Drawing to a Close

Wow...I cannot believe that this amazing experience is wrapping up with our journey back to NC tomorrow.  I have been so incredibly blessed to travel back to one of my favorite countries with some outstanding students and awesome chaperons.  I am struggling to find the words to convey how thankful I am for this experience.

We began our day today by visiting the clinic in Pastores that From Houses to Homes runs at no cost for the families that it builds for, which is quite a concept in this country to receive free healthcare.  Then we traveled back to our respective work sites to paint the inside and outside of our houses (yellow, orange, blue, and red between the two of them) while our FHTH workers put on the roof and installed the window and door.  Both families generously provided a delicious lunch for their respective work crews before the closing ceremony where Oscar (the point man in the FHTH office) came to formally gift the house over to the families in a moving speech where we were given the opportunity to give the keys to the family.  It was a difficult and tearful afternoon as we said goodbye to the families and workers; it is amazing to see how attached one can grow over just five days.

We spent this evening doing some shopping for dinner at Frida's, a Mexican restaurant inspired by Frida Khalo.  As I am typing this, everyone is packing in preparation for our departure in the morning.

FHTH staff and workers (particularly Juan, Julio, Hector, Fernando, Carmen, Luis, Oscar, Suzy, and Mercy) - thank you for hosting us and for all of the incredible work that you are doing.  You all inspire me everytime that I think about you, and I cannot wait to return to you!

Parents - thank you for loaning me your children for this seemingly magical journey.  I have gotten to know them all so much better and am impressed by their maturity, senses of humor, and adaptability.  I wish that we did not have to leave tomorrow, but I am sure that you are anxious to have them safely home again.

Friends of WCS - thank you for your support of this trip!  Whether it was buying a tote bag back in November or encouraging words before leaving, we could not have done it without you.  This trip has been a shining example of cooperation that I hope that you see upon our return.

Christopher, Troy, and Cindy - you three are too amazing for words!  I have been blown away by your flexibility and positivity as we have made this journey together.  I hope that you know that I  am so thankful for you and hope that we have more adventures together in the future!

Brian, Joseph, Chris, Rachel, Richard, Jordan, Megan, Clara, Cy, and Matt - you ten are such awesome human beings!  Having already commented on your maturity, I want you to know that I have treasured our time together and hate to see it come to a close.  I could not imagine a more perfect group of people to share this with.  If you are the future of the world, then I know that we are all in good hands.  You all have so much potential, and I am so beyond excited to see what you all do with your lives!  Rest assured that I will be watching out for you.  : )

Love to everyone,
Amanda

Back to School... Sorta

      Smiling children rushed into Ms. Ketner's arms as we walked into the school, Kemna' Oj, in Santa Maria de Jesus this morning. We toured the entire school building, watching kindergartners learn colors and second graders use computers. Coming from one of the poorest towns in Guatemala, they all receive free education, thanks to sponsors like Ms. Ketner.

      After visiting the school, we went back to our work sites to pour the concrete floors for our houses (we hand-mix all of the concrete we use). A game of soccer between the work groups ensued after a long day of work. We can now all say that we have played "futbol" in Latin America!

      The party continued when the workers from From Houses to Homes (De Casas a Hogares) stopped by our house for pizza and Coca-Cola. We listened to merengue music at our "fiesta" as we recounted funny stories from the work day (like when a water fight occurred between Mr. Beeson and Ms. Sperry)!

      That's all for now! Queremos que ustedes tengan una noche buena.

       Rachel Spoon

Day 6: Almost Done!

