Photo Update!

Goodness! I am sorry it has been so long!

BEST NEWS EVER!  I am an Auntie!! Molly gave birth to Addison Kelly Stone in New Zealand on August 14 at 1:03 am, 9 healthy pounds.  She's perfect!  i love her sleep marks and how she is sticking her tounge between her lips.  When I show Guatemalan's photos that I have of Addison they comment on how fat she is. hehe.  I want to hold her.

I was so excited to share all of the exciting news about Patzun, I totally forgot an important event.  On July 16 I swore in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer...no longer a trainee.  This photo is of me shaking the US Ambassador's hand.  It was quite an honor to be wearing the typical Mayan dress.  My host mother wore the top (wepiel) at her wedding- very expensive and all sewn by hand.  You can't see them, but I am wearing my host aunt's shoes that she also wore at her wedding (they were a size and half too small)!  I am even wearing the angel earrings to complete the outfit.

The Youth Development Group!! There are currently 20 Youth Development PCV from my training group serving in different parts of Guatemala.

Patzun host family!  Again, in traje (typical Mayan wear).  My host mother, Josefina, invited me to walk around town- to the market, church, park area, wearing her clothes.

Celebrating Dina's 21st Birthday!  Dina really helps me out a lot!  We enjoy playing cards together, talking, and joking around.  Ignacio, my grandmother, not to be confused with 21 year-old Dina.  Another extremely caring and helpful person. I think that she knows nearly every single person in Patzun. Please note the tall stack of delicious tortillas!

Market! Not the best photo, but pretty cool with all of the colors and the rain.

More updates to come soon!  Promise it won't be long.

Where to Start?

There are so many things that I would love to share. I don't know what you want to hear about. I feel like I could write a novel for every day that I have been here.


I am getting settled in Patzún..."poca a poca" or little by little. I am not going to lie- when I arrived here it was extremely overwhelming. I had two completely empty rooms. I just sat on the floor for about thirty minutes listening to my thoughts echo off the walls. My host family let me borrow a bed, sheets and blanket for the first few nights. Then my host mother helped me purchase a bed. It was pretty exciting. Everything is pretty exciting. Minus the bathroom...the pipe is broken, so it usually smells. I've tried a number of things to help, but haven yet to be successful. And I have a serious problem with mold. We have water from 6 am to 2 pm every other day. I have a collection of buckets (of water) to flush the toliet, bathe, wash my face, soak my laundry, etc. I've made friends with the carpenter who is cutting my wood for me to construct my furniture. I want to explain everything because it has so much meaning behind it, but you probably just want to see photos. So I will share photos as soon as everything is "complete".

I am currently living with a host family- single mother, who is a teacher, 76 year-old grandmother, who is extremely caring, 4 year-old boy, 1 1/2 year-old girl, 21 year-old "helper", who is super sweet. And I can't forget the chicken coop about two feet away from my door. Fortunately Molly and I have shared some laughs over the "cock-a-doodle-doo's" to help mask my frustrations. I am eating with my host family for the first month in hopes to improve my Spanish, learn Kaciquel, integrate into my family, and get my own "kitchen" set up. My family is very traditional- cook everything over the wood stove or "plancha", make their own tortillas daily (I think after two years, I am going to be really good at tortillaring), do not use eating utensils, or napkins, or a table. Multiple times throughout the meal (in Kaciquel) they say, "Eat!" while waving their fingers, palm facing up, in front of their mouth. My response (in Kaciquel) is, "Thanks!". We most usually have visitors, or family members, passing by for dinner. I have met so many people! I think I am related to at least fifty people in Patzún.
"Work"...(it's weird calling it that, but I don't know what else to call it) has been great!! Very busy. My first week here I had the opportunity to go to this amazing two-day training with International Youth Foundation, Central American Institute of Studies for Democratic Social, and U.S. Agency for International Development analyzing at-youth risk dynamics throughout Latin America. Not only did I learn a lot, but I also got to make a lot of contacts that I hope to work with in the future. It was a very formal/professional event that I was honored to be a part of. I met with the former Peace Corps Volunteer who started Los Amigos de Patzún (ADP) ten years ago. This was also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about ADP, how it started, what is expected of me, her experience in Patzún, etc. Last weekend I interviewed each one of the students who has a scholarship with ADP, so I can update their biographies. The schools have been good. It has been nice getting into the schools and getting to know the students and teachers. My director, Dr. Ball, came to visit. He actually lives five doors away from me; however, he is only here on the weekends. When he came we went to the schools to further expalin my role. We also talked about secondary projects! He has some wonderful ideas! One: sing, dance, band three week camp in November/Decemeber in English, Spanish and Kaquicel. Two: an academic competetion between schools. Right now they seem like huge projects, so we will see what happens. Anacleto showed me around the villages. I am hoping to be able to work in one more school in a village; however there are obstacles concerning transportation. The views from the villages are incredible! I hope I can get some photos to share with everyone.
Molly is due very soon!! I am pretty close to becoming an Auntie! This is extremely exciting. And sad that I will not be there for the birth. I have been able to talk to Molly a lot lately- she is absolutely happy, healthy, and ready to have a perfect babe!
Auntie Mags

