1) It's approx. 7.5 quetzales to the dollar. This is not a great exchange rate.
2) You can get a basic cell phone for approx. 130 quetzales.
3) Many current problems that exist in Guatemala stem from the 36 year civil war (started in part because of the US's involvement...)
4) The National Palace was designed by a former dictator (pre civil war). There are 5 floors in the place representing the 5 letters in his first and in his last names. The inside color was his wife's favorite color.
5) There are people that make their living digging through garbage in Guatemala City.
6) There are no rules of the road. At least non that I can see.
7) Racism is not a purely American problem.
8) You can buy an ice cream cone for the amount a guajero makes in a day.
9) It is very difficult to unlearn muscle memory. For example, brushing your teeth. We have to use purified water, because the tap water could make us sick. While I have a bottle of water sitting next to the sink, it can be difficult to not just turn the tap on and put my toothbrush under it. That is what my hands and brain want to do. Also, toilet paper. It cannot be flushed, and has to be put in a garbage can next to the toilet. This can be difficult to remember when it is very early in the morning.
10) Guatemalan schools are very different than American schools.
11) Dogs live on the roofs.
12) Dogs also live wherever they want. There are tons that live on the streets and do not have a house to go to at night. I would equate the number of street dogs in Magdalena to the number of squirrels in the states.
13) Pelota is a loose term for any game with a ball. Soccer (the rules of which are also loose), volleyball, kick the ball as hard as you can and see where it goes, see how many times you can keep the ball in the air...these can all be "Pelota"
14) Crossing the monkey bars is called something along the lines of "pasa las manos." Usually it goes something like, "¡Seño, ayuda me pasar las manos!" (Help me do the monkey bars, teacher!)
15) Female teachers are called Seño_________ (As in I'm Seño Raquel). It's short for señora or señorita.
16) Teaching jobs are sometimes considered transitional jobs. You can teach after completing a high school equivalent.
17) God is the same here as he is at home and anywhere else.
18) Students kiss the teachers on the cheek as they leave.
19) Showers are a gamble. And water pressure is virtually nonexistent.
20) Things take forever to dry, if they dry at all. e.g. my hair, wash cloth, and toothbrush
21) Not greeting the people you pass is frowned upon. Buenos dias, buenas tardes, buenas noches are heard even if it's to a complete stranger. (At least here in Magdalena, it may be different elsewhere)
22) There is always room for one more. (#riding the bus)
23) Beans can be eaten at any and every meal.
24) Beauty is all around.
25) The climb is hard, but the view from the top makes it all worth it.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Just a little update for you all!
We moved to Magdalena on Sunday. Magdalena is a very small village up in the mountains. It's two short bus rides from the somewhat larger city of Antigua where we'll be splitting the time this semester. We met our host families Sunday morning and then drove down into Antigua to spend the day eating Pollo Campero (the pride and joy of Guatemalan restaurants), going on a scavenger hunt, meeting the S.I. staff, and watching the Super Bowl. Go Giants? It was a long day, and we were more than ready to crawl into our beds at our host family's house. My roommate and I have the absolute sweetest couple as our host parents. Our host mom, Dolores, has made us two delicious breakfasts so far, and is an absolute doll. Her husband grows flowers and they sell them in two different markets twice during the week. Yesterday was our first day at the ministry sites (community development sites is perhaps a more appropriate term). I'm working at a private elementary school here in Magdalena teaching English. Fridays are non-academic days and so we'll be teaching Bible classes on Friday. There's about 80 kids in the school, and it's a bit overwhelming but fun for sure! Right now the four of us students and one staff member are all working together in the classrooms, but later on we'll be doing some teaching on our own. I'm looking forward to be able to practice the things I'm learning in Tesol back at Greenville! The kids are fun, and exciting, and dirty, and loud. So it's going to be crazy, but good. At least I think it will be. :) (Check back in later to see if I'm still thinking the same thing!) We're here in Magdalena for this week and then we'll move to Antigua for the start of our language classes. Can't say I'm looking forward to starting classes again...It's all very exciting and overwhelming, so please be keeping me in your prayers! Alrighty, someone's about to have a skype interview so I'm going to get off the internet for her. Later gators!
