HELP with your VOTE

Last post you read about our new Fair Trade business, called Las Casas.

Now you have a chance to help immediately!  All you have to do is VOTE.  We're entered in a GOOD Maker Challenge, where the idea that receives the most public votes wins a $2,500 grant!!!

Check it out AND Vote here...vote using your FB account or sign up for a GOOD account. THANK YOU...

bringin Guate back...

It's been almost 2 months since we left Guatemala and I'm going through withdrawal. So we've made a few attempts at bringing some of it back...

First we tried to make pupusas. I know, I know, they are really from El Salvador, but we ate them every Friday night in Guate and grew to crave them in no time. There are several women on the street who sell them, and at about 25 cents each you can't go wrong!

Pupusas are corn flour (the same ground corn that is used to make tortillas and tamales) stuffed with yummy fillings (beans, cheese, meat in different combinations) and then made into a stuffed tortilla and grilled or fried. They are delicious and usually served with tomato salsa and a pickled cabbage side. Mmmm

this is what they're supposed to look like

 

please see above the ginormous pupusa my dad made, he had to biggie size it

Chris doesn't look thrilled, but he really does like pupusas

So they definitely weren't quite like the pupusas back home in Guate, but they were a good first attempt and we can only get better (right?)!

A few weeks ago we had a Guate reunion with the lovely ladies (minus my cousin, Jessi, who is in Canada) who came to visit end of May. We began our reunion with some incredible tamales. Everyone in Indy should seriously go to The Tamale Place. Delicious!

Mmmm tamales

Then we spent about 3 hours (no joke) sipping tea and looking at Guate pics and videos. It brought back so many wonderful memories and stories. If we could have, we probably would have bought return flights then and there.

We definitely dressed up for the occasion! While in Pana, I grew to really respect the indigenous communities, their lifestyle, and their way of dress. They back-strap weave their traditional blouses, called guipils, and you can purchase them second-hand to support the communities...and wear beautiful, one of a kind blouses! In this picture we're wearing 4 different guipils from 4 different villages (each village around Lake Atitlan has its own history and it's own traditional clothing).

our beautiful guipils!

And we wore our Guatemalan shoes! Linda bought her little flats at the market in Santiago. I bought my moccasins from a leather man we got to know in San Juan (David has a pair too). And Patsy and Megan bought their cowboy boots in a little town called Pastores (we definitely took a chicken bus in the rain to find them in a village I had never gone to, quite the adventure!).

our Guate shoes

It's always fun to reminisce about Guate and attempt to bring some of it back here. We will always try to keep Guate close to our heart while living in the US, something we are really enjoying doing through our Fair Trade venture, Las Casas. (helpless plug, sorry...but check it out!)

Stuff, stuff, stuff

A sting of anxiety. Pit in my stomach. Heavy sigh. I have so many possessions. I lived for a year with so much less and I was surprisingly so content. I've tried to hold off as long as possible, but this week we began to shuffle through our stored items and revisit our possessions that we packed away neatly over a year ago, which were only a distant memory before...

this is only some of our stuff packed away in a garage

David attempting not to create an avalanche

shoes, shoes, shoes

When we moved to Guatemala we stuffed 4 suitcases with the essentials (probably should have rethought the 15 books which were too heavy) and said good-bye to the majority of our stuff. We took older clothes: nothing new, nothing fancy, nothing expensive. Sure, we acquired things while we were down there. Volunteers who came down would give us their leftover clothes and we happily used them until we returned to the US. But I was so easily content with the few, the old, the re-used, and the simple. Not to mention I had no room to pack make-up, I only blow dried my hair 3 times the whole year, and hair conditioner was a rare treat. It was easy to live simply there. We couldn't fit a lot of things into our apartment. If we had too much stuff and didn't use it frequently enough, it would grow mold within a week during the rainy season.

This week we began to go through all of our old stuff. What blows my mind is that I lived for a year without any of these things and I was happy and content, probably more stress-free than I've ever been (in regards to stuff). But what scares me the most is that all of these possessions won't be enough. In no time I'll find something else that I "need" to buy. Which, we all know I won't need, but I will find a way to justify it. I will purchase it at Goodwill for really cheap, and it will help alleviate any tension. But, as author Jen Hatmaker writes in 7, "I would like to be so focused on the valuable that what I am wearing doesn't even warrant mental space." How incredible would that be?!