Patzun!!

As of July 18, Patzún is my new home where I will be living for the next two years!! Patzún is the name of a town in the state of Chimaltenango, which is about 32K away. I will be 85K from Guatemala City, close to Lake Atitlan, Antigua, Xela, and other major cities. I am very fortunate to be in such a central location with accessible transportation. The population in Patzún is 42,326- 42% urban and 58% in rural. 96% of the population speaks their indigenous language, Kaqchiquel, as well as Spanish. So I will have the opportunity to learn Kaqchiquel! This is crazy to think about because I still have a long ways to go with my Spanish. Patzún is 7,300 feet above sea level with cold weather. AH! Patzún has a big market, electricity, water, private hospital, a giant Catholic church, restaurants, internet cafes, a nice park and a grocery store!


My visit last week was fabulous. I have three site mates- Lydia and Laura are Healthy Schools volunteers, they´ve been in Patzún for three months, and Colin is an Agriculture volunteer, leaving in three months. My counterpart, Anacleto, is fabulous! He is hard working, motivated, patient, spent more than two years in the US on a scholarship, has connections all around the world, very well known in Patzún, has a lovely family, organized, and has a good sense of humor. I am very fortunate to have a counterpart with these qualities!

My favorite aspect of the Latin American culture is their greetings. Patzúneras really go above and beyond when it comes to this- very sincere and patient. Everyone is extremely friendly, greeting you on the streets, ¨Good morning! Have a nice day¨. I was walking to one of my schools and a farmer just stopped to ask if I knew where I was going. You can spark up a conversation with anyone- it is almost expected. When you buy bananas at the market you end up learning about someone´s life history or simply talking about the weather (for a good ten minutes). In a professional setting you can easily spend five minutes introducing yourself. Let´s say there are five professionals; you spend about 30 minutes introducing yourself before the meeting even begins. I felt extremely welcomed. Many families invited me into their homes, offered me food and drink, and said that their doors are always open. It is wonderful! A perfect fit for me.

What will I be doing? My primary job involves two schools and two agencies. I will be teaching life skills- decision making, self-esteem, HIV/AIDS, leadership, etc. to students aged 14-18. One of my schools is private; the other is ¨telesecundaria¨- 170 students and three teachers. I will be working with ¨Los Amigos de Patzún¨. ADP is an organization founded by three PC volunteers that offers scholarships to students. Anacleto and I will be working on legalizing this program in Guatemala, developing a committee and making the program more sustainable. The other organization that I will be working with is the ¨Centro de Recursos¨. This is a resource center for teachers. I will have the opportunity to do teacher trainings on topics such as sexual education, self-esteem, and communication.

As for secondary projects the options are endless. I plan on volunteering at ¨Escuelas Abiertas¨, which is a government funded program for children to participate on the weekends. They have a range of programs from language classes, break dance lessons, painting, computers, etc. I had the opportunity to work with this program in Sumpango, as well. Through ¨Escuelas Abiertas¨ I met a wonderful Guatemalan woman, Maggie, who I am going to keep in touch with when I leave Sumpango. Patzún has a 15K race after their independence day on September 19. Right now, Patzún only has a running club for men. I am either going to try and join their running club and/or start one for women. Patzún also has an orphanage that I might look into volunteering at. I have already met a few women who play on basketball teams. I have learned that basketball is actually more popular than soccer here. Patzún also has an Alcoholics Anonymous organization. Nearly everyone wants to learn English; however, I do not want my role as a PCV to be confused with that of an English teacher.

