2007 Summer Service (Guatemala)

The people of La Lolita

Laura Jackson — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 01:38:00 GMT

Today some of the people of the church in La Lolita came to the seminary for a going away/thank you reunion type of a get-to-gether. It was great to see not only the little kids but also the adults get excited about coloring with crayons on pages torn out of a coloring book. And Aaron, Dehan, Michael, LeAnn, and Renee played futbol (soccer) with the Guatemalan men of La Lolita and a few of the Presbyterian seminary students. Mean while Ben took a little old man named Juan Juilio on a walk down to the creek (because Ben knew he liked to fish) even though Ben couldn't understand very much of what said. The old man preceded to point things out to Ben and teach him their names. It's great to see members of our team over come language barriers to bond with Guatemalans.

Oh and while Juan Julio and Ben were on their way down to the creek Ben helped him down a step and for the remainder of their walk to the creek Juan Julio held tightly on to Ben's hand.

All in all it was a great day of strengthening relationships with our new Guatemalan friends.

Tomorrow we are heading to a finca (coffee plantation) and wednesday we are leaving the coast and heading back to the mountains. Wow I can't wait for some cool weather and I think that the rest of the team would agree that we've had enough of the heat.

Paz y Amor (Peace and Love),

~Laura~

New Guatemala videos and pics

Michael Ludwig — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:09:00 GMT

We just posted some more updated pictures to go along with our descriptions of recent events on the Summer Service trip. Here are four more videos that might give you more of a feel for the places.

First there is the village of El Chico that Aaron blogged about:

Right when we arrived at El Chico by boat, we were greeted and sat in a circle sharing our stories out side one of their huts.

Second is a video of learning how to make tomalitos as Sarah blogged about (under my name...):

Sarah in the kitchen with the women at the church in La Lolita. They were very impressed with how quickly she learned to make tomalitos (more)

Third is a video of our work site for the chicken coop we built in La Lolita:

Here we are working on the chicken coop on a piece of pasture outside of La Lolita, Guatemala. Some cutting, some dragging, some digging, some cementing, etc. etc.

Last is a short video of the road we had to travel to La Lolita (but you can't see the bandits hiding in the bushes...):

This is a short clip of the dirt road we were on when we were stopped by bandits on our way to build our chicken coop. Taken several days earlier, you can just see the rise on the left side of the road around where the bandits ended up jumping out of the sugar cane.

interesting facts

dehan — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 13:28:00 GMT

so here are just a coupla facts i have found out, from being a contractor and as ben and renee pointed out maybe the tallist person in guatemala. you take things for granted back home like running up steps but here the steps don't have to be a certin height or depth so i have triped bunches of times. doors oh how i hate doors, here they are never the same height even in the same house you will find diff height doors and aat one house i ended up on my back cuz they had takin a tall door and just put a bar across a foot down from the top and put a shorter "door" in. along the same lines awnings are right about eye level and made from sheet metal, every where you go there is bob wire and razor wire on every wall but some are soo short and stick in to the side walk that even aaron has nicked his hat on them. houses here are so simple and easy to build with next to no outlets and hardly any running water. they also don't waste any space in the richer houses that we stayed in at language school the restrooms are located under stair ways. so if you would like, go walk next to your stairs and make them a little steeper and then pix a toilet and sink you could wash your hands from on the toilet and a door all under them it makes for an interesting time.

dehan<><

In the kitchen...

