GV Trip 2008

- Tiffaney Taylor

Saturday, May 17, 2008

This one day in Guatemala, 11 Americans experienced their last day of work. Breakfast began quietly as we all rub our sleepy eyes to see french toast sticks, granola, and yogurt before us. We boarded our bus with anxious expectations to see what our day was to bring. At Isaac's house we all piled out so we could see what the first group had been doing all week and this hill they were complaining about. The house was cramped between a high-voltage-wire wall and two other brick walls. Mike K. later stated that the site was like a Tetris game. I was later informed that the group received a new job cutting blocks in a different shape. Emy told Dan he was a champion because he was pouring and carrying cement so quickly.

My day starts as the group walks out of the bus in hope that our day would be more productive than yesterday. Before our eyes stood the beginning of a house. Before we were told what to do we started bringing blocks into the house. One block at a time, after all, builds a house. Once we had enough bricks for a while our mason plumbed the side wall for us. All 5 of us worked on the wall and finished it in record time. Kevin started singing his love songs and was caught on J-Lo songs. Soon a sing-a-long started "Waiting for tonight 0-0h.." Next time around Kevin sand "Waiting for to- OH S**T!" as he fell off his bricks into his mud pit floor in the bathroom. Once again, Amy's food saved the day come lunchtime.

The bus pulls up a little after 2:30 and the other team, family, masons and Emy file out of the bus. Fred informs us that in our closing ceremony we are to perform a skit or sing a song. We decided to sing a song. Closing was very emotional for all of us and for the families. Melinda became our translator, for Jacocbo was not there. Both families spoke their thanks and presented our group with a little gift. Noel made pens with the Guatemalan flag for each of us. Isaac was not present, but his wife presented us with a brightly woven cloth; when she thanked us she was in tears saying she didn't know how to repay us, espcially since she is in poor health. We ended by presenting the families with picture frames with pictures from throughout the week and the mason with SJC lanyards. And sang our song, "Amazing Grace." It is amazing that desite the language barrier, music is something we all share in common. After we closed the families had prepared horcheta and a form of tamales. Cameras flashed and faces light up while we all mingle to say good-bye and take that "one last" picture to remember the week. Some eyes were tearing as we loaded the bus for the last time and drove back to Tecpan. After dinner we enjoyed a toast to Fred and a successful trip. We had a Euchre tourament with rain pounding on the roof overhead.

- Jessica Conlin

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Our last morning in Tecpan. We woke early for breakfast (not everyone) and enjoyed possibly our best breakfast in Tecpan. A group headed out for 8 a.m. Mass after dropping off our donated clothes with Emy in the hotel lobby. Mike K. changed his clothes before Mass due to an unfortunate accident with his tea.

The church was packed - maybe the largest religious service I've ever seen. Estimate: over 2,000 people, not counting the hundreds standing in the back, crowding the entryways, jammed in the aisles, and listening outside. We stood in the back

During the homily, I made some observations. Guatemalan Catholics are tired people. Ushers went up and down the aisles tapping nodding people - mostly men - on the shoulders to alert them to the important message from God. What I didn't see was the woman who pulled up her shirt and breast-fed behind me.

After church, we wnt back, packed our bags and waited for our huses to take us to visit the Mayan ruins nearby. It was then that our hotel "snafu" began. To make it short: we thought Habitat pre-paid for breakfast and lunch; the hotel owner insisted that we had to pay it. We paid for our dinners, and after 3 or 4 phone calls, we were on our way.

The Iximche Mayan ruins were amazing. We wandered throught the plazas, imagining the ancient people who once roamed these places. We observed a current Mayan religious celebration, complet with prayer, offerings (beer and Pepsi) and music.

The drive to Antigua brought us back to the Posada Landivar hotel, where this amazing odyssey began a week or so earlier. We all are surprised at how quickly the week has gone. After dinner, at which the butter was a topic of conversation, some contemplated going out to a club. Due to the fact that it is Sunday, that plan was put on hold until our last night, Monday. We'll see how we feel after volcano climbing...

- Fred Berger

Monday, May 19, 2008

After just finishing wrapping up my souvenirs and packing what's left of my stuff, the realization that our trip is over has hit. Now, looking back on our last full day in Guatemala, I recall that it was 'some day' and a great way to finish our journey.

After we all gathered this morning around the restaurant next door to eat, it didn't take us long before we realized our reservations made the night before did us no good. We finally went to the Bagel Barn for a quick breakfast to go, before loading the vans for our trip to the volcano. On the hour ride we witnessed mountains with towns built in their hillsides, volcanoes stretching toward the sky and once again, crazy drivers with no care in the world even if they are passing other cars while another one is coming straight towrds them! We soon hit the dirt road that took us up to the volcano where we would start our long hike. The road was tight and small but it was still a surprise when "shark jaws" rounded the corner and almost sent our first bus back down where it came from! Our bus discussed it and we have yet to come up with any ideas on why a semi was on the mountain in the first place. We did decide, however, that w're glad we weren't on the other side of the road where the drop off would have been one h*ll of a ride.

After catching our breath and waiting for our hearts to slow down, we finally arrived in a small town where we unloaded and prepared for our trip. The first 40 m were a killer but we were told it got easier after that. No idea at which point it became easier in any part of the trail but we all made it. With a few extra pit stops to help us adjust to the altitude, we successfully made it to the volcano. It seemed like record timing but our guide informed us we could take all the time we needed. Once at the top of the hill, we slid down a slope only to arrive at the base of the volcano where we bravely roasted marshmallows, watched hot lava continue to flow and patiently dealt with a pack of lazy dogs waiting for treats. Mike T. scared us all with what appeared to be a seizure and a record of 7 falls throughout the trip, but came through like a champ - with just a few more dirty clothes. We enjoyed lunch back on the hill overlooking the volcano and watched a bunch of idiots climb the volcano where it was still warm and unsafe. What no-brainers! As we reminisced about our hike over the pb & j's, we discussed how Kevin almost died. He described how we'd have to tell his mom that he fell into a bottomless pit into Mother Earth while trying to roast marshmallows because he's the only one that the rocks gave out on. Lose some weight, Kevin! Gosh! :-) And while you're at it - feel free to keep singing "ain't no mountain high enough..."

We ended the hike with a quick trip down - much easier! Some pictures of a random bull on the volcano snacking, and a nice long nap back to Antigua. We met Sarah for dinner (from Habitat) after a few hours buying goodies and bartering at the market. The evening finished with a group meeting to discuss our trip & what we learned. Drinks followed for most once again at Monoloco to celebrate Fred. Sadly, no clubs were found so it's back to the hotel once again to prepare ourselves for the journey back to reality.

- Amy Maile