We said goodbye to the Conexions team this morning at 7, and caught a shuttle home to Panajachel. The rest of the team is still en route to Seattle and then home, with a long day of flights to reflect on the past two weeks. Danaya, Zane, and I are all mildly sick (in Guatemalan terms) today, and it was great to have a quiet day to settle back in, watch the Canucks win tonight, and prepare mentally for the remaining 39 days.
We are sure going to miss our Canadian friends being around for meals, laughs, and adventures with purpose...and in much the same way, in 39 days, we'll miss our Guatemalan friends for the same reasons. Onward! And safe travels for our friends.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Final Day
Today is the last day for the Conexions team, so we've spent much of it in discussions with the team, debriefing and reviewing the past two weeks. For Danaya and me, it's invaluable time to process and see things from the perspective of others. We're sure going to miss having them around. Everyone flies home tomorrow morning, and we return on the bus to Pana.
On a very exciting note, Vicente, our helper from Mayan Families, has hiked up to Tierra Linda the last two days, and conducted class on his own. We are extremely proud of him. We begin our focused training sessions this weekend with Vicente, David, and Joel, our three potential young leaders. With only 40 days left for us, we're going to push hard on the succession process.
On a very exciting note, Vicente, our helper from Mayan Families, has hiked up to Tierra Linda the last two days, and conducted class on his own. We are extremely proud of him. We begin our focused training sessions this weekend with Vicente, David, and Joel, our three potential young leaders. With only 40 days left for us, we're going to push hard on the succession process.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Scholastic Fantastic
Danaya had set up a meeting for us in Guatemala City with Marjorie, the Central American rep for the Scholastic book company. We came up with a number of better book-buying options, including local pickup here! All you teachers and librarians know the value of Scholastic.
Danaya had set up a meeting for us in Guatemala City with Marjorie, the Central American rep for the Scholastic book company. We came up with a number of better book-buying options, including local pickup here! All you teachers and librarians know the value of Scholastic.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Water You Doing?
Ron Martens was napping on a teeter-totter after lunch, when Ali-Zamaan jumped on the other end. The injured Ron hoisted Ali-Zamaan like a coffee sack, and deposited him in the local fountain. Ongoing guerrilla water warfare with Agua Pura bottles continued en route.
Ron Martens was napping on a teeter-totter after lunch, when Ali-Zamaan jumped on the other end. The injured Ron hoisted Ali-Zamaan like a coffee sack, and deposited him in the local fountain. Ongoing guerrilla water warfare with Agua Pura bottles continued en route.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
And A Sack For You
It's a marvel to watch a 115-pound Guatemalan man hoist a 150-pound sack of beans on his shoulder, then carry it down the stairs.
It's a marvel to watch a 115-pound Guatemalan man hoist a 150-pound sack of beans on his shoulder, then carry it down the stairs.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Beans, First-Class
These first-class beans will get sorted and resorted until the quality is 100%. When the shipping inspectors check the final sacks, they will demand perfection. In a 150-pound sack, the US companies allow 4 non-perfect beans, and Japan allows zero.
These first-class beans will get sorted and resorted until the quality is 100%. When the shipping inspectors check the final sacks, they will demand perfection. In a 150-pound sack, the US companies allow 4 non-perfect beans, and Japan allows zero.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Beans, Third-Class
Imperfect berries (and beans) end up in lower-classed coffee. In Brazil, they let the berries shrivel and die, fall off the bushes, and get picked up by vacuum trucks. Those berries are the worst, and so they process those into instant coffee. Think about that with your next cup of Sanka.
Imperfect berries (and beans) end up in lower-classed coffee. In Brazil, they let the berries shrivel and die, fall off the bushes, and get picked up by vacuum trucks. Those berries are the worst, and so they process those into instant coffee. Think about that with your next cup of Sanka.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
The Unimog
Unfortunately, no offroading today. I wish we'd had one of these in my treeplanting days. I bet we would have spent a lot less time pushing vehicles out of mudholes.
Unfortunately, no offroading today. I wish we'd had one of these in my treeplanting days. I bet we would have spent a lot less time pushing vehicles out of mudholes.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Smell This!
Coffee plants have little white flowers, which develop into a red coffee berry, which each hold two beans.