We moved to Magdalena on Sunday. Magdalena is a very small village up in the mountains. It's two short bus rides from the somewhat larger city of Antigua where we'll be splitting the time this semester. We met our host families Sunday morning and then drove down into Antigua to spend the day eating Pollo Campero (the pride and joy of Guatemalan restaurants), going on a scavenger hunt, meeting the S.I. staff, and watching the Super Bowl. Go Giants? It was a long day, and we were more than ready to crawl into our beds at our host family's house. My roommate and I have the absolute sweetest couple as our host parents. Our host mom, Dolores, has made us two delicious breakfasts so far, and is an absolute doll. Her husband grows flowers and they sell them in two different markets twice during the week. Yesterday was our first day at the ministry sites (community development sites is perhaps a more appropriate term). I'm working at a private elementary school here in Magdalena teaching English. Fridays are non-academic days and so we'll be teaching Bible classes on Friday. There's about 80 kids in the school, and it's a bit overwhelming but fun for sure! Right now the four of us students and one staff member are all working together in the classrooms, but later on we'll be doing some teaching on our own. I'm looking forward to be able to practice the things I'm learning in Tesol back at Greenville! The kids are fun, and exciting, and dirty, and loud. So it's going to be crazy, but good. At least I think it will be. :) (Check back in later to see if I'm still thinking the same thing!) We're here in Magdalena for this week and then we'll move to Antigua for the start of our language classes. Can't say I'm looking forward to starting classes again...It's all very exciting and overwhelming, so please be keeping me in your prayers! Alrighty, someone's about to have a skype interview so I'm going to get off the internet for her. Later gators!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Contrast Tour
Tomorrow we're heading out from this lovely little place we've been staying, and I'm taking full advantage of the internet while I have it. I don't know when I'll have it again, so posts may be sparse.
Yesterday, as part of our orientation process we went on what they call a Contrast Tour. There's a weird juxtaposition that exists in this country (and others in central/south America) between the rich and the poor. From what I can tell the majority of people in Guatemala live in poverty, and something like 60% of those people are indigenous. The purpose of the Contrast Tour was to show us in a tangible way the difference between these two groups of people. We started off by going to the national cemetery, which served more as a history lesson than a normal walk through a cemetery would be. First of all, I have never seen so many gigantic mausoleums in one place. They're like miniature cathedrals all throughout the cemetery. It'a also expensive to have someone buried here, so the poor people, as in the majority of people, would not be able to bury their family members in this cemetery.
Within the cemetery are monuments and graves for some of the prominent political figures in Guatemala's history. Pre-civil war, post-civil war, and several from the 36 years in between. It's always interesting to me as I travel to hear about the involvement the U.S. played in the civil wars and fights in these countries. It's not a good picture, and not what you hear in the history books...
After walking through the cemetery and learning a bit more about this country's history, we walked to a place that overlooks the largest garbage dump in Guatemala. It collects a third of the country's trash, I think. Something like that. We were told the Americans came and taught the Guatemalans to make trash. They have yet to teach them to recycle properly. So instead of recycling bins and plants, Guatemala's largest garbage dump has guajeros. Guajeros are people whose only source of income comes from whatever they can dig out of the trash and sell. There are thousands of people who get up every day and walk to the dump, so that they can dig through the garbage and find recyclables and other things to sell. When a garbage truck comes in the guajeros put their hands on the trucks as a way of claiming the garbage inside. Only those who have their hands on the trucks can dig through the piles of garbage that come out of them. They're mostly looking for glass and plastics, but really they'll collect anything they can sell. It used to be that these people not only worked in the dump, but lived there too. They would take their children in, and either leave them in a box until they got done working, or have them come help dig through the trash with them. There's been some regulation, due to deaths and injuries and fires caused by extreme buildups of methane gas. Now guajeros are no longer able to live in the dump, nor are children under the age of 14 allowed to work in the dump. Still, it's a horrible place to live and work. The average daily income for a guajero is approx. 10 quetzales. It's about 7.5ish quetzales to the dollar, so you do the math. Their daily income is practically nothing.
