43

Our last day with the girls was delightful and emotional.  We did a review and hung two poster on which I had printed all the English we had taught.  We had prepared some relay games, but the girls put on a program for us instead.  It included singing, cultural dancing and speeches of gratitude and love.  We had shared much joy with these girls and Sister Ada and I had a huge lump in my throat and fought my tears as we said good bye and closed the door on yet another rewarding experience.  Thanks be to God.

42

Things we have seen and noticed here in Jalapa:

Qtips are about 1/3 the size & strength as ours

Colored pencils sold here are the ones impossible to sharpen

man carrying ladder...another a bicycle... while riding motorcycle

horse being shoed on the street

the sound of horses clip clopping down the street as we sat typing at an internet cafe

woman selling homemade food items in front of a nice restaurant

watch dogs behind barb wire fences on top of businesses

the sound of slapping as we pass so many woman making tortillas...about every ten feet

most children snacking while walking down the street

snack bags are tiny with usually only about 8 or 9 chips in them

security guards holding shotguns at every bank, gov´t building and other important buildings

no news on TV...lots of soccer!

children & woman riding on the handle bars of bicycles

women sorting dirty potatoes & other veges wearing fancy, clean aprons

students going home from school for lunch by tuktuk or being picked up by mom only to return 1 1/2 hour later

young girls in skin tight skirts or pants wearing 3 -4" heels buzzing about on motor scooters

though we see many wearing traditional clothing, they are not for sale anywhere...only the material

most kid´s toys..like so many other countries...are cheap plastic & dolls are all white with blonde hair

the rear end of buses cemented into the sidewalk are used for street corner barriers

daily they assemble & disassemble city blocks of small shops that are just angle iron & tarps  packing up the huge pile of                  merchandise in grain bags or crates....but we have no idea where the stuff goes at night...only to appear again the next day

and so much more that reminds us that we are not in the USA!

41

Our English lesson with the girls was a Valentine treat for all of us   The girls were thrilled to count to 100 and actually enjoyed taking a quiz with the new red pencils we gave them.  Then we played a review game and everyone ´won´ twice ...receiving a pencil sharpener & a chocolate heart.  The two nuns enjoyed it as much as the girls did and they sent us off with a frozen, chocolate covered banana.    Our 5 p.m. ride to Casa Hogar arrived on time and by 5:15 we had four groups of about 10 kids busy coloring, painting, working on a puzzles and making a Valentine hearts project.  The next hour and a half, we moved kids to each project and incorporated more kids adding projects as the numbers increased...and constantly we were returning the hugs & smiles we were receiving.  Conditions were rough...only a coarse cement floor & dim lighting...but that did not diminish the fun we were all having. 

When we got back to our hotel, we treated each other to a piece of cheese cake.  What a special Valentine Day! 

40

More about the man we met this morning as we waited for our ride:  he left Guatemala when he was about 27 to find a job in L.A., became a US citizen about 5 years later and has gone back & forth for the last 20 years...since a major operation last year he is no longer working.  He gladly shared his take on man´s life:  first 20 years is DOG'S LIFE...on the prowl looking for girls and staying out all hours of the night...followed by DONKEY LIFE...work hard to carry burden of family life....last part of life was MONKEY LIFE....play with grandchildren and  freedom from work...like a monkey swinging free & enjoying life.  

39

Yesterday, we scoured the streets most the day looking for things we might use to enrich the Valentine´s Day  for the children at Casa Hogar (the home for the abused &/or raped girls and their children).  We found crayons, colored pencils, coloring books, paints, red & pink construction paper, clay, puzzles & a frisbee.  We made samples of several projects and looked forward to having a chance to have fun with these kids who have so little.  We were told we would be picked up at 10 am....it is now 11 a.m. and we are sitting on a bench in front of our hotel with all our supplies....waiting.....it is now 11:45 and we just got a message,  translated by the man we met while waiting...and our new pick up time is now 5 p.m.  We have learned to become very flexible and patient....and also reminded that this is Guatemala time...not a bad thing.

