So on Sunday we went to an active volcano, which was a pretty cool experience. It wasn't super active the day we went, but three days before there was a huge overflow of lava, so there were molten rocks all over. We hiked for a bit, and had to take a ton of breaks because some of the people in the group were so out of shape. It was kind of annoying, but we finally got to where we could see the volcano. I got some good pictures, but we didn't see any lava rivers or anything cool like that, just lava inside of cracks and such. We may go again at another time, and hopefully the volcano will be more active if we do.
Other than that, I don't have a whole lot to update about. We've been working at the office the past few days, unpacking, reorganizing, making new lists, and packing up for the two clinics we will be going to soon. Both of the groups that were here are now gone, the second one left this morning. Another group comes in tomorrow night to replace them, and we will have a few more days to prepare things in the office. Tito has been a little stressed with having so many people to take care of, and he's been working a bunch also, but hopefully having a smaller group will help to reduce the stress.
So apparently in Guatemala, and other neighboring countries, there is a month of the year when everyone gets extra pay, I can't remember what it's called at the moment, but this month is the month. Anyway, because there is more money being distributed, there have been more incidents of robbery and such. Nothing too serious, but prayer for safety is always appreciated.
I also haven't been sleeping well at all the past few nights, and I'm definitely feeling it.... I miss you all and it was so good to talk with you over the past few days! I will try again to call later this week if I get a chance (I have to borrow either a computer or phone), but if I don't, I love you and I will talk with you as soon as I can!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
a new day with new requests...
So last night was not lots of fun, I got sick from the pasta alfredo I had for dinner. I was up for a good chunk of the night, but I am fine as far as energy goes. I just need prayer that I will be feeling better throughout the day today at the clinic. I don't want to be running to el bano all the time. Also, I can recieve text messages, but I only have my phone on in the morning to wake up, and at night when I go to bed. During the day I keep it off to conserve battery life. I love your emails, mom and lauren, please do not stop sending them. I apologize for not replying quickly, but it is difficult when I have to wait in line for the computer, and the internet is slow, and we are as busy as we have been. After we eat dinner we often hang out and talk, which is when I really get to know some of the people I am not directly working with. I have to go now, but thank you for your prayers, I appreciate them very much. Love you!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Concepcion
So on monday we spent the day traveling to this huge lake that is surrounded by volcanoes... it is spectacular. the clouds come down into the valley-ish area and the volcanoes sometimes peak through. We are staying at a hotel that has internet, hence the post. The clinic started yesterday, and both days I have worked in the dental room, assisting the dentists with extractions, fillings, etc. It's pretty fun and hands on. One of the dentists said that I can perform an extraction on one of the younger kids (they are easier because the roots aren't as deep), so hopefully I can do that tomorrow. Many people have come through the clinic, both for dental and other medical reasons, and everyday before we get there, there is always a long line by the door. The people are extremely friendly and the little kids are so cute. We've been giving the children stuffed animals to help in distracting them from the injections. Some of the teeth we see are horrible, while others are surprisingly quite healthy. I was helping clean this one kid's teeth, and large chunks of grey and brown build-up were scraping off... it was pretty nasty.
I've been having a great time getting to know the guatemalans as well as the american teams that are down here, and my spanish is continuing to improve. There is one Guatemalan that joined us on this trip, his name is Lo-lo, and he is fluent in english as well. He and I have been talking quite a bit because he speaks very clearly and can explain words when I don't understand. He's a really funny guy.
We eat breakfast and dinner at a restaurant down the street and the food is quite good. I think if I were to stay here long-term I would turn into a fat, jolly man. Fat from the food, and joyful from serving the Lord with such a passionate group of people. Their passion and trust amazes me every day.
I am having a wonderful time and have been getting plenty of food and sleep (that was for you, mom). Tomorrow is our last day here at Concepcion and friday we will be heading back to our base. It is crazy to think that it is July already. I feel like time is going so fast, but then I think about what all we've done and I feel like I've been here for forever! I also feel that way when I think about you all at home, don't worry.
Carlos is another guy who joined us for this clinic and he is 23 years old and is a dentist. Apparently their medical and dental schools begin immediately after highschool. He said he's been a dentist for about a year now, and he speaks about as much english as I speak spanish, so we've been conversing (me en espanol, and he in english) and have been helping each other.
