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Welcome Home, 8 9

2009-06-09T21:03:00.003-07:00

We arrived home this morning to find this sign on our front door.

It has been an incredible day of readjustments, hellos to family and friends, and acknowledgement that a major chapter in our life is finished. Does it lead to other chapters? We can't pretend to know that now.

It feels so strange to settle back into our little apartment where things are clean, tidy, not brick, and without bugs. How do we reconcile this with the life we've lived for four months? What is our responsibility from here forward? Who are we to be here?

This is our final post, number 1009. You have walked with us on our journey, encouraged us with your comments, and reminded us night after night that we were not alone. When we have cried while writing, you cried while reading. When we have celebrated, you have cheered at home too. You have been "with us" in a depth that we felt so clearly, so far from home. Thank you for praying, believing, supporting, cheering, and living fully.

We don't really know how to "end" a blog like this, since it's really a story of beginnings - for us, for Tierra Linda, and hopefully for you. We're hoping to share some news from Tierra Linda over the next few months, and if you'd like us to include you when we send out an email, drop us a note at davemacd@gmail.com.

Some of you are friends that we may never meet. Our best wishes to you, whoever and wherever you are tonight, and may you follow the call of your crazy dreams too.

Henri Nouwen said that “we are often afraid to enter into the chaos surrounding situations of poverty, and we will remain paralyzed unless we dare to take new risks. If we need to have all our bases covered before we move into action, then nothing exciting ever happens, but if we dare to take a few crazy risks because God asks us to do so, many doors that we didn’t know existed open before us.”

Gracias. Dios te bendigo (God bless you).

Dave, Danaya, Zane, and the future leaders of Tierra Linda

Frequent Flyer, Flight 8989

2009-06-09T21:03:00.001-07:00

Zane was a trooper on our flights yesterday, hanging in there until the very end when we arrived in Seattle. We watched the "Cars" movie many times, drew lots of numbers, and were glad to feel that final approach to the airport.

We had absolutely no problems with travel, customs, flights, or anything. It was a great day.

The Final Morning

2009-06-08T06:48:00.001-07:00

As we pack up the final things into our tuc-tuc bags and head for the airport, it's a sunny morning at Hotel Aurora. The reality of "departing" hasn't hit us yet, of course, but we're conscious of how this chapter in our lives has been life-changing for us, Tierra Linda, and hopefully you as a reader back home. Our journey here is ending, but a new journey in Canada is beginning. Whatever your journey is, we're hoping that you jump off the cliff and get going on it too. We'd do ours all over again in an instant, with no regrets, as crazy as it's been.

Rain Veterans

2009-06-07T15:42:00.003-07:00

We watched a number of soaked tourists walk by our window (as we sat inside, dry, eating ice cream). They kept slogging through the six-inch-deep streets, sopping. Poor indigenous people getting soaked while working: not funny. Rich tourists getting soaked while touring: funny.

These two ladies (in heels) couldn't cross the street river, so they hailed a truck, hopped on the back, and "forded" the river (pun intended).

I Need A Gutter

2009-06-07T15:42:00.001-07:00

We've never been in Antigua during an afternoon downpour. Of course, it makes sense that since there are no gutters, all the water creates rivers in the centres of the streets. The intermittent hail during the rain was a nice touch too.

Equipment

2009-06-07T13:59:00.001-07:00

Some of you have asked specific tech-related questions about what we used to set up the lab in Tierra Linda:

Computers: Mac iBook G4's, purchased through www.macstation.com in Abbotsford. Durable used laptops, with enough power to accomplish any basic computer needs. We installed Firefox and Open Office in Spanish (free), as well as AType Trainer For Mac (also free).

Printer: HP Laserjet 1006. Durable and cost-efficient. www.officedepot.com or multiple resellers.

Internet: TIGO USB modem, purchased at a local shop. It's a Huawei E160, although there are several models available through TIGO. Specific custom-fitted antennas for various USB modems can be purchased through www.panorama-antennas.com, based in England. We connect the TIGO to one laptop, then share the connection to the other computers wirelessly. Basically, the modem computer reverses its wireless card, and uses it as a broadcaster rather than a receiver. www.tigo.com.gt

Keyboard Stickers: www.4-keyboard.com. We used the Spanish ISO layout in the Mac preferences, since it's identical to the Windows Spanish keyboard layout.

Container: Rubbermaid bin from www.londondrugs.com, with total dimensions of 62.7 inches. Cinch strap from www.princessauto.com.

