Today we went back to Lo de Carranza to work on the foundation of the new church. We started by shoveling sand into wheelbarrows. We then dumped it out, added cement to it and then mixed it together. Steven was the translator and helped us figure out we had to do next which included shoveling rocks into the cement/sand mixture. We then poured water into the mixture and shovelled the crap out of that mixture. It was a super awesome mixture. So by doing that we found out that mixing the mixing pile would mix it a whole lot more to make one big mix. Afterwords groups of people shoveled the cement into pails and wheelbarrows and we dumped it into the trenches around the church. We did that about four times. Our legs and backs hurt a ton right now.
Beauty tip: If you ever want to dry out your skin so you get no acne, rub cement powder on it and let it dry. You girls will love it.
We did all this work before lunch. At lunch we enjoyed some unique Guatemalan food included beans and hot peppers. Luke decided to shove the biggest pepper into his mouth all at once. Bad idea. He is now a soprano. It was hot enough to make him cry, though I doubt he wants us to tell you that.
After lunch we carried cement blocks from point A to point B. Lots of the girls have big muscles in our group and Carlos and Heven let them know that. We worked really hard to get the job done. So did Louis.
After we finished working, Meme and Adriana took us to a couple other houses and we learned more about the Guatemalan culture in a much more real way. Also included were free range roosters and sugarcane for the win baby.
We also realized how much we have including water. There was a fire today out behind the church and they didn't even have the water to go fight it. We all felt really helpless and mentioned how at home that would never happen. The kids were also really sad that we had to go and we really didn't want to let them go either. They were adorable. One girl kept tickling Taylor and he felt like the pillsbury doughboy, but he enjoyed it. One little boy wouldn't let go of Erik all day, a few girls loved Katie and Sam, and one little boy remembered Coby and Matt from last year and gave us toys to give to them. Our hearts once again melted to sugar.
We are now heading off to the country and won't have computer access for some time. We want you to know that we will be perfectly safe and will be having a super great time!
Adios!
Danika, Heather and Roy Taylor
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Day 3: The Fun Never Stops!
Today we got a lovely wake up call... WITH CHOCOLATE RICE KRISPIES AND PEANUT BUTTER FRENCH TOAST!! HECK YES!
After the tasty breakfast we loaded up the van and headed to the MCC base for most Central American countries. Anthony and David (two MCC workers) told us all about the hardships the youth in Guatemala face. It was really hard to hear all about the trials they endure when we have such an easy life. It really made us thankful for all that God has given us.
After we explored the MCC campus, we headed back out to Lo de Carranza to help build on the church. Our jobs consisted of bending rebar, cutting rebar, wiring rebar together, and laying rebar. We also got to see the children at preschool. Turns out navy and white are pretty common for dress code colours. The people at the church are very welcoming and hospitable. Today they provided us with a tasty snack and lunch. We had a sub and some canteloupe juice for the snack. For lunch we had a type of Guatemalan soup and a juice that tasted like rice pudding. SO GOOD. Laura and Heather were the bees knees at cutting wire. The system fell apart when they moved on to a new job.
Everyone worked hard today. It was fun to work and sorta communicate with the other workers. Steven is still a handy partner. Danika felt super awkward when he would start conversations with other people and leave her out. Luckly she was able to tie wire without being able to speak Spanish. Erik and Jim did the male equivilent of knitting today aka bending rebar. After we finished working, we got to see two families' homes and talk to them about what their lives are like. The people were very friendly and cracked a lot of jokes. After we walked out of the first families home there was a cow eating leaves and we were pretty amazed. Callahan later got attacked by this cow and it was kind of funny. Luckly she wasn't hurt and we can now turn it into a joke. Then we saw a cat cuddling with a pig in the grass. It was the cutest thing ever.
We came back to Semilla and were very grateful for showers as it burned our sun burns and cuts from wire. We are all exhausted and ready for bed. Love you buenos noches. Miss you xoxoxoxoxox
Danika, Heather, and Taylor
P.S. Cheryl: Allison is doing very well, she just refuses to use technology.
After the tasty breakfast we loaded up the van and headed to the MCC base for most Central American countries. Anthony and David (two MCC workers) told us all about the hardships the youth in Guatemala face. It was really hard to hear all about the trials they endure when we have such an easy life. It really made us thankful for all that God has given us.