Michael Ludwig — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 03:47:00 GMT

Thursday June 28 we traveled to a church in Lolita. The church was providing us lunch for the day. As is common here in Guatemala lunch was not quite ready when we arrived. So we worked on getting wood for the chicken coop and then we were able to go see the ladies cook lunch. I decided to go see the work in the kitchen. Some of the ladies from the church were cooking a huge pot ver a small fire. It was so hot outside and standing by the fire increased the heat immensely. They then went inside where they began making the tamales. They are a meal often eaten during celebrations that are wrapped in banana leaves. I was excited to watch and then had the opportunity to learn how to make the tamales. The women were so excited to teach me. It was a great experience to learn how hard they work. I made only three tamales and my hands were burning from the heat and my eyes were burning from the smoke. These ladies spend much of their day in the kitchen and do not get the respect they deserve. Also they had many, many more tamales to make before they were finished. I loved seeing the smiles on the women's faces as we learned about each other without using any words. They laughed when I laughed and I did the same knowing in some small way what they were laughing at. Learning how to make the tamales was so exciting because it is so much a part of their culture and part of experiencing their everyday life.
Sarah King

Stopped on the road...

Michael Ludwig — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:28:00 GMT

Hola,

As Aaron mentioned, we've had a pretty eventful week. It was also capped off by a Saturday that we will never forget. For the past two days we had been driving to the little town of La Lolita in the morning, down a bumpy dirt road for about 45 minutes off of the main road. Each day as we rode in the pick-up truck, we watched the fields of sugar cane, corn, and rubber trees go by, admired the volcanoes in the distance and waved at the women doing their laundry in the rivers we crossed. But about half-way through our journey on Saturday we swerved and skidded to an abrupt stop. Many of us didn't know what was going on until we saw two men with weapons and bandanas over their faces come around the side of the truck. Rachel translated that we were all to get out of the truck slowly with our hands up. Even though we had talked about this possibility before, it was still a shock that we were actually being held up by armed bandits!

At first, we were all unsure about what was going to happen, the lead man started to shout directions and came right up to David (our in country coordinator). He grabbed David's cell phone away from him and then relieved him of his wallet. Then it became apparent that they were just going to take our stuff and we were probably going to be okay. After frisking us, taking our rings, watches and other jewelry, they started rummaging around in the truck, trying to find the expensive looking bags. They got a couple cameras, iPods, and cell phones, but the biggest losses were the sentimental things like journals, wedding rings, etc.

Then we were ordered back on the truck and sent off down the road. Time past very quickly for the rest of thte ride, as we all pondered what had just happened. There were some natural feelings of violation, but the overwhelming feeling that the group members had was one of sadness. It was so sad to see men shaking with desperation as they held us up. It is sad that we live in a world that has such a great wealth imbalance that some have to stoop to the level of violently stealing someone else's possessions. But this is how some people get by in a country that has been torn by a 20+ year civil war and a culture of violence.

We wished we could do more, but we decided the best we could do was to try to finish our chicken coop project and show the people of the area that we really do care about them enough not to just run away when the going gets tough. No, we won't be traveling back down that road again this trip, but it was amazing to see what strong feelings of connection the robbery created that day between us and the church members in Lolita. There was a great outpouring of concern for us from everyone who showed up at the church, and conversation really openned up with the men we were working on the chicken coop with. As we left, they sent us off with a rousing prayer against the work of the devil and for our protection as we continue to work in Guatemala.

p.s. The in-country missionary that we were traveling with lost a lot more than we did in the robbery, his passport, credit cards, the money for the project etc. So please keep David Clipson and his continued ordeals in your prayers!

Guatemala Team News

Andrew Dawson — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:14:00 GMT

We want to notify the conference family that the Summer Service team was stopped on the road and robbed Saturday morning. Everyone is fine and that is the most important thing. Cell phones, cameras, rings, watches and backpacks (with journals) were stolen, but that was all. David Clipson, their missionary host had considerably more stolen. The team is returning (or returned) to the seminary and has notified the embassy. They will have a police escort if they are in that area again.

The team has asked for us to give thanks for the Lord's protection and to pray for the men who committed this crime.

Blessings have also come from this event. Their relationships have grown stronger with each other and especially the Guatemalans they are working with. Many people demonstrated their care as a result of it.

Please continue to pray for the Summer Service team. You can use the prayer calendar they created as a resource.

UPDATE: Michael Ludwig has posted a more informative and descriptive information about this event.