The possibilities are endless! I am so excited about my placement in Patzún. It seems like such a perfect fit for me, especially the friendly community and social work related options. I feel very fortunate and blessed to be placed in Patzún!

My NEW ADDRESS IS:
Maggie Kelly
Apartado 33
Chimaltenango, Chimaltenango
Guatemala, Centroamerica

Please don't send packages larger than a shoebox OR claim any thing of great value.  Thanks! Much love!

Transportation

The most popular form of transportation is walking. Sumpango is mainly cobblestone roads with some dirt roads and few paved roads that lead to small villages. It is wonderful how so many necessities are within walking distance. Sumpango also has microbuses (minivans with a more open seating arrangment), which operate a lot like taxis- they can travel outside of Sumpango and you are charged per distance. Another form of transportation is "tuc-tucs". "Tuc-tucs" are small vechiles, sent from Japan, with three wheels. These most ususally have a flat rate and stay within the city limits.
For those who need to travel outside of their towns the most popular form of transportation is "camionetas" or chicken buses. I am going to do my very best to describe the "camioneta" experience because it is quite intense. I would love to take a photo to show you, but that would be like putting a target on my back for someone to come steal my camera. They are school buses from the US usually decked out with colorful paint, peoples names, Jesus Cristo, radios, and/or flashing lights. I really think that the seats are expanded too. This makes the isles extra narrow. There is not really a consistant schedule. My first week at the school in the village near Sumpango, Pedro and I "missed" the bus and walked an hour and half to our school. We got about four different responses for when and where to get the bus in the future. Bascially, you look at the front of the bus and it says where it came from and where it is going; however, I usually ask to confirm if I am going somewhere I have never been. You also have an auydante, or helper. This job is facinating. The auydante is hanging out of the bus yelling where they are headed next. My favorite is, "Guate! Guate! GUATEEE!!" The auydante is responsible for collecting the money, which may sound easy, but sometimes the buses are so crowded- I do not know how he keeps track of it. When I say crowded I mean really, really crowded- like three people per seat, so the two people are usually touching in the isle AND people squeezed in the isle, standing. Try to imagine the auydante walking through the isles to get everyones money. Not to mention people getting on and off the bus. Sometimes when we stop, I am like, "no way more people are fitting on this bus", but they do. You can enter and/or exit from the back, as well. Often times people will need to put their larger items on top of the camioneta. If we happen to take a turn too fast and the belongings on the roof fall off, the auydante is repsonsible for running to get them while the camioneta reverses on the highway. They also love their horns. I wish I could translate what each "toot" meant.

Peace Corps Safety and Secruity has provided us with training, tips and safety. They recommend starting every day saying, "I am going to get robbed today". This may sound crazy, but it helps keep you safe. For instance, most women secure their money in their bra, not loose in their purse. Peace Corps also suggests having exact change for each travel because the auydantes like to charge Americans more or not provide change. Unfortunately, my second week here, I was robbed on the "camioneta" from San Lucas to Santa Lucia. I was the very last one on the bus, so it was three other Peace Corps Volunteers, myself, and the door. I was super nervous to be so close to the door, so I was holding for my dear life, which, unfortuantely, left my purse dangling in front of me. As a huge group of us were getting off of the bus, in less than ten seconds, someone slit my large purse (probably with a knife), reached into my purse, and grabbed my small purse. My small purse had gum, lip gloss, tissue, wet wipes, etc. The item with the greatest value in my small purse was my flash drive. It turns out that one other PC Volunteer was also robbed on this same bus and antoher PC Volunteer prevented a potiental robbery by grabbing someone's hand as they were trying to reach into her backpack. Fortunately, my money and phone were secured in my bra, and they just got away with small items. What did I learn from this experience?! Use my purse with a shorter strap, so I can keep it closer to me. Always keep one hand on my purse. People who steal are very talented- they can do it within seconds.

Happy 4th!