After we explored the MCC campus, we headed back out to Lo de Carranza to help build on the church. Our jobs consisted of bending rebar, cutting rebar, wiring rebar together, and laying rebar. We also got to see the children at preschool. Turns out navy and white are pretty common for dress code colours. The people at the church are very welcoming and hospitable. Today they provided us with a tasty snack and lunch. We had a sub and some canteloupe juice for the snack. For lunch we had a type of Guatemalan soup and a juice that tasted like rice pudding. SO GOOD. Laura and Heather were the bees knees at cutting wire. The system fell apart when they moved on to a new job.
Everyone worked hard today. It was fun to work and sorta communicate with the other workers. Steven is still a handy partner. Danika felt super awkward when he would start conversations with other people and leave her out. Luckly she was able to tie wire without being able to speak Spanish. Erik and Jim did the male equivilent of knitting today aka bending rebar. After we finished working, we got to see two families' homes and talk to them about what their lives are like. The people were very friendly and cracked a lot of jokes. After we walked out of the first families home there was a cow eating leaves and we were pretty amazed. Callahan later got attacked by this cow and it was kind of funny. Luckly she wasn't hurt and we can now turn it into a joke. Then we saw a cat cuddling with a pig in the grass. It was the cutest thing ever.
We came back to Semilla and were very grateful for showers as it burned our sun burns and cuts from wire. We are all exhausted and ready for bed. Love you buenos noches. Miss you xoxoxoxoxox
Danika, Heather, and Taylor
P.S. Cheryl: Allison is doing very well, she just refuses to use technology.
The team of awesome wire cutters: Laura and Heather
Raul (our driver) and Adriana (our Guatemalan expert) show us the ropes and translate.
At the MCC Office, Youth Worker David (left) and Country Rep Anthony (right) explain the work MCC does in Guatemala and neighbouring El Salvador.
Many hands make light work!
"Hugo is strong!" (roughly translated from foreman Manuelo) as Hugo cuts rebar for Carmen and Allison. These pieces will become the stabilizers for the foundation.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunburns & Siestas
Hola!
Our second day in Guatemala wasn't packed full but it sure seemed like it! We started off by heading to church at Lo de Carranza, a small town approximately 1 hour from the City. This is the site of our first work project and one where a portion of the funds raised through Pennies for Poverty will end up. The service was full of lively singing and an invigorating message even though it was all in Spainsh. The group prepared some songs and a dramatic reading to add to the service.
Once the service had finished it was only a matter of minutes before people had changed from their Sunday best into their soccer gear to have a match. We had been told last year that the Guatemalan team showed up in their complete uniforms and this year was no different, except that they had some t-shirts left from another group to donate to our team as jerseys. After a round of introductions, it was game time. One and a half hours later, the teams finally called it to an end with the offical score being 4-1 for the Guatemalans, even after we aquired a few of their players.
Those who didn't play enjoyed the day and played with many of the children from the town.
We continued to celebrate together with a delicious lunch hosted by the church. After we were full of mashed potatoes, rice, spiced chicken, tortillas, tamarine juice and special hot sauce for the brave, we listened to some stories from the founders of the church and teachers of the preschool. We also learned about our building project for the next two days and were excited to hear all about the work we will do together.
All that excitement in the sun brought an overall pinkish glow to the group. We'll remember to reapply the sunscreen more often tomorrow as we work in the sun. After a long day playing and worshipping together in temperatures we're not used to for February, it was the perfect opportunity for ice cream and naps. We'll be fully recharged for our day tomorrow, I'm sure!
Blessings,
Carmen
Our second day in Guatemala wasn't packed full but it sure seemed like it! We started off by heading to church at Lo de Carranza, a small town approximately 1 hour from the City. This is the site of our first work project and one where a portion of the funds raised through Pennies for Poverty will end up. The service was full of lively singing and an invigorating message even though it was all in Spainsh. The group prepared some songs and a dramatic reading to add to the service.
