life because I've been observing a lot while walking or on bus rides. It's crazy to think that we will not be here in a week's time, because there is still so much more to explore.
~Christine A.
I know we've only been here for a few days, but I feel more connected with Guatemalan traditions and ways of life because I've been observing a lot while walking or on bus rides. It's crazy to think that we will not be here in a week's time, because there is still so much more to explore.
~Christine A.
Guatemalan construction
As a Student who is not working in San Pedro with the kids, my experience in Guatemala is different than the others' in a lot of ways. My project, working on constructing a school with the Construcasa program is done solely with my peers and with the crew of Guatemalan workers, none of which I would like to point out speak English. The workers are all frankley, quite short and skinny and do not appear to be any sort of laborer you would see in America. This being said I've never been more impressed with a group of workers, these little guys built most of a two story building using only two power tools, the rest being done by hand or with hand tools. The day that we laid over 10,000 pounds of cement for the floor of the second story, they used the second power tool I saw at the site, an automatic cement mixer. They would fill the mixer with buckets and shovels and turn it over once the cement was mixed. Then the foreman,Charlie, would catch it in a bucket until it was half full, by that point around 20 pounds, and he would throw it up to the workers on the second story, they would switch out in the different positions throughout the day. An hour and a half into the work we all took a break, I was sweaty, dusty, exhausted, half deaf from the mixer and in no state to speak, the workers gave out soda and instant noodles to everyone, covered head to toe in cement, smiling and laughing as if it was nothing. Earlier in the day charlie got a glob of cement in his mouth, another worker opened his mouth to laugh and was rewarded with a glob of cement in his mouth. These guys were unstoppable, they didn't even flinch at the idea of climbing down an unsteady, hand built ladder.
I've never had more respect for a group of workers than I did for these guys. That day they spent from 4AM to 1PM, mixing and throwing cement, and they spent the entire time smiling. It's so interesting, I've seen more people in dead end jobs and crippling poverty than ever before and every one of them that I saw had a smile on their face.
I've never had more respect for a group of workers than I did for these guys. That day they spent from 4AM to 1PM, mixing and throwing cement, and they spent the entire time smiling. It's so interesting, I've seen more people in dead end jobs and crippling poverty than ever before and every one of them that I saw had a smile on their face.
Wowzers - Patzun!!
Day 13 and I'm now missing home!!! I have been away from home before and for the same amount of time but I'm actually starting to miss home. My family is a traditional Haitian family; food, customs, religion, etc. and coming to Guatemala was a culture shock for me. My family and I go to church on Sundays, Christmas, and other religious days but I never seen a whole culture celebrate Corpus Christy with this much enthusiasm-- they will continue to celebrate Corpus Christy for the next 3 months! There is a picture attached that shows the towns people of Patzun, Guatemala celebrating together. I really think that was a nice and moving moment because this was the first time I noticed how religious a whole community could be together, like a family.
Another culture shock would be the food. Don't get me wrong, I'm lovin' the food but I wasn't use to eating something different EVERYDAY! I love this! I think when I get home I'm going to attempt to make different foods like my host mom (without burning the house down).
Sadly, I don't feel a change but this is only the 2nd week! I might not notice the change right away but I hope someone does.
* The Alfombras (the rugs on the floor) is made out of colorful sawdust and placed in decorative shapes and patterns by the towns people. When the procession began, the towns people kneed down and begin a prayer together.
Another culture shock would be the food. Don't get me wrong, I'm lovin' the food but I wasn't use to eating something different EVERYDAY! I love this! I think when I get home I'm going to attempt to make different foods like my host mom (without burning the house down).
Sadly, I don't feel a change but this is only the 2nd week! I might not notice the change right away but I hope someone does.
A better perspective
I am here in Antigua, Guatemala away from home. On the first day that I left home, I didn't think that I would have fun with the thought of the ones I enjoy being around is in the United States, but I am. I didn't think that I would try new food, but I am. I didn't think that I would have a little bit of a stronger bond with the friends I know, but I do. One think I do know is that I would experience a whole new lifestyle with a whole new group of people. Another thing I do know is that I would realize that I can't live the way Guatemalans live because I am accustomed to having access to the things I want.
After the first 7 days went by I started my countdown. People thought I was crazy for starting so soon, but I wanted to start the countdown because I was homesick so early in the trip. Now I'm counting down from 7 days because that's the amount of time I have left, but to tell you the truth, hopefully those 7 days are the best, but I wouldn't want to stay any longer because of my mom and her messages on facebook. I have WiFi at my house and I message my mom in the morning when I wake up and in the evening after dinner.
The upcoming event for Saturday is the climb up Volcano Pacaya and on Sunday we're going to the beach which I am slightly excited for.
Rockens Louis
After the first 7 days went by I started my countdown. People thought I was crazy for starting so soon, but I wanted to start the countdown because I was homesick so early in the trip. Now I'm counting down from 7 days because that's the amount of time I have left, but to tell you the truth, hopefully those 7 days are the best, but I wouldn't want to stay any longer because of my mom and her messages on facebook. I have WiFi at my house and I message my mom in the morning when I wake up and in the evening after dinner.
The upcoming event for Saturday is the climb up Volcano Pacaya and on Sunday we're going to the beach which I am slightly excited for.