Jen continues about how we justify each individual purchase: "This micro-justification easily translates to nearly every purchase I've made. Alone, each item is reduced to an easy explanation, a harmless transaction. But all together we've spent enough to irrevocably change the lives of a hundred thousand people...What if all my silly little individual purchases do matter? What if I joined a different movement, one that was less enticed by luxuries and more interested in justice? What if I believed every dollar spent is vital, a potential soldier in the war on inequality?"

I know that having a closet, or garage, or basement packed with stuff doesn't make me a bad person. But I don't want to want all of that. I don't want to feel like I "need" more things to be content or happy or accepted. I want to have a healthy, detached perspective on things, and I already find that increasingly more difficult here. I want to focus on the big picture: my purchases do matter, every dollar spent is my vote that is directly connected to the world I take part in creating.

the adjustment...

"How has it been since your return to the States?" -- I've received this question numerous times the past few weeks. Hmm. Where to begin? How long do you have? Usually I smile and say something like "It's great to be closer to family and friends." It's just so hard to answer that question, there are so many things to say, so many things I'm still processing.

The easy answer is that the best part of being back, by far, is the people. Getting reacquainted with our community, catching up with family, reminiscing with friends...those are definitely the best parts of being back.

But there are also challenges, moments that make me feel like a foreigner, like a stranger. I don't know how to live here. How much is too much, how much is just right, how many questions can my mind tolerate before I self-implode.

Looking for jobs has caused us to question what is priority: jobs we're passionate about or jobs that push us out of comfort zones. We ride the tide of needing jobs to afford to live here and searching out jobs that help us find purpose in living here. We want to work and live in a community where we can dig deep in relationship, in service, in opening our home. Right now, it's all on hold and we're living in a space of not knowing what our lives here are going to look like.

When I think back to our life in Guatemala, it was so much easier to get involved in the community. There were needs everywhere you looked and people willing to engage in relationship. We met so many people by just walking up and down the streets:

We met Belem while eating sandwiches at a bakery. Soon we were coloring and singing together.

We met Lucia and her son, Tomas, on the street where they sold typical Guatemalan items to tourists.

Elias runs his parent's store, mostly on his own. We met him buying a headband.

Raul and David became friends when we first arrived and always joked about David's "love" for tomatoes.

It was easy to make new friends, it was easier to identify needs, and it was common to respond and try to help. It's so different here. We build walls around our needs and only let select people in. Some of us are prideful and don't want to accept help even when we need it. There are so many more barriers that you have to work to overcome before you can even get to know the individual or the need. In Guate there were so many natural opportunities to get to know people, build friendships, and share resources.

I take a step of vulnerability and admit that praying here feels different too. I know it's not true, but sometimes it feels like in the US we don't "need" God for our everyday needs. Back in Guate everyone I talked to, either personal friends or families that came to our office for assistance, everyone accepted the fact that they needed help and they needed God. It was very cultural for people to end conversations saying "If God wills it, we'll see each other again." People were so desperate given their poverty that they prayed to God for everything: corn, a blanket, some milk. Obviously the differences here are stark. If we need milk, we don't pray for it. We buy it.

I don't know what to make of these differences. I wish I could meet people easier and am confirmed that I will just have to work harder here to overcome those barriers. I think we should all pray more with a childlike faith, going to our Father with every need. But, the truth is, we don't have to here. We create our own opportunities to provide for ourselves. We don't have to ask God for it. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't. But it's obviously not cultural here to do so like it is in Guate. I struggle with this. I say it again: I don't know how to live here.

So those are just some of the differences I'm experiencing and how it's affecting our "adjustment back." That's why it's so hard to answer the initial question. Of course we're glad to be back, but it's not as easy to just accept things like I did before. I question a lot more and it's a tiring road. But I think it's good for me, I think it's necessary, and I don't fear living in the questions. When I question more, I find myself depending on God more, and that's always a good thing.

back at it

I know, I know...we're not doing well updating our blog. Since returning to the States I've been having a love-hate-more-hate-than-love relationship with technology. I am amazed at the ease and convenience (and speed!) of technology and online interaction. But it seems surface-level at best and seems to draw people into themselves more than out toward others. I struggle to find a desire to get on facebook, and when I do it's always disappointing. Plus I spend hours online every day looking for jobs so when I have a free hour or two in the evening, getting on my computer is the farthest from my mind. Hence, no blogging either. But I want to do better. I know that technology can serve a good purpose and so I will try to do better.