Old Friends

2009-06-06T18:23:00.001-07:00

We took it slow today, enjoying a quiet Saturday for the first time in a long time. Late this afternoon, on the way to El Viejo Cafe, we poked our head into a curious-looking deli...only to find that the cashier was Vilma, who we hadn't seen in several years. Vilma speaks English fluently, and is working on completing her "bachillerato" (high school) part-time. We enjoyed introducing her to Zane. Small world, as usual. She says hello to all the Conexions friends from years ago.

The deli is three doors up the street from El Viejo Cafe, next to Pushkar, a little Indian restaurant that makes an incredible curry. Another good find!

Pollo Campero FunLand

2009-06-06T18:22:00.001-07:00

When we can find a playground, Zane is happy for hours.

Surfing The Road

2009-06-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

We left for Antigua at 4 PM, which is the typical "hour of downpour" these days. The road was an adventure, but we're here safe and sound, in the courtyard at Hotel Aurora. Realizing that Pana is behind us hasn't sunk in yet, nor has the fact that in a few days, we arrive back in Canada and attempt to re-enter our own culture.

Muchas Gracias

2009-06-05T20:01:00.001-07:00

Without Candelaria's patient coaching and correcting, we'd never have been ready or able to progress as we have. We're sad to say goodbye to her too.

In The Calzone

2009-06-05T19:59:00.001-07:00

Adele made calzones for us today, as a final send-off lunch on the rooftop. We're sure going to miss seeing them regularly, and their friendship has been a special part. Couldn't have done it without them.

The Last Tuc-Tuc

2009-06-05T19:58:00.003-07:00

Gael (Abel's son) was along for the final ride with Abel today. Zane is going to miss his tuc-tuc a lot.

A Stitch In Time

2009-06-05T19:58:00.001-07:00

Abel finished up the final projects for us last night (bags, purses, and a coffee-sack tablecloth) in the nick of time. We're bringing a lot of his handiwork home.

The Grand Opening!

2009-06-05T19:57:00.003-07:00

The major Pana event this week is the opening of the new "Depensa Familiar" grocery store. It's a chain (supposedly owned by Wal-Mart), and the prices and organization are light years ahead of anything else in town. It will really shake up the local stores, and the people are excited.

Hitchhiking In Boats

2009-06-05T19:57:00.001-07:00

We caught a ride with the hotel's cargo boat on the way home.

Goodbye Atitlan

2009-06-05T19:56:00.001-07:00

It was a spectacular, clear, silent final morning on Lake Atitlan.

Fire and Water

2009-06-05T19:54:00.001-07:00

Casa Del Mundo has a wood-fired hot tub, which means it actually has a woodstove submerged in the tub. Don't try this at home, kids (unless you're at our home, in which case you're welcome to).

Tuc-Tuc Jenga

2009-06-04T16:16:00.001-07:00

I roasted and bagged our coffee with Mike early this morning, we finished packing, said goodbye to Rosa, then to Rosy and Bill, and headed to Casa Del Mundo for the night. The skies are clearing over the volcano, and we may have a sunset.

It's hard to say goodbyes, one after another. We'll have a final lunch with Mike and Adele tomorrow, then say goodbye to Panajachel and head for Antigua. It seems like yesterday that we were arriving, clueless and Spanishless, not knowing how to do anything. And yet somehow this whole journey has been blessed with help, supporters, new friendships, open doors, and success.

And again today, Vicente from Mayan Families continued to run computer classes in Tierra Linda, where there are computers and possibilities, children learning, and a community excited. We're sad to go, but we feel a great sense of satisfaction.

We're remembering today how Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings said to Frodo: "all you have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to you."

And It Begins

2009-06-03T18:47:00.005-07:00

In a matter of minutes, the river changes from a 6-foot-wide trickle to a torrent. The excavator was parked forty feet from the edge this morning.

The Floods

2009-06-03T18:47:00.003-07:00

The little fold-up rain ponchos would always be good things to bring along, as you can see. Very few people have raincoats, and most use pieces of plastic.

The Floods

2009-06-03T18:47:00.001-07:00

It was a grand thunderstorm this afternoon, and the main streets were filled with six inches of river. It was raining too hard to get better photos.

Goodbyes

2009-06-03T18:46:00.005-07:00

We stopped by the market to say goodbye to Santa, Joel, Rodolfo, and the family this afternoon. They gave us a tipico bag to remember them. We'll sure miss them.

