August 3: A great day to end the trip

I am SO honored and proud to know each and everyone one of the awesome Yoga, Action, Adventure Guatemala team! We came to build one house and we built (or contributed) to 3! We also taught cooking, jewellery making, bought beds and stoves, anyway let's just say we fully maximized our time here.

I will never forget this experience and cannot wait for NEPAL!

Megan Campbell
DWC Participant
Guatemala, August 2012

July 29: Yoga, Action, Adventure Week #1...done!

Hola from Antigua!

So I have been in Guatemala now for 8 days, and we have officially finished our first week of work on the house.

I am in my element here. I knew I would be. Having been to Antigua once before, I knew what this place was like and it's even better than I remembered.

I was super excited to 'live' here for two weeks, and it has totally filled my expectations and more. I was here five years ago and it has drastically changed, but so far not in ways that have harmed the culture.

There are more shops, laundries, restaurants, cafes, and expats, but one of my favorite things about this place before, and that has remained the same, is that you don't teach them English, you learn Spanish. They have full blown conversations with you, and you just have to sign language your way through, or they realize and speak slower. The people are happy and welcoming, smile and look you in the eye. It's warm here. Like a great big hug.

The weather has been amazing! Like mid-twenties and dry, with a cool breeze daily. Evenings are cool enough for jeans or dresses, and you sleep well without a fan or AC. The sun has been shining since we got here; with the group, of course, arriving on the first day (and last) it rained for an extended period. The weather systems move so fast being between two volcanoes (one active, one not... not too worry, has erupted in like 50 yrs I think, maybe more) that you can be in one place driving, which happened to us, and the streets were flooded, and drive two minutes more and be in pure sun and warmth.

We start each day at 7am (9am Ottawa time) with Yoga. It's been such a pleasure to teach the same people daily, getting to know their bodies well, and attitudes (minds) and getting to tailor classes to the groups needs on how we feel on both levels.

Our partner here is Open Windows founded and run by a woman who is from San Miguel. She opened the school/library/daycare/etc.as a way to support her community and their immediate needs at the time. She is like the Guatemalan Mother Teresa. We walk the streets on San Miguel and everyone knows her, says hi, and respects her greatly.... except her cousin, who is Mayor, and tries to shut down her ideas and opportunities. She's been threatened and even her nephew ( I believe) was assassinated right before the last group came in hopes of taking her off the running of becoming Mayor (which she was trying to do) and stop her progress in helping to reform the small, fairly impoverished town. She still walks tall, stands strong in her faith and beliefs, and is proud. She says to us "I just know I was meant to do this. This is what I am here for." :)

Our project is to build a home for a family in the community. The family we are building for has a mother, father, four kids, and a grandchild on the way. The seventeen year old daughter is pregnant. In order to build homes for people here, they must own the land. Our family has been given it by family.

The plot is about one kilometer (maybe more) from the main road to the site. Our first day consisted of hauling cinderblocks and bags of cement, using three wheelbarrows, from one end to the other and then stacking them at the back of the plot. We calculated that we moved 18,000 pounds of cinderblocks and took us 128 trips back and forth. Needless to say... a lot more work than we all thought.

We are a determined group though, and did it in less than four hours, and we’re on track. That was a part that could thrown us back and off track if it wasn't done. Thanks to the community to. The families around us came out and we managed to get three more wheelbarrows to work with.

Throughout the week we have lugged, chiseled (small holes by hand into 60 cinderblocks), hooked (wrapped wire around the rebar by hand to secure it), shoveled, and dug (three 3-4 foot trenches). By Friday, we managed to have four tiers of the house built, foundation done, and trenches filled.

We are apparently on track :)

On the every first day, we got to sit around Open Windows library with the kids. They would read to us in Spanish, or like my little partner, made me read to them... glad not too many people were around for that!

One little girl was instantly attracted to Maxime. She snuggled up to her, read to her, played with her glasses, and all of us around were drawn right back to her. Not long after, Teresa mentioned her situation and asked if we would be willing to help.

Her mother left her and her three other sisters and wants nothing to do with them. Thankfully, their father took on their responsibility on himself. Problem is he works overnight in a bakery in another town so the twelve year old acts as mother. The other problem they don't have a door or anyway to keep them safe at night.

We got to visit the girls at their 'home'... a tin shack with a sheet for a door and one queen size bed. They have no stove to cook, no electricity, and eat very badly, as the dad just brings home leftovers from the bakery.

They rent the land, and because of that we cannot build them a home, but have gotten the funds together to build them a second tin 'home', which Teresa says is great because if they move they can bring the materials with them. We will put a door with a lock on it.

