In the last three days we have been working at ANADESA Santiago Atitlan. It is a beautiful peaceful place where people are building hostels and a school for kids, youth and women to have education and sell their beadings. It is situated right beside a peace park which commemorates a massacre in 1990.
In order to help, our ALSO group split into two smaller groups: one to dig a five meter hole for a grey water tank, and the other to strengthen the ground underneath the nearby lake. We also pulled a rather "grande" tree stump out of the ground. After almost getting it done by ourselves, our driver Raul flagged down a passing truck who happily finished the job for us.
In 2005, Panabaj suffered from a huge hurricane and mudslide. Hundreds of people were killed, leaving hundreds more without a family. In some places, the mud was piled three meters above the ground. It was devastating; many families were affected, and many more fled across the lake.
Because of this tragedy, Panabaj has been labeled a "Red Zone" by the government. This means the government does not need to support Panabaj anymore. Some people were scared to return here, so they then relocated across the lake. Considering this tragedy that fell upon this town, everyone seems to remain happy and look forward to the future. This is why Anadesa was created. It was created to help the people who were affected, and to encourage and give hope to the families. Dream and go.
Yesterday, we did a beading workshop. It was interesting to learn how they make all the beautiful bracelets and the amount of work that goes into it. We also went to the market for the first time and tried out our bartering. Most of us didn't know what we were doing, until Annette came to our rescue. No one wanted to mess with her.
The last two nights we stayed at houses in the community. We got to experience their culture including bucket baths, traditional food and futbal (soccer) out on the street. We're very grateful for their hospitality.
