the joy of education and parasitic creatures

This past week has been crazy busy. Let me start by explaining a typical day in the life of laura:

7:05 alarm clock goes off

7:10 still in bed

7:14 jumping out of bed, rush to put on clothes and run downstairs

7:15 breakfast with the other housemates

7:30 done with breakfast and grab things to leave for school

7:40 walk to school….which I actually know how to get to now!

7:55 meet in the library, group prayer and announcements before school starts

8-12 class with Guillermo

            A coffee and sweet bread break 10-10:30

1:00 lunch with housemates

Free time for homework, visiting the market, interviewing people, internet access, rest

6:00 supper with housemates

Free time for all the above mentioned activities

10:00 curfew

Also included, is every Tuesday we have a group Bible study from 4-5:30

While this schedule is all fine and dandy for when we have classes….last week the University decided we needed some more education time.

Well, not necessarily so….but last week we were graced with the presence of Dr. Zalanga, a professor at Bethel. All of the students in the group are taking a class of his during our time here. He was here for one week to give us our lectures for the entire semester. We are taking a class on Economic Development with a focus on the development of 3 world countries, not only Guate, but around the world. Although, it does make learning so much more interesting when we can see examples and compare situations to the country we are directly living in. Because of this class, I am seeing the impact that many actions the USA has had on the economies of other countries, and as a consequence the lives of the people living there, especially the poor. I am struggling in understanding my role in this situation…now that I know of all the inequality, what’s my role in changing it? How can I impact this for the good? What is the answer to all the poverty, malnutrition, homelessness and illiteracy caused by some of these decisions?

Dr. Zalanga is one of the smartest people I know, and the great thing is he doesn’t make me feel stupid. Everything he explains, makes complete sense. And while I have never exhibited a burning desire for economics, I found myself at the edge of my seat during his lectures.

(Random thought: I would love to invade his library and documentary collection.)

Although, no matter how awesome someone makes a class, being able to see the sun outside makes sitting for that long a bit rough.

Also, one thing that made it a bit rough was that this past week I was sick. (for your benefit I will not go into details) On and off stomach issues…my program coordinator thought I may have a parasite. Fortunately I am feeling better, so hopefully I am in the clear from that. I would not enjoy a parasite. Eww. Gross.

So….add to the schedule before: class from 3-5:30. And add 6 hours of class all day Saturday, we only got a break for lunch.

All I have to say to that is….

Thank goodness I enjoy learning.

what's your prey?

Ok, so the last blog I promised that I would write about our excursion to Guatemala City that happened the 12^th of February. I apologize that I am so far behind….and I am not going to tell you all of what happened, but this particular event that has stuck with me. As much as I may, or may not want to shake it.

Our group traveled to Guatemala City. It is here that I saw the two ends of a spectrum.

Our first stop was the cemetery, where there were literally mini churches built for their dead. Not going to lie, this was actually a super sweet/eerie set up. It was almost like we were on a movie set where Godzilla was going to come and destroy the city. I kept expecting him to jump out from a corner on cue, and people to run from the “buildings” screaming. But, again…this isn’t the focus of the trip.

We are walking toward the back of the cemetery….and I notice a large black bird that flies above my head…crow maybe? I think nothing of it.

I lag behind taking pictures of various things throughout the cemetery. I didn’t notice that my group had reached their destination. I turned the corner to catch up with them and noticed more of those large black birds, at least 30, all standing on and around the tombs.

They aren’t crows.

They are vultures.

I don’t think I have ever had such an eerie chill pass through my spine.

I made my way around them, giving them the largest arc I could to join my group. The beady eyes of the vultures following me the entire time. So creepy. Just the fact that these guys prey on dead things flashes a warning signal in my head.

I make my way to the group and notice how quiet they are. They are all looking down into the valley below us….it is here that I found a scene that broke my heart. I think my heart literally stopped beating. I stopped dead in my tracks.

In the valley is the city dump…where people were scavenging for food, things to wear/sell/live with. There is a lot of poverty in Guatemala….and then there are these people. This dump is where the poorest of the poor scavenge for a means to live. It is one of the only places where the uneducated and poor can go to find work. It is also one of the most dangerous.

This isn’t the end….

Circling above them were hundreds and hundreds of the large black vultures. The harsh reality is that while these people are scavenging…they themselves are the prey.

Hundreds……and hundreds.

Sides of the mountain were a solid black color, trees and land could not be seen…it was covered with these birds.

Deaths occur at the dump on a frequent basis. The towers of trash are very unstable, and many people are buried alive. It may take up to a week to dig anyone out…and by then it is no use.

