U of S

Sometimes my job doesn't feel like work, and when that happens, it is fabulous! That was my experience with the group of Education students from the University of Saskatchewan that were here in late April: FABULOUS

Thank you to each of you for your interest, enthusiasm, and friendship. You made me job so easy and I thoroughly enjoyed learning along side you. Here are just a few of the many great memories (THANK YOU Abbie for the fotos!)

Panabaj, Santiago Atitlan

Lo de Carranza, Guatemala City







Nuevas Maravillas and La Vega, San Marcos

smiles of women, contrast between rich and poor, warmth of people, hard work, strength of communities, small group of motivated people can change something, way of living, language doesn't have to be a barrier, amount of tortillas, people are the same everywhere, scenery,
even if you work really hard it doesn't mean you'll succeed,
more aware, generosity should cost you something,
power of education

O Canada

In the two years since my first group in July of 2008, I have gotten to know so many great people, and SO many Canadians! I recently did a little count and of the 19 groups that I have worked with, 11 of those have been from Canada (and that doesn't include 3 that had both Canadian and U.S. participants!) So in honor of those many groups and the connection they have made with Guatemala, here are some picture highlights from three that visited us between February-April.


Rosthern Junior College
Feb 5-18 check out RJC's own blog about their time here:
http://rjcservice.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate
March 10-23
Foothills Mennonite Church
March 26-April 4

RJC was the first group this year to start working on a project at the local school in Panabaj with MCC partner ANADESA; repairing the community school that was abandoned after Hurricane Stan in 2005 so that the students can return there from the "temporary" school they have been using. Here are some before/during/after pictures of the project that RJC, Rockway, Foothills, and the group from Saskatchewan University all helped with!






The families of ANADESA are always so welcoming and they are excellent hosts for the groups.




We also spent time with communities here in Guatemala City and out in the mountains of San Marcos, building relationships and learning a lot about the connections between North and Central America.



For you, O Canada, with glowing hearts...thank you!
And thank you to those of you I borrowed pictures from!