At Long Last

2009-06-03T18:46:00.003-07:00

Conexions partners with Dr. Juan Pablo in Panajachel, and we've been working hard to find and deliver a new part for his ultrasound machine. It's a joint project with him, and we shared part of the cost. We finally got it delivered to him today, after several weeks of effort. He looked like a kid on Christmas morning.

Leonard

2009-06-03T18:46:00.001-07:00

Leonard the Lajartija (salamander) lives in one of the plants in our house, except when he emerges to use the internet.

Carpenter Ants

2009-06-03T18:45:00.003-07:00

We kill a small flock of flying ants every day in our house, and apparently one escaped, laid eggs, and they hatched...into carpenter ants! Zane led our stomping defenses, and we conquered them all. Casualties: 120 (them), zero (us).

Tuc-Tuc Bags

2009-06-03T18:45:00.001-07:00

We arrived with our stuff packed in Rubbermaid bins, four months ago. We are leaving the bins as storage for the computers and printer, so we need something for our return flights. Abel sewed us an indestructible bag, made of the same waterproof fabric that he uses for tuc-tuc curtains. It's double-stitched, reinforced, and double-layered on the bottom and ends. He's been furiously sewing up four more for us, and since we're packing up today, it's good timing. They are made to the maximum allowable dimensions on Continental flights.

VIDEO: The Future

2009-06-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Greg was showing me the school website, and explaining what the graduates are now doing. The people are so proud to say that their children are learning, and the graduates now have "choices" for "futures". A village that reads, succeeds.

Greg

2009-06-02T15:33:00.003-07:00

The stories that Greg has experienced here cannot be recounted, but they have made a real difference for these people.

New Team

2009-06-02T15:33:00.001-07:00

Ludine brought in a new team from Kansas City, ready to help with construction.

Safe Arrivals

2009-06-02T15:32:00.005-07:00

The weather was clear again, and the plane was able to land.

Zane's Bridge

2009-06-02T15:32:00.003-07:00

Zane insisted that we walk over this bridge, time after time.

Sad To Go

2009-06-02T15:32:00.001-07:00

While we've only known Greg and Helaine for a few days, we're sad to say goodbye.

Soccer Practice

2009-06-02T15:30:00.003-07:00

Soccer is always slightly harder in rubber boots.

Progress

2009-06-02T15:30:00.001-07:00

On Monday morning, the students helped boost the trusses for a new roof over the basketball court.

Tiny Contributions

2009-06-02T15:25:00.003-07:00

We brought a couple of books for the library, as a small contribution. This one's by Don Soderquist, our friend from Arkansas, and the other is The Shack, both in Spanish.

Harmless

2009-06-02T15:25:00.001-07:00

This is a common spider in the outhouses, and it's harmless. The "horse-killer" spiders, however, are apparently bigger than a man's hand, and will kill a horse with a single bite.

Ant Trails

2009-06-02T15:24:00.001-07:00

This looks like a trail, and it is. It's an "ant trail", however, made by marching ants going back and forth, wearing down the grass. You don't want to step in their way.

Learning

2009-06-02T15:23:00.001-07:00

Danaya showed Helaine her early-reading system, which Zane loves, and Helaine is thrilled to try it with her girls.

Solar Panels

2009-06-02T15:12:00.007-07:00

The panels move with the sun's movements, maximizing the amount of energy they can absorb. When they have a string of cloudy days, however, power gets scarce.

Solar Power

2009-06-02T15:12:00.005-07:00

There is no electricity to the village, so everything is done on solar or gas. The computer lab in the school is run entirely on solar panels, which charge these 21 car batteries. The complexity of minimizing power usage is mind-boggling.

There is minimal cell coverage (with an antenna) as well. It's one of the most remote parts of Guatemala.

Chickens!

2009-06-02T15:12:00.003-07:00

Greg started a very efficient chicken project, operated by the students of the school. They sell the eggs in the market, and are at break-even after 2 months of operation. As they add hens, this has the potential to employ locals, subsidize the school, and bring nutrition to the village.

Good Morning

2009-06-02T15:12:00.001-07:00

This was the community's celebration weekend, honouring 11 years since they arrived in the village. Families were given a few pieces of tin, a bit of food, and left to fend for themselves. They have built the village from scratch.

We went to bed, but the celebration, ironically, continued with loud accordion music, fireworks, and honking...until 6 AM. Not the most restful night!