Here we go....living in the States again. It's been such a treat getting together with friends and family and spending quality time with people. There's a lot to catch up on and "get to know" (our extended family gained 3 babies, 2 pregnancies, and 1 fiance while we were gone!). There seem to be a lot of physical changes (homes, jobs, schooling) but over-all I've actually been shocked at how many things are still the same. A year is really not a long time when you look at the big picture.

One huge adjustment upon returning was driving. We didn't drive anything (except David had a bike) for the entire year we lived in Guate. We walked everywhere and really grew to love it. When you walk to and from places there are so many natural opportunities to say hi to people along the way, catch up with the shop-keeper you pass on main street, or give a hug to the bakery owner's daughter. It was the best way for us to get to know our town and the people in it. You couldn't walk more than a block without seeing a familiar face and greeting them. I miss this tremendously.

I feel very isolated now. We drive around in our spheres of metal and have almost no opportunity to talk to anyone as we zoom past. It's quicker and more time efficient, but driving is also more isolating and draws you in to thinking about your day, your schedule, your timeline, and how many minutes you have to get to your destination before you're late. So, coming back it was not something I looked forward to. But the make-up of our cities is so different it's hard to avoid. If you want to see someone, you basically have to drive to them.

About 2 weeks ago I was driving on Interstate 465 to go see my cousin and I was rear-ended, spun out through 3 lanes of interstate traffic, and hit the median. It was by far the worst wreck I've ever been in. At one point I faced on-coming traffic head on and thought for sure I was going to be hit by a pick-up. Thank God I walked away without any injuries. But my desire to drive, or be in a car, plummeted and now I really hate driving. Before living in Guate, I had to tell myself to slow down and quit speeding. Now I find myself driving below speed limit and I have to remind myself to increase acceleration. It's crazy! I think David is rather pleased with my new driving tendencies, as he always thought I sped too much before. My car was totaled and we're down to being a one-car family. It's okay for now, but once we both have jobs (Lord haste the day!) it will be more difficult.

Job searching is dauntingly slow and tedious. It's completely electronic and on-line, which I hate. If I could just meet someone face-to-face and have a chance to talk about my resume or experience, I think I'd have a chance. But right now I'm an electronic resume and one of hundreds of applicants without a face. It's tough to just get an interview.

But thank God for our parents who have opened their homes (and refrigerators) to us. We definitely could not do it without them. The majority of our stuff is still stored away in our parents' garage and basement, so it hasn't been too crazy attempting to go through all of our stuff. I know somewhere there are still suitcases of clothes and shoes that we still haven't seen, and I think I'd like to keep it that way for now. The thought of unpacking and realizing how much stuff we own causes me to cringe a little. More on that later...

So those are the "logistical" updates of living back in the States. I want to blog more soon about the "inner-emotional" updates of living in the land of plenty. Overall, we're doing well adjusting and taking it all in. It is such a huge blessing that David and I have each other and can converse about things we aren't comfortable with or blessings in disguise. Sometimes we reminisce about Guate and all we can say to each other is how much we miss it. I think we're realizing that Guatemala challenged all of the answers we thought we knew and held dear, and now we're given the painfully beautiful opportunity to live amidst the questions.

I leave you with one of my favorite benedictions, which has been close to my heart since we've returned:

"May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen"

Culture Shock

The opportunity to travel and meet people from other cultures and see other parts of the world has changed me. It has made me who I am today. When I was 12 my family spent 3 months in Brazil. I returned a completely different person. I remember flying home just a few days before I was going to start middle school. I was a little nervous, but more excited. Then I got home and saw some of my friends and immediately felt insecure about my clothes and shoes. After spending the entire summer in Brazil, I left a lot of my things there and returned home with only 3 pairs of shoes. I was fine with that until I was reunited with my friends and all of a sudden the thought of beginning  middle school with only 3 pairs of shoes was unacceptable and I had to buy more. My experiences in Brazil stayed with me, but I slowly re-immersed in American culture. I hate it that I lost touch with many dear friends in Brazil, but my life in America over-powered my desire to stay united with our Brazilian friends and experiences.