After looking at the dump came the contrast portion of the tour. We were then taken to a mall that the higher class populations shop at, and were given 10 quetzales, or one day's wages for the typical guajero. We were then told to go buy something for 10q. Here's what we were able to purchase: an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen, a candy bar, or a few very small coffee type drinks. Like I said, weird juxtaposition of rich and poor in this country. Humbling too, to be reminded of how much I actually have. I'm not rich by anyone's standards, but I definitely can afford to buy more than an ice cream cone. And I don't have to dig through trash to make a living.
Yesterday, as part of our orientation process we went on what they call a Contrast Tour. There's a weird juxtaposition that exists in this country (and others in central/south America) between the rich and the poor. From what I can tell the majority of people in Guatemala live in poverty, and something like 60% of those people are indigenous. The purpose of the Contrast Tour was to show us in a tangible way the difference between these two groups of people. We started off by going to the national cemetery, which served more as a history lesson than a normal walk through a cemetery would be. First of all, I have never seen so many gigantic mausoleums in one place. They're like miniature cathedrals all throughout the cemetery. It'a also expensive to have someone buried here, so the poor people, as in the majority of people, would not be able to bury their family members in this cemetery.
A small monument in the National Cemetery. Most are like small houses!
Within the cemetery are monuments and graves for some of the prominent political figures in Guatemala's history. Pre-civil war, post-civil war, and several from the 36 years in between. It's always interesting to me as I travel to hear about the involvement the U.S. played in the civil wars and fights in these countries. It's not a good picture, and not what you hear in the history books...
After walking through the cemetery and learning a bit more about this country's history, we walked to a place that overlooks the largest garbage dump in Guatemala. It collects a third of the country's trash, I think. Something like that. We were told the Americans came and taught the Guatemalans to make trash. They have yet to teach them to recycle properly. So instead of recycling bins and plants, Guatemala's largest garbage dump has guajeros. Guajeros are people whose only source of income comes from whatever they can dig out of the trash and sell. There are thousands of people who get up every day and walk to the dump, so that they can dig through the garbage and find recyclables and other things to sell. When a garbage truck comes in the guajeros put their hands on the trucks as a way of claiming the garbage inside. Only those who have their hands on the trucks can dig through the piles of garbage that come out of them. They're mostly looking for glass and plastics, but really they'll collect anything they can sell. It used to be that these people not only worked in the dump, but lived there too. They would take their children in, and either leave them in a box until they got done working, or have them come help dig through the trash with them. There's been some regulation, due to deaths and injuries and fires caused by extreme buildups of methane gas. Now guajeros are no longer able to live in the dump, nor are children under the age of 14 allowed to work in the dump. Still, it's a horrible place to live and work. The average daily income for a guajero is approx. 10 quetzales. It's about 7.5ish quetzales to the dollar, so you do the math. Their daily income is practically nothing.
After looking at the dump came the contrast portion of the tour. We were then taken to a mall that the higher class populations shop at, and were given 10 quetzales, or one day's wages for the typical guajero. We were then told to go buy something for 10q. Here's what we were able to purchase: an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen, a candy bar, or a few very small coffee type drinks. Like I said, weird juxtaposition of rich and poor in this country. Humbling too, to be reminded of how much I actually have. I'm not rich by anyone's standards, but I definitely can afford to buy more than an ice cream cone. And I don't have to dig through trash to make a living.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Guatemala: el empiezo
¡He llegado en Guatemala! Wednesday was perhaps one of the longest days ever, but despite the long hours of travel I got here all in one piece, as did my luggage. So thankful for that! There's about 25 people on the team, most of them from Bethel University in MN. We're staying for a few days in Guatemala City at a retreat center for seminary students. It's a ministry of the Mennonite church. They offer classes and lectures for seminary students, as well as providing a place to stay for groups like ours. So we've been staying here while we go through some orientation stuff. After this weekend we'll head out to start at our missions sites and later on classes.
Yesterday we were able to tour around some of Guatemala City, go on a scavenger hunt, tour the national palace and cathedral, and start to learn a bit about the history about this country we're going to be spending the next four months in. It's weird to say that. I don't think it's set in completely that I'll be here for four months. Every time I've been out of the country in the past has been for about two weeks at a time, so we'll have to see how I'm feeling when that period of time is up on this trip. I'm looking forward to it though! I'm taking lots of pictures, but here's a few to get you started.