Well, I'm pretty dang tired and can't really think of anything else important to say, except that I love you all and miss you so much! I have a prayer card that I have things to pray for written on and I pray for all of you every night. One thing that you can pray for me, is for patience with certain individuals... It hasn't been bad though. I love you all and hope you are doing well!
I've been having a great time getting to know the guatemalans as well as the american teams that are down here, and my spanish is continuing to improve. There is one Guatemalan that joined us on this trip, his name is Lo-lo, and he is fluent in english as well. He and I have been talking quite a bit because he speaks very clearly and can explain words when I don't understand. He's a really funny guy.
We eat breakfast and dinner at a restaurant down the street and the food is quite good. I think if I were to stay here long-term I would turn into a fat, jolly man. Fat from the food, and joyful from serving the Lord with such a passionate group of people. Their passion and trust amazes me every day.
I am having a wonderful time and have been getting plenty of food and sleep (that was for you, mom). Tomorrow is our last day here at Concepcion and friday we will be heading back to our base. It is crazy to think that it is July already. I feel like time is going so fast, but then I think about what all we've done and I feel like I've been here for forever! I also feel that way when I think about you all at home, don't worry.
Carlos is another guy who joined us for this clinic and he is 23 years old and is a dentist. Apparently their medical and dental schools begin immediately after highschool. He said he's been a dentist for about a year now, and he speaks about as much english as I speak spanish, so we've been conversing (me en espanol, and he in english) and have been helping each other.
Well, I'm pretty dang tired and can't really think of anything else important to say, except that I love you all and miss you so much! I have a prayer card that I have things to pray for written on and I pray for all of you every night. One thing that you can pray for me, is for patience with certain individuals... It hasn't been bad though. I love you all and hope you are doing well!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
6/25/2009
Yesterday our group went back to Palencia where we finished the clinic that was started before I arrived. I got to the school much earlier than the day before, and was able to work in la pharmacia for longer and get to know how things work a little bit better. All of the people I am working with are extremely nice and it has been quite an interesting/entertaining experience getting to know them better - they have quite a sense of humor. I have also been picking up much more spanish and am understanding more when the Guatemalans speak to me. We have made some entertaining games for the car rides (usually about an hour long): Kevin and I think of english words to quiz the Guatemalans, and they think of spanish words to quiz us.
Today was what they called a "rest day" where we went to the office and did some cleaning/re-organizing (I worked on some pamphlets for La Mision). All of the men went back to Palencia to bring back the supplies and tools we had left there, and that took quite some time. In my last posting I said one of the men's name was Marco, but today I discovered it is actually Makko.
This morning the group from Wenatchee went back home, and last night we had a goodbye banquet for them, where there was a large feast and a slide show. It was fun because I got to meet the families of the men and women I have been working with. So many little kids...
To answer Mom's question, yes, there is definitely enough food for me here, especially for dinner. For lunch when we are doing clinics, I am one of the last to go through the line because I have been designated one of the "Guatemaltecan" who always eat after the american group. The power bars are helping tremendously in between meals (I eat about 3 per day).
We went to a grocery store today that was set up like a typical costco except for one thing... there were police officers patrolling the area with shotguns and automatic machine guns. We bought a lot of food in preparation for the two teams coming to help this weekend. The average size of a group that comes to help is about 15-20, but this weekend we will have 50. In response to Lauren's request, we will be going to Concepcion, which is like the middle class people here. Not as primitive as it gets here, but more primative than Guatemala City or Palencia. Concepcion is where the Myans (I don't know about the spelling) live. Today we were able to sleep in until 7, and tomorrow we will sleep in until 8:30. I am still extremely tired at the end of every day. Right now it is 9 pm and it feels like midnight. Tito and his wife and kids are so welcoming and kind, it is always fun to come home and share dinner with them. I often am not working directly with Tito, and his wife always stays at home, preparing food for us.
I would appreciate any prayer for this weekend as it will probably be a bit crazy with so many people coming. I love you all and appreciate your prayers.
Today was what they called a "rest day" where we went to the office and did some cleaning/re-organizing (I worked on some pamphlets for La Mision). All of the men went back to Palencia to bring back the supplies and tools we had left there, and that took quite some time. In my last posting I said one of the men's name was Marco, but today I discovered it is actually Makko.
