Hello DWC fans,
The project is near completion. Our beloved, hard workers, Oscar and Chone (aka. Tron) have been working hard along side the DWC volunteers. Our tallest member, Brian has recently been promoted to brick layer. Monique has been stirring the concrete mix while the others paint and move rubble.
This past weekend, our crew traveled to a far away paradise, Lake Atitlan and scaled the dangerous, active "Pacaya Volcano". At the lake we were able to experience many parts of the Guatemalan and Mayan culture. Loyal and respectful. Volcano Pacaya was a grueling but an exhilarating climb. The view was impeccable! Our first week was full of adventure, battling sickness and lack of sleep, but we were able to contribute a considerable amount to the project in San Miguel Duenas.
Your dear amigos,
The Gallo Gang
(DWC Guatemala Team)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August 9th, 2011: Our first couple days...
We are having an amazing experience so far. Today was the first day we got to get some work done on the job site. We brought in all the bricks, cement, and gravel. The work space is very confined, therefore making it hard for everyone to be working at the same time and we have to remake the foundation before we start building the house back up. Because of the little space and not enough work we have been having some people come back to the school to work with the children and prepare the walls for a new paint job.
On our first day we toured Antigua and had a lot of fun in the market. Now, because we are not all able to work, we also toured San Miguel with the host partner, Teresa. We bought candies to handout to all the children and families at a coffee plantation home. Few families were there and we cannot imagine how full it would be with 500 families in the one area. It is funny because in Canada if we were to drive down the street and handout candy from a white van we would be shunned instead of loved.
Even though it is just the start of our trip, we have had many amazing experiences and cannot wait to have some more!
DWC participants
Taylor-Rae Harvey & Moki Slingerland
On our first day we toured Antigua and had a lot of fun in the market. Now, because we are not all able to work, we also toured San Miguel with the host partner, Teresa. We bought candies to handout to all the children and families at a coffee plantation home. Few families were there and we cannot imagine how full it would be with 500 families in the one area. It is funny because in Canada if we were to drive down the street and handout candy from a white van we would be shunned instead of loved.
Even though it is just the start of our trip, we have had many amazing experiences and cannot wait to have some more!
DWC participants
Taylor-Rae Harvey & Moki Slingerland
Thursday, February 24, 2011
February 2011: Thank you to the Site 1 Workers
Dear Site 1 workers,
As site 1 team leader I have to say I got lucky. We had a first rate mason in William, excellent translation by Sheila, a hard working family headed by Don Hugo, and best of all for me all a talented team of workers able to pick up the ball and play a game that was new to all of us.
I enjoyed my day off in Antigua, trips to other sites with Teresa, and another trip to town by Chicken Bus with Brian, all thanks you picking up the slack and not making me feel guilty. I could see that the site was well managed if I just stayed out of the way.
We can feel proud of our work and with the benefit of hindsight I think the family will be grateful that William held on to his high standards despite being overwhelmed at first by eager but inexperienced strangers. We were also able to give our family some extras, which included more space inside, a shower and toilet (hopefully finished by now), an additional window, some unexpected furnishings, and a workable plan for the kitchen area.
Thankfully the fence blew over with a little help from our excavation, providing crucial space needed to store materials. The neighbor's generosity in agreeing to the temporary use of his property I think made the whole project more relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.
I look forward to Teresa sending photos of the finished home.
Best wishes to all.
John Vanstone
DWC Participant
As site 1 team leader I have to say I got lucky. We had a first rate mason in William, excellent translation by Sheila, a hard working family headed by Don Hugo, and best of all for me all a talented team of workers able to pick up the ball and play a game that was new to all of us.
I enjoyed my day off in Antigua, trips to other sites with Teresa, and another trip to town by Chicken Bus with Brian, all thanks you picking up the slack and not making me feel guilty. I could see that the site was well managed if I just stayed out of the way.
We can feel proud of our work and with the benefit of hindsight I think the family will be grateful that William held on to his high standards despite being overwhelmed at first by eager but inexperienced strangers. We were also able to give our family some extras, which included more space inside, a shower and toilet (hopefully finished by now), an additional window, some unexpected furnishings, and a workable plan for the kitchen area.
Thankfully the fence blew over with a little help from our excavation, providing crucial space needed to store materials. The neighbor's generosity in agreeing to the temporary use of his property I think made the whole project more relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.
I look forward to Teresa sending photos of the finished home.