Once the service had finished it was only a matter of minutes before people had changed from their Sunday best into their soccer gear to have a match. We had been told last year that the Guatemalan team showed up in their complete uniforms and this year was no different, except that they had some t-shirts left from another group to donate to our team as jerseys. After a round of introductions, it was game time. One and a half hours later, the teams finally called it to an end with the offical score being 4-1 for the Guatemalans, even after we aquired a few of their players.
Those who didn't play enjoyed the day and played with many of the children from the town.
We continued to celebrate together with a delicious lunch hosted by the church. After we were full of mashed potatoes, rice, spiced chicken, tortillas, tamarine juice and special hot sauce for the brave, we listened to some stories from the founders of the church and teachers of the preschool. We also learned about our building project for the next two days and were excited to hear all about the work we will do together.
All that excitement in the sun brought an overall pinkish glow to the group. We'll remember to reapply the sunscreen more often tomorrow as we work in the sun. After a long day playing and worshipping together in temperatures we're not used to for February, it was the perfect opportunity for ice cream and naps. We'll be fully recharged for our day tomorrow, I'm sure!
Blessings,
Carmen
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Checking out the markets of Guatemala - Canadian style
We arrived in Guatemala City at 10 o´clock last night after a long day of
travelling. We were up bright and early to learn about the city and prepare
for the exciting afternoon of exploring and shopping downtown Guatemala
City.
The morning was very ¨factual¨ as we took in information about the people of
Guatemala. Then we headed off for the market! We frolicked about the streets
of Guatemala and did a scavenger hunt to help explore and improve our
communication skills. Trying to use Spanish to barter is something that we
are not that good at. Steven is the master at the Spanish and is everyone´s
new best friend!
It was really fun to see all the food and merchandise and to try to do our
best at bartering. The people were all really open and friendly as they were
shouting ¨Buenos Dias!¨ and random welcoming messages that we couldn´t
understand - smiling is a universal language. We are all really enjoying our
time here and can´t wait for tomorrow where we will partcipate in a church
service and will play with the children. Adios!
Danika, Heather and Tswizzle aka Taylor
--
Open WebMail Project (http://openwebmail.org)
travelling. We were up bright and early to learn about the city and prepare
for the exciting afternoon of exploring and shopping downtown Guatemala
City.
The morning was very ¨factual¨ as we took in information about the people of
Guatemala. Then we headed off for the market! We frolicked about the streets
of Guatemala and did a scavenger hunt to help explore and improve our
communication skills. Trying to use Spanish to barter is something that we
are not that good at. Steven is the master at the Spanish and is everyone´s
new best friend!
It was really fun to see all the food and merchandise and to try to do our
best at bartering. The people were all really open and friendly as they were
shouting ¨Buenos Dias!¨ and random welcoming messages that we couldn´t
understand - smiling is a universal language. We are all really enjoying our
time here and can´t wait for tomorrow where we will partcipate in a church
service and will play with the children. Adios!
Danika, Heather and Tswizzle aka Taylor
--
Open WebMail Project (http://openwebmail.org)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Guatemala Service and Learning Trip 2010
This year, the group will focus on serving different areas around Guatemala. Our planned service
activities include further development of the daycare at Lo de Carranza (an initiative the Guatemala
2009 group worked on), running programs for a children's group at Santiago Atitlan and helping to
promote the newly developing eco-tourism industry in San Marcos by helping with construction of a
cabin. Along the way we will meet new friends and hear their stories about day-to-day life in this
exciting country. We'll also be participating in two home-stays (one in Santiago and one in San
Marcos), exploring ecology and supporting their economy by bartering in local markets. All in all this
year's trip is full of adventure.
The participants of the trip include: Katie Baschak, Samantha Bloomfield, Laura Civica, Callahan Collier, Luke Derksen, Danika Epp, Erik Epp, Heather Epp, Brayden Holman, Hugo Malan, Taylor Roy, Allison Schmidt, and Steven Tetreault. Chaperones of the trip are Carmen Pauls, Jim Epp, and Geraldine Balzer (board member).