Traveling Light

2009-06-02T15:11:00.001-07:00

The three of us shared a small backpack for the weekend, so Danaya rinsed out clothes.

Bug Nets

2009-06-02T15:10:00.001-07:00

Everyone sleeps under bug nets in San Antonio. There's no malaria concern, but the houses are just frames with tin roofs, so bugs and critters come and go at will. The best stories are of frog season, when the nets prevent frogs from landing on your face at night.

Refreshing

2009-06-02T15:08:00.001-07:00

Greg (in the hat) was running around, and didn't have time for a swim. Karen, a new friend from Kansas City, is on the right. She and her family are helping out at the school for a few weeks.

A Cold Tub

2009-06-02T15:07:00.001-07:00

We had a great swim in the river to cool off. It is incredibly hot there.

A Village Which Reads, Progresses

2009-06-02T15:01:00.003-07:00

Read Fifteen Minutes Each Day

2009-06-02T15:01:00.001-07:00

Resources

2009-06-02T15:00:00.003-07:00

Puzzles in jars, multiplication games, and chess are very popular. Chess tournaments are a highlight here.

Class Set

2009-06-02T15:00:00.001-07:00

Somebody delivered a set of "George and Martha" books by Frank Marshall, enough for a class.

Generosity

2009-06-02T14:59:00.003-07:00

Their library has started much like the Tierra Linda library, with a few books, and people caught the vision. More books continue to trickle in. They have an incredible reading program, and the students are required to read a certain number of books each month.

The Library

2009-06-02T14:59:00.001-07:00

A rough translation is "if you can change your thinking, you can change your destiny".

Success

2009-06-02T14:53:00.001-07:00

Greg and Helaine Walton have been working in this village for nine years, developing and leading a high school. The villagers have been settled here eleven years ago by the government, who gave them land in the middle of nowhere, after the war. Some of them had been hiding in the jungle for years, surviving on plants. Now their kids are going to college.

Safe and Sound

2009-06-02T14:52:00.001-07:00

Greg met us with his Land Rover at the airstrip. He has a snorkel on it, which he uses to cross flooded roads in rainy season. In case you're not sure what that means, he is able to completely submerge the truck, and drive through a 7-foot-deep river.

VIDEO: Pinpoint Landing

2009-06-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

The airstrip is rough, grassy, and 400 yards long, one of the shortest in Guatemala. Ludine used about 200 yards to bring us to a gentle stop. He is an amazing pilot.

Ludine

2009-06-02T14:47:00.003-07:00

Ludine has been flying for MAF for 27 years. Carving through the clouds and peaks, he made it a smooth flight.

Valley After Valley

2009-06-02T14:43:00.003-07:00

Most of the flight passed over exactly this scene, over and over. Tiny tin-roof settlements, linked by dirt roads, surrounded by fields and forest, endless hours from a larger town.

Patchwork Quilt

2009-06-02T14:43:00.001-07:00

The fields atop the mountainsides are incredible. But then you remember that there are no roads, which means people hike these mountains to tend their fields.

Twinkle In Your Eye

2009-06-02T14:42:00.001-07:00

I have many good memories at the airport with my Opa, who had a Piper Cherokee while I was young.

First Flights

2009-06-02T14:38:00.001-07:00

This was the first small-plane flight for both Danaya and Zane. We were packed in with five adults, three kids, and a stack of cargo. It's a 45-minute flight into the village, or a 12-hour ride over bush roads.

Packing Up

2009-06-02T14:37:00.005-07:00

We got the green light when we had clear skies, since the valley is often too cloudy for landings.

Mini-Hangars

2009-06-02T14:37:00.003-07:00

Zane found his own mini-hangar.

The Back Forty

2009-06-02T14:37:00.001-07:00

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) had a map on their hangar wall. Each of the red boxes is an airstrip in the northern Guatemalan jungle. Our airstrip was about where you see the number 8.

Choo Choo

2009-06-02T14:31:00.005-07:00

We had both Zane and Gigi for a few hours while Helaine picked up supplies, so we found a train in the mall. It's weird to spend time in a mall in Guatemala, but the kids had a riot.

Car Seats?

2009-06-02T14:31:00.003-07:00

We rode to the city with Helaine, our friend from up north, and her daughters. Gigi, 4, loved sitting in the back seat. So much for car seats.

Counting Coffee

2009-06-02T14:30:00.001-07:00

Adele and Zane were counting coffee beans. One, two, three, four...