Throughout college I traveled a lot, mostly short trips here and there, but they always challenged me and shaped me. In 2007, I traveled to Guatemala from May to August to study Spanish. I had a rough first month; I missed familiarity. But by the end of my trip, I had fallen in love with Guatemala and its people and its culture. For the first time in my life, I felt proficient in another language and could communicate with a population I never could before. I was more relaxed, more content, and I enjoyed the little things like walking to class in the mornings or sitting on a curb with a child selling bracelets. I felt like I was able to really be present in each moment and had the freedom and joy to really invest in the people around me. I became friends with a lot of families who couldn't afford things we consider necessities in America. For the first time in my life, poverty had a face and a name and I encountered it every single day.

In the middle of my summer in Antigua, I lived for a short time with my Spanish teacher. We became good friends and spent most of our evenings sitting at her kitchen table talking. One Saturday she had a commitment so I had most of the day free to myself. I sat at her kitchen table, opened my Bible to Matthew 1, and read straight through for about 4-5 hours. I was shocked, humbled, and frightened by the multitude of verses regarding poverty, equality, and God's will for us who have more regarding those who have less. I think reading those verses, while experiencing and seeing so much poverty every day, completely changed my life.

I saw that God holds us to a very high standard when it comes to how we treat those who have less. We are called to give out of our plenty. Our love is measured by our actions toward the poor. And perhaps most awakening is that He puts Himself on the side of the poor and sees Himself as one of them. These verses spoke to the depth of my heart.

When I flew home, I had a connection in the Miami airport. The different "feel" in Miami was shocking. Everyone was rushing, no one seemed to look at anyone, eyes were glued to plastic screens, and don't even get me started on the price for a slice of pizza. I was in shock. I missed the familiarity and simplicity of Guatemala and I felt like I didn't belong in this culture. I called my mom and sobbed on the phone. I honestly didn't know how I was going to readjust. After I got off the phone with my mom, I called a friend and cried again with her. I sat at my terminal and cried for probably 35 minutes. I don't think a single other person around me even noticed.

Thus began my culture shock and readjustment to life in the US. The next few months were hard. I was in a crisis. I didn't know who I was: how could I have lived so easily and comfortably with so much excess before? And I didn't know who I wanted to be: should I just conform and fit in? Should I fight it? How will I ever be accepted? I had a lot of trouble with the excess that I saw around me everywhere. I wouldn't enter a mall. I shunned Starbucks. I even remember crying at a Panera because a salad was so expensive. There was this massive tension that I could not come to peace with and I didn't know how to respond.

Eventually I leveled out a bit, but I have never been able to return to the same person I was before that time. I drink Starbucks today and I do go to a mall from time to time, but I still have trouble with purchasing new things or seeing excess. Just last year I cried in a Kohl's parking lot over a pair of black boots. The tension remains.

It has alwasy been extremely difficult for me to verbalize these experiences. Let's be honest, we all have past histories that have shaped us in ways that other people just can't understand. The idea of living a child like faith that allows me to simply trust in God for everything often scares me. I often fail. But my heart is most alive when I am being challenged to get out of my comfort zone and serve the least of these. The foundaiton of it all is the greatest challenge of my life, which is to see and serve God all around me.

I'm still dealing with the tension. I still don't really think I fit into typical American culture. I accept the fact that I have been exposed to very different worlds and they do not fit well together. And my attempt to fit into both has been difficult. I guess I'm somewhere in the middle, trying to accept my privilege and not feel guilty for it and trying to always remain aware of the poverty and needs around me. I will always live with this tension, but I'm learning to be okay with that. I guess it's part of life. It's part of living in a world we are not made for.

All that to say, I'm a little worried about returning to US culture. I'm going to try to avoid connections in Miami. ( : I'm praying for God to prepare my heart and my mind and to allow me to focus on the important things. I plan on going for long runs and journaling a lot. As always, your prayers are more than appreciated. May God show us all how we can best LOVE and serve Him in the cultures and communities we reside. Amen.

A Once in a Lifetime Easter Experience

The hype about the cultural traditions during Holy Week leading up to Easter turned out to be accurate!  We spent two nights in the popular city of Antigua, where literally millions of people travel to during the week to partake in the festivities and cultural traditions.

