As well as teaching some skills to the teachers in Guatemala, we also taught them games that they could teach to their students at recess or for some type of PE class. Did we teach them missionary tag? You bet. Just think, you don't need any type of equipment and the rules are simple. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, just watch and you'll catch on. The locals loved it. You will too, after seeing how much fun they had! This brings me so much joy every time I watch!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Polochic Perfection
I just spent 12 amazing days in Guatemala. The majority of the time was spent in the Polochic Valley, 8 hours northeast of Guatemala City. There we spent time with the locals; serving them, building their community, and teaching them skills that they could use to better their lives, families, and community. Words can't describe what I felt there and what I experienced.
The people there are so humble, so eager to help, so full of love, so full of optimism for their future. It was I that gained so much from these individuals. Technically it was I that served them, and though I know I did help, I honestly feel like I learned more from them than the other way around. So similar to a mission, right?
I took over 500 pictures. This is just a start of some of the highlights from the trip, in total random order. Just remember, if you live in the USA, you are blessed beyond measure.
The beauty of the Polochic. Honestly, pictures just don't do it justice.
The teacher crew with the secondary education teachers. These men are so incredibly dedicated. They haven't gotten paid since January and they faithfully teach.
Kids followed us around everywhere and you will see a lot of kids and I in pictures, just like this one!
The Church is strong there and it's the only ward that speaks the Q'eqchi language.
Charity and I became BFF's and we bonded as we worked on construction. I know what you're thinking: Susie? Construction? Usually those two don't mix! Well, in Guatemala they did!
Teaching the kids English.
The kids smothered me as I taught them English using flash cards. I have never seen such eagerness for learning.
Me and more kids...love them.
Dancing with Carlos, dentist in training.
This is incredible.
We loved going to "La Tienda" to buy soda. So refreshing on a hot, humid day.
We spent a few hours with this lady and did a "Day in the Life." It was definitely a humbling experience.
Winter, my construction partner. I have never, ever seen an 8 year old work so hard. He totally kicked my trash.
Ever, the history teacher that I helped. I taught him some skills for teaching history and he wants to skype with me. Not sure how that will happen, considering I speak very little Spanish and he speaks very little English.
Corn grows on the mountain side. They are so resourceful!
We often rode in the cattle bus to go from one village to another. It literally felt like a roller coaster every time.
My first picture in the Polochic.
Squished in the bus for our last 2 hours up the mountains.
Teaching ESL.
More flashcard fun.
Teaching classroom management to teachers. We did a lot of professional development. No hablo espanol, so we had translators. I prayed for the gift of tongues though on countless ocassions!
Dancing with Adam. Just wanted to show you the sweat on my back. I have never been that dirty and sweaty and nasty for a dance. But hey, it's the Polochic and you just look frumpy.
They had a local band come and play for us for 3 hours while we all danced it up.
Some of the teachers we taught.
Working construction. I got good at twisting and cutting wire. This is the hospital that we worked on.
Go, Fight, Win. I played some soccer with the girls.
More kids. They loved to welcome us and they called me "eSusie"
Loved this little girl.
Making tortillas. We ate A LOT of those...I think I'm tortilla-ed out!
Grinding corn. The mom made fun of me because I was so bad at it!
Shucking some beans...another staple in the Guatemalan food pyramid.
Cute. Especially that little boy.
More kiddos...
These little girls are literally like 2nd moms.
Dancing, again!
Some of the group members with Santi. He was wonderful in helping us with the expedition. He sang to us and supported all of our projects.
More pictures to come, but it truly was a perfect setting. Though I could do without all of the bug bites.
The people there are so humble, so eager to help, so full of love, so full of optimism for their future. It was I that gained so much from these individuals. Technically it was I that served them, and though I know I did help, I honestly feel like I learned more from them than the other way around. So similar to a mission, right?
I took over 500 pictures. This is just a start of some of the highlights from the trip, in total random order. Just remember, if you live in the USA, you are blessed beyond measure.
The beauty of the Polochic. Honestly, pictures just don't do it justice.
The teacher crew with the secondary education teachers. These men are so incredibly dedicated. They haven't gotten paid since January and they faithfully teach.
Kids followed us around everywhere and you will see a lot of kids and I in pictures, just like this one!
The Church is strong there and it's the only ward that speaks the Q'eqchi language.
Charity and I became BFF's and we bonded as we worked on construction. I know what you're thinking: Susie? Construction? Usually those two don't mix! Well, in Guatemala they did!
Teaching the kids English.
The kids smothered me as I taught them English using flash cards. I have never seen such eagerness for learning.
Me and more kids...love them.
Dancing with Carlos, dentist in training.
This is incredible.
We loved going to "La Tienda" to buy soda. So refreshing on a hot, humid day.
We spent a few hours with this lady and did a "Day in the Life." It was definitely a humbling experience.
Winter, my construction partner. I have never, ever seen an 8 year old work so hard. He totally kicked my trash.
Ever, the history teacher that I helped. I taught him some skills for teaching history and he wants to skype with me. Not sure how that will happen, considering I speak very little Spanish and he speaks very little English.
Corn grows on the mountain side. They are so resourceful!
We often rode in the cattle bus to go from one village to another. It literally felt like a roller coaster every time.
My first picture in the Polochic.
Squished in the bus for our last 2 hours up the mountains.
Teaching ESL.
More flashcard fun.