Touchdown, Just In Time

2009-06-01T17:30:00.001-07:00

We arrived back in Guatemala City this afternoon, just ahead of the rain, which started five seconds before we touched down on the runway. We'll post pics tomorrow of the incredible weekend, but we are back, safe and sound.

San Antonio Nueva Esperanza

2009-05-30T13:30:00.001-07:00

We arrived in this morning on a small 6-seater Cessna, touching down on the 400-yard dirt airstrip, one of the shortest in Guatemala. Ludine, the pilot, started flying the year I was born (1976). He's been flying for Mission Aviation Fellowship since 1982, and he is amazing. Carving between clouds and mountaintops, we watched valley after valley with patchwork fields climbing impossible hillsides, then saw this small village appear with a miniscule strip of dirt for landing.

Greg and Helaine Walton have been here for 9 years, building and leading a school for refugees who arrived after the war. We'll post pictures later, because the connection is slow. But we're here safe and sound, and it is incredible.

On Top Of The World

2009-05-28T18:42:00.003-07:00

Six months ago, we had talked late one night about "what's next" for us, and I had floated this crazy dream with Danaya. The following Thursday morning, I dropped into Stan's office, and said "I've got a crazy idea". After I explained it, he told me that Sharon had called thirty minutes earlier, saying that Tierra Linda would love computers and a teacher for a few months. Four days later, we were a go. Soon after, we had a website up. Two months later, we were on a plane to Guatemala.

Six months later, we are on top of the world, amazed at how the impassable doors have opened, one by one, step by step, against all odds. Friends believed in the dream, gave generously, and encouraged us. Colleagues helped us continue job responsibilities. Family supported, visited, called, emailed.

Now there is a village with a computer lab, the knowledge to run it, and the eagerness to keep learning. More importantly, they know that people in other countries believe that their kids "can too".

As I told fifth-grader Gamaliel Rene this afternoon on the walk down, maybe twenty years from now he'll be in another village in another country, teaching computers.

Thank you all for walking with us. We have a few days left, but you were on the mountaintop today too.

Home...?

2009-05-28T18:42:00.001-07:00

Far across the valley, you can see the little peaked roof of our house, as we begin the trek home.

We believe that wherever Danaya, Zane, and I are making a difference, that's home. Pinpointing that "place" gets harder, so we're going to stop trying.

The Last Look Back

2009-05-28T18:41:00.001-07:00

When I was little, our family would plant our big garden together. It was hard, sweaty work, and when you finished, you wanted to head straight to the house.

My dad taught us to stop at the edge of the garden, look back on the planted rows, and think about hope. Imagine what will grow, and give thanks for the rain and the miracle of new life. And most importantly, remember that you are only the sower, not the creator.

Our planted rows today are beautiful in our eyes.

Goodbye Preschoolers

2009-05-28T18:40:00.003-07:00

Look Ahead

2009-05-28T18:40:00.001-07:00

What if the future could hold the same opportunities for all three?

Why not?

Not So Different

2009-05-28T18:39:00.005-07:00

In the innocence of childhood, none of these kids knows about the words "opportunity" and "colour" and "poverty". They just eat together, play together, sing together, and get muddy together.

One of our goals, four months ago, was that Zane would grow up seeing "brothers", not "others". We believe that happens when we just live life with them.

Perpetual Puzzles

2009-05-28T18:39:00.003-07:00

Our computer class girls learned how to send emails, and when their group switched out, they got right into their primary hobby.

Sing With Me

2009-05-28T18:39:00.001-07:00

Choir Practice

2009-05-28T18:38:00.003-07:00

Closure for Danaya needed a good singing time with the preschoolers. We've been sick with colds and coughs since we started with them, but we will sure miss them.

Junior Librarian

2009-05-28T18:38:00.001-07:00

There's a lot of space left...for the ones that you're going to bring.

Sistema De Organizacion

2009-05-28T18:37:00.005-07:00

Danaya finished the organizational system this morning, with a big poster to explain how to reshelve books. If you're bringing more books, you also know how to fit them into the system easily.

There is a yellow plastic package inside the shelves, containing stickers, tape, a stamp pad, and instructions for how to add books that you bring.

Francesca and Florinda

2009-05-28T18:37:00.003-07:00

Florinda sewed and gave a tipico cloth to Danaya this morning, and told her it was for wrapping her tortillas. Both Francesca and Florinda were crying this morning as we left, as were the teachers we've worked with. The ladies use them as shade cloths on their heads when they are outside.