What are the traditions exactly?  Imagine a processional (parade-like) of thousands of men, women and children walking in lines throughout the streets, wearing all purple (and in some processionals all black), walking in these lines for sometimes up to 12 or 14 hours.  Processionals were scheduled throughout all hours of the day, one for each Catholic church in town, some starting at 4am, others not ending until 6am.  Along with the processionals themselves were 'alfombras', or carpets made of colored sawdust, flowers, fruit or pine needles.  Why do people do this?  It's a sacrifice, it's sacred, and it's inspiring.

 

There were thousands of church members walking in front of the large Jesus and Mary processional statues, but they did not walk in the center of the street but rather along the sides of the roads.  Then those (between 90 and 100 people) carrying the large float portraying Christ and other Saints walked over and through the alfombra carpets, literally destroying hours of intricate work...then followers would pick up the flowers or fruit to keep because the items were 'blessed'.

Before the processional:


After the processional:


To be an onlooker was interesting.  I was tired just walking to the streets where the processional was going to pass by, and I didn't have a huge statue resting on my shoulders.  Look at this picture in particular capturing the agony this young boy was going through while participating in the processional:

Notice the man on the corner is supporting the statue on his shoulder AND holding his baby son!

It was really cool being able to see the festivities in phases, because people building the alfombras would start during all hours of the day, too.  So we got to watch how it all happens.

Stencils were used to make intricate designs with the sawdust!

It was absolutely incredible to watch the masterpieces being created, step by step.

They watered down the alfombras to prevent wind from blowing pieces away.

WATCH this video of the processional happening right in front of us!!!

 And at the end of our time in Antigua, our host family made their own carpet, which we were able to help assist in the formation of!!!

 

 The end of our Easter week was spent with the family from Parramos, whose young girl recently passed away.  We stayed the night at their extended family's home, and I practiced making tortillas (last time it was Jenny that did it, now it was my turn!).

 It was a really nice time, there were many kids to play with.  Some of the youngest girls even sang us a song.  Listen in...

We are very grateful to have had these experiences and to be able to take in the Guatemalan culture.  And of course we were very pleased to be able to share in it with our 'extended Guatemalan family'.  We hope you can get a good glimpse at it too!

How You Livin'?

When asked the question "How you livin'?", I once had to answer "in mansions and Benz, given ends to my friends and it feels stupendous."  When I had to answer that question I was told how to respond because I was rushing a social club, so it was not a real world answer that I gave, but it came from a real world answer some people do give.  The quote actually came from a rap video, however I do not know which one.

It is interesting for me to think back to that rushing experience, because I essentially lived a week of my life through someone else's directing, and yet it was acceptable.  But now that I reflect on it, years past, I can't help but think about other situations I come across where my life is directed by yet another [human], such as school or work.  We are positioned under someone else who has the power of doing something to their liking, so we at times find ourselves doing something that we may not even agree with.  Simple, but we expect that kind of directing from others because it is our job and we have a boss, right?  But take this as another example...we have the option of living our daily life by the directing of Jesus.  We can be plugged in to the needs of others; we can be so far outside of ourselves that we can't do anything but ask for God's direction because we know we can't do it any other way.

But what are we to do when the worldly system [school, work, etc] has us do something that interferes with Jesus' directing.  I struggle with that question because we tend to place so much importance on a job or education, after-all it does provide us with our way of life, income and knowledge base, but where is the fine line of distinguishing what we need to do for a job versus what we need to do for Christ?  I mean are we actually at the point where we do things for our workplaces for the money?  The question takes us to another question which is "do we work to live, or live to work?"  I feel that living to work would put us in the cycle and temptations of greed, always doing more work and spending more time just to acquire more things and live more comfortably.

Or we can just ignore His directing and keep up with the Jones' in our mansions and Benz.  Being in Guatemala gives you the 'in your face' reality that you need to work to live (obviously), but it also helps you learn about what you're working for.  Traditionally speaking, Guatemalans don't work to keep up with the Jones'.  They work simply to live, and they barely get-by doing it, through tremendously hard labor and low-reward type positions.  It amazes me to see the work ethic that it takes to 'work to live', because they aren't even trying to think of ways to 'live to work'...they know there's more to life than that.

I hope to better learn those ways...attitudes...as we continue to live here...working.