Rockens Louis
Profesores y Niños
In San Pedro I teach two groups of second graders, 2A and 2B. They are such a cute bunch and really eager to learn and be with us. I love being with the kids and I see so much promise in them. Although these children do go to school, the school system is very different than in the United States.Here the students come from about 730 am until 130 pm. After that the students go home for lunch and stay home the rest of the day. From about 2 until 6 another group of students attends the school. This means that students do not have much learning time.
In one of my classes there is a girl who sits at the front of the classroom. She does not talk very much or interact with the other students. One day we asks the students to write a number (That we assigned to them) on an index card in Spanish, English, and draw that number of objects on that card. At first we gave her the number 20, which is fairly difficult. After she sat staring at the card for 5 minutes we changed her number to be the number one. When we asked her why she couldnt even write the number one, she told us that she doesnt even know how to write it in Spanish. Its so sad to hear that some children here dont even know how to write in their own language. The rest of the students were all trying their best (despite the minor errors) but she was so affected by the lack of understabnding that she gave up.
In each of the classes there is a professor and a student teacher. In one of my classes the professor is never in class. One day Samantha and I (my teaching partner) went to our class and passed by the teacher who was talking on his phone outside. The next day, the same teacher came into our class, took his bag and left. Its hard to see that even a lot of the teachers dont care about their job only their children. In my experience the teachers only seem to care about the money and not as much about their children. Being immersed in the different types of schooling here in Guatemala has made me so grateful for the education that we recieve in the United States.
Emily Goldstein-McGowan
In one of my classes there is a girl who sits at the front of the classroom. She does not talk very much or interact with the other students. One day we asks the students to write a number (That we assigned to them) on an index card in Spanish, English, and draw that number of objects on that card. At first we gave her the number 20, which is fairly difficult. After she sat staring at the card for 5 minutes we changed her number to be the number one. When we asked her why she couldnt even write the number one, she told us that she doesnt even know how to write it in Spanish. Its so sad to hear that some children here dont even know how to write in their own language. The rest of the students were all trying their best (despite the minor errors) but she was so affected by the lack of understabnding that she gave up.
In each of the classes there is a professor and a student teacher. In one of my classes the professor is never in class. One day Samantha and I (my teaching partner) went to our class and passed by the teacher who was talking on his phone outside. The next day, the same teacher came into our class, took his bag and left. Its hard to see that even a lot of the teachers dont care about their job only their children. In my experience the teachers only seem to care about the money and not as much about their children. Being immersed in the different types of schooling here in Guatemala has made me so grateful for the education that we recieve in the United States.
Emily Goldstein-McGowan
Family
Juan here again. Now I'm here to talk about the family that Jackson and I being staying with. The host mother is very chill. She jokes about us bring chicas home. Our host father, Marco, is always working on something in the front of the house. It ranges from a bike to welding. Now my older sister. She is pretty chill and fun to play with. I spend so much time with her. We watch movies and talk to eachother in spanglish. I also play Uno all the time with my little sister. The food that our host mom makes it so tasty. The first week or so all she gave us was soup. Every single meal was soup. The room we live in the walls are pink.
Juan (Warren) Jackson
Juan (Warren) Jackson
Week 3
In the past three weeks, I have managed to resist the "Guatemalean disease" which consists of stomach pains and fevers. I am enjoying myself here and everything I have experienced thus far. I am not looking forward to leaving next Tuesday, but I am definitely coming back to visit my teacher, host family, and hopefully my students. Participating in Junior Journey has helped me construct what I want to study in a few years, majoring in international relations and Spanish. I am also looking forward to studying abroad and create new bonds with people around the world. Before visiting Antigua, I was not as much of a risk taker as I am now. Taking the risk of traveling to a third world country has been one of the toughest challenges I have approached up until now, and I am glad I took this risk.
Missing Home
I long to call home, to hear my family's voice, just to know that I'm not so far from home. We have very little time to call and try to reach our family but every time I call no one responds. I don't know what to do! This trip almost feels incomplete without hearing the whiny voice of my sister. I never thought I would say this but I miss her. I miss everyone.
domingo, 2 de junio de 2013
Overview of my first six days
Antigua, Guatemala is a very comforting city. In fact I have never felt this comfortable, even back home. Being here has made me find the humble Meryem in me. Interacting with my students and seeing their living conditions has helped me mature and become more willing to help others, rather than helping myself first. Seeing how happy and eager my third graders were to learn has helped me appreciate my school and what I do not often take advantage of, like office hours. After helping build a home in San Pedro and connecting with the families that live there, I've noticed that they literally have nothing to be happy about, but still continue to smile and remain positive. It is my sixth day in Antigua and I am not looking forward to leaving. Being here has helped me have an idea of what I want to major in, and I am very excited to start my second journey.