38

Just when we begin to forget just how low the girls we are working with live, we get a `slap of reality.`  The girls had asked us to label the various things in their home so I spent an evening writing labels of the things in their home.  The next day the excited girls followed us around as we taped words all over their home:  wall, floor, classroom, chair, bedroom, bathroom, but when I looked for a place to hang `toilet paper`, they all laughed and said, ¨No toilet paper!¨ 

37

Our days are almost routine now...breakfast of pancakes with honey, fruit, coffee & rich delicious hot chocolate at the hotel...computer cafe...teaching nuns...lunch...lesson plans....teaching girls.... a little shopping on our way back to the hotel...dinner (often peanut butter & fresh bread from one of the many bakeries on the hotel terrace)...writing, reading, cards, TV (which since only one channel is in English, whatever is on is what we watch).  We have spent time at the humungous market in the center of town where tables overflow with mounds of clothing, shoes, kitchen supplies, and grain bags are filled with corn, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, carrots, oranges, pineapples and lots of unknown others and crates of bananas, eggs, chickens etc, etc, etc.  How in the world do they sell all this before it rots???   One morning the nuns were busy, so we jumped on a mini bus & headed to the Cascadas de Tatasirire...a nature park with swings that hung about 30' from a branch & swung out over a valley.  Wheeeee!  We walked the flower lined trail passing hundreds of giant lovely calilillies, pastel pink impatients plants taller than me and blooming phlox as big as a mixing bowl.  Butterflies fluttered by to add to the beauty.  The trail led us beside a 5 tiered waterfall and then into a pine forest...we saw nobody else the whole time.   What a nice change from being in Jalapa, a town of about 60,000.  

37

Our days are almost routine now...breakfast of pancakes with honey, fruit, coffee & rich delicious hot chocolate at the hotel...computer cafe...teaching nuns...lunch...lesson plans....teaching girls.... a little shopping on our way back to the hotel...dinner (often peanut butter & fresh bread from one of the many bakeries on the hotel terrace)...writing, reading, cards, TV (which since only one channel is in English, whatever is on is what we watch).  We have spent time at the humungous market in the center of town where tables overflow with mounds of clothing, shoes, kitchen supplies, and grain bags are filled with corn, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, carrots, oranges, pineapples and lots of unknown others and crates of bananas, eggs, chickens etc, etc, etc.  How in the world do they sell all this before it rots???   One morning the nuns were busy, so we jumped on a mini bus & headed to the Cascadas de Tatasirire...a nature park with swings that hung about 30' from a branch & swung out over a valley.  Wheeeee!  We walked the flower lined trail passing hundreds of giant lovely calilillies, pastel pink impatients plants taller than me and blooming phlox as big as a mixing bowl.  Butterflies fluttered by to add to the beauty.  The trail led us beside a 5 tiered waterfall and then into a pine forest...we saw nobody else the whole time.   What a nice change from being in Jalapa, a town of about 60,000.  

35

Sister Ada meet us at 9 and told us what Mother thought we should do.  We will be teaching English to the 25 girls and nuns & novices...starting today at 3.  We worked on lesson plans, walked around looking for picture books, checked out websites for learning English, wandered through a huge market and spotted a Dominoes Pizzaria...guess where we ate lunch!!  When we arrived at the girl's home....they were all sitting in their chairs with notebooks & pencils in hand wearing their school uniforms.  We spent the next hour teaching...with lots of giggles & effort and hopefully lots of learning.  Next the girls eagerly led us to their surprise...they had made us a cake...it was a real treat especially since their smiles surrounded us.  Then we all walked to a fenced in playground while the whole time the girls were asking ¨¨¿Como se dice?¨and pointing at all the objects they wanted us to name.  They asked us to play with them in a vigorous game of soccer which totally wore us out.   After many good byes and see you tomorrow...we walked back to our hotel.  

34

After our warm welcome, Mother Rutilia met with us and after explaining how and why we had come, she made a call to Rita (our nephew´´s inlaw's housekeeper) thanking her for sending us.  Then Sister Ada (who speaks excellent English), Mother & us walked a short distance to where about 25 girls from difficult backgrounds, were being cared for by the Sisters.   Again, we were greeted with songs, clapping, and jubilant chants.  Then the girls proudly showed us their home.  Simple but very neat and organized.  All of us got us a great laugh when they showed us where they would put their extra clothes...and it was empty.  Each of them hugged us as we left, chanting Thank you and Will you be our Godparents?  An old pick up truck was waiting for us and we went about 4km to another site where the Sisters were caring for many girls who had been sent to them by the police as many had been raped and had no home.  Several had babies.  Once more, we were welcomed with songs, chants, clapping and hugs.  We toured their facilities which included a dorm with 20 beds...triple bunks...classrooms where academics were taught as well as skills:  jewelry making, baking, hair dressing, sewing, and computers...all set up and supplied by USA donors.  Finally, we were taken to a hotel where Mother had arranged for us to stay.  It was the nicest place in town...for about $35 per night.  Sister Ada and two other young Sisters followed us to our room...wide eyed as they had never been inside the hotel before and after agreeing to meet ustomorrow at 9, they gave us hugs & left.  We fell on our bed, totally overwhelmed by the outpouring of love & care and were soon asleep...with prayers of thanksgiving.  We eagerly await tomorrow!