Best wishes to all.
John Vanstone
DWC Participant
Monday, February 21, 2011
February 2011: The last posting from the group.
Day 10
This is the last report from our Guatemalan Project.
What a time we`ve had! The houses at both sites are almost finished. Roof beams are on and sheet metal roofing is being applied. After two weeks of hard work we now have something that looks like houses. We have learned a lot about construction in Guatemala from cutting building blocks with machetes to shaping and setting reinforcing rods in all directions. Our masons have got used to our talents and how they may best be used. We seemed to gravitate naturally to work that was interesting to us and matched our capabilities. We worked closely with the families and after two weeks developed strong personal connections. It was a pleasure to see their excitement as the houses took shape.
After we`re gone the floors will be laid and we will be looking forward to receiving a photograph of the finished houses.
There is so much to reflect on from this experience. Guatemalan life is difficult in some ways common to developing countries. However, there is so much that is attractive in the way the people respond to their situation. When our mason broke the handle of his sledge hammer, he grabbed a piece of pipe and fashioned another. We noticed how skilled workers are in improvising when there is no money for a trip to the hardware store. They have learned to use ingenuity and personal skills when money and technology are not available.
Our experience riding the chicken bus- something everyone should experience once- revealed the communal-social side of life here. People pile into the buses, sitting three to a seat. They help nursing mothers or old women with bundles on or off. They are gracious and courteous with one and another, patient in sometimes trying circumstances. They extend their courtesy to foreigners. When one asks, in rudimentary Spanish, for directions, the response is almost always helpful and charming.
The people one sees are mostly fit and attractive. This must have much to do with the physical nature of their lives, walking most places, carrying loads, and usually without the assistance of electric or engine powered devices.
It was good to build houses in this attractive land.
Brian Metcalfe
DWC Participant
This is the last report from our Guatemalan Project.
What a time we`ve had! The houses at both sites are almost finished. Roof beams are on and sheet metal roofing is being applied. After two weeks of hard work we now have something that looks like houses. We have learned a lot about construction in Guatemala from cutting building blocks with machetes to shaping and setting reinforcing rods in all directions. Our masons have got used to our talents and how they may best be used. We seemed to gravitate naturally to work that was interesting to us and matched our capabilities. We worked closely with the families and after two weeks developed strong personal connections. It was a pleasure to see their excitement as the houses took shape.
After we`re gone the floors will be laid and we will be looking forward to receiving a photograph of the finished houses.
There is so much to reflect on from this experience. Guatemalan life is difficult in some ways common to developing countries. However, there is so much that is attractive in the way the people respond to their situation. When our mason broke the handle of his sledge hammer, he grabbed a piece of pipe and fashioned another. We noticed how skilled workers are in improvising when there is no money for a trip to the hardware store. They have learned to use ingenuity and personal skills when money and technology are not available.
Our experience riding the chicken bus- something everyone should experience once- revealed the communal-social side of life here. People pile into the buses, sitting three to a seat. They help nursing mothers or old women with bundles on or off. They are gracious and courteous with one and another, patient in sometimes trying circumstances. They extend their courtesy to foreigners. When one asks, in rudimentary Spanish, for directions, the response is almost always helpful and charming.
The people one sees are mostly fit and attractive. This must have much to do with the physical nature of their lives, walking most places, carrying loads, and usually without the assistance of electric or engine powered devices.
It was good to build houses in this attractive land.
Brian Metcalfe
DWC Participant
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Tikal and the ancient Mayan Temples in the tropical forests in Tikal.
Thirteen of our DWC group arrived 4 days early and headed north touring through Coban and on to Tikal. One major highlight was arriving at our hotel in Tikal to find ourselves in the middle of a tropical rainforest! A huge surprise for all of us was the arrival of the president of Guatemala and his entourage as there was about to be an official groundbreaking of a new research center.
After our arrival and a late lunch we embarked on a guided tour through part of the rainforest to see the massive ancient Mayan temples. As we approached the first one we were blown away with its enormity, rising to a height of over 150 feet. They had been constructed between 200 and 1000 A.D. with some 150 temples and a population of 200,000 Mayan aboriginal people. Their culture was filled with hierarchy, tradition and superstition. The society broke down at the end of 1000 A.D. and the forest took over the structures over the following centuries. They were rediscovered in 1957 and a number of the temples have been uncovered and at least partially restored.