We have decided though we would like to do more. We would like to buy them another bed for the girls to sleep in, so not with the father when he is home, and also a stove. Both items would cost a total of $200.

This trip has literally filled my soul. I have never experience such immense moments of gratitude, love, community, and to serve as best as we can while we are here is making me feel complete.

Often we come in to these areas hoping to change things, or fix them, not understanding that one way is not every way. You don't have to change the world, but you can change a life. Maybe, hopefully, eventually even save some.

I know I can't protect every girl here, but I do know I can help create safety for four, who are no more deserving than others, but who we were meant to help.

I have some great ideas for my next volunteer trip to Nepal in 2013, and will continue to try and offer this experience for everyone. I am so grateful to the Universe for conspiring with me to make this happen, to see everyone on the trip blossom and grow, and be able to serve from a place within that isn't triggered but of better understanding, love, and true empathy... it could have been or very easily be me.

Namaste for the week!

Megan Campbell
DWC Participant
Guatemala, July 2012

July 26: So little can mean so much

Today was a day where it really kicked in how INSANELY blessed we all are, and how SO little can mean sooo much! Stay tuned...lots more to come.

Megan Campbell
DWC Participant
Guatemala, July 2012

July 23: Busy first day!

Day #1 on the project = 900 cement blocks carried about 100 meters, who knows how many bags of cement, and lot's of shoveling...Kathy Smart is teaching a group of 'special' kids (ie. kids who 'don't deserve' to go to school) how to make No Bake cookies as they don't have a stove...And we are looking for a door with a lock and materials for a roof... Going to be a busy day!

Megan Campbell
DWC Participant
Guatemala, July 2012

July 22: Happy and ready to start our projects

Everyone is here and I am sooo happy :) It was an AMAZING day, cried twice (in a good way), and we now have a new project along with building a home for a family, building a locak-able door and roof for four girls ages 4-12 who's mom has 'disappeared' and father works night (ie. they stay home alone all night). I am filled with love and gratitude right now, incredible, and so happy to be in service!

Megan Campbell
DWC Participant
Guatemala, July 2012

March 25: Our weekend excursion to Monterrico

After we left San Miguel Duenas, it was off to Monterrico Pacific Beach (probably the most beautiful beach in the world)! The sand was black and the waves were humongous! We were only allowed to go into the ocean up to our knees or else we could be swept away! The food out there wasn't quite as good as Antigua, but it was still delicious!
The first night was a short one. After fooling around in the pool for a while we went to bed... and promptly woke up at 5am in the morning for our Mangrove boat tour. It was a different experience to say the least. We thought we would see more wildlife, but apparently the native Guatemalans tend to kill lots of animals because they compete for food. Basically we saw a stork, another stork, some more storks, a flying stork, a standing stork (etc) and mudskippers! It was interesting to see all of the different events happening around us: fishermen swimming, small ferry boats carrying cars, motor boats and storks! After our tour we returned to the beach for some more fun in the waves. Everyone was super tired after that and most of us had naps.

There were three CRAZY cats at the other hotel as well as two friendly Rotweilers. The cats were pretty much mini panthers because they could scale a palm tree in no time! It was pretty funny to play with them!
Today we drove back from the beach to Antigua. We finished up our last minute shopping and watched the procession (an Easter tradition) for a while. There were so many incense in the air that we were all gasping for pure oxygen by the time they left. It is a bit of a morbid tradition, but it is part of their culture and  we're glad that we got the chance to see.

Hannah (Sahali Secondary)
DWC Participant
Guatemala, March 2012

March 23: The soccer game and a tough goodbye

On Friday we played our soccer game against a pretty good team of Guatemalan boys! We all played (except Olivia because of her knee) and ended up winning!!!!!!! WE ARE THE FIRST EVER CANADIANS TO BEAT THE GUATEMALANS! Everyone had a great time and the boys on the Guatemalan team were playing for Liam and Noah's shoes! Even though we won, they still got shoes and the other boys got jerseys. It was our last day on the work site and therefore a little sad. We didn't get to finish the house but we did get a lot done! The family that we were building for were so grateful and they helped as much as they could with digging and carrying building material. We all wish that we could stay for another week to hang out with the kids and maybe finish building the house. Oh well, most of us hope to come back some day soon.
 

It was tough saying goodbye to Teresa and all of the kids at Open Windows too! We had had such a good time meeting everyone and getting to know how they live their lives. It's weird to think that we might never see them again... Teresa says that we can email them via her email, so hopefully we can keep in contact with our favorite little munchkins!

