Cantel, Guatemala
Team Journal
July 24-August 2, 2009
July 25, 2009
Today was a day of ceremonies. There were the meeting and greeting ceremonies of new people coming together and making connections. We had 6 hours of conversations, sleeping, road stops for eating, buying food supplies for the week, and commentary on the places we were entering. We arrived in Cantel with a can load of 7 road weary travelers.
Our journey ended in Cantel but we began another into a special place to participate in a sacred Mayan ceremony. With the help of children in the community and Arcadio, we formed a sacred circle of spirit and evoked the blessing and protection of the spirit of Mother Earth. With offerings of sugar, colored candles- red, green, yellow, and white- and local materials, she blessed each of us.
We received a final greeting after we entered the ancestral house of Arcadio. His mother lit candles and incense and greeted each of us with a blessing. We were welcomed into their house of Mayan tradition, community, and spirit.
July 26, 2009
Today we learned a lot about how easily plans can change and ideas can be slightly misunderstood. It was an adventure for certain!
We went to Xela and had a chance to watch a local parade that culminated in part of an ongoing pageant for young Mayan ladies. They addressed the crowd, danced, and were treated to a marimba group. Arcadio said a few words as well- he seems very networked with various local groups (we even had visitors from a women’s group and a fellow who works with the Guatemalan Congress visit us at breakfast!).
It was some exciting traveling after that- we rode in the open bed of a pickup truck to what we thought was going to be a small local sauna. It turned out to be quite a long ride to a beautiful hotel built on natural hot springs. Everyone enjoyed the time spent there, but the ride back was a bit chilly and it was raining too!
We made it back in one piece and will certainly sleep well- and be ready to start work on the site!
July 27, 2009
We were able to begin the project today. The masons had breakfast with us and simple negotiations took place as to who would work and for how many days. Acardio and I made a trip to the hardware store in Xecam, purchased the most critical supplies (cement, rebar, nails, lime) – while the rest of the team excavated and continued the work of the group that was here in April. I had a great conversation with Arcadio while we shopped for supplies about his history of traveling to Europe, the U.S., and around Guatemala to give presentations about his work with the Mayan culture. Despite his experience, education (college degree) , and the networks he has become involved in, he feels it is so important to stay in the community that he grew up in and to try to keep the Mayan culture alive for generations to come. I continue to be impressed with his foresight and dedication.
The team made good progress with the project despite some sore arms, backs, legs, and sunburn. We are not used to this kind of work and it is evident. After a good 6-7 hour work day we returned to Don Manuel’s house for a much needed shower- albeit cold- it was amazing!
We ended the night with dinner and Arcadio explaining the Mayan creation story. I found it difficult to translate some of the meaning and convey the story well. Arcadio tells it beautifully in Spanish and I butcher it into broken English. My brain is tired at the end of the day.
A great start to our work week today!
July 28, 2009
It is 6:00pm and we are all enjoying having a lukewarm shower. Aside from being clean, it helps a little to sooth very achy muscles. Today we made much progress at the site. Two walls are eight blocks high. The final height will be thirteen blocks. We realized that given the physical demands, it is important to rotate periodically. Some key tasks include hauling block, gravel, pea gravel, and sifting the pea gravel. My least favorite to do, but feels the best when accomplished, is trench digging, including much dirt removal. Arcadio and the paid help do the technical work (laying block, mixing mortar, laying rebar, and carefully measuring and checking for plumb). The afternoons seem the most advantageous as the children return from school. They have much enthusiasm and haul block and gravel without complaint. They seem to make the work easier. I will stop here as we are doing a tour of Manuel’s compound.
July 29, 2009
Morning sounds race with the morning light to awaken me. There is a chorus of roosters crowing, the call and response of dogs barking, the bus horn announces its arrival with the horn blaring, and pigeons nest and coo outside our window. What a welcome to a new day; it is a crisp and glorious day.
Cold water from the pila shocks the muscles on my face and I am awake. The dogs remain curled in their sleeping positions and look very peaceful. The house is still. The others are curled like covered sausages in their beds. The nights are cold here. We sleep in our warmest clothes with our feet and head covered. The struggle to exit the bed requires strength of character. As the week progresses, it gets harder and harder to leave our nocturnal cocoons.