Hi! I hope everyone is having a very happy and safe Fourth of July! I just have a quick minute...I got my official site assignment! I will be moving to Patzún, Chimaltenango on July 16.  I am super excited! It is going to be the best site ever. I have so much to look forward to.  I am going to meet my counterparts at the Peace Corps office tomorrow.  On Tuesday, I am going with my counterparts to stay in Patzún for the week.  I will have a lot more information to share after this visit.  Here is a website for the non-governmental organization I will be working with:  www.amigosdepatzun.org.  And, yes, Molly, it is in English!  I will also be working in two other schools.  Lots more information to come in the near future. Ah! I am super excited.  Happy Independence Day (to all of my non-New Zealand blog followers)!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

 I am so sorry I have neglected you all for so long. I figured photos would be an efficent way to try and express what I have been doing. I hope you enjoy!

The first host family that I stayed with for three days in Santa Lucía

My bed in Sumpango!  It is HUGE!! And comfortable and no fleas. Sometimes cold at nights, but I have lots of layers.

My host father and brothers on the roof of our house.Probably my favorite place.  It is has wonderful view.  I am waiting for a clear day to take a photo of the volcanoes.

    

Audra and I with our host mothers at a wedding.               At a beautiful church in Antigua!

My language group at a coffee and music museum in Jocotenagno.









Family dinner with my host mothers side of the family.
















One Saturday afternoon my family- brothers, parents, cousins, aunt, uncle, neighbors, auydante, and I went to  Los Aposentos in Chimaltenango!

JALON= ride in the back of a pick up truck.  One common form of transportation in Guatemala.  I am planning on doing a blog entry about transportation in Guatemala. It is quite the experience. 

Los Aposentos is a giant park with four different pools, a giant lake with canoes and paddle boats, street vendors, play grounds, and carnival rides (that I would be scared to death to ride on).

Great family photos!!

This is Christina, me, Audra, and Jenya before Field Based Training on the overpass by the bus stop.  I actually had this photo taken to show the stairs in the background.  Look closely. When I do have the opportunity to work out I do it Rocky Balboa style- high altitudes, tons of clothing (because it is culuturally unacceptable for women to show skin), and repeat climbs on a 200 stair climb.  My current PR is 10 times.  My goal is 12!



On Field Based Training we had the opportunity to help one of the current Peace Corps Volunteers with her secondary project- building a latrine out of recycled bottles.  Pretty amazing. Our main job was to fill small spaces with trash so that they could pour the concrete over it. This is a terrible description of this project. There is so much more to it. I am not even doing it justice. I will let the photos speak for themselves. Grandma- I hope you like them.

During Field Based Training our language group also had the opportunity to record a radio announcement!! It was super fun.  We did a short blurb on reaching goals.

Our amazing mentor took the Sumpango group to a Macadamia nut farm in San Miguel de las Dueñas.

Language group (plus Audra, minus Pedro) at my house for a nice seafood lunch.  Kyle really enjoyed it! 






Another wonderful language group experience (plus Lizzie, minus Pedro) at the Rose farm in Xenacoj. Mum I think you would really like this. We learned all about the process, business, nutrients, etc.  

Seven days until I find out my site where I will be living and working for the next two years!  AH!  Positive thoughts and prayers.

Tropical Storm Agatha

I apoligize it has been so long.  Thank you for your concern about the storm. It is very sad what Guatemala is going through right now...11 inches of rain in thrity six hours, 130 bridges out, 10s of thousands of people displaced, landslides, and much more.  One of our language professors house is destroyed. Our training group is trying to come up with ways to help out.  I have been totally fine throughout this entire storm.  PC Guatemala is the best when it comes to safety and security. They were constantly checking on my status throughout the storm.  I was required to stay in my house for 24 hours, mainly because they roads turned into rivers.  We lost electricity for a while, I had standing water in my room, and a pipe broke, so we do not have water for a while.  Oh! And I am scared of thunder even in the comfort of my home in the states.  In the big picture, I am totally fine.  Please do not worry about me.

Tomorrow I leave for Field Based Training in Totonicipan.  Field Based Training is the core of training.  The Youth Development volunteers spend a week training, learning, and preparing for what we will be doing for the next two years. We also have the opportunity to visit current Peace Corps volunteers and hear about their experiences.  Here is an abbreviated schedule of activities-
Monday-individual presentation on self esteem
Tuesday-help build a latrine
Wednesday- teacher training
Thursday- presentation for parents
Friday- HIV AIDS presentation
Saturday- radio presentation

I am looking forward to this week!  I wish I had more time to keep you updated with all of the excitement. I will do my best!

Please keep Grandpa Smart in your thoughts and prayers.  Thank you!