Hannah (Sahali Secondary)
DWC Participant
Guatemala, March 2012

March 22: Another hard day on the project, followed by a rewarding dinner

More bricks and building continued today. We started our day by mixing more cement and making holes in bricks so that it can be used to make walls for the house. Drilling through the bricks with a hammer and nail was a bit challenging as we broke several bricks, but managed to get many of them completed. We have been having quite a lot of interesting meals in Guatemala. Our lunches have been amazing; some of the things we have tried are, "Pepian" which was soup with veggies, meat and rice. Chilli Rellanos was a scrumptious dish, which was stuffed pepper with pasta and broccoli. As for tomorrow we will be having Estofado, which is slow cooked meat. 

After lunch we decided to get half of the team to work with the kids and half on the work site. Hannah, Daylin, Karlee and Liv gave away hand made baby hats in one of the poorest areas of our village. They also did some finger knitting with the kids on the street. The rest worked on the house very diligently and finished off at 4:00pm. We waited for the bus and then headed for a dinner with another team at the home of one of the Board Directors of Open Windows. The place was beautiful, it had a swing with a fish pond in front of it and gorgeous buildings. For dinner we had pizza and salad, ending with chocolate cookies as dessert. 

We headed to the hotel around 6.30pm and decided to get tank shirts so that we can look like a team as we play a soccer game tomorrow. Stay tuned to get results on our big soccer game, which starts at 9am in the morning tomorrow.

Nelish (Sahali Secondary)
DWC Participant
Guatemala, March 2012

March 21: Dirt, Rocks, Sand and Fun...Oh my!!

¿Guats up? Day 6 was another successful day for the Guats Crew. We did a variety of tasks from mixing concrete to playing with the kids... Day 6 had it all! We started off with moving more bricks and cutting the last bit of rebar. We collected some wood to act as walls for the concrete we soon made after on the ground. We had to mix 5 wheel barrels of dirt, 2.5 barrels of rocks, 2.5 bags of concrete, and a lot of water. After mixing the cement we made a human chain and began pouring the heavy cement. We ended our day with refreshing glass bottled beverages of pop. 

After our day of building, we rendezvoused back at Open Windows. Here, we interacted with the local children. The team broke out into groups which consisted of a number of activities: skipping, finger knitting, soccer, frisbee, arts and crafts, hopscotch, and chaos. The children were filled with excitement and laughter. We loaded the van around 4pm to head back to our hotel in Antigua. Once we got to our hotel we cleaned up and set our selves free into the depths of Antigua for the fifth time. Some of us ordered in pizza and others chose to experience dinner by themselves (the fine establishment of Mcdonalds). After our hard day of work, people nuzzled into their beds. 

Adios Amigos!

Mikuss, Norris and Lissell (Sahali Seconday)
DWC Participants
Guatemala, March 2012

March 20: A hard day's work!

Happy Brick Day! Today we showed up to the work site to find 600 plus bricks in a big work truck. We had the delightful task of moving them to a more convienient spot. We had some difficulties at the start but managed to pull it off despite the the weak links (the girls) in our human chain. After that was finally complete and we lifted the last brick we thought the work load would get easier, but we were wrong. We moved huge truck loads of cements, rocks, dirt and re-bar into the site, followed by digging a 4-foot deep trench where the house would be and cutting the re-bar into 300 small pieces while the rain poured down on our scalps. We came home after the most physically demanding day yet to a cold shower whether we wanted it or not since one of the girls had her daily 30 min hot shower before us... you know who you are :)  We finished off the day with a trip to the market to buy our wonderful parents and friends (excpecially Melanie and Laurie) gifts. We hit the hay early at 2am for a good long sleep till 7am.

Chris & Noah (Sahali Secondary)

DWC Participants

March, Guatemala 2012

March 19: Open Windows and learning about the village

Today was our first day of work in the village. We arrived at the Open Windows Foundation at 9 30 this morning and got a tour of the childrens literacy program. There is a classroom, library and a small computer lab. Next we got a tour of the village from Teresa, one of the co-founders of the foundation. We were able to see how the people live and how impoverished the people are. We saw a public wash basin and learned that people only get paid 20 Q ($2.50) a day. We also walked in a compound with ten rooms and a couple of bathrooms. The kitchen is shared by everyone but it is by no means a kitchen like ours. Each family's room has one bed that sleeps all of them. We met the family we will be building a house for which consists of three kids and two parents. Their house was made of corrugated sheets of tin resting on thick branches. We tore the home down to create space for the new one. Tomorrow we start building the home and working with the children more.