Not only is the trash dangerous for the workers, but the families actually live right next to the dump. My teacher Guillermo was telling me today of how sometimes the trash buries the people in their “homes”…if you can even call where they live a home. Not only is the trash dangerous, but the fumes and pollutants are causing many health issues for the children and families.

Right after this experience, we were rushed off to a mall, Mira Flores. Everyone was kind of in shock in the bus….for the 10 minute ride. Here is where we saw the richest people of Guatemala. Literally, some of these kids were wearing stuff worth more than a year’s tuition at Bethel. Our guide gave us each 10Q to buy a can of pop. We were told to sit down and drink it. While we drank it, we were supposed to imagine the hands that would next be digging through the trash to find that can. Risking their lives for it….it was hard to imagine. I just couldn’t shake the image of those vultures from my mind.

I still can’t.

antigua...a new (old) town.

wow, so here I am realizing that I haven’t written in weeks. It feels like I am in a completely different world.

Before you question that, yes I know I am in Guatemala. But as of two weeks ago, I am living in a different town that is a whole new experience from my life in Magdalena. The Sunday before we started school, my compes (our term for roomie) and I moved into a large home in Antigua. What a beautiful place, but I will give more details a little later. The housing situation is a little different here, because having students is more like a business in this touristy town. In fact, there were a total of 9 students living in my house. Not only am I living in a completely different culture, but I am being exposed to cultures all around the world. OK, so here’s the dirt on my fellow housemates:

1.      Genevieve- 30s, Canada

2.      Johannes- 60/70s, Holland

3.      Jimmy- 30s, South Korea

4.      Sonya- 26, South Korea

5.      Emilio- 30s, Turkey

6.      David- 30s, England

7.      me

8.      Sydney (roomie from Bethel)

9.      Becky (program coordinator)

However, since moving in we have lost numbers 1 &5, who were replaced by two Denmarkians (julia & benjamin). Needless to say it is always an eclectic group at the dinner table and gets quite entertaining with the varying languages and lack of Spanish abilities.

I miss my family in Magdalena very much. Since Mario and Ingrid work with SI, I luckily got to see them once in passing while they were in town for a meeting. It was wonderful to see them again, even though it reminded me of the family I was missing. It just makes me excited for when I am done with school and move back to Magdalena for the last 3 weeks of my time here.

Now for school. Not as bad as I thought it would be. I was blessed with this super cute little Guatemalan teacher named Guillermo. If you want an accurate mental image, picture Robin Williams, except short and extremely tan. Guillermo is hilarious and knows everything about everything. No joke. We talk politics, history, current issues, life….and I am learning! It is probably the best way to learn by far. I have school four hours a day 8-12. The time flies, and while I don’t enjoy the homework associated with the class, I do enjoy the actual learning/school aspect. Our teachers basically have free reign to take us on “field trips” to the market or places they think would be educational. Also, Guillermo really enjoys coffee, so we get two coffee breaks throughout the day. I may have a problem come summer, I used to only enjoy the smell of coffee, or coffee with ½ creamer and ½ sugar…..i am now a 3 cup/day girl. Haha oh well, at least the coffee here is better for you than in the states.

On Monday, Dr. Zalanga (a professor from Bethel) is starting an intense week of classes for us because he is in the country to give us our lectures. I am not as excited for this…but I guess what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Antigua is a beautiful place. Basically it is a 10x10 square block of streets…which unfortunately makes every street look the same. (quite unfortunate for those less directionally inclined…but I am managing.) It is situated in a valley, surrounded by 3 volcanoes which makes for an absolute beautiful view no matter which direction you are walking. Yes, one of the volcanoes is active. I only know this because I was walking home for supper and saw one erupting. I guess you can only get that kind of view while abroad. The city is so vibrant with color, the buildings come in every variety, and the market is quite a splendor for your eyes to take in.

I am trying to build some friendships at the market, which has been quite fun when bartering with the merchants, however….it is hard to know that most are trying to scam you. While I want to believe the best in people, I am beginning to develop a discerning eye. It is fun to get to know the people and talk to them….i hope to develop some lasting friendships while here.

Since being in Antigua, we have gone on one excursion….but I will have to write about that at a later time since I have written so much already, and I have some economics to read (I guess if we’re being honest, I am going to skim it.)

Alrighty….ta ta for now. Besos for everyone.

I do miss you.

Laura.