Coffee plants have little white flowers, which develop into a red coffee berry, which each hold two beans.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
El Vivero (The Greenhouse)
The greenhouse is full of these young plants. Since the plantation is 687 acres of coffee (and is one of their four plantations), they need lots of plants.
The greenhouse is full of these young plants. Since the plantation is 687 acres of coffee (and is one of their four plantations), they need lots of plants.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Robusta, Arabica, Or Both
The two types of coffee plants are Arabica and Robusta. Finca Filadelfia takes the Robusta root (more bug-resistant) and grafts on an Arabica top (better-tasting coffee). There are three ladies who tape the grafted plants together, and they each complete 150 plants per hour.
The two types of coffee plants are Arabica and Robusta. Finca Filadelfia takes the Robusta root (more bug-resistant) and grafts on an Arabica top (better-tasting coffee). There are three ladies who tape the grafted plants together, and they each complete 150 plants per hour.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Wood You Like?
Coffee grows best in shade, so you need taller trees above. These trees, however, can also be logged for firewood. The firewood that is cut from this coffee plantation is sold locally, and the wood profits alone are enough to run the plantation.
Coffee grows best in shade, so you need taller trees above. These trees, however, can also be logged for firewood. The firewood that is cut from this coffee plantation is sold locally, and the wood profits alone are enough to run the plantation.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Finca Filadelfia (Filadelfia Estate)
We experienced a great "coffee plantation" tour this morning at Finca Filadelfia. They picked us up in their Unimog, a big army-style truck, which is particularly distinctive in the streets of Antigua.
We experienced a great "coffee plantation" tour this morning at Finca Filadelfia. They picked us up in their Unimog, a big army-style truck, which is particularly distinctive in the streets of Antigua.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Play time at the hotel
Zane had a blast hanging around our beautiful Hotel Aurora today! This is the central courtyard, and all the rooms are around the outside.
Zane had a blast hanging around our beautiful Hotel Aurora today! This is the central courtyard, and all the rooms are around the outside.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Library research
This is Stan and Ron who, along with Dave, visited a lady who helps libraries today. She gave us a few books, and we are welcome to return for more.
Please pray for us tomorrow afternoon. We have an appointment at 4:00 with the Guatemala representative for Scholastic Books in Guatemala City. She said she would be able to help us with getting books, but we don't know exactly how generous "help" means yet. I know that Scholastic is the best and cheapest way to get the best books for school children. We have already spent our budget on books, but we have faith that connecting with the Scholastic rep will still be fruitful.
This is Stan and Ron who, along with Dave, visited a lady who helps libraries today. She gave us a few books, and we are welcome to return for more.
Please pray for us tomorrow afternoon. We have an appointment at 4:00 with the Guatemala representative for Scholastic Books in Guatemala City. She said she would be able to help us with getting books, but we don't know exactly how generous "help" means yet. I know that Scholastic is the best and cheapest way to get the best books for school children. We have already spent our budget on books, but we have faith that connecting with the Scholastic rep will still be fruitful.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Early morning walk
Here you can see the volcano giving out a big puff in the background. Sometimes it is a joy to be up and about so early in the morning (thanks to Zane).
Here you can see the volcano giving out a big puff in the background. Sometimes it is a joy to be up and about so early in the morning (thanks to Zane).
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Play time at the hotel
Since having a late dinner last night, we took it pretty easy at the hotel today. Zane had some great play time in the courtyard.
Since having a late dinner last night, we took it pretty easy at the hotel today. Zane had some great play time in the courtyard.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
The Conexions Team
Here is the complete Conexions team, based in Abbotsford, BC.
Here is the complete Conexions team, based in Abbotsford, BC.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
The Final Dinner
Stan and Grace gave Zane a special little drum, which he loves.
Stan and Grace gave Zane a special little drum, which he loves.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Zane's streetside window
We watched the processional from our hotel window, and Zane thought it was great fun to continue watching the cars. I'm sure he also enjoyed all the attention from the passers-by.
We watched the processional from our hotel window, and Zane thought it was great fun to continue watching the cars. I'm sure he also enjoyed all the attention from the passers-by.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Processional
Just as Zane was starting to relax for his afternoon nap, the processional decided to come down our street, right in front of our hotel window. This is a great shot of the saint on the float that people pay to help carry. You can see the smoky incense. I'm also guessing that this saint is the patron saint of education and hospitality, since those two words were written on the float. A processional also is always accompanied by some sort of band and many followers.