33

We set out for Jalapa which took us out into the mountains passing cactus, poor homes, seeing more litter & bars on windows and large industries...lots of truck traffic.  Jalalpa is a large city and the first tuk tuk we saw was parked in a gas station...where luckily the gas attendant spoke some English so he happily told the tuk tuk driver where we wanted to go.  He dropped us at the door of the Marta y Maria convent.  Let me explain....last summer, Aaron's (our nephew) in-laws visited us in Michigan and told us their housekeeper, Rita was from Jalapa. I phoned her and asked if she knew of a place where we might do some volunteer work and she gave me the address of Marta y Maria.  So with that little bit of information and our prayers asking God for guidance, we stood at the convent gate trusting we were in the right place.  After several confusing minutes trying to use the little Spanish we know, another Sister was called who spoke some English.  She led us into a room and said to please wait.  Shortly she returned and led us into a courtroom filled with about 100 nuns and novices who broke into jubilant welcoming songs accompanied by guitars, three marimbas, a bass violin and drums!!!  Finally they chanted with great vigor, "Bienvenidos y gracias!!"  (Welcome and thank you for coming).  My eyes filled with tears and my heart with gratitude.  We were asked if we would honor them by joining them at their simple meal...rice, beans, boiled eggs, tomato sauce & watermellon..as honored guest they set before us toast and jam for dessert and coffee.  Sister Monica from Kenya spoke English and sat with us a gave us some background infomation about the convent and their two missions in Jalapa.  After we finished, the nuns again loudly chanted how pleased they were that we had come and eaten with them.  

32

Our stop in Rio Hondo gave us the chance to visit a museum filed with fossils of giant sloths, giant armadillos, mastedons & saber tooth tigers. ...all were found near here.  We also found where some of the clothes we donate to Goodwill end up...here.  I actually bought a shirt with a USA Goodwill tag...for 60 cents.  Just a little ways away, there is a fancy and expensive mall.  Our hotel is also very nice with topiary bushes in the shape of animals, with hundreds of monstrous hanging ferns which surround several pools that had cleverly designed slides in the shape of butterflies, snails, castles, spirals, etc.  Seating in the restruant for 100's with place settings elegantly set...and we are the only ones eating except for the many workers and only saw one other couple in the pool.  It felt like a ghost hotel...or a hollywood movie set.

31

The further we get from the tourist area, the harder it is to find something I want to eat.  I was glad to see corn flakes and milk on the menu...but it didn't say the milk would be hot!  Rog of course, loves the opportunity to try the new and unusual local cuisine with a satisfying smile on his face.  Lucky for me, I have been able to locate, with just a little detective work, a Coke Light or Coke Zero and I can always nibble on my peanuts or spead my peanut butter on something.  

30

After having a plush seat on a big bus for several hours, we got into a mini van for the next part of our trip and since we were the last in, Rog had to crouch standing on one leg while his butt was held into the van by the guy standing in the doorway (most of his body was outside the van & he held on to the roof)...I sat side saddle with my legs hanging out the open door.  Beats being squished in the back with no air & 3 or 4 others!

29

Walking the narrow mainstreet of Rio Dulce meant avoiding the many large busses, semis, and livestock trucks that barely missed pedestrians as they passed who were dodging in and out of the small stands that lined the streets.  We noticed one man who nonchalantly sat polishing someone´s shoes sitting just inches away from the giant wheels of the vehicles as they rolled past.  Rog said...that´s proof that an inch is as good as a mile.

28

At lunch today we got a local dish...which we didn´t know for sure what it really was when we ordered it....when a kid riding a bike delivered a Domino´s pizza to our cooks!!!  I asked if I could get a piece of pizza....the cooks shook their heads no...it was for them!    I am not sure where that pizza came from as the only chains we have seen since we left home is one Burger King and  one Pizza Hut and they were far from here!

27

Rio Dulce Farm Report:  the rich river basin here is being put to good use.  We passed miles of fields of pineapple, bananas, palm oil trees and sugar cane...and since ¨dulce¨means sugar, the river´s name is perfect.

26

So many women here still live as they have for many years:  cooking tortillas outside on home built, wood burning stoves and scrubbing their clothes on big stones in the river where pigs & sheep also wade.  Nursing in public is a given...even with toddlers who help themselves by pulling their Mom´s shirt down & helping get the breast out.  Most women here are modestly dessed with decorated, lacy loose tops over spagetti strap shirts.  I asked where I could buy one...and the lady laughed and said that they make them at home. 