Chicken Buses: the ride of your life

aye aye aye......i don't know where to begin with the chicken bus experience. well, i guess i'll give it a go.

so, the public buses here in guatemala are an extremely interesting experience to have. lucky for me, i get to ride in one every day when living in Magdalena because my work site is in antigua...approximately a 40 minute bus ride away. however, the drivers will drive as slow or fast as they would like.

the buses makeup is extremely similar to school buses in the states, and actually...most have school names written on the side covered poorly with other paint. however, they are decorated to the max. there is every random cartoon character possible plastered on the inside, tacky flowers hanging from the mirrors and wild paint designs on the outside. photos do not do them justice.

Not only are they colorfully loud, they are also loud on the inside. Most are blaring music and are stacked full of people talking. The drivers are constantly honking the horn to alert the city to its presence and the emergency buzzer is going off as people exit and enter in the back door....while the bus is moving mind you. The bus rarely stops....if only one person has to board the bus at a stop...they just get their foot in the door and the bus is already driving away.They also are occasionally full of vendors who walk up and down the aisle trying to sell their products, while yelling over the noise. I almost always see someone sleeping during the trip, and I have absolutely no idea how this is possible.The coolest bus i was in was blaring techno music....super super fun.

Ok, now you may be wondering why they call them "chicken buses." Well, it is because they are packed full of people, like chickens get packed, literally. Bear with me on this analogy. Each seat is supposed to hold 6 "cheeks." While this is all good and dandy for you to get to know your seat buddies, it is not very plausible. Only 5 "cheeks" can fit on the seat so one is in the aisle. This goes for every seat. So, there are technically two "cheeks" hanging in the aisle. Now, the aisle is about the width of two "cheeks" so it works out quite marvelously. however, somehow the guatemalans manage to squeeze 30-40 more people within the aisles. I believe its impossible. Even when people try to squeez through the aisles to find an open spot where they can place their "cheek" you are basically tossed into the laps of your neighbors as they pass. There is also the helper guy who helps the bus driver back up when he needs to and also pushes his way through the aisle to collect everyones money. This is the best way I could find to explain this phenomena....so i am sorry if it doesn't make any sense.

they are pretty cheap to ride, most costing only 4 quetzales a ride...which is equivalent to about 50 cents in the US. However, the price does depend on the length of the trip.

When we go down the mountain it is a little sickening because the driver literally has to slam on the brakes every few seconds to make sure the bus doesn't pick up too much speed and go careening over the edge. while it makes me sick, i am grateful that he is taking precautions so i don't die. When you are going up the mountain however, it is the exact opposite. The drivers take the turns so fast that literally there are times when both "cheeks" (to use my analogy from earlier) are off the bus seat and the only thing keeping you from flying across the bus is holding onto the handles they installed on top of each seat. let me tell you, you get to know your neighbors. it reminds me of merry-go-rounds at parks where you spin around so fast that your feet fly off the edge....except this time its your "cheeks."

all in all, it is a great experience....one that i am grateful to have. i do believe that school buses in the states will never be quite the same............................

Guatemala: Un pais de amor

i have never seen so much love exist in the hearts of a people. it is absolutely awesome. i know of the typical "minnesota nice" but here in guatemala its "we all love and respect each other guatemala." ok, after rereading that, it doesn't make sense....but whatever. I absolutely love walking down the street and greeting "good morning, afternoon or evening" to every person i meet. When you enter a room you always ask "con permiso?" and when leaving you are always left with at least 3 of the following: "may God bless you, thank you, have a good rest, and what a great meal." There is so much respect and love in this country, in the hearts of its people.

Take Mama Ingrid for example. She is my host mom and a wonderful woman. She can talk for hours (literally) entertaining us with stories of her adventures. It is absolutely hilarious to listen too...she has the memory of an elephant. But the most touching is how she has opened up her home, heart and familiy to us. She has not failed to mention multiple times what a blessing it is having us in her house, how she prays for each and every one of her Bethel students and how they will always have a place in her heart. There is a peace about her that makes you feel at home, which she says is open to us whenever we shall please. "Aqui las puertas estan abiertas." This woman also helped found Students International, she is a wonderful wonderful servant of God.

Also, Nineth is my site leader. This woman has one of the largest hearts I know. Everyday she works as a volunteer at the hospital, Hermano Pedro. This woman knows every single patient, doctor and nurse by name....and spreads God's love to every single one of them. It is amazing to see. She has such a good reputation at the hospital that when me and the other Bethel students went to the office to complete our volunteer paperwork and get our IDs, the head hauncho of the office told the lady doing our paperwork that we have full access to ANY area of the hospital....all other volunteers are limited to one section. It is so good to see how great God's love is when it comes to working miracles.