For entertainment purposes, here's a music video that I can remember watching and 'really liking' way back while I was in high school student.

Thank you for visiting!

We have been busy touring Guatemala!  Our parents have been visiting throughout the past weeks, so we've been able to share our environment with them and introduce our cultural adjustments.

Dad and I shared a platter of meat...so when they brought it out, so put empty plates in front of us...his had a humorous image of a lonely tomato.

There are several of Church of God congregations throughout Guatemala.  This one is in Santiago Lake Atitlan.

We enjoyed the most spectacular McDonalds.  We're told it's the only McDonald's in the world that does not have the signature "golden arches" outside...because it is Antigua city code not to allow "corporate" signs.

 The Durica's plus Chris hiked Volcano Pacaya with the Tri-S students from AU.  Unfortunately, Esther was not feeling good that day so could not participate...maybe next time.

We are very grateful for the opportunity to have them visit, and appreciate greatly the sacrifices they made to take the time and use the money to make the trip possible.

It is my understanding following the trip that everyone is contemplating a move to Guatemala because they liked it so much!  Ha...

Travel Tips for Coming to Guatemala

This post is meant to be used as a guide for international traveling, specifically laying out details for Guatemala.  Information can be taken as advice for travelers, or could simply be read to become further informed of the culture in which we live.

First Advice:
-pack light, but bring layers (the day hours are nice 70's, but mornings and evening get chilly).  Some people wear scarves or winter hats, but usually a sweatshirt is enough.  Keep in mind that you'll likely want to buy some of the textiles sold on the street (sweaters, shirts).
-bring Cipro (which you get from your doctor's prescription to be taken when stomach sick from food virus)
-bring bug repellant

Is it safe there?
Panajachel has a very low crime rate.  Calle Santander is the main, heavily traveled street by tourists during both the day and night.  It is wise to practice standard prevention techniques by being cautious and aware of your surroundings, but there is no danger of being mugged or confronted in any form.  Community policing is very common, meaning that people look out for each other on the street, in terms of preventing theft.

How do I get to Panajachel from Guatemala City/the airport?
Panajachel is a 3 hour drive from the airport.  A van shuttle is recommended; both private and public options are available and both are arranged through tourist agencies and are safe, secure, and comfortable.  Per person for a private shuttle averages about $20 (one way) for the 3 hr drive.

Will I have email access?
Many hotels provide free wifi access, however not all.  Many cafes also have wifi and it is very accessible. Quality of equipment and speed of service is not equivalent to that experienced in the States.

Are the local buses, known as chicken buses, safe to ride?
Chicken buses are very common for the locals.  The buses are old school buses used in the States.  In fact, many of them still have the "Blue Bird Midwest" plaque and model information and stickers, such as "keeping your children safe is our business".  I rode a chicken bus last week to an outside village about an hour away and the bus plaque actually said it was made in 1979!!!  Now, most of the buses are from the 90's, but you never know what to expect.  The plaques also list the capacity information (i.e. 47), however Guatemalans have no concept of maximum capacity.  When in Xela, Jenny and I rode a public 12 passenger van to get to the movie theater, and they put 27 people in there, literally (only 3 young kids).  The chicken buses are great for short distances, and is a worthy cultural experience, but not to be considered for long-term or long-distance needs.

Do shops and restaurants accept U.S. dollars?
The exchange rate is about 7.5, so for every $1 you get 7.5 Q...so things are pretty cheap here.  An average  meal at a restaurant would be about 30 Q, or $4.  When you are shopping on the street from vendors, dollars are often accepted, but change is given back in Q.  More official stores, like the grocery, only accept Q.  Credit/Debit cards are also usually accepted, however not recommended because each charge comes with an international fee.  There are several secure ATM's.  We'd recommend bringing a good amount of dollars when leaving the States, but be sure to carry it securely (such as in a hidden pants wallet).

Is the food safe to eat?
Tourists are very common, so the local restaurants do very good at catering to the needs and desires of foreigners.  Eating salads and vegetables that are washed with tap water will make you sick, so typically meals like french fries, rice, beans, and meats are safest, but there are plenty of safe restaurants where you don't have to worry about how it was prepared.  Eating from street vendors is always at your own risk of getting sick, but over time your body would adapt.