We enjoyed a wonderful hike and learned a great deal from our guide about the life and beliefs of the Mayan people. The tour culminated in watching the sun set from the top of one of the temples. Our guide, being a skilled salesmen, convinced some of us to participate in a 4:15 a.m. tour the following morning to experience the wakening of the tropical forest, sunrise from a temple and further explore more Mayan temples. An unexpected bonus for us was the opportunity to witness a Mayan religious ceremony that was in progress as we approached the temple steps.
Our visit came to a relaxing finale as we had time to return to the hotel for lunch and lounge around the pool in the beautiful warm sunshine. While relaxing by the pool we continued to be serenaded with the sounds of howling monkeys, parrots and numerous other exotic birds and animals. This is not an excursion I will soon forget.
Jack Alexander
DWC Participant
After our arrival and a late lunch we embarked on a guided tour through part of the rainforest to see the massive ancient Mayan temples. As we approached the first one we were blown away with its enormity, rising to a height of over 150 feet. They had been constructed between 200 and 1000 A.D. with some 150 temples and a population of 200,000 Mayan aboriginal people. Their culture was filled with hierarchy, tradition and superstition. The society broke down at the end of 1000 A.D. and the forest took over the structures over the following centuries. They were rediscovered in 1957 and a number of the temples have been uncovered and at least partially restored.
We enjoyed a wonderful hike and learned a great deal from our guide about the life and beliefs of the Mayan people. The tour culminated in watching the sun set from the top of one of the temples. Our guide, being a skilled salesmen, convinced some of us to participate in a 4:15 a.m. tour the following morning to experience the wakening of the tropical forest, sunrise from a temple and further explore more Mayan temples. An unexpected bonus for us was the opportunity to witness a Mayan religious ceremony that was in progress as we approached the temple steps.
Our visit came to a relaxing finale as we had time to return to the hotel for lunch and lounge around the pool in the beautiful warm sunshine. While relaxing by the pool we continued to be serenaded with the sounds of howling monkeys, parrots and numerous other exotic birds and animals. This is not an excursion I will soon forget.
Jack Alexander
DWC Participant
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
February 2011: Patience with the Guatemalan way.
The group went on an overnight to Lake Atitlan over the weekend. This lake, surrounded by volcanoes, claims with some justice to be the world`s most beautiful lake. After a boat cruise around the lake we had lunch at Santiago. That night we ate well and watched a spectacular, ever-changing sunset. On the way home next morning we stopped for an hour in Chichicastanengo and shopped in the market for fabrics, jewelry and other treasures, including a carved wooden flute.
Now it is Wednesday. On site one the walls are now above window height and the group believes they will have the roof on by Thursday night. They are now working on the separate walls for the bathroom.
Group two is close to window height with their blocks and will try to have the roof on by Friday. The mason and his helper are relaxed and friendly with us now, especially with the women in our group. Funny how that happens.
Yesterday one of our group was having trouble laying his block, despite the advice he was getting from three other masonry consultants. Henry, our mason, seeing this came over and with a few swipes of his trowel solved he problem. Everybody laughed. We seem to be more patient now than we were at the beginning of the project, more willing to work with the masons in the Guatemalan way.
Brian Metcalfe
DWC Participant
Now it is Wednesday. On site one the walls are now above window height and the group believes they will have the roof on by Thursday night. They are now working on the separate walls for the bathroom.
Group two is close to window height with their blocks and will try to have the roof on by Friday. The mason and his helper are relaxed and friendly with us now, especially with the women in our group. Funny how that happens.
Yesterday one of our group was having trouble laying his block, despite the advice he was getting from three other masonry consultants. Henry, our mason, seeing this came over and with a few swipes of his trowel solved he problem. Everybody laughed. We seem to be more patient now than we were at the beginning of the project, more willing to work with the masons in the Guatemalan way.
Brian Metcalfe
DWC Participant
February 2011: Other activities than the volunteer experience.
Building houses in Guatemala is gratifying in so many ways. For example, we’re learning local construction techniques, we’re enjoying working in teams and we’re feeling satisfaction knowing that we’re helping people in need. The Guatemalan people with whom we’ve have had contact have been unfailingly friendly, good natured and ever so tolerant of our limited Spanish-speaking skills. Yes, we’re working hard at the job site, but we’re also making good use of our free time.