Which brings me to the hospital....what an emotional experience, but i guess i was warned. Many of the patients there have mental or physical disabilities, most both. Some have family that come and visit but the majority were abandoned when they were little. This hospital has separate sections for grandpas, grandmas, ladies, men, girls, boys and babies. Some have been in the hospital for 20 years. The hospital is actually inside a church that is so large it stretches for one block x one block. There are monks that live on the second floor....that's an experience I don't see very often.

So far, I have not worked very much in the hospital. The first day, we had a tour and then got to help the nurses with lunch. I fed Carlitos.....I don't know wear more food ended up, in his mouth or around it. It is messy business feeding kids, but I hope I'll get better. What I have been doing lately is making decorations and nametags to go on the walls of the room for the ladies. Otherwise the walls are bare and it is very gloomy. Now it will be more like a home for them. I am excited to see their faces when they see their new disney princess decorations and all the brillantina (glitter) we have been using for them. However, it makes me want to watch the disney movies really bad.

Wow, I have written a lot. I am sorry for all of those who actually read all the way through this....I can only imagine you are sick of all the details. Well, I will just have to write more often....because like I tell Greta "We are going to want to remember this in 5 years!!" so we are taking pictures of everything. Next time I shall write of the chicken buses....now that's an interesting experience........ :)


Besos para todos,
Laura

ecological hike

Como se dice "calves of steel?"

well, that's what i am going to have at the end of this trip. My house is located towards the top of the hill, and i thought that was bad enough. But, today we hiked a mountain for over an hour. Normally, they wait a week until they bring people there so we can adjust to the altitude of Guatemala. Nope, not for us. We went right at it.....and it was tough. Because of that, I am exhausted. I start at my ministry site tomorrow, so then I'll have some free time. Hopefully then I can update about today and tomorrow....or I might nap. We'll see.

I am nervous about the sites though. I have been told that Hermano Pedro is one of the most difficult to work at emotionally. However, I hope to learn from the people of Guatemala....not be their superman to save the day, but instead I have this feeling that they'll save me. I am going to learn so much from them, that in the end all the emotions are going to be worth it.

Pues, necesito dormir.
Con amor,
Laura

Ahora Vivo en Guatemala

Hola!!

So, today has been the longest day. hopefully my post doesn't get to  be as long. it started with being at the airport at 3:45am, flying to Miami, and then connecting to Guatemala City.

Once I arrived in the city, reality had not sunken in. Here I had landed in the place I am going to call my home for 3.5 months and I was trying to convince myself it was my reality!

The flights went without a hitch, so that was a blessing. On the flight to Guatemala, I sat next to a gentleman in his late 30s-young 40s who did not know any English....and yet he would not stop talking. I guess this was a good thing. He couldn't believe that I didn't have a boyfriend and wasn't worried about getting married. He said I would have to within a couple years! Its funny to see how the Bethel bubble exists outside of St. Paul. Anyways, it was great talking to him and good help for my spanish because now my brain is on overload. But, i know this experience will be amazing.

We drove to Magdalena which is the town where we will be doing our ministry sites and got to meet our host families. My wishes of having more brothers and sisters has been fulfilled! I am know the proud member of a family with 7 children and one grandchild. They are the most adorable people in the world. (I know this doesn't mean much coming from me, but I am serious) I can not wait to get to know them....although I am going to have trouble remembering their names. Jonathon (7) has already drawn me a picture that I know I will keep forever. They also have a dog named Oso (bear, for all you nonspanish speakers) which I hope will help me to not miss Kobe as much.

I stay in the house of the town's pastor (Mario) and his wife (Ingrid) was excited to have 3 new daughters (me, sydney and becky). Because he is the pastor, all our meetings are held at his guest house, God must have known this would be beneficial for me since instead of getting lost in the city, I just have to walk down some steps.

The steps here are pretty uneven....and if you know me really well you would understand why this is an area of concern. i will be extra cautious though. enough said.

The people here all seem so beautiful. The view and city is incredibly beautiful as well. I can not wait to begin exploring this country and filling my time with adventures.

It is really cool because my house has a roof that we can go on to do homework and such. It has the most amazing view. In the background are the mountains, and you see a whole overview of the city, it is just precious....I am hoping to see a sunset/rise from there sometime soon.

It is crazy to think I am going to be living in a whole new world. Its going to be hard to remember to not flush my toilet paper and to always use my water bottle if I want to brush my teeth, but I know that this experience will be worth it. So far I have realized I have only forgotten two things, so that is pretty good for me. The spanish is a little overwhelming, but so far I am handling myself pretty well.

To all the people back home, I miss and love you lots. Besos!!

Con amor,
Laura