Joint Effort

2009-05-28T18:37:00.001-07:00

All the students carried all the chairs back to the community centre this morning.

The Final Flete

2009-05-28T18:36:00.005-07:00

We made it to the final flete with a few minutes to spare today. In all the hikes, we have never missed it, and never been more than five minutes early. As we ride up for the few minutes, we're chatting with different friends and families, just commuting together. We met Julio's wife Angelina today on the flete.

Walk With Me

2009-05-28T18:36:00.003-07:00

We walk the path with people who walk where their ancestors have walked for centuries, and who have opened their lives and families to us for a brief moment. We will miss Julio, Santo, and Santa dearly, but their words are "return soon" and "thank you for helping our children".

The Final Steps

2009-05-28T18:36:00.001-07:00

Today was our final climb up to Tierra Linda, for our last day of classes. The trail has been a love-hate relationship for us, because it is such an exhausting additional challenge to add into the days. On the other hand, it's been an incredible connection with the people, and has helped us walk a few steps in their shoes.

There are no words to describe how it feels to walk the path for the last time, weary but fulfilled, joyful but sad, saying goodbye to friends along the journey.

Maria

2009-05-28T18:34:00.001-07:00

This is Maria and Alfredo, the wife and son of David, who's been learning computers from us. She was walking down the hill this morning to sell radishes in the market.

A House of Hope

2009-05-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

David, 24, who's been learning computers with us, works with his dad Julio, goes to school, and goes to typing class. In his spare time, he is building a house for his wife and son. This is the whole house. He was building the stove when we stopped by today.

I remember the rickety pioneer cabins on the prairies, and wonder how strong they were when they carved out their lives, decades before we came along as grandchildren.

Not Exactly Picket Fences

2009-05-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

We met some new friends tonight, who are friends of Mike and Adele's. They run a very successful school in possibly the most remote area of Guatemala, and have been there for nine years. They have only solar power, and the village is made up of replanted refugees. The government sent them there after the war for resettlement, because nobody else would ever want the land. We're going to fly with an MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) Cessna into their valley on Friday morning for the weekend. When opportunity knocks...

We'll hope to blog from there (solar-powered computers and satellite internet).

You can see where we're going by clicking here:

The Roads We Choose

2009-05-27T19:14:00.003-07:00

In so many ways, we don't see the end of our roads when we start that first step. We trudge uphill in the mud, one step at a time, and at some point, you hope to see the vista. It has been a hard journey on many levels, but we would do it all over again.

"Vale la pena" (it's worth it).

Gracias

2009-05-27T19:14:00.001-07:00

Estulio's aunt Maria wanted us to pass on a special thanks to our friends back home. In her words, "thank you for helping my grandchildren learn".

Francesca

2009-05-27T19:13:00.005-07:00

Francesca's first week of teaching the preschool was the week that the Conexions team arrived, so Danaya has been working with her since the beginning. It's been a special team atmosphere with Francesca and Florinda each morning, and it's hard to leave them.

Family

2009-05-27T19:13:00.003-07:00

We are going to miss Estulio and Florinda.

Look Into My Eyes

2009-05-27T19:13:00.001-07:00

No Fear

2009-05-27T19:12:00.005-07:00

Preschoolers

2009-05-27T19:12:00.003-07:00

Francesca had been teaching the preschoolers to dance last week, and they performed so well.

Poems?

2009-05-27T19:12:00.001-07:00

The older boys recited a poem, stanza by stanza, together.

Musical Chairs

2009-05-27T19:11:00.005-07:00

Yes, for prizes. They took it seriously.

Look Closely

2009-05-27T19:11:00.003-07:00

Are those real instruments? Nope, just an airband.

Sacked Out

2009-05-27T19:11:00.001-07:00

Once the program stretched into the fifth hour, Zane sacked out for a bit.

Tipico Dancing

2009-05-27T19:10:00.005-07:00

The classes all did dancing or singing presentations for their parents. This one had full fireworks going off (under the feet of the dancers).

Mati'ox (Thanks in Kakchiquel)

2009-05-27T19:10:00.003-07:00

Mati'ox chiwa ru ma xka ta maj i wach.
(Thank you for your friendship).

Ma yix ka mestajta.
(We won't forget you).

Yix je pa kom.
(We will carry you in our hearts).