Meryem Boujane
Meryem Boujane
Lunchtime Conversations
It is day 6 and we are already having a great time. On the first day we were all feeling excited and a lot closer as a group. Karen and I are living in a cute, little house with our host mom, Regina. She's great and not only does she know a lot, but she cooks amazing food. Meal time in our house is really special and is the main time we get to share with our host mom. Everyday, Karen and I wait to see the folded napkins below our eating utensils and two steaming cups of tea which cues our careful descent to the kitchen to see -and smell- what awaits us. Meal time for us also means stimulating conversations. Although it usually starts out slow and slightly awkward as Karen and I try to eat and piece together our Spanish at the same time, before our plates are empty we are engaged in a dialogue over our experiences and opinions. During one particular lunch, Regina mentioned she had visited America before and began to share some of the differences she had noticed between the lifestyles of people in bustling American cities and quiet, historic Antigua. Aside from discussing the smaller food portions and tinted windows in Guatemala, she also mentioned that it seemed as though Americans' lives revolve around their work. That particular comment really resonated with me by planting the idea of living to work versus working to live in my mind. Since then I have not been able to get rid of the thought. After reflecting with Karen later that night we both concluded that we strongly oppose the living to work lifestyle and only hope we can find a career that we love and is not a burden. It saddened us to think about some of our friends and family whose lives are their jobs back home and don't seem to have a moment to enjoy the better aspects of life. In contrast, in Guatemala, a third world country, individuals are able to balance their work with friends, food, "bromas", and good times. I've always believed in using my time well and living purposefully but now seeing that that idea lives and thrives in a place far away from our much more narrow world back home, the thought has solidified and pushed me to think about my life on a larger scale. I want to make sure the decisions I make now will allow me to enjoy my life not just in the moment, but also in the long run.
-Colocha a.k.a. Joelle
-Colocha a.k.a. Joelle
hair and kids
Hello,
Being part of Junior Journey is amazing. We do something different everyday. My host family is great and the food is a little different from what I am used to. For the trip, I braided my hair and the kids from the house and school are very amazed and intrested to play with it.
Sophie
Finalmente en mi pais Guatemala!!!!
To be in Guatemala has to be the best experience that has ever happened to me in my life. I still can't believe that I am here in my country after 16 years. I almost cried when I saw the landscape. I am happy about writing these blogs because I want our stories to be remembered and seen through our perspectives. But to be here, I was fascinated with almost everything that I saw. The people, the city, the cars, the restaurants, and the stores. I love Antigua; it is starting to feel like home. My house family is nice, I like them.Every time at dinner we laugh. I have a house mom, dad, aunt, sister, and cousin. Although it seems big they are actually quiet and give us our privacy which is nice.
The second day that we came we went to San Pedro to the school to meet our students. We were given a show which was the most adorable thing ever. The little kids were so adorable in their costumes!!! The 1st graders, the boys had on white traditional Mayan suits and drew on mustaches and beards! The little girls had on white dresses long and flowy! They were singing and dancing, it was so adorable. Then one of my students played La Marimba which was so great and amazing at how talented he was at it. The sixth graders also gave us a Mayan traditional dance with corn and candles which was great because I learned more about the culture. The most emotional part for me was when all the kids were singing the national anthem. What surprised me the most was how the school preserves their Guatemalan culture and country pride.
The first thing that I wanted to do was just learn tradition, rituals, habits, customs, history, and the lifestyle of Guatemala.
-Martely
The second day that we came we went to San Pedro to the school to meet our students. We were given a show which was the most adorable thing ever. The little kids were so adorable in their costumes!!! The 1st graders, the boys had on white traditional Mayan suits and drew on mustaches and beards! The little girls had on white dresses long and flowy! They were singing and dancing, it was so adorable. Then one of my students played La Marimba which was so great and amazing at how talented he was at it. The sixth graders also gave us a Mayan traditional dance with corn and candles which was great because I learned more about the culture. The most emotional part for me was when all the kids were singing the national anthem. What surprised me the most was how the school preserves their Guatemalan culture and country pride.
The first thing that I wanted to do was just learn tradition, rituals, habits, customs, history, and the lifestyle of Guatemala.
-Martely
Hey guys,
This is Owen. I don't really know what to write about because all of my experiences kind of just mix together. The most recent thing that I remember is playing pick-up soccer yesterday. We had just worked on building a house and were taking a hour long break in town when we met Juan. Juan was watching us eat so we started talking to him and eventually bought a cheap plastic ball to kick around. After a while, David (cantu) suggested we go to a nearby basketball court with soccer goals and play there. We met some other older kids that were playing with a real ball and played in alternating teams of four while Israel and Josh made fun of our mistakes. The kids were more fun to play with and against than those in the US. After winning and losing a bunch of games, we had to go back and met some of Juan's family. The experience was a mix of things I was used to and other things local to Guatemala, making it something totally new and exciting. I cant wait to play again with PHA kids and the Sevilla teachers.
Owen
p.s. hi mom
This is Owen. I don't really know what to write about because all of my experiences kind of just mix together. The most recent thing that I remember is playing pick-up soccer yesterday. We had just worked on building a house and were taking a hour long break in town when we met Juan. Juan was watching us eat so we started talking to him and eventually bought a cheap plastic ball to kick around. After a while, David (cantu) suggested we go to a nearby basketball court with soccer goals and play there. We met some other older kids that were playing with a real ball and played in alternating teams of four while Israel and Josh made fun of our mistakes. The kids were more fun to play with and against than those in the US. After winning and losing a bunch of games, we had to go back and met some of Juan's family. The experience was a mix of things I was used to and other things local to Guatemala, making it something totally new and exciting. I cant wait to play again with PHA kids and the Sevilla teachers.