Morning sights ease me into the day. I sit on Don Manuel’s stoop and watch as people pass. I greet them with “Buenos Dias”. People smile timidly and return the greeting. Sometimes they wave. The questioning looks from the adults and stares from the children reveal we are strangers in town.
July 30, 2009
Each day is an adventure and I am never quite sure what will happen when I commit myself to something. Arcadio, Valerie and I set out to buy more block and wood and we found ourselves at the base of Volcano Santa Maria purchasing block from the source. Arcadio runs everywhere, always happy to be part of something- with more energy than all of us put together at times. By the time we returned, it was lunch time and Tess and Cindy had been working hard all morning.
There was a mention of a “fiesta” in Xela that we needed to take part in with Arcadio. We loaded the bus around 4pm, Arcadio in a suit, his mother in traditional traje, and the rest of us in clothes we had worn all week. The event was nothing less than spectacular- linen table cloths, live marimba, traditional dance, prospective Mayan senoritas, and their families. As out of place as we may have felt, we were invited guests and treated as such. Although the symbolism and understanding of the Mayan culture is not fully appreciated as it should be, it is certainly amazing to see so many people gather to celebrate and preserve it.
July 31, 2009
Friday, our last day in the community for work. I am amazed at how much I have learned about putting up a building using block construction. Suddenly it seems we have made great progress. I can clearly state that I don’t mind putting together the rebar for inside the blocks. I hope I never have to haul block again. The men on-site work very hard. I know I will miss the children. They have surely brightened our work and their strong work ethic is amazing.
Arcadio said there are not siestas in this culture. A person caught napping would be considered lazy. The beautiful handmade hammocks and hammock chairs are only for the tourists. I have come to appreciate the culture of textiles. The people make beautiful, colorful fabrics. I am proud to be a little part of supporting this important cultural heritage. Don Manuel had a little going away party for us. He gave us a shot of wonderful, warm homemade liquor. I so appreciated his wisdom, humor and willingness to put us up for the week.
If you want to expose your children to other cultures in a way that is more real, in-depth, personable and memorable – by working in community with them rather than just traveling – this is the way to really learn about another culture.
We were exposed to something few of us get to experience. Most often we simply drive through communities. This time we got to meet and really get to know people, and they were so generous. We got far more out of the experience than we gave.
Kathy P., Rock Point, AZ (family of 4)
This was our best family vacation and a phenomenal experience. I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to do this with my children. My children realized that although the people in the community we visited didn't have a lot of material possessions, they had some things we didn't. The community members were funny, loving and generous.
The group experience was what made it so great. The team leaders were remarkable. They never passed judgment and treated my children like full members of the group, so they acted that way. The experience made them more confident and more excited about taking other travel adventures.
Marcy G., Xiloxochico, Mexico (family of 6)
Volunteering in Tanzania was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes not only to the needs of our fellow global citizens, but also to the lovable and exhilarating culture of Bukoba.
Megan age 19, Bukoba, Tanzania
GCN wasn't just a volunteer trip but instead a life altering two weeks that helped me discover myself.
Shannon age 15, Bukoba, Tanzania
Our GCN sponsored program in Tanzania wasn't a vacation but rather a deeply moving experience our family will cherish for a lifetime.
Sean, Dad, Bukoba, Tanzania
Working side by side with my husband and children, helping, reaching out, and learning from people in a culture vastly different from our own together as a family was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. We are already planning our next volunteer vacation.
Karen, Mom, Bukoba, Tanzania
This experience changed all of us. Nothing can compare with it. It's made my kids into global citizens. Before we left for Kenya, I was concerned that my kids were getting spoiled, but the trip showed them how happy people were, even though they had so little by comparison. They also discovered how much more important it is to have experiences instead of things.
My kids are so mature now as a result of the trip. They have a new and broader world view.
Nancy F., Maili Tatu, Africa (3 time repeat participant with 2 kids)
I took each of my two granddaughters on a trip when they turned 13, as a rite of passage. It was tremendously bonding for us. It deepened our love and our relationship, but it also sensitized the girls to different cultures and helped them gain an understanding and empathy for others.