We will try to update this space as often as possible and will do our best to share our story as it unfolds.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Saskatoon ALSO slideshow
For the report back to the rest of the school, the Saskatoon/PA ALSO group prepared this 10 minute slideshow.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
ALSO Winnipeg Days 3-5
Wednesday morning we woke up to some fresh snow, which just make our walk to Siloam Mission a little colder and soggier. Siloam is a soup kitchen that also runs a lot of programs. We were able to meet different patrons and serve them breakfast. Siloam offers shelter for the night (with approximately 100 beds), a medical clinic, an art program, a clothing store and various opportunites for education and work experience to their patrons. The goal of the program is to be a springboard to help get those people from the streets to a place where they can live on their own and support themselves or their families. The facilities and enthusiasm of the volunteers and staff are truly amazing.
After our breakfast at Siloam we went to Graffiti Art which is an place that helps to bring communities together and to allow kids to express themselves through art. They exhibit urban art in various forms in the gallery and kids can take a variety of classes, from hip hop, djing, fashion design and visual art. We were able to spend some time making our own urban art here.
Graeme, Jill and Rachel paint records at Graffiti Art Gallery
Once we got back from Graffiti, Rachelle challenged the students to find teams and to do a scavenger hunt in the north end. The teams had to find various things such as: the place with the cheapest breakfast (the Windmill), how many train train tracks under a the Arlington bridge, the number of boarded up houses, and various graffiti tags.
Thursday morning we woke up bright and early and went to another soup kitchen, Agape Table. At Agape, we helped to serve the patrons and assitsted the staff and volunteers by preparing food, cleaning dishes and tables and moving food. Here we learned at every little bit helps!
Thursday lunch was spent at the Forks. We learned about the historical significance of the Forks during our Orientation, so we spent a few hours exploring this place.
Rachelle was very diligent in pointing out that in the soup kitchens we went do there was a separation between us and the patrons (ie: we served them). We went to another house, Flatlanders Inn, where this segregation is eliminated. Flatlanders is a place where "street people" and "wealthy people" (for lack of better terms) can live together. We heard from a number of people there and how they came to find Flatlanders. Their stories were also very inspiring and gave us hope. The message that the people from Flatlanders wanted us to bring home was love. They challenged us to love everyone; get to know people as individuals and share love and compassion.
Before we left Friday morning, we had one last stop: the Windmill (cheapest breakfast in the area). The Windmill restaraunt is another truly "Winnipegian" thing. The restaraunt has been open for a number of years and has served a variety of customers, including Robin Williams and Ben Kingsley. The food was delicious and it was a great way to conclude the trip and say farewell to Rachelle.
After our breakfast at Siloam we went to Graffiti Art which is an place that helps to bring communities together and to allow kids to express themselves through art. They exhibit urban art in various forms in the gallery and kids can take a variety of classes, from hip hop, djing, fashion design and visual art. We were able to spend some time making our own urban art here.
Graeme, Jill and Rachel paint records at Graffiti Art Gallery
Once we got back from Graffiti, Rachelle challenged the students to find teams and to do a scavenger hunt in the north end. The teams had to find various things such as: the place with the cheapest breakfast (the Windmill), how many train train tracks under a the Arlington bridge, the number of boarded up houses, and various graffiti tags.
Train tracks separating the north and south end. (There are about 40 tracks)
Thursday morning we woke up bright and early and went to another soup kitchen, Agape Table. At Agape, we helped to serve the patrons and assitsted the staff and volunteers by preparing food, cleaning dishes and tables and moving food. Here we learned at every little bit helps!
Thursday lunch was spent at the Forks. We learned about the historical significance of the Forks during our Orientation, so we spent a few hours exploring this place.
Rachelle was very diligent in pointing out that in the soup kitchens we went do there was a separation between us and the patrons (ie: we served them). We went to another house, Flatlanders Inn, where this segregation is eliminated. Flatlanders is a place where "street people" and "wealthy people" (for lack of better terms) can live together. We heard from a number of people there and how they came to find Flatlanders. Their stories were also very inspiring and gave us hope. The message that the people from Flatlanders wanted us to bring home was love. They challenged us to love everyone; get to know people as individuals and share love and compassion.
Sharing stories at Flatlanders Inn.
Before we left Friday morning, we had one last stop: the Windmill (cheapest breakfast in the area). The Windmill restaraunt is another truly "Winnipegian" thing. The restaraunt has been open for a number of years and has served a variety of customers, including Robin Williams and Ben Kingsley. The food was delicious and it was a great way to conclude the trip and say farewell to Rachelle.
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