Yesterday we were able to tour around some of Guatemala City, go on a scavenger hunt, tour the national palace and cathedral, and start to learn a bit about the history about this country we're going to be spending the next four months in. It's weird to say that. I don't think it's set in completely that I'll be here for four months. Every time I've been out of the country in the past has been for about two weeks at a time, so we'll have to see how I'm feeling when that period of time is up on this trip. I'm looking forward to it though! I'm taking lots of pictures, but here's a few to get you started.
Guatemala City from the plane as we flew in.
Palacio Nacional de Guatemala
Half the group listening to our tour guide describe the mural in the front of the national palace.
Well, that's all for now. I'll be posting more as I have time and internet. Blessings!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Several things:
First. We are under the 10 day mark! We are at 9 days until I depart for Guatemala! :D (I'm just a little bit excited, can't you tell?!)
Second. The blog got a new look! This new adventure I'm about to take deserves an exciting, fun new blog design, don't you think? I for sure do!
Third. Yesterday I was listening to Pandora, as I typically do. And, as per usual, I found a song I love. I grew up singing hymns, and I love the power these songs of the church hold. (I am in no way saying one type of worship music is better than the other. I personally love a good balance, but that is not a debate I want to get into today.) Anyways so I was listening to Pandora yesterday as I got ready for church and this version of This is My Father's World came up. It is such a gorgeous rendition of a classic hymn.
First. We are under the 10 day mark! We are at 9 days until I depart for Guatemala! :D (I'm just a little bit excited, can't you tell?!)
Second. The blog got a new look! This new adventure I'm about to take deserves an exciting, fun new blog design, don't you think? I for sure do!
Third. Yesterday I was listening to Pandora, as I typically do. And, as per usual, I found a song I love. I grew up singing hymns, and I love the power these songs of the church hold. (I am in no way saying one type of worship music is better than the other. I personally love a good balance, but that is not a debate I want to get into today.) Anyways so I was listening to Pandora yesterday as I got ready for church and this version of This is My Father's World came up. It is such a gorgeous rendition of a classic hymn.
The earth is the LORD's and everything in it,
The world, and all who live in it;
For He founded it on the seas
And established it on the waters.
Psalm 24:1-2
And that's it for now! Enjoy the new look and the song!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Prayer Requests
14 Days till Guatemala! (Note: countdown does not include current day. :) )
I just finished reading the book Humanitarian Jesus: Social Justice and the Cross by Christian Buckley and Ryan Dobson, one of my Greenville bookstore sale finds. It was a good, interesting read (timely, too) that takes a look at the idea of the Social Gospel and where it fits in to the Church's mission of furthering His kingdom. If you have an interest in social issues and the gospel, read it. I recommend it. The book is part explanation and part interviews with some of the leading Christian thinkers and voices of our time. I say it was a timely read, because I'm going to Guatemala in 14 days! And while I'm going to Guatemala for studying purposes, I'm also going to be working with Students International, a missions organization that has a base in Guatemala (this is the same organization I worked with in the Dominican Republic back in 2010). So while I hope to get lots of studying done, I'll also will be dealing with some of the social issues that are discussed in the above mentioned book. I read the book with a hi-lighter in hand and marked it up with various points that were applicable to my life right now, and where my life might be in the future. A lot of these points sparked prayer requests that I would love if you would be praying over as I get ready to head south (way south!) and during my time spent there. And for my life post Guatemala. I have a few quotes from the book, and the prayer request that they sparked in my heart. I believe in the power of prayer, and I recognize the importance of having a good support group back home as I spend this time in another part of the world. I am blessed to have so many people who support me in all that I do. The trips I've taken in the past, and the one I'm about to set out on would not be possible without the love and support of everyone back home.