Teaching classroom management to teachers. We did a lot of professional development. No hablo espanol, so we had translators. I prayed for the gift of tongues though on countless ocassions!
Dancing with Adam. Just wanted to show you the sweat on my back. I have never been that dirty and sweaty and nasty for a dance. But hey, it's the Polochic and you just look frumpy.
They had a local band come and play for us for 3 hours while we all danced it up.
Some of the teachers we taught.
Working construction. I got good at twisting and cutting wire. This is the hospital that we worked on.
Go, Fight, Win. I played some soccer with the girls.
More kids. They loved to welcome us and they called me "eSusie"
Loved this little girl.
Making tortillas. We ate A LOT of those...I think I'm tortilla-ed out!
Grinding corn. The mom made fun of me because I was so bad at it!
Shucking some beans...another staple in the Guatemalan food pyramid.
Cute. Especially that little boy.
More kiddos...
These little girls are literally like 2nd moms.
Dancing, again!
Some of the group members with Santi. He was wonderful in helping us with the expedition. He sang to us and supported all of our projects.
More pictures to come, but it truly was a perfect setting. Though I could do without all of the bug bites.
The EFY dance goes international
It seems like everywhere I go, I teach the EFY dance to people. I have so much fun doing it, that I definitely shared it with my Guatemalan expeditioners. We performed it for the talent show in front of the Guatemalan members. Here's a taste of just some of the fun that I had in Guatemala.
Watch for the hair flip. I kind of went crazy!
Watch for the hair flip. I kind of went crazy!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
History Nerd
So those who know me well know that I can easily become filled with love for people in an instant. Maybe it's just the passionate side of me, but I have to admit it, the same applies for history. I love, adore, and cherish history with my whole heart and soul and in this moment I have to express my appreciation.
It's hard to describe why I love it so much. I love the cause/effect, I love the social issues, and the personal application. I love watching movies and saying "Oh that's totally Civil War fashion." Or "this painting totally depicts the Great Depression." It truly makes me happy and heck, it makes me feel smart. And there aren't many subjects that allow me to feel that way.
I just went to Seagull Book, and bought this great buy for 3 bucks.
Yes, it gives a description of each president; his life in office and important domestic and foreign events that paralleled his presidency. It's fascinating so far and I am eating it up.
I am a history nerd through and through and I am dang proud of it. Good thing I love what I teach, eh?
It's hard to describe why I love it so much. I love the cause/effect, I love the social issues, and the personal application. I love watching movies and saying "Oh that's totally Civil War fashion." Or "this painting totally depicts the Great Depression." It truly makes me happy and heck, it makes me feel smart. And there aren't many subjects that allow me to feel that way.
I just went to Seagull Book, and bought this great buy for 3 bucks.
Yes, it gives a description of each president; his life in office and important domestic and foreign events that paralleled his presidency. It's fascinating so far and I am eating it up.I am a history nerd through and through and I am dang proud of it. Good thing I love what I teach, eh?
Saturday, July 2, 2011
'ello 'arry pottah!
Yes, the rumors and the facebook posts are true. I managed to enjoy myself at Harry Potter world even though I am a complete "muggle" and have only read half of book #1. Before you shake your fist at me, let me explain...
Well, I don't feel like it, I just haven't read the books, though I have nothing against them. Needless to say, I enjoyed myself at Harry Potter World, Universal Studios, and Disney World (Hollywood Studios to be exact) for a 5 day fun-filled vay-cay away from DC with some of my dearest friends.
It was brilliant. I loved speaking in my horrid English accent, drinking butterbeer, and feeling the magic of this place even if I didn't get all of its amazingness. I think I am more inspired to read the books now that I have ventured to the land of HP.
The first glimpse...
The train!
Butterbeer and a good ole' English meal at the 3 Broomsticks.
Our favorite candy store...
Mmmmm....
Cheers!
Hogwartz (did I spell it right?)
If anything, I felt temporarily transported back to London, and that is never a bad thing!
Well, I don't feel like it, I just haven't read the books, though I have nothing against them. Needless to say, I enjoyed myself at Harry Potter World, Universal Studios, and Disney World (Hollywood Studios to be exact) for a 5 day fun-filled vay-cay away from DC with some of my dearest friends.
It was brilliant. I loved speaking in my horrid English accent, drinking butterbeer, and feeling the magic of this place even if I didn't get all of its amazingness. I think I am more inspired to read the books now that I have ventured to the land of HP.
The first glimpse...
The train!
Butterbeer and a good ole' English meal at the 3 Broomsticks.
Our favorite candy store...
Mmmmm....
Cheers!
Hogwartz (did I spell it right?)
If anything, I felt temporarily transported back to London, and that is never a bad thing!
VA Groupies in FL
We made it to Universal Studios! Woot!
Sorely disappointed that Wolverine was only 5'6
One of my favorite pics...taking a little rest in front of some garbage. Awesome.
Love the women folk
Jurassic Park hysteria
We have the whole Universal world in our hands
Totally and completely drenched. Love those Florida rainstorms and Ashley's funny look.
Mel's Diner; made me nostalgic for the Bay Area
We love our ponchos!
After viewing the ultra cheesy and completely ridiculous stunt show, "Sinbad..." Universal's shows don't even compare to Disney World...lame sauce.
Rockin' Roller Coaster...
Beach day...we drove 2 hours to be at the beach for 1 hour. But it was worth it.
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