Karlee & Daylin (Sahali Secondary)
DWC Participants
March, Guatemala 2012

March 18: Volcano hike, thermal pools and Easter precession in the streets

Today we woke up mighty early and had a delicious buffet breakfast next door to the hotel at Fernando's Cafe. We had a long and quiet bus ride to the volcano which took an hour and half.  As the bus pulled in we were swarmed by little children that demanded we "rent" their walking sticks. We started the long and steep trek up the Pacaya volcano. We started at 9:30am and by the time we got to the top it was 12:30pm. Our tour guide, Nelson, was a riot. He was always running up the volcano and always beat us down the hill. We swore he was a ninja! We took a bunch of group pictures once we reached the top and also roasted marshmallows in little warm holes of the volcano.  Unfortunately, we never saw any real at the volcano. 

Following this, we drove to hot thermal pools for lunch and a swim. It was nice to cool off and get all the dirt off from the hike. On the way back from the pools we saw beautiful flower carpets on the streets. They were there for the Easter Precession and were gorgeous. Then we came home for dinner and had empanadas for dinner at Fernando's. Afterwards we watched the Precession from the balcony of our hotel. It was beautiful! They carried huge floats on the streets. It was experience for everyone.

Taylor and Olivia (Sahali Secondary)
DWC Participants
Guatemala, March 2012

March 17: Exploring the markets and town of Antigua

Today was our first full day in Antigua. Everyone was pretty tired last night but ready to go this morning. We enjoyed a yummy breakfast from the restaurant beside our hotel, Fernando's. The juice was unreal! Then we walked to the market, it was a beautiful sunny day! The market was really cool we saw everything you could imagine. Everyone split up and explored! Lots of people bought back packs, ponchos, plates, etc. It was really fun and we all got pretty good at bartering! Then we met up and walked to the main square where we ate lunch. The adults went to a yummy local place while the kids went to a very interesting hamburger place... It was an experience for sure, but the meals were only 18 Q which is like $2!! Super cheap:). 

After that we explored the village, it was really cool to see everything. A very gutsy little Guatemalan girl followed Chris and Mike around trying to sell them jewelry - she called them "Cheap men". Ha! Then a little boy followed myself and Liam around  trying to sell us musical instruments - liam got it for 5 Q less than me! Then it was Siesta time - some napped, some read, pretty quiet time after a long day in the sun! 

We all met up in the lobby and went to Fridays for dinner. We got to have make your own taco kits! It was super good - everyone was really hungry. Then walked downtown, got some ice cream and the boys made some new friends. Three little boys came up to Russell, Chris and Noah and asked for piggy back rides. This soon turned into a huge piggy back fight - they were running all over town with other little kids in tow. I have never heard so much giggling in my life! I think it made the little guatemalan boys day! 

Afterward, we came back to the hotel and had our secretly planned birthday party for Daylin! Over the course of the day we bought a pinata (for 2$ american!!!) candy, candles, and a Guatemalan cake. We led Daylin downstairs where he beat the little bunny pinata into a pulp, sang him happy birthday and ate a really good fruity vanilla cake! Now, I am just about to head up to the roof top to learn how to finger knit! Tomorrow we are hiking up the volcano and going swimming in some sort of pool, can't wait!

Alison (Sahali Secondary)
DWC Participant
Guatemala, March 2012

March 16: We're Here!

We have arrived here safe and sound. There were no complications and we kept ourselves entertained in the airports with intense games of Ninja. We are all excited to explore Antigua tomorrow! Our drive through Guatemala city and Antigua was pretty fast-pace, but we all got through okay. The hotel is awesome! I can't wait to see it in the daylight! We've already found the roof and there is a beautiful garden in the center of the hotel!

It's been a long day, we'll check in tomorrow with some pictures of Antigua!

Hannah (Sahali Secondary)
DWC Participant
Guatemala, March 2012

March 13: The soccer game

After getting an hour and half extra to sleep; the Panorama crew made their way down to the local soccer field. Everyone worked hard and played amazing, but we still lost to the local team 2-11 with Amar netting both of our goals. The group was happy that the local team won because for most of the kids here, playing soccer is one of the things that makes them really happy. The boys were super excited about getting the t-shirts Mahabhir had brought for them. The group made their way back to Open Windows in order to prepare for their afternoon activity with the children. The group spent an hour making crowns with all the children at the center. Everyone came home exhausted, though we rested and then got ready to head down to the markets once again. After grabbing some ice cream from our favorite place here in Antigua, we spent some time shopping. Once again we enjoyed another wonderful dinner at Fernando’s and now are all ready for bed.