Owen
p.s. hi mom
Teaching verses Construction
It's the sixth day here, and I've felt welcomed since day one. I still remember how I was the very first day -- I was wimpering out of fear, and I didn't know what to expect. I could not grasp the fact that I was here. About two hours since landing in Guatemala City (which is absolutely stunning and beautiful by the way), my host mother, Regina, made Joelle and I feel comfortable. I could go on about my thoughts, my host mother, the celebrations they have around here, and so much more. But I'm too lazy to write a novel. So I'll focus on how I feel about teaching and building a home.
I fell in love with the children at San Pedro. They were some of the sweetest and most respectful children I have ever met. I was nervous about teaching to be honest, but I realized that as long as I just be myself and have some fun then everything will turn out to be okay. I've gotten close to one of them, named Reina. She's in 4B (one of the classes that Garlyn and I are teaching), and we've played games and just talked about her experience at the school. I've also gotten used to some of the first and second graders. We played Pato, Pato, Ganzo (Duck, duck, goose), and I learned that it was a little different then how it's played in the United States. I get happy when they smile, which is pretty much all the time. What I found about teaching is that I have the opportunity to give them skills that can help them in the future, and I really do want to be a part of that.
I found myself comparing teaching with building an extra room for a family in San Pedro. What I like about construction is that I can easily see progress. This morning we did a lot of work with the walls of their house, and compared to yesterday, we got a lot of things done! I almost wished that I did Constru Casa because the feeling that I got from building was different because I knew that my dedication to building would be used by a family. Yet my love of teaching my fourth graders gave me a different kind of happiness. It's difficult to explain. I could not tell if it was just the fact that their happiness was contagious. Perhaps it came from their eagarness to learn. Maybe it was their kindness. I can't put a finger on it, but essentially, both teaching and building homes are two things that have given me real happiness, even though they were physically and mentally straining. It's only the beginning - I'm looking forward to more of these sorts of experiences.
I fell in love with the children at San Pedro. They were some of the sweetest and most respectful children I have ever met. I was nervous about teaching to be honest, but I realized that as long as I just be myself and have some fun then everything will turn out to be okay. I've gotten close to one of them, named Reina. She's in 4B (one of the classes that Garlyn and I are teaching), and we've played games and just talked about her experience at the school. I've also gotten used to some of the first and second graders. We played Pato, Pato, Ganzo (Duck, duck, goose), and I learned that it was a little different then how it's played in the United States. I get happy when they smile, which is pretty much all the time. What I found about teaching is that I have the opportunity to give them skills that can help them in the future, and I really do want to be a part of that.
I found myself comparing teaching with building an extra room for a family in San Pedro. What I like about construction is that I can easily see progress. This morning we did a lot of work with the walls of their house, and compared to yesterday, we got a lot of things done! I almost wished that I did Constru Casa because the feeling that I got from building was different because I knew that my dedication to building would be used by a family. Yet my love of teaching my fourth graders gave me a different kind of happiness. It's difficult to explain. I could not tell if it was just the fact that their happiness was contagious. Perhaps it came from their eagarness to learn. Maybe it was their kindness. I can't put a finger on it, but essentially, both teaching and building homes are two things that have given me real happiness, even though they were physically and mentally straining. It's only the beginning - I'm looking forward to more of these sorts of experiences.
Host Family,
My host partner Israel and I share a great size room compared to everyone else, it has a bean bag and a couch that turns into two beds. It also has a bathroom, our room is above everyone else its on the second floor which is only our room. We live with a mom and her children, we dont see them very often because they are always out and or working. Every lunch, breakfast, and dinner our host mom calls us down from the top of the stairs saying "vamos chicos" Israel and I think its funny so we laugh and use that as an alarm for eating time. So far we have enjoyed our time with our host mom because she is always prepared for us and she tries to keep us company with conversations while we eat. My host mom has many animals like, two dogs, and a lot of differnt parrots. One dog is black the other is white, the white one is a poodle, and they are both small dogs. Overall these past six days in Guatemala have been very fun and exciting.
- Trevon Balan
My host partner Israel and I share a great size room compared to everyone else, it has a bean bag and a couch that turns into two beds. It also has a bathroom, our room is above everyone else its on the second floor which is only our room. We live with a mom and her children, we dont see them very often because they are always out and or working. Every lunch, breakfast, and dinner our host mom calls us down from the top of the stairs saying "vamos chicos" Israel and I think its funny so we laugh and use that as an alarm for eating time. So far we have enjoyed our time with our host mom because she is always prepared for us and she tries to keep us company with conversations while we eat. My host mom has many animals like, two dogs, and a lot of differnt parrots. One dog is black the other is white, the white one is a poodle, and they are both small dogs. Overall these past six days in Guatemala have been very fun and exciting.
- Trevon Balan
First Week in Guatemala
When we first arrived in Guatemala, I couldn't believe we were actually here. Until the bus dropped us off in Antigua and we began to walk on the cobblestone streets, everything felt unreal. I got to meet my host family which includes a host grandmother, Angelita, her husband, Elizeo, their granddaughter, Rebeca, and their puppy, Pepino. Although it took a while to get used to, brushing my teeth in their special outdoor sink, taking colder showers than I'm used to, not flushing the toilet paper, and living in a house where large areas are open air patios seem second nature.
I'm really grateful to my host family because they have been very welcoming and I am especially grateful to Angelita. She always tries to make different dishes for us to try and she bought us a lot of delicious fresh fruit to eat. I think that the avocados and mangos in Guatemala are the most delicious ones I've ever tasted. Angelita told me about her strong beliefs about food and how she never goes out to buy food off the street for her visiting students because she doesn't want them to get sick. I'm also really grateful to Whitney for being a wonderful roomate who I can trust and rely on.
