The past month´s events...

We have not been so good at updating our blog lately...sorry for this! We have had a busy 4 weeks or so with lots going on and visitors galor!

June 2007
A work camp from the Church of the Brethren came for a week of service learning in Unión Victoria. The 9 participants included Rebecca Allen, former accompanier, friend of U.V., and group leader. The folks who came were a wonderful bunch. We appreciated the company! The community welcomed them warmly with an introduction to the town councel, seperate introduction to the community and the teens in the community hosted a dance on the group´s last night. The children of U.V. did the most to make the group feel welcome...knowing the same language doesn´t matter! One afternoon the kids all gathered in the community´s center for games, blowing bubbles, ultimate frisbee, yo-yos, coloring and chalk drawing.

This was the highlight for me, to see the entire group busily learning and participating with a ton of children. (You can see pictures under Brethren group).
One day we split up with a few community members to work along side them. Two groups cleaned coffee Weeding in the coffee fields) and the another supported cutting down a field of weeds to make room for cattle, all which was hard work on a hot sunny day. Some had never picked up a machete before, but that day got some experience seeing what a machete is meant for! We got a taste for what working in U.V. is really like.


After days like this we would take the group to the river to bathe (see pictures).
Each member of the group stayed with a host family, ate pure Guatemalan food, slept at their house...and got to experience how we live. What an experience! I heard comments from various group members about how generous and hospitable their hosts were, although they seemed to have so little to give. Maybe even at times too giving...In talking to some of the host families they were concerned their visitors weren´t eating enough tortillas or drinking enough atol (a thick corn drink served with most meals). I tried to explain then that it (unfortunately) wasn´t a North American custom. Although, Aaron and I love both foods and can eat tons!
For me, having the Brethren work camp group come was refreshing. I saw things (like the food or customs) puzzle people making conveniences at home in the states that much more appealing. It´s interesting to reflect then on how I have grown more accustomed to life in U.V.
Thanks a ton to Rebecca for her leadership to the group. She is such an encouragement to us! Through our sharing of stories and experiences it seems as though we´ve gone through some of the same things. At times things get difficult but knowing someone went before us is comforting. Her time here was so valuable to the people she worked with, as well as us, following in her footsteps.

June 29-July 7
Mom and Dad along with Aaron´s sister Katelynn came to visit. They brought a mountain of stuff for us from our church members and friends...like bug repellant, books, magazines, chocolate, granola bars and much more. We appreciate all that you sent...but more than that your support and love that we feel on a daily basis.
My parents stayed a week in Guatemala, spending the majority of the time in Unión Victoria. Dad found tons of birds...he left with a list of over 50! We didn´t realize what all was flying around above us this whole time. Mom, Katelynn and I did some visiting with some of the women in the community. Since my mom is a midwife, and it is very common to have a midwife deliver your baby in your home, some of the women were interested in talking to my mom about their birthing experiences. We also spent time with our neighbor Rosa Ramez making ¨morales¨ (hand bags) which is just like crocheting, a favorite past time of my mom.
After what seemed a very short time, we had to say goodbye to my parents. It was great to see them, of course, and share our life with them. I am proud that they were willing to go through so much...bumpy pick-up trucks, steap hikes and eating new foods...to experience the life of so many here in Guatemala and especially our friends in U.V.
Katelynn stayed another week with us. This enabled her to spend a bit more time in the community and get to know some people a little better. The girls really loved making bracelets with her...as she brought string to share with everyone. How thoughtful! The boys too were interested...just not in making bracelets. Aaron taught a few English phrases to the boys so Katelynn would feel welcomed...One being ¨Be my girlfriend¨ and the other ¨Kiss me please¨. All got a good laugh! Joking aside, everyone enjoyed her company.

Now we are back to the usual routine. We are hoping to start ¨working¨on something soon. We are listening to the communities needs and hope to be able to contribute somehow. For now though, we continue to meet new people here in Unión Victoria and form friendships that seem so genuine.

Thank you again for all your support. We especially appreciate the notes and letters (and drawings...Joy) that keep us up to date on what is going on at home. Thanks!