Making Tortillas

spudrasnick — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 03:27:00 GMT

Wednesday night, we had the opportunity to attempt to make tortillas with the women at Juanna's house. First, they washed the corn, then they ground it to a powder. After that, they added water, and you have at the entire making round disks. They make it look so easy! So most of us gave it a try. My first one looked like a triangle. Others were more fortunate with mishapened circles. By the end, some of our tortillas were looking almost round, but they were still much fatter than the ones the women made without even putting effort into it. It definitely was an adventure, especially with the women laughing at us as we'd try and try again, even when we messed up!

When Nature Calls...

LeAnn H — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 02:20:00 GMT

The other night when we stayed at Juana's house the bathroom was located outside...I made sure that I had used the facilities before turning in for the night. My goal was not to have to go outside during the middle of the night because I did not want to wake anyone up- especially my "bed mate" Renee. I was surprised how quickly I had fallen asleep and then it happened. I woke up at 3 in the morning and had to go to the bathroom. I layed there for a while and then sat in bed for a while listening to the sounds of the other 19 people sleep. I debated whether or not I should wake Renee up to go with me or not. Finally at about 4 in the morning I decided I would make the attempt to go out to the bathroom. I slipped on my shoes and weaved through the rooms being careful not to run into Dehan's feet that stuck out ofver the end of the bed and not trip over the bags on the floor. Finally I made it to the door and slowly and quietly opened the door to find the dog standing outside the door barking and wagging his tail to let me in, but he wasn't that friendly. I slamed the door shut and Rachel asked what I was doing and then told me it was pretty much hopeless that I would be able to get to the bathroom. I was determnined,,,I went and woke up Dehan and made him do the crowd control so I could go. It was the biggest ordeal ever just to use the restroom.

Juana's House

reneel — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:07:00 GMT

On Wednesday we took a day off from working in the chicken coups. We went to a seminar that talked about the production of biodisel fuel. I found it pretty interesting but I'm not so sure it resonated with many of the Guatemalans in attendance. After that we went to stay at a families house. This family had hosted David, our in-country coordinator, for a while when he first moved here. David brought us there to meet the family but more imortantly it was one of the childrens' birthdays. Juana and her eight children live in a house that David helped build. Their old house was a shack across the courtyard that they now use as a make-shift kitchen. The birthday girl, Mariela, quickly found a companion in Aaron.They started playing tag and whenever he would get tired and sit down she would taunt him till he got up again to chase her. Everyone played with the kids until dinner time and after dinner we got ready for bed. It was then that I realized the entire family was giving up their beds for us. They were all going to cram into the kitchen to sleep on the floor (including the birthday girl). I had a hard time swallowing this kind of hospitality and selflessness. An entire family gave up their beds for a group of complete strangers after they took all day to prepare food for us. This was the most literal display of Philippians 2:3-4 that i have ever encountered. "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regaurd others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others." I have been seeing Jesus in so many of the people we meet. This is just one example. I can't wait to share more with everyone when we get back.

Hello everybody

Aaron Cummings — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 01:41:00 GMT

This is our 19th day in Guatemala and our 3rd day working on the chicken coup. We have had an eventful week down here at the coast. The most eventful day was Sunday the 24th (my birthday) when we went to visit the island El Chico. That day blew me away. We took a 2 hour long truck ride to the coast where we found our boat that took us on a 15 minute boat ride out to the island. We met with some of the locals and I could not believe how hospitable they were. The villagers were so excited that we came to visit, but were a little upset because they did not have any food for us. While we were walking around their village and swimming in their black sand beach, they spent the afternoon preparing an absolutly delicious lunch. The lunch consisted of fresh fish (that they had caught that day) and lots of vegetables that were prepared to suit our weak American stomachs. When it was time to leave it took a while to say our goodbyes while the children made small bouquettes of flowers for us.