So far I've taught two English classes in San Pedro. Emily and I are in charge of classes 2A and 2B. I was surprised by how excited the kids were to learn and I'm really happy about how close I feel to them already. It was really touching to see the kids draw pictures for us with our names on them. One girl named Cindy gave me one that has a teddy bear with our names on it.
One night I came into our room and saw a lot of bugs on our nightstand. I had seen a lot of bugs before in Guatemala but this was the first time that there was such an overwhelming amount of them on my stuff. The next day we did construction for the first time. There was no way to escape from the bugs and when I returned home I slipped into bed and fell asleep without a second thought. I was both really proud of myself for working despite all of the bugs and really grateful for the house I am staying in.
---Samantha Bergman
I'm really grateful to my host family because they have been very welcoming and I am especially grateful to Angelita. She always tries to make different dishes for us to try and she bought us a lot of delicious fresh fruit to eat. I think that the avocados and mangos in Guatemala are the most delicious ones I've ever tasted. Angelita told me about her strong beliefs about food and how she never goes out to buy food off the street for her visiting students because she doesn't want them to get sick. I'm also really grateful to Whitney for being a wonderful roomate who I can trust and rely on.
So far I've taught two English classes in San Pedro. Emily and I are in charge of classes 2A and 2B. I was surprised by how excited the kids were to learn and I'm really happy about how close I feel to them already. It was really touching to see the kids draw pictures for us with our names on them. One girl named Cindy gave me one that has a teddy bear with our names on it.
One night I came into our room and saw a lot of bugs on our nightstand. I had seen a lot of bugs before in Guatemala but this was the first time that there was such an overwhelming amount of them on my stuff. The next day we did construction for the first time. There was no way to escape from the bugs and when I returned home I slipped into bed and fell asleep without a second thought. I was both really proud of myself for working despite all of the bugs and really grateful for the house I am staying in.
---Samantha Bergman
Mixed Feelings...I Guess?
First blog and I don't know what I want to talk about! Many things have happened here; like meeting my host family and trying the food (which is AMAZING) but I don't know what to blog about. I know for a fact that I enjoy being away from home because I'm learning more from being away than my whole family coming with me to Guatemala.
Personally, I'm sort of surprised that I'm here but part of me isn't completely accepting it yet. I'm not sure why but I think it's because I am just too use to being calm around new surroundings and not "feeling" what I'm seeing. I noticed that many people here are living in broken down houses but I feel like I've seen this before. As a kid, I heard stories about Haiti and how children are living and how I shouldn't take things for granted but I feel no different from just hearing the stories.
I hope by the end of this trip I'm actually accepted and learned something. Some people here might want to learn about the Guatemalan culture, speak Spanish more, or even just having the experience of being in a foreign country but I just want to know that I've learned how to accept new things and having learned that what I'm seeing isn't just another one of the stories I've heard.
~Nathanielle (aka: Nathy)
Personally, I'm sort of surprised that I'm here but part of me isn't completely accepting it yet. I'm not sure why but I think it's because I am just too use to being calm around new surroundings and not "feeling" what I'm seeing. I noticed that many people here are living in broken down houses but I feel like I've seen this before. As a kid, I heard stories about Haiti and how children are living and how I shouldn't take things for granted but I feel no different from just hearing the stories.
I hope by the end of this trip I'm actually accepted and learned something. Some people here might want to learn about the Guatemalan culture, speak Spanish more, or even just having the experience of being in a foreign country but I just want to know that I've learned how to accept new things and having learned that what I'm seeing isn't just another one of the stories I've heard.
~Nathanielle (aka: Nathy)
first few days...
Today is our 6th day in Guatemala and already it's starting to feel like home, either from the great hospitality that my host family has shown me or the sheer amount of new experiences I've had in the past couple of days. I already feel right at home in Antigua. That being said, the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes literally scraping the clouds, the old ancient buildings and churches, and friendliness that strangers show each other here blows my mind every day. Although I feel comfortable in Guatemala, every day is a new adventure. Whether I'm observing the beautiful alfombras in the small mountain city of Patzun celebrating Corpus Cristi or trying a random Guatemalan soda, everything feels new but also strangely familiar. My life back home seems almost like a dream or a distant memory compared to what every day is like here. It's incredible, especially since I've never left the country before. This is my first time outside of the US and I am already feeling immersed in a new culture, mostly due to how nice the people of Guatemala are. If I can say the number one thing I like so far about Guatemala, I would have to say how nice, open, and hospitable the people of this country are, especially compared to Boston. It's almost like I'm on a completely different planet.
On Getting Accustomed
Wow. Guatemala is the first country I've ever been to outside of the U.S., and I have to say-it's better than what I expected. When I first stepped off the plane at Guatemala City, I was feeling a mix of emotions about the trip. What if my homestay family didn't like me? Would the kids here be too hard to teach, considering I'm not a native Spanish speaker? Do the natives not like toursits? It turns out that I didn't have to worry about any of these things. I love-and I mean, LOVE- my homestay mom. Her name is Elena and she is absolutely one of the sweetest people I've ever met. She understands that my roommate and I are not native speakers, and yet she is pateint and kind when speaking to us. Oh, and she makes sure that all 3 of us eat meals together every night and we pray before every dinner meal, which helps me get in touch with my Catholic side.