Just as Zane was starting to relax for his afternoon nap, the processional decided to come down our street, right in front of our hotel window. This is a great shot of the saint on the float that people pay to help carry. You can see the smoky incense. I'm also guessing that this saint is the patron saint of education and hospitality, since those two words were written on the float. A processional also is always accompanied by some sort of band and many followers.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Processional
Today is apparently some sort of Saint Peter's day. We're not sure exactly what, what there have been processionals all weekend, with these bomb or cannon shots going off intermittently. This is an alfombra (sawdust carpet) being made in preparation for the processional today.
Today is apparently some sort of Saint Peter's day. We're not sure exactly what, what there have been processionals all weekend, with these bomb or cannon shots going off intermittently. This is an alfombra (sawdust carpet) being made in preparation for the processional today.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Fred Woekel
As we walked through the Herman Pedro hospital area, Dave happened to notice this man's nametag. He is with Faith in Action, who is a group that comes and volunteers medical help. Fred Woekel's name stood out to Dave because there was a "Freddy Woekel" that used to live in Dave's dorms when he was a Resident Director at Trinity Western University. Sure enough, this is Freddy's dad!
As we walked through the Herman Pedro hospital area, Dave happened to notice this man's nametag. He is with Faith in Action, who is a group that comes and volunteers medical help. Fred Woekel's name stood out to Dave because there was a "Freddy Woekel" that used to live in Dave's dorms when he was a Resident Director at Trinity Western University. Sure enough, this is Freddy's dad!
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Morning mass in Antigua
We tried to do a little tour of the market with the group this morning, but apparently everyone was at mass. It was 85% closed.
This particular mass service is part of the Hermano Pedro church and orphanage/hospital that the Conexions team usually volunteers at. You can see some of the people in wheel chairs at the back of the church here.
We tried to do a little tour of the market with the group this morning, but apparently everyone was at mass. It was 85% closed.
This particular mass service is part of the Hermano Pedro church and orphanage/hospital that the Conexions team usually volunteers at. You can see some of the people in wheel chairs at the back of the church here.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Pretty courtyard in Antigua
Here is a typical hotel in Antigua -- a beautiful courtyard, with the rooms around the outside in a square. These types of hotels usually used to be private residences.
Here is a typical hotel in Antigua -- a beautiful courtyard, with the rooms around the outside in a square. These types of hotels usually used to be private residences.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Morning Walk in Antigua
Our new friend Ali-Zaman was craving chicken with Dave at 10:00 this morning. So, thankfully Pollo Campero was nearby.
Our new friend Ali-Zaman was craving chicken with Dave at 10:00 this morning. So, thankfully Pollo Campero was nearby.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Morning walk in Antigua
Nadia has been great with Zane, and wanted to try out the carrier today. Zane had a lovely little nap on her back.
Nadia has been great with Zane, and wanted to try out the carrier today. Zane had a lovely little nap on her back.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Chin Up, Chin Down, Chin Up
Bus gymnastic routines involve significant use of the parallel bars.
Bus gymnastic routines involve significant use of the parallel bars.
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Pepian
The cooks had pepian soup simmering on the stove.
I don't have photos, but we served an ice cream fiesta to the residents as well. For more on that and other adventures of the day, see our Conexions group blog at www.guatemalaconexions.blogspot.com.
The cooks had pepian soup simmering on the stove.
I don't have photos, but we served an ice cream fiesta to the residents as well. For more on that and other adventures of the day, see our Conexions group blog at www.guatemalaconexions.blogspot.com.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Gentle
Many of the residents are very frail, and you wonder how they are going to handle being carried into and out of the bus. But they choose to go (and in fact, are lined up to get on).
Many of the residents are very frail, and you wonder how they are going to handle being carried into and out of the bus. But they choose to go (and in fact, are lined up to get on).
Gracias
For many of the seniors at Casa Maria, this annual chicken bus ride is the only time they leave the home. Casa Maria is one of those patch-it-through operations, a seniors' home built for 13 that now usually houses about 70. Some people are paying customers, and most are just dropped off at the door by families who can no longer care for them.