I just could not believe it when i saw how people with so little can just drop what they are doing to entertain us and make sure we were as comfortable as possible. Those were people and that was a day that I will never forgot. Certainly one of my best birthdays ever.

Adios,

Aaron

Let it Rain

leoneRMU — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 23:41:00 GMT

Hey everyone. This is Benjamin and it is 5:45 on friday evening. We just returned home from working all day on our chicken coup. Today at the village we were all given straw hats by the owner of the land where we're working and they had our names on them. I looked so much like a Guatemalan! We have the cement blocks in place and all four post up. Tommorow we will be finishing the roof and the walls. The chicks are going to love it! Upon returing home we had a great rain fall and decided to take our shower in the soccer field at the seminary where we're staying. ( that turned into us all with our work clothes on playing tag and sliding. Dinner is at 6;00 tonight. This will probably be our last internet before we return home. We miss you guys.

Peace in Christ

Ben Jamin

prayer requests

rachelludwig — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:28:00 GMT

Please continue to keep our truck in your prayers. It was fixed, but has a hot spot that our in-team mechanics (as I stated many times, this is a very diverse and talented team) seem to think is a sticky valve. We will see what can be done with it. It might need to go back to the mechanic here? Although I think the guys here might know a little more than the mechanic? We have a backup plan, but please pray for transportation.

And relationships!!

changes

rachelludwig — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:21:00 GMT

I have noticed many changes over the five years since I lived here. First the roads are greatly improved. Many places are newly paved and are going to 2 lane roads. (Well, especially in the north.) Of course that means a lot of the roads are under construction and are slower.

Their knowledge of agua pura has so greatly increased. Even on that little island they had agua pura for us. The other day walking through the market there was a garfono (5 gal) of agua pura open and being drank by the GUATEMALANS!! the Guatemalans who work at the market, not just he city dwellers! 97% of the water here in Guatemala is infested with ***!

The group says they now feel like they are on Summer Service because they have had some sore spots and very hot times melting in the back of a covered pick up truck while going over bumpy dirt roads. The bugs really have not been as bad as I remember in this area. That has made it a lot more comfortable.

Visiting El Chico

rachelludwig — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:17:00 GMT

Today, Sunday, we drove to the edge of Guatemala. Then we took a boat across the lagoon / ocean to get to an island called El Chico. The people are very friendly. They were a great encouragement to the team. One of the people told me that everyone from the group was able to say something to the people in Spanish. They said usually there is one maybe two people in the group that can translate, but in our group everyone could say something. That was very encouraging after all the hard work that we put in at the school last week.

If you don't know, everyone studied one on one with a teacher last week for 5 hours a day. Then we were in different houses, sometimes doubled up with our host families. It was a challenging week in many ways.

So we got there, the people didn't know that we were coming, but they were so open and had such a servants heart. They said, we are here to serve you. They had a fisherman (that is their occupation) give them some fish that was then cooked for us while we were in the ocean swimming.

Our prayer this AM was for everyone to have a special friend to create a relationship with. It was so neat watching the answer to prayer as the group walked to the oceanfront, because everyone had a partner they were talking to, or else a couple of small children. They are so full of God's love. They were also very encouraged by our visit.

One girl stayed on our boat as it pulled away and then once in deep water she jumped in and continue swimming after the group.

Well, Monday we are off to learn about chicken coups. We are going to build something similar to the same type of chicken coup that another guy has. He supposedly raises 20,000 chickens a month for meat.

Visit with family

rachelludwig — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:14:00 GMT

I recently had the opportunity to go back and see my Guatemalan family, where I lived for a year, It was wonderful and felt a lot like home. The girls, now about 10 years old came running up to me with flowers. I used to go up in the mountains and pick flowers and bring them back. The family had never seen anything like that before. But they picked me a bouquet. remembering. They came around and shouted Hermana Raquel. Of course there are those that are too shy to see me, one of my brothers is too shy to talk to me. He is in those teenage years currently :) It was a very content feeling to be back.

Rachel