Additionally, today marks the sixth day I've been in Guatemala. So far, I've gone to many religious festivals, I've taught/played with some of the kids in San Pedro, and I've gotten to observe how the people of Guatemala live (this past weekend we've all been working on building a house for a family with young children).
Lastly, I just want to point out how friendly the people of Guatemala are. I'm so used to being in the city where people will push you without saying excuse me, or they'll give you looks of disdain if they don't like you. In Guatemala, people treat you differently. They know we are tourists, but there is never a time when I walk out of the house and get greeted when a friendly "Hola!" or "Buenos Dias!" Well, for now I'll say Adios to the people back home who are reading this, y hasta luego!
~Christine Alves
Additionally, today marks the sixth day I've been in Guatemala. So far, I've gone to many religious festivals, I've taught/played with some of the kids in San Pedro, and I've gotten to observe how the people of Guatemala live (this past weekend we've all been working on building a house for a family with young children).
Lastly, I just want to point out how friendly the people of Guatemala are. I'm so used to being in the city where people will push you without saying excuse me, or they'll give you looks of disdain if they don't like you. In Guatemala, people treat you differently. They know we are tourists, but there is never a time when I walk out of the house and get greeted when a friendly "Hola!" or "Buenos Dias!" Well, for now I'll say Adios to the people back home who are reading this, y hasta luego!
~Christine Alves
1st day of meeting the kids
Hey!!!
So just saying, I was never worried about teaching 4th graders in Guatemala. I woke up that Friday morning and was like: Let's do this. People showed a little trepidation (hehe) about teaching in Spanish, but I knew that Karen and I were prepared. We had made our packets for the little kids to use (66 of them in fact) and we had a schedule in our heads of what we were going to do... of course leaving a little flexibility. Karen and I were ready with our packets as our weapons and we were going to be great teachers whether they were ready for us or not.
Karen and I have two 4th grade classes: 4a and 4b. 4b was the first class, and we couldn't wait to see and begin the class. We even went in a little early and started with the introductions. The class was....okay. The kids were great, they even stood up when we came in and said good morning like the little soldiers they were. When they sat back down, Karen and I let them know the game plan. We handed out the packets, which some kids looked a little upset with, and told them the 4 topics we wanted to go over: Conversation, family, clothes, and body parts. We them gave them their first assignment, a little assessment (20 questions) that would see how well they knew conversation and family vocab. That's when everything got a little crazy. I guess the kids thought that it was a sheet where they need to write the words down with our help instead of an assessment, and they looked at us expectantly while we stared back confused. Finally, with a little help from their teacher, the kids understood and got to work. Everything besides that went smoothly. We even had so much extra time that we were able to start the 1st lesson in family. We even played a game with them with my new drums.
Then it was recess and the kids were on their break. Karen and I, wanting to relive our kid years, started a game of duck, duck, goose with some little ones and were running all over the playground. Oh, what good times. They are so cute and curious... I can't wait to shape their minds to help them in their futures.
After recess came the 2nd class, 4a. Everything practically happened in the same way: we introduced, we explained rules, we gave assessment, kids confused, teacher helped, kids do it, started 1st lesson, and then played a game. Honestly though, I am really excited. I never had any sort of fear... these are just kids who wanted to learn English and were excited that they got to from Foreigners like us. Tomorrow is a new day, and we will continue with the family vocab.
Now that I am here, The 4th graders at San Pedro better watch out because Karen and I are here and we are ready to teach!!!
-Garlyn Colas
So just saying, I was never worried about teaching 4th graders in Guatemala. I woke up that Friday morning and was like: Let's do this. People showed a little trepidation (hehe) about teaching in Spanish, but I knew that Karen and I were prepared. We had made our packets for the little kids to use (66 of them in fact) and we had a schedule in our heads of what we were going to do... of course leaving a little flexibility. Karen and I were ready with our packets as our weapons and we were going to be great teachers whether they were ready for us or not.
Karen and I have two 4th grade classes: 4a and 4b. 4b was the first class, and we couldn't wait to see and begin the class. We even went in a little early and started with the introductions. The class was....okay. The kids were great, they even stood up when we came in and said good morning like the little soldiers they were. When they sat back down, Karen and I let them know the game plan. We handed out the packets, which some kids looked a little upset with, and told them the 4 topics we wanted to go over: Conversation, family, clothes, and body parts. We them gave them their first assignment, a little assessment (20 questions) that would see how well they knew conversation and family vocab. That's when everything got a little crazy. I guess the kids thought that it was a sheet where they need to write the words down with our help instead of an assessment, and they looked at us expectantly while we stared back confused. Finally, with a little help from their teacher, the kids understood and got to work. Everything besides that went smoothly. We even had so much extra time that we were able to start the 1st lesson in family. We even played a game with them with my new drums.
Then it was recess and the kids were on their break. Karen and I, wanting to relive our kid years, started a game of duck, duck, goose with some little ones and were running all over the playground. Oh, what good times. They are so cute and curious... I can't wait to shape their minds to help them in their futures.