How much are hotels?
You should be able to find a very nice hotel (hot water, breakfast, wifi) ranging from $30-50 per night.  Some get higher than that, but if you are on a budget then you can be within that range, possibly less.

What should I do there?
In Panajachel there are many day trip possibilities to neighboring villages across the lake.  You can hike a volcano, do an adventurous zip-line through a forest of trees, shop at the cultural market, take a class to learn how to weave textiles, volunteer at a local orphanage or NGO, learn how to make tortillas, visit with us, or just relax (find a hammock, walk on the shoreline).  Throughout the country you can take a coffee plantation tour, visit Mayan ruins, hike, tour caves (underwater), go to the ocean beach, and more, plus just relax.

If you have additionally questions then just comment and we can repost with new answers!

Meet Santiago

We have been living in our current home for nearly 3 months.  It has had it's share of hardships (including: cold showers, mold, smelling water pipes, lack of insulation, no screens on windows), but there has always been one consistent thing that makes us happy to live in the home.  And that happy thing is the landlady's maintenance man, who works in our courtyard 4 days a week.

Can you tell why we like him so much?

He is the most friendly guy to interact with.  He has a positive attitude and is a very hard worker.  He only has a few teeth.  He doesn't speak Spanish fluently, but only his native tongue.  He is always very grateful and appreciative of Jenny and I.  We give him lunches from our kitchen several times a week.  One of the main reasons living in this home is difficult is because of our landlady.  She is very controlling and doesn't treat Santiago well.  When we give him lunch, he has to hide it from her because she considers him her work and doesn't need us to interact with him.

We have been able to locate a new place to live, starting early December.  It became a difficult decision (whether or not to move) solely because of Santiago.  We are currently working on arrangements with his schedule to work it out that we can still see him on a consistent basis.  But we feel that since our house was not very good quality, and because we didn't want to support our landlady for being disrespectful, that we needed to transition when we get the chance (plus we've been told that our landlady has a history of kicking tenants out with no warning...which actually happened last month with our Guatemalan neighbors with the two small children...we are now trying to support that family by having the mother do our laundry every week).

Here are pictures of those kids.  We miss them too.  Actually, when we decided to move here it was because of the closeness in community to the Guatemalans, so now that they have been taken away from us we feel our home is to be made elsewhere.

Full Immersion

As many of you may know, there is a Guatemalan family that Jenny and I have been connected to for several years now that has been of special interest to ours.  In the past year, especially, given the nature of their year-old daughter who suffers from severe dietary restraints and is now considered a 'miracle' surviver.  Anyway, we don't live close in proximity to the family, but we visited with them last weekend in their hometown and stayed the night at their parent's home...meaning we finally fully immersed!

It was great to visit with the family and see the baby:

We brought some games and played Phase 10, dice-style:

I got to practice my Spanish.  The visiting turned out to be quite the family reunion because most all of their  relatives live in the same area.  It was very comforting to be around multiple generations...there will never be any replacement of our own family, but it was very nice to be welcomed in and treated so nicely by this family:

Jenny learned how to make tortillas from scratch, which is the custom here for all the women:

And notice how we simply put a chair in front of the open flame oven to prevent the baby from approaching it!

This is a picture of the group gathered around the table in the kitchen.  It was fun to teach some of the adults some English words. The moms particularly asked us how to say "she is sleeping", because the daughter was sleeping on her mother's lap.  The food was filling, but not provided with the typical table manners as what would be expected in the States.  For instance, there was a jar of salt in the middle of the table and people would lick their fingers and dip them into the jar to consume the salt with their food (fyi keep in mind that for many impoverished families living in this part of the world, a typical meal is made up of only tortillas and salt).

The homes are most commonly built with cement blocks, so no insulation, etc.  Here's an image from above the homes.

The terrain is very mountainous and beautiful.  We went for a walk with the family to their old house.  Along the way we got to play with the younger kids and listen to the stories of the adults when they were kids.  When the family left their old home they abandoned it (didn't try to sell it or anything).  So when we stopped by it, they went in and, much to our surprise, there was still a lot of stuff inside!  The family actually took out some clothes to take to their current home.

The girls were just so cute!

  

We miss you all very much, and hope all is well with your current endeavors.  The first few months so far have been full of many great experiences and humble challenges.  We are thankful for the interactions we have here and are so glad we're able to stay connected to you all even when we're not close in proximity.