25

We got up early and took a tuk tuk to the bus station to buy a ticket to Rio Dulce leaving at 10...all which were recommended by our hotel owner.  We sat in the bus office playing cards as the ticket guy came by to check on us often.  Around9:58, the ticket man came rushing in yelling ¨Vamanos!¨....let´s go.  He had us get into his car while another guy moved motorcycles out of the way....off we flew racing through town, getting yelled at by police and perplexed as usual.  About 10 minutes later, he stopped at a bus stop, then took our ticket and motioned for us to get on the approaching bus.  Why did he wait until the last minute?  Why did he have to drive us there in his own car?  Why did he give us tickets only to take them away before we got on the bus?  We will never know but it was a very comfortable ride, air conditioned & plush seats and it took us to our destination, Rio Dulce.  On the 3 hour drive, we passed many herds of cows & horses, some being rounded up by cowboys.  Fence post are straight branches stuck in the ground close together sprouting new growth or already growing into a tree.  Corn was planted on several hillsides so steep no tractor could have done it.  The cars we see are quite nice & clean.  Almost every home has one thing in common...clothes drying.  Anything horizontal is fair game to hang them on...even barbed wire fences.  Besides nicer & neater than Belize...we also noticed another big difference.  Few people were sitting around or lying in hammocks....they were working.  Rio Dulce is a safe port city as it is on a navigable lake flowing into a big river that leads into the Caribean Sea.  During a hurricane, it is considered the safest place for ships.  Many yachts are docked here and we have seen many people in town stocking up on supplies & enjoying time on the land.  It was HOT in town so we crammed into a mini van....they call them ¨collectivos¨...which is so appropriate since they keep collecting people and won´t move until they are completely full...atleast 16!  We headed out of town to a small village, San Felipe, in hopes of finding a hotel room.  Success!  With a cool pool too....and best of all, with a computer with no time limits....which was truly a God send as we had been waiting for news from Bekah about a recent xray.  We got her good news email just before we went to bed....and that made us sleep much better.  Day 2 in Rio Dolce, we caught a ride in a mini van along with 21 others, switched to another in town, which took us to our next adventure--just a 1 km walk at Finca Paraiso and we were at a roaring hot springs waterfall.  The pool under it was warm and sparkling clear.  Our kids will recall the glorious feeling you get from swimming in such an awesome spot!  Hot springs bubbled up in several spots down stream and we stood on the hot stones and soaked in the water for serveral hours.  A few people joined us and two of them followed a local boy & climbed the steep cliff and jumped about 12´into the pool below.  (Jake...can you imagine anyone doing such a crazy thing?)  I visited with a New Zealand lady while drying out.  She asked me how long I had been married...her response was ¨F....ing Crazy!  I have never met anyone I could be around that long!¨ I had never gotten that response before.   Finally, our hunger won out and we left reluctantly.  

24

We crossed into Guatemala and soon were riding in a minivan with 18 others.  The luggage was strapped on top.  We stopped often and a young boy would climb up the ladder built on to the side of the van and pass down some luggage...or we would pick up new passengers & the boy would strap on more luggage and we´´d move over a little more....if possible.  We were pleasantly surprised by how much cleaner the landscape is here...homes are mostly built with cement blocks with yards neatly grazed by a horse and sometimes sheep or pigs.  There are also large areas nearby grazed by cows.  We only hear Spanish now and the locals have lighter complexions and straight black hair...no more multi-braided hairdos.  Our first stop is Flores...an old city on an island...the same one we visited with our kids 12 years ago.  We walked to the center square where we had spent New Years Eve.  This quaint town is full of hotels and restaurants.  The hot sun made the lake very inviting and many were enjoying a cool dip.  Tuk tuks and motorcycles buzzed up and down the narrow stone streets.  Around 4 p.m.several ladies with their home prepared foods set up underneath a tent  by the lake right in front of our hotel window.  People swarmed about that area like bees around their hive until late at night.  Rog kept looking out the window wishing he was hungry again!  Our second day in Flores, we went to Park Ixpanpajul about 10 km away.  We hiked a 3 km trail which took us through the jungle and over several suspension bridges that were about 100 ft high and about 100 M long.  We didn´t see much wildlife but saw lots of flora & two beautiful orchids.  Later we climbed into a boat for a one hour tour (think Gilligan´´s Island....again)   of the lake and just like 12 years ago...a storm rolled in & there were no life jackets anywhere.  It started pouring down rain so our driver docked the boat at his own house which was on the other side of the lake.  We waited for the storm to pass and under a thatched roof where an altar had been built with hundreds of shells and used for setting up their Nativity scene at Christmas.  We practiced our Spanish as our driver practiced his English.  We learned the lake is 2M higher than usual due to all the rain during their dry season and that there is an unexcavated ruin a short distance from his home.  We played with some kids who had made a boat out of a coconut shell and were trying to get it to float down a small stream created by the downpour....another unexpected and unusual treat!  After about an hour, we climbed back into the boat and finished our tour.