After recess came the 2nd class, 4a. Everything practically happened in the same way: we introduced, we explained rules, we gave assessment, kids confused, teacher helped, kids do it, started 1st lesson, and then played a game. Honestly though, I am really excited. I never had any sort of fear... these are just kids who wanted to learn English and were excited that they got to from Foreigners like us. Tomorrow is a new day, and we will continue with the family vocab.
Now that I am here, The 4th graders at San Pedro better watch out because Karen and I are here and we are ready to teach!!!
-Garlyn Colas
Guatemalan Fairytale
We've been here for 6 days now and yes it is completely eye opening, but for some reason it seems so... unreal. I've heard about people who live in poverty and its always been a really sad story but everyone here is so happy and grateful. It hasn't hit me yet. The fact that many people are poor is true but seems just like part of the story - I want to truely feel sorry or grateful and don't just want to say I do. Hopefully... actually, I know I will feel this feeling on this trip and when I do I want to use what I learn and really apply it to my life rather than use it for a little amout of time and go back to my own ways. I want to feel the truth that lies beneath the surface; Sincerly and whole heartedly and I hope this is the place where I learn.
-Whitney
Family in Guatemala
Living here in Guatemala with my host family has definitely made me re-evaluate the way I think of my own family. The first day, we all introduced ourselves. My host mother's name is Maria, and she explained to us that she's been a host mother for about twenty years. She is very welcoming, always has a laugh ready, and is always asking me how my day was and what I did. Marco is the host father and he is even more affable. He jokes around with us, points out different Spanish songs, and sometimes helps me find the right translation in Spanish when I'm struggling. We met Pedro and Monica, their 20-year old children, and they were both so grateful when I gave them their gifts: each a little Boston Red Sox hat (in fact, the entire family was grateful for our gifts).
Since I'm the most fluent in Spanish in my homestay group, I'm the one who starts the conversations and the one who keeps them going. At every meal, I always talk and talk and talk, which is fairly hard for me since I'm a pretty quiet person. It's made me think about my own family and how I kind of take them for granted. At home, I don't feel obligated to ask my parents how their day was or about their childhood. I talk with my host family more than I talk to my parents, which is a wake-up call for me. If I can be so friendly and curious with complete strangers, why don't I do the same with the people who raised me?
-Lennin
Since I'm the most fluent in Spanish in my homestay group, I'm the one who starts the conversations and the one who keeps them going. At every meal, I always talk and talk and talk, which is fairly hard for me since I'm a pretty quiet person. It's made me think about my own family and how I kind of take them for granted. At home, I don't feel obligated to ask my parents how their day was or about their childhood. I talk with my host family more than I talk to my parents, which is a wake-up call for me. If I can be so friendly and curious with complete strangers, why don't I do the same with the people who raised me?
-Lennin
Juan's ''caminanzes''
So far my experience has been great, El Salvador and Guatemala look (and smell) similarly (i have been to El Salvador before). My favorite part so far was meeting an adorable 3rd grader named Juan. The first day we went to teach in San Pedro I briefly met Juan, he is in my friend Meryem's class that she is teaching. The next day we went to the plaza in San Pedro and Juan was alone in the plaza, Mr. Cantu then went to the store to buy a ball so we could play with Juan. Juan's soccer skills amazed everyone, he was able to proficiently do tricks that highschool soccer players are not able to do. Juan was so happy that he would not stop smiling, he then came up to me and told me that he remembered me from Friday. He then gathered most of the Junior Journey kids in the plaza and taught us how to play a hand game, it was basically ''quack-a-dilly-o-my'' but in Spanish. After Juan sat down with me and I noticed his ripped and ratty clothes So I decided to give him what was in my pocket which was five quetzales, he looked at me and gave me the biggest smile that showed off his dimples aka ''caminanzes'' (dimples in spanish).
I assumed that he would run to the corner store to spend it all on candy but instead he called over his 4 brothers and sisters and gave them one quetzal each. Juan had one quetzal left, he then gave it to his little brother to buy his grandmoher clean water. He was left with no money and continued to run around like a little child. I was left shocked both because he gave all his money away, but mostly because Juan is so responsible, when I was 9 I would have spent it all on candy for myself. Juan just represents how different Guatemala is from the United States where some people can be so selfish and greedy. Excited for the rest of the trip - Bevs Abrego
I assumed that he would run to the corner store to spend it all on candy but instead he called over his 4 brothers and sisters and gave them one quetzal each. Juan had one quetzal left, he then gave it to his little brother to buy his grandmoher clean water. He was left with no money and continued to run around like a little child. I was left shocked both because he gave all his money away, but mostly because Juan is so responsible, when I was 9 I would have spent it all on candy for myself. Juan just represents how different Guatemala is from the United States where some people can be so selfish and greedy. Excited for the rest of the trip - Bevs Abrego
Day 1 Introduction
Day 1
So once we got to Guatemala, I was excited to meet my new family and really experience Guatemala. My family consists of a Mom and a Dad with their kids which is misleading because they are both 20 years old. Marco (My host dad) is very funny and is always trying to include Rockens and I into the conversations. Lennin is doing fine holding his converations, but at times Rockens and I need Marco to light up the conversation. Marco works in an office and his family has a bakery so we always get fresh french bread or cookies. Maria knows a lot about Guatemala and is always telling us little fun facts about Guatemala. They have been hosting families for 20 YEARS, but have never had boys so that was cool. In addition, Maria is a great cook. Each day, we get something new and it is always good...especially the soup. Pedro and Monica live at the house, but are not always, but they are very nice. Our house is also nice seeing that we have great view of the volcanoes that surround us and all 3 of us have our own room and wifi. After seeing our house, we went to back to the Sevilla Spanish Academy where we met our teachers. Domingo (my teacher) is a very nice man who is always teaching me new words and talking about different parts of history and foods that shape Guatemala and make Guatemala so unique. My Spanish is already improving and im trying to immerse myself even more. That day was very intersting and was an auspicious start to the Guatemala experience.