One of my granddaughters was extremely wary. She said, "I don't know how to do this and I don't want to be there." But by the end, she was begging to stay. She had formed some amazing friendships. It was quite a transition.
My advice to families considering this kind of trip is this: Even if you have some hesitation, trust that the experience will be transforming for your child and for your relationship with your child. My two granddaughters are totally different personalities, but the same positive transformation happened for both.
We had so many one-on-one reflective conversations about what we were experiencing and learning. It's a different and more intimate way of being with children.
The team members were incredibly kind to my teenagers. The leaders were such good role models -- caring and inclusive.
Meg V., Rock Point, AZ 2003; La Push, WA 2007
The truly amazing thing about this community is the pride, character, and sense of respect you feel being with them. They carry themselves with esteem. Being with them, you know they will not only survive, they will succeed, collectively using the resources available to them for the good of the whole.
Joyce, Pennsylvania; Kenya Participant
With the beauty, the simplicity, the strength and comedy of this place, each day becomes an adventure to be anticipated.
Gladys, Ontario; Kenya Participants
I learned much more that GCN is about the process of building long term relationships with communities, not necessarily about the process of "building!" It was truly priceless to be allowed to be on the 'construction site' with a bunch of indigenous people in Mexico. Tourists DO NOT get that opportunity-nor should they. We all believed WE TRULY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
Diana, Colorado; Two-time Mexico Participant
I have just this last hour arrived back home after what can only be described as an experience of a lifetime, the people at Jampaling were wonderful and I return with a feeling of accomplishment, and everlasting respect for a group of people who work so hard with such limited resources to achieve their goals.
David, Ontario; Nepal Participant
As a GCN volunteer you expect to fill the role of giver, giving of your time, efforts, money and heart. During a recent trip to Nepal, I felt more like a wide receiver for a pro football team, with countless blessings being passed my way! It started before I even left with support from a bunch of people, some of whom I don't even know, my sponsors through fundraising.
Cherril, New York; Nepal Participant
A positive growing experience that will unfold as time moves on. I do appreciate the warm hospitality of the local Navajo people and thank them for all they did to open our eyes and heart to their life, culture and values.
Jerry, Minnesota; New Mexico volunteer
It has become the most meaningful thing I've experienced in my life. It was more than a casual cultural exchange. I never felt like a tourist - I felt like I was coming home.
Ted, New York; New Mexico volunteer
The trip to Rock Point was a wonderful experience for me. Our team really "connected" and are talking among ourselves of doing other trips together! We all agreed we haven't laughed and sung songs like we did there for a long time. The Navajo people are wonderful, and we were able to share songs, dinner with them and they with us. We were able to complete the projects they had for us and still have lots of time for culture exchange.
Lynne, California; Arizona volunteer
My goal was to get lifted out of my personal and professional rut, to have my head and heart spun around and to land more solid and grounded. For the most part this happened.
Nancy, Vermont; Guatemala volunteer
Because of a scholarship provided by Global Citizens Network, I was able to spend two weeks volunteering in Guatemala, in a rural village called Llanos de Morales. This was my second trip volunteering in a developing nation (I went to Nicaragua two years ago), but my first time working with GCN. My experience was unforgettable and I would recommend it to anyone!
The best thing about the trip was getting really close-up pictures of horses. The hardest part of the trip was leaving Chirapa
Tana-Isabel, Washington; Peru youth volunteer
I wanted to be "in the middle of nowhere" and enjoy it as well as learn about the Quechua culture. My comfort zone has expanded and I enjoyed getting to know the people!
The most inspiring moment for me was receiving a genuine Quechuan percussion instrument as a gift from the community. It showed me that the community valued my presence and it is something that I will never forget.
David, University of Minnesota Participant; Peru volunteer
As I zipped into my sleeping bag, I reflected on this totally crazy, awesome experience, and in many ways wondered how (why) we are having so much fun. This is -- by far -- the best trip we have ever taken as a family and perhaps even my best trip ever. Everything is an adventure. We are living it rather than observing it. Amy S., Chicago, Guatemala volunteer
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