I just finished reading the book Humanitarian Jesus: Social Justice and the Cross by Christian Buckley and Ryan Dobson, one of my Greenville bookstore sale finds. It was a good, interesting read (timely, too) that takes a look at the idea of the Social Gospel and where it fits in to the Church's mission of furthering His kingdom. If you have an interest in social issues and the gospel, read it. I recommend it. The book is part explanation and part interviews with some of the leading Christian thinkers and voices of our time. I say it was a timely read, because I'm going to Guatemala in 14 days! And while I'm going to Guatemala for studying purposes, I'm also going to be working with Students International, a missions organization that has a base in Guatemala (this is the same organization I worked with in the Dominican Republic back in 2010). So while I hope to get lots of studying done, I'll also will be dealing with some of the social issues that are discussed in the above mentioned book. I read the book with a hi-lighter in hand and marked it up with various points that were applicable to my life right now, and where my life might be in the future. A lot of these points sparked prayer requests that I would love if you would be praying over as I get ready to head south (way south!) and during my time spent there. And for my life post Guatemala. I have a few quotes from the book, and the prayer request that they sparked in my heart. I believe in the power of prayer, and I recognize the importance of having a good support group back home as I spend this time in another part of the world. I am blessed to have so many people who support me in all that I do. The trips I've taken in the past, and the one I'm about to set out on would not be possible without the love and support of everyone back home.
What I took from Humanitarian Jesus and the Prayer Requests I have for Guatemala:
"He healed to reveal true healing. He fed to reveal true food. He quenched thirst to reveal everlasting water." (pg. 26)
My prayer: That my actions would further reveal Christ. That I would not just focus on what I am able to do, or what I am doing, but rather what he is able to do through me; what he is doing through me.
"Because men and women are made in the image of God, every person, regardless of race, religion, color, culture, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity because of which he or she should be respected and served, not exploited." (From the Chicago Declaration, quoted on pg. 35-36)
My prayer: That I would treat everyone I come into contact with with respect. That I would see their intrinsic value and dignity, and help them to see it for themselves. That I would remember that I too, am a sinner in need of grace.
"Feeding a person's stomach is good, but connecting that work in evangelism that includes impacting his life in such that Christ can feed his soul is better. Preventing the causes of physical death is good, but passionately investing in a life to prevent spiritual death at the same time is better." (pg. 61)
My prayer: That I would keep the focus of my actions on His Kingdom. That I would remember He is the one who saves. Soli Deo Gloria.
"You and I are not going to change the world no matter who we are, but we can serve Christ in His work of changing the world because of who He is." (pg. 69)
My prayer: That I would remember this is not about me. That I would remember who I serve and what He has already done for me.
"I believe that the Lord places our footsteps in the paths that he has designed for us." (Franklin Graham, quoted on pg. 152)
My prayer: That I would remember I am here for a reason, and that He is in control.
"I think the heartbeat of Jesus is the most powerful thing. Following the Man and seeing how His heart broke. You have to see what broke His heart. You have to follow Him." (Brad Corrigan, quoted on pg. 188).
My prayer: That I would not lose sight of the cross, nor Him who died on it. That my heart would break for what breaks His.
That my words would be His words. That I wouldn't be afraid. That I will grow. That His light will shine forth. That hearts will be changed. That people will find Him. That His Kingdom will be furthered. That I will know that I can't solve all the world's problems, but that I can love. That I will love every person I come into contact with, even if it is difficult. That He will be lifted high in my life.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Countdown: 16 days!
Countdown: 16 days till Guatemala! Woo! I can't believe it's actually almost here.
I'll be keeping up with this blog (as much as I can) while I'm in Guatemala. I'll be posting updates, stories, prayer requests, pictures, triumphs and struggles as I go through this new life experience. If you'd like to stay up to date on what I'm doing you can click on the "follow this site" button and it will send you (I think) an email when I post. I'll also be posting to Facebook, so you can find updates there. I don't know how much I'll be able to post or what my internet situation will be, but I will do my best to keep y'all updated! Please keep me in your prayers as I get ready to go and during my time there. Thanks!
I'll be keeping up with this blog (as much as I can) while I'm in Guatemala. I'll be posting updates, stories, prayer requests, pictures, triumphs and struggles as I go through this new life experience. If you'd like to stay up to date on what I'm doing you can click on the "follow this site" button and it will send you (I think) an email when I post. I'll also be posting to Facebook, so you can find updates there. I don't know how much I'll be able to post or what my internet situation will be, but I will do my best to keep y'all updated! Please keep me in your prayers as I get ready to go and during my time there. Thanks!
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