In order to start the day off well, one is required to watch the top music video hits on the TV which start for us at precisely 7:30. One of the videos this morning particularly caught our attention; Reload by Tommy Trash, was set in the city of Antigua, there were some shots of and old church that we pass by everyday and the various mountains surrounding the city. Apart from that early morning excitement, the family we were building for was very excited to see us (as usual). The daughter attending 5th grade, had finished the coloring book from last evening and her proud smiling face had touched many of our hearts. The work today wasn't nearly as painful as the first day of building and at lunch we tried to stop at nearby bakery which, unfortunately, had closed for a lunch break, so in order to compensate for the disappointment we went and got ice cream. After work and a relaxing shower, we all went to the local indoor marketplace to buy some extremely inexpensive goods including new shoes for the kids of our family as a nice surprise gift for them tomorrow. And the grocery store, as usual, was slam packed with people like sardines in a can, but we all made it and managed to make grilled cheese and left overs for our starving bodies. And now we all need to restrengthen our bodies and minds for one last day of hard work. So far I think that we all are getting along well and cooperatively which makes this trip so much more enjoyable.

Hope all is going well, 

Matthew Campbell

Day Five: Teach Me How to Salsa

Hello everyone! Today was very similar to what was described in yesterday's wonderful poem. Every morning, we eat break fast and pack our lunches for work day. At the end of day two at the work site, we can already start to see the house taking shape. The first half of the walls have been put up and we will complete them tomorrow. After being dropped off back at the house, it was nice to remove all the dirt and grime from our skin and hair. We quickly cleaned up and then were back on the streets to walk across town to experience some authentic salsa dancing. Everyone enjoyed the one hour session and we will love showing off our moves at prom. On our way back home, we stopped for a delicious meal at the Rainbow Cafe. It was nice to finally relax, eat, and talk about our day. After a good night sleep tonight, we will all be ready to continue our work for those in need.

-Brian Rossi

Day 4: The Start of A New Beginning

Hello to our friends back home,
we are sending this using Google Chrome.
Day four was the start of building,
after the hard work we started chilling.
It all started in the back of a pickup
with PB&Js for us to lick up.
We met the families at their abode
after a bumpy ride on the road.
We gave the workers a helping hand
by shoveling the dirt and sand.
Others hammered cinder blocks
making holes and tiny rocks.
We added concrete to the dirt,
getting it all over our tee shirt.
Trenches were dug
to keep cinder blocks snug.
Rebar was cut and put in
to keep the foundation on course like a tail fin.
Water was added to the concrete mixture,
to keep it all a perfect picture.
Through the power of community and the Woods Way,
we put the cement in its final place to lay.
To finish a day of construction,
a square of cinder blocks was put in place for function.
We went home after the long, hard work,
the pepian dinner was a perk.
To finish off this poetic post,
here are some pictures for you to be engrossed.

-By Joseph Sharp and Cypress Angelillo

Day Three, Sights to Die for

Hello family, friends, and fellow followers! Today we started off early, eating breakfast out and driving to the Mayan ruins of Iximche. Upon arrival, we were lucky enough to catch a Mayan baptism taking place. After watching the event and wandering the ruins, we hopped back onto the bus and headed towards Lago Atitalan where we zip lined on eight different lines over coffee fields, at some point going faster than the water falling down the nearby waterfall. Next, we had a late lunch of what Hugo calls "The famous chicken burger". With some time to spare, we were able to wander the market down to the docks, browsing before getting on a speed boat and taking a dip in the lake. Heading home, we grabbed some of the fruit pies from the same place we ate at this morning. Everyone arrived back at the apartments exhausted but happy with the amazing day of thrills and filling foods.
Sending you wishes, Richard and Jordan

Day 2: Somewhere Over the Volcano

         
         We endured aching feet, steep hills, and scorching stones in stride as we hiked up Volcano Pacaya.
Our day began at 8:30 am as we rode from Antigua to Volcan Pacaya. Our tour guide Hugo told us about Antigua's rich history and that Guatemala is Latin America's second largest producer of sugar cane. Upon arriving at the base of the volcano, we began our assent to the summit at 8300 feet. At the top we gathered on fresh lava rocks and roasted our lunch from the heat of the underground magma. When we returned to Antigua, we went grocery shopping at the local "tienda." Brian Rossi, Rachel Spoon, Joseph Sharp, Richard Christopher, and Clara Hilton prepared a delicious spaghetti dinner for the group.

Written by Rachel Spoon and Chris Ward