Last weekend, we had the enlightening experience of being guided through an Antiguan photo exhibit of the Guatemalan civil war (1960-1996) by Yolanda Colom, an acquaintance of team member Marci Lipman. Yolanda, a former guerrilla commander, is currently a teacher and well-known Guatemalan author.
Wednesday evening, Mario, the bus driver that had driven 14 members of our group from Guatemala City to Tikal in advance of our work commitment, came to our hotel with his wife and children to describe family life in Guatemala.
Thursday evening, again with the help of Marci, we were invited to dinner at the Antiguan home of Corrine Willock, who several years ago moved to Guatemala and started a non-governmental organization called Choco GuataMaya.
She is also the author of the DVD called “Cacao – Food of the Gods”, which we had the opportunity to view.
The purpose of this NGO is three-fold:
1. Bring awareness of the evidence indicating that the use of cacao originated in Central America, more precisely in the Mayan areas of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico.
2. To encourage the small subsistent farmers to create co-operatives, and to oversee that the cacao stays organic for it to be desirable as a specialty item in the international market.
3. Ultimately, assist in ensuring that the co-operatives receive fair trade prices for their cacao.
Friday at noon, a couple from the US, who made Guatemala their home twenty-two years ago, invited us to have lunch with them at their house. Their home is very comfortable, but interestingly it's located in a poor neighbourhood and is in the vicinity of one of the houses that we‘re building. Thomas and Elizabeth, who are 2 of only 5 ex-pats living in the town of San Miguel Duenas, shared with us their experiences living in Guatemala and being involved in the local community.
This past weekend, we all travelled by hired bus to Lake Atitlan, sometimes described as the most beautiful lake in the world. And after a tour of the lake, a stop at Santiago and a night at a lakeside hotel, we headed to Chichicastenango in the morning and attended a remarkable, huge local market. Colourful it was, with handicrafts abounding and everyone doing their bit to help the local economy!
So while we’ve learned much about life in Guatemala, there are a couple of questions that perplex the group. Why do the roosters that live down the road insist on announcing their presence at midnight, reporting back in at 2:00 a.m. and then continuing their calls with more and more urgency until well after morning light is bathing our charming hotel? And why are we not really taking notice of the roosters anymore?
Richard Alguire
DWC Participant
Last weekend, we had the enlightening experience of being guided through an Antiguan photo exhibit of the Guatemalan civil war (1960-1996) by Yolanda Colom, an acquaintance of team member Marci Lipman. Yolanda, a former guerrilla commander, is currently a teacher and well-known Guatemalan author.
Wednesday evening, Mario, the bus driver that had driven 14 members of our group from Guatemala City to Tikal in advance of our work commitment, came to our hotel with his wife and children to describe family life in Guatemala.
Thursday evening, again with the help of Marci, we were invited to dinner at the Antiguan home of Corrine Willock, who several years ago moved to Guatemala and started a non-governmental organization called Choco GuataMaya.
She is also the author of the DVD called “Cacao – Food of the Gods”, which we had the opportunity to view.
The purpose of this NGO is three-fold:
1. Bring awareness of the evidence indicating that the use of cacao originated in Central America, more precisely in the Mayan areas of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico.
2. To encourage the small subsistent farmers to create co-operatives, and to oversee that the cacao stays organic for it to be desirable as a specialty item in the international market.
3. Ultimately, assist in ensuring that the co-operatives receive fair trade prices for their cacao.
Friday at noon, a couple from the US, who made Guatemala their home twenty-two years ago, invited us to have lunch with them at their house. Their home is very comfortable, but interestingly it's located in a poor neighbourhood and is in the vicinity of one of the houses that we‘re building. Thomas and Elizabeth, who are 2 of only 5 ex-pats living in the town of San Miguel Duenas, shared with us their experiences living in Guatemala and being involved in the local community.
This past weekend, we all travelled by hired bus to Lake Atitlan, sometimes described as the most beautiful lake in the world. And after a tour of the lake, a stop at Santiago and a night at a lakeside hotel, we headed to Chichicastenango in the morning and attended a remarkable, huge local market. Colourful it was, with handicrafts abounding and everyone doing their bit to help the local economy!
So while we’ve learned much about life in Guatemala, there are a couple of questions that perplex the group. Why do the roosters that live down the road insist on announcing their presence at midnight, reporting back in at 2:00 a.m. and then continuing their calls with more and more urgency until well after morning light is bathing our charming hotel? And why are we not really taking notice of the roosters anymore?
Richard Alguire
DWC Participant
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