Take Me Back

Damn, sitting in my room right now, just like I was doing before those three eventful weeks. To think I went from doing something every hour of the day everyday to just sitting in my room is crazy. I would do anything to go back right now, or to re-live those three weeks. Every little detail about our experience in Antigua will be missed. I'm going to miss ConstruCasa, rooming with Devin, Yolanda and her wonderful family, the food, Valentino messing with us, playing cards, the dog poop-filled cobblestone streets, the tiendas, the bakery, the Sevilla teachers (and Mario and Chucho), watching the World Cup with everybody, the laughs, the arguments, the cyphers, the walks with Charlie, Ritshly, and Devin, rashing each other, the cheap food, what Devin and I call "Guatemalan logic," the bad experiences with Guatemalan restaurants, Eric and our conversations/laughs, annoying/messing around with Karla and Makeda, trips to the market, bargaining, time we all spent together, and just everything about Guatemala. I'm sure there's much more I will miss, and that was just a glimpse of it. I'm glad I got to go on that trip, it really helped my mental state and how I view life. Guatemala taught me a lot. Just wanted to come on here and express my final thoughts. Now, it will take me a little while to re-adjust to life back home. Hasta luego. See you later.

The Sadness After Antigua

Guatemala is seriously offically over.
I can tell because I am currently laying on my bed.
I hate it.
This feeling of sadness. I miss everything about Antigua and it's sound safe security.
I miss the people I have gotten to know so well in Antigua. With ChuCho and Mario and the other Sevilla staff this experience had been so unforgettable. I hated leaving more than anything. I found it so difficult to pull away from these people who have protected me for these past few weeks. Yo soy múy triste. I think the worst part in this is knowing that even if we had the chance to go back to see Antigua again it would never be the same. ChuCho and Mario wouldn't be the same. We wouldn't be the same. Being in Anyigua has showed me so much about friendship and love. It has taught me that love even when it's painful will lead to so much more...All my friends at Sevilla will ALWAYS be in my heart.
I only hope that this pain. This sadness subsides into a distant memory away from my love for Antigua and this Junior Journey.
Bye Dolan and Cantu !! Te Amo!!

Final Days...

       Well... Junior Journey 2014 is quickly approaching it's end and it's bittersweet. The culture of Antigua is so beautiful and peaceful even though those random fireworks can get out of hand. Everyone says buenas dias even if they've never soon you in their life and it's actually a genuine hello.
       I'm not gonna lie there's been some rough days like falling on my butt while trying to climb Volcano Pacaya and not being able to have my kids perform for the school! But nonetheless I'm so grateful for the opportunity to submerge myself into a completely different culture than I'm used to.
       From the kids, to my home-stay family, to the teachers at Sevilla and the other PHAers on this trip my experience here couldn't have been better.
     I hate to go but I love to leave.... 2 more days left!
-Nellie

Several days before leaving :(

Hello Everyone,

Today, we went to San Perdro and saw that PHA's donation has started a shed. It's the beginnning of a small community place where kids around the neighborhood can hang out and play soccer and basketball. It was a really nice exprience playing with the little kids from the school in San Pedro. At the same time it is really sad because I've gotten so attached with the little kids and its emotional leaving them because we have done so much for them. I wish I can stay longer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alondra

guate

I have said goodbye to the kids at San Pedro. Today is constru casa´s last day.
Senay Yibrah

My Gizzy Adventure featuring Makeda Girma

As an individual, who hates being told no to things the exposure to Guatemala's gender roles has stuck out to me. For example, women stay home and raise the children- 14 of them! Girls are marginalized and disrespected. Cat calls and petty gestures are common things done by men. The indisputable bias behavior towards women being weak is common. I was told that I could not play soccer with the "boys" because the game was to rough for a girl to play. I played.  

Regardless of these actions,  there are people who rise above. My teacher told me about her silent fight towards her father who expected her to feed him. To the point in which she would have to put a napkin on his chest. In a country in which there is a femicide going on I am glad to see people, like my students rising above. 

Lourdeis- "lulu"  our last day teaching in San Pedro, Guatemala was a languishing one. Although, it may have been difficult at times this young girl stuck out to me. She is both cute and smart but, most importantly a self advocate. Small things like her persistence to master a word when other kids were playing soccer. Or when she came up to Shannon and I in order to learn how to spell vocabulary that was not even taught yet. Thank you Lulu for being a wonderful student and a strong woman!

I hope that in the future, Lourdeis, Anna, Dulce, Adriana and all those beautiful and smart human beings pursue a life full of the love for learning, self advocacy and happiness. 

- Giz. 

los ninos!

I'm just in love with the kids in San Pedro, they're always in a good mood and they're soooo cute. i have a soft spot for these kids because us American kids complain for little things and they have a bunch more to complain about but despite what they go through they are still happy and satisfied. I hope one day I can come back and actually see them again. Time has went by so fast and I can't believe it's almost time to leave.

Guatever

Although I'm writing an entry towards the end of our trip, I have come to realize truly how amazing Guatemala is. I remember arriving in the airport in Guatemala and going through a total culture shock; from the different odor of the air to the fact that little kids sit on the laps of their parents as they are driving. Literally sit in front of them in a vehicle. As of June 23rd, I have felt very comfortable in this city and its an amazing feeling. The overall experience of teaching kids English was also another experience I will never forget. And although we have only taught for about a week or so, receiving the cards from my little ninos has made me realize that maybe it doesn't take so long to create a beautiful bond. I loved teaching one fourth grade class in particular, and with the amount of exposure I have had teaching kids, 4C has to be my favorite class I have taught. When Casandra, Sara, and I entered the class the first day, attempting to teach a class that hasn't had a teacher in three weeks, we looked pretty stupid. However after a couple of days and with the guidance of Mr.Lavelle, it was rather easy to get them quiet and begin teaching them vocabulary. I'm glad they came around because that class is literally filled with the smartest kids, its crazy. Its also crazy to think that in 3 weeks, you can learn so much about yourself, your interests, and other people around you. I also remember the very first night where I began counting down the days because I wanted to leave so badly, and now here I am with three days left wanting to smack myself for even saying that I wanted to leave. Its slightly crazy to think that the same kids you have been going to school with and complaining about homework with are the same people that you will really never forget because of this experience. I am beyond grateful to have met so many people here, and most of all to have established a friendship with my Sevilla teacher; Carlita. I am beyond grateful to have made so many memories here as well. For the most part, I have come to realize that I am beyond grateful for every single part of this trip, however I am not grateful for the nasty cold I got and my instances on the toilet... Woops. #Guate2014
Adios!
-Maki