Panorama Ridge Secondary
DWC Team
Guatemala, March 2012

March 12: Back to work and preparing for our soccer game

The group started out the day bright and early and made their way to the worksite. It was a grueling day of moving the different materials needed to make cement; the group finally finished the flooring of the house. After a hard day’s work, everyone came back and displayed all of the supplies they brought for the kids. Theresa was very happy about all of the new materials for the learning center. Afterwards the group all got together and practiced their soccer skills in preparation for tomorrow’s big game.  

While the hard workers slept, the rest of the crew went off to the local markets in Antigua. Before dinner, Jasmin and Kiran attempted to wake the hibernating bears (Mahabhir and Raj) so that we could all go to dinner. After an amazing dinner of salad, lasagna and garlic bread, we are all ready to hit the bed in order to prepare for our victory against the local soccer team.

Panorama Ridge Secondary

DWC Team

Guatemala, March 2012

March 11th: Haggling at the markets, ruins and a traditional Guatemalan meal

We all definitely missed Fernando’s this morning... We have been spoiled by his delicious fresh fruit juices, exceptional coffees and tea selection, and organic eats. WARNING: Parents do not read this next part of the blog… We all participated in breaking a serious law on our way to the market… Each person in our crew proved themselves to be expert hagglers!!!  We all scored great deals…and Mahabhir was so proud that he was called “Cheap” by a vendor, and Raj was called "Pinocchio" by another vendor who called his bluff. 

As we waited to board our van, we were outsmarted by a couple of 8 year olds. For the second time, Jordan stole Raj’s order at lunch. The boys, minus Jordan, decided to have a history lesson with Manny instead of exploring the ruins with the rest of the group. Amar was fired just as quickly as he was hired as our tour guide’s official assistant. Gerlinde prepared a traditional Guatemalan homestyle meal for dinner and Fernando shared his mint and pepper dark chocolate – YUM!!!  Then, we had the convenience of watching the procession in the streets from our rooftop deck. This procession marked the end of Lent. Tomorrow, it’s back to work…

Panorama Ridge Secondary

DWC Team 

Guatemala, March 2012

March 9th & 10th: Lake Atitlan, Zip Lining & Bhabi

Although the girls worked at an incredible speed, the boys still took the first point of the day for the amazing race victory!  We began our long journey on the road to Lake Atitlan and had the pleasure of listening to Ms Brar’s eclectic taste in music… “Those will be the best memories”. During lunch we all enjoyed a lakeside view until Ms Brar took her seat and Raj asked, “Can you sit on the floor with the cat, you’re blocking my view?”  

Then we took a boat ride to Santiago… When we got there, the girls spent the entire time wasting the vendors time bargaining and ended up only buying a $1 bracelet. Jordan and Karnjiv lucked out with their new room which included a bidet toilet. We were all excited to discover that we had poolside rooms at Hotel Dos Mundos. 

Next was zip lining... Half way through the vigorous 15 minute hike through the Natural Reserve Park, Ms Brar asked, “Are we there yet???” . We zip liners were definitely relieved to arrive at the first cable. Just when we were feeling like we got ripped off by spending $30 on a 22 second zip line, we learned that, in fact, there were 8 more zip lines awaiting us!!! The zip line experience concluded with Raj winning the "Worst and Craziest EVER on the Ropes Course" – the group was proud to have earned such a prestigious title. Well done, Raj! 

The night ended with pizza, pop, and a good old game of Bhabi (Indian card game). So far, today’s points tally is: Girls 4 – Boys 3… There is one point left to be earned for winning the game of Bhabi…

Panorama Ridge Secondary
DWC Team
Guatemala, March 2012

March 9th: Our journey begins...

So we begin our journey with a few minor bumps, Karnjiv getting escorted to the random security check line – oops, wrong line up! Next, Jordan’s comfort food gets confiscated… lastly, Amar loses his lunch during the drive into Antigua… Ms Brar graciously offers him the front seat…and then he, smiling, tells her she is sitting in his lunch…he then corrects himself and says she’s stepping in it… Our tired, hungry crew finally ends up at Fernado's Cafe in Antigua.  We listened to a variety of music (including Eminen, U2, and… Punjabi MC – for real!!) while we waited patiently for our food.

The next day, we woke up and went for a tour of the village, San Miguel Duenas, were our project is located.  This included an extremely long walk in the scorching heat, taking too many pictures, reading books with our little Spanish buddies, making the local kids cry with excitement (just by looking at them), creating crafts with the young kids, and the boys taking a nap…no, 2 naps – excluding Amar. We ended our evening with a romantic candlelight dinner which included complimentary breadsticks…and no enchiladas.

Tomorrow, the real work begins…bright and early… 

Panorama Ridge Secondary

DWC Team 

Guatemala, March 2012