This morning the group from Wenatchee went back home, and last night we had a goodbye banquet for them, where there was a large feast and a slide show. It was fun because I got to meet the families of the men and women I have been working with. So many little kids...
To answer Mom's question, yes, there is definitely enough food for me here, especially for dinner. For lunch when we are doing clinics, I am one of the last to go through the line because I have been designated one of the "Guatemaltecan" who always eat after the american group. The power bars are helping tremendously in between meals (I eat about 3 per day).
We went to a grocery store today that was set up like a typical costco except for one thing... there were police officers patrolling the area with shotguns and automatic machine guns. We bought a lot of food in preparation for the two teams coming to help this weekend. The average size of a group that comes to help is about 15-20, but this weekend we will have 50. In response to Lauren's request, we will be going to Concepcion, which is like the middle class people here. Not as primitive as it gets here, but more primative than Guatemala City or Palencia. Concepcion is where the Myans (I don't know about the spelling) live. Today we were able to sleep in until 7, and tomorrow we will sleep in until 8:30. I am still extremely tired at the end of every day. Right now it is 9 pm and it feels like midnight. Tito and his wife and kids are so welcoming and kind, it is always fun to come home and share dinner with them. I often am not working directly with Tito, and his wife always stays at home, preparing food for us.
I would appreciate any prayer for this weekend as it will probably be a bit crazy with so many people coming. I love you all and appreciate your prayers.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Day One
Today was the first whole day for me in Guatemala and it was a pretty slow day. We woke up at 630 this morning to take freezing cold showers, grab a bite to eat, and head to "la mission" (where Tito and his crew run their business). Tito, Marco (one of his crew), Kevin (a college student from Texas A&M), Alejandro (Tito's son), and I went to get some wood for the worksite. The work site is a school that was shut down about 5 or so years ago and Tito, along with two doctors from Wenanchee (father and son), worked to get the school back up and running. Tito and his crew of doctors and a dentist run clinicals from this building as well, and there is still some construction work being done on the upstairs. We (those mentioned earlier who got the wood) arrived at the site just before lunch time, when I learned how to prepare for lunch and how to go about serving it. Apparently if you put all the food out for the people, they take more than they should until it is all gone (even if they do not need it). After lunch, I was assigned to help out in la pharmacia, where we recieved "perscriptions" from the doctors and gave the appropriate medication to the patients. I only saw two women breastfeeding today, which was less than I had expected, considering the severe warnings I had received.
Tito called me into the kitchen part way through the day and we discussed some of the things I may be able to help him with as far as the business aspect goes. We were all done with work and left at a reasonable hour to get back for dinner. The food here is amazing! I did end up eating three protein bars between lunch and dinner because they were so spread apart.
The weather was pretty warm and sunny in the morning, probably high 70's, but thunder and rain came quickly in the afternoon. It was pretty refreshing actually.
All the workers here are extremely nice, most of them speak some english and it is easy to communicate with everyone. My spanish is already getting better and I am understanding things more and more.
I would like to write in more detail, but it is 10:20 here and we get up pretty early...
Unfortunately my computer does not work with the internet here at Tito's house, so we are sharing this girl's mac. I am not sure when I will be able to skype, but my computer is supposed to work at "la mission," so when I know the schedule better, I will try and let you know when I can chat with you all. I love you and miss you and I am praying for all of you.
Tito called me into the kitchen part way through the day and we discussed some of the things I may be able to help him with as far as the business aspect goes. We were all done with work and left at a reasonable hour to get back for dinner. The food here is amazing! I did end up eating three protein bars between lunch and dinner because they were so spread apart.
The weather was pretty warm and sunny in the morning, probably high 70's, but thunder and rain came quickly in the afternoon. It was pretty refreshing actually.
All the workers here are extremely nice, most of them speak some english and it is easy to communicate with everyone. My spanish is already getting better and I am understanding things more and more.
I would like to write in more detail, but it is 10:20 here and we get up pretty early...
Unfortunately my computer does not work with the internet here at Tito's house, so we are sharing this girl's mac. I am not sure when I will be able to skype, but my computer is supposed to work at "la mission," so when I know the schedule better, I will try and let you know when I can chat with you all. I love you and miss you and I am praying for all of you.
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