For many of the seniors at Casa Maria, this annual chicken bus ride is the only time they leave the home. Casa Maria is one of those patch-it-through operations, a seniors' home built for 13 that now usually houses about 70. Some people are paying customers, and most are just dropped off at the door by families who can no longer care for them.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross)
The tourist police are up at the viewpoint, which helps protect us. On the other hand, they prevented us from riding on top of the chicken bus. Safety always has a flip side, we suppose.
The tourist police are up at the viewpoint, which helps protect us. On the other hand, they prevented us from riding on top of the chicken bus. Safety always has a flip side, we suppose.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
La Merced and the Library
The big red building is the Antigua library, and the big yellow building is La Merced, one of the cathedrals.
The big red building is the Antigua library, and the big yellow building is La Merced, one of the cathedrals.
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Antigua and Volcan Agua
The view from the cross above Antigua is still exhilarating, even on a cloudy day.
The view from the cross above Antigua is still exhilarating, even on a cloudy day.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Where Am I?
And who are all these people? Oh well, I'm in a chicken bus, without a car seat. Life is good. Now if I only had a banana.
And who are all these people? Oh well, I'm in a chicken bus, without a car seat. Life is good. Now if I only had a banana.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Un Benedicion (A Prayer)
This lady emphatically demanded that we pray before leaving on the chicken bus ride. We suspect that's a good practice for any ride on a chicken bus, and it should be of comfort as the driver careens around a corner.
This lady emphatically demanded that we pray before leaving on the chicken bus ride. We suspect that's a good practice for any ride on a chicken bus, and it should be of comfort as the driver careens around a corner.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Grandpa's Toque
It was good and hot this morning, but grandpa still had his toque on.
It was good and hot this morning, but grandpa still had his toque on.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Are You Chicken?
Not only can you ride a chicken bus for 3Q, but you can rent one if your group is crazy enough to take a crew of Guatemalan seniors for a ride.
Not only can you ride a chicken bus for 3Q, but you can rent one if your group is crazy enough to take a crew of Guatemalan seniors for a ride.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Early Reflections
Melody taught Zane to journal this morning. His deep thoughts are primarily numbers at this point.
Melody taught Zane to journal this morning. His deep thoughts are primarily numbers at this point.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Antigua
The team arrived in Antigua this afternoon, quite tired from the last few busy days. After settling in and purchasing supplies for tomorrow's chicken bus ride and ice cream fiesta with the seniors from Casa Maria, we are ready for a good rest. More to come tomorrow!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mayan Families
Some of you have asked about Mayan Families, the organization we partner with in Panajachel. In addition to some of the things you've seen on our blog, they work with student sponsorships, water filters, efficient stoves, chicken projects, and many other things. You can read more on their site here.
Go Canucks Go!
Tim brought me a genuine 2009 Canucks fan towel. It's tradition to wave the towel (in a sling motion) during playoff games.
Tim brought me a genuine 2009 Canucks fan towel. It's tradition to wave the towel (in a sling motion) during playoff games.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Martillo (Hammer)
I called Danaya this morning from Tierra Linda, saying that Stan needed a hammer brought along. I then told her it was called a "maleta".
Since she was in the tuc-tuc with Abel, she told him. He said he had one at his house, so they went there. He came back out with a suitcase (a "maleta"). On the second try, he came back out with wooden spoons. On the third try, he came back with a cement trowel. Finally, she drew him a picture, and he came back with a hammer. At this point, he probably wanted to use it on his two illiterate Canadian friends.
And after all that, we didn't need the hammer anyway.
I called Danaya this morning from Tierra Linda, saying that Stan needed a hammer brought along. I then told her it was called a "maleta".
Since she was in the tuc-tuc with Abel, she told him. He said he had one at his house, so they went there. He came back out with a suitcase (a "maleta"). On the second try, he came back out with wooden spoons. On the third try, he came back with a cement trowel. Finally, she drew him a picture, and he came back with a hammer. At this point, he probably wanted to use it on his two illiterate Canadian friends.
And after all that, we didn't need the hammer anyway.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Onions, and Onions, and Onions
The big bush on the top right is bamboo. You'll notice that the families group together to bundle the onions.
The big bush on the top right is bamboo. You'll notice that the families group together to bundle the onions.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
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