- Joshua A.
So once we got to Guatemala, I was excited to meet my new family and really experience Guatemala. My family consists of a Mom and a Dad with their kids which is misleading because they are both 20 years old. Marco (My host dad) is very funny and is always trying to include Rockens and I into the conversations. Lennin is doing fine holding his converations, but at times Rockens and I need Marco to light up the conversation. Marco works in an office and his family has a bakery so we always get fresh french bread or cookies. Maria knows a lot about Guatemala and is always telling us little fun facts about Guatemala. They have been hosting families for 20 YEARS, but have never had boys so that was cool. In addition, Maria is a great cook. Each day, we get something new and it is always good...especially the soup. Pedro and Monica live at the house, but are not always, but they are very nice. Our house is also nice seeing that we have great view of the volcanoes that surround us and all 3 of us have our own room and wifi. After seeing our house, we went to back to the Sevilla Spanish Academy where we met our teachers. Domingo (my teacher) is a very nice man who is always teaching me new words and talking about different parts of history and foods that shape Guatemala and make Guatemala so unique. My Spanish is already improving and im trying to immerse myself even more. That day was very intersting and was an auspicious start to the Guatemala experience.
- Joshua A.
Host Parents,
The idea of leaving my parents and my moms cooking is really scary to me. I know that I am only used to eating my moms cooking, because she knows what I like to eat and what I do not like. The thought of me eating food thats not from my mom is even more scary. When I arrived here in Antigua and saw my host parents I said to myself that it´s going to be a long three weeks. When they showed my roommates and myself our rooms I said to myself ok it´s not so bad. After they showed me my room they gave me the key to the house and my room. Then dinner came and I thought that what if I don´t like it, what do I do? Maria, my host mother, placed in front of me a small bowl of soup, some white rice and bread. I gave everything a chance and ended up liking it. Throughout the week so far the food such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner have progressed towards the good direction. In the dining room Marco, host father, and Maria speak spanish and Marco speaks and understands a little bit of English. Josh and I have Lennin to translate a few words that I don´t understand. We speak like we´ve been living there for a long time because we all have something to say or contribute to the conversations. So far being here in Guatemala has slightly improved from ok to better.
Rockens
The idea of leaving my parents and my moms cooking is really scary to me. I know that I am only used to eating my moms cooking, because she knows what I like to eat and what I do not like. The thought of me eating food thats not from my mom is even more scary. When I arrived here in Antigua and saw my host parents I said to myself that it´s going to be a long three weeks. When they showed my roommates and myself our rooms I said to myself ok it´s not so bad. After they showed me my room they gave me the key to the house and my room. Then dinner came and I thought that what if I don´t like it, what do I do? Maria, my host mother, placed in front of me a small bowl of soup, some white rice and bread. I gave everything a chance and ended up liking it. Throughout the week so far the food such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner have progressed towards the good direction. In the dining room Marco, host father, and Maria speak spanish and Marco speaks and understands a little bit of English. Josh and I have Lennin to translate a few words that I don´t understand. We speak like we´ve been living there for a long time because we all have something to say or contribute to the conversations. So far being here in Guatemala has slightly improved from ok to better.
Rockens
Me llamo Juan Jackson
Hola, my people. I have been in Guatemala for six days. When arriving at my host famaly, I thought I would be called Warren, but NO. I am now Juan. No one seems to be able to say my name right. So when people ask me my name I tell them my name is Juan. Then comes the conversation about whats my name in a America, so many people think my name in Amercan name is John. So my Spanish teacher calls me John. From this day on I think I want to change my name to Juan. Everyone in America must call me Juan. Me llamo es Juan Jackson now.
Adios
Juan Jackson
Adios
Juan Jackson
I Built a House?
When I first found out that during our first weekend we were going top help build a houe I was less than thrilled. Before I even left the van to get to the house I had already gotten a cut. By 1030 I was off to work. We were building a backroom to a house that was literally one room, and a toilet for 5 people. My first job was to shovel dirt out of the middle onto the sides, behind the house. On my walk to lunch I heard that people had a bet that I would be the first person to start to complain and take a break. I proved them all wrong, and myself too. These past 2 days I have helped make cement, place in cinderblocks and shovel out dirt from the foundation of the room. Never did I expect that I would help build a house, let alone enjoy it. The little kids who lived in that house lived with almost NOTHING and had such big smiles on their faces. It made me so grateful for what I have. The leader of the project moved to Guatemala 4 years ago after dropping out of college, wihtout knowing any Spanish. She is so inspirational, and this weekend has showed me not to close anything off and keep my options open. I love volunteering and have now realized that construction work can actually be fun and so rewarding in numerous ways. I can´t wait to see what is in store for me for the next two weeks.
Hasta Luego!
Emily
Hasta Luego!
Emily
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