Jeanie's Comments
8/8/04
We are 2 days into our adventure and already I’m so happy I’ve come. From the moment we met Sharlene at the airport, I felt relieved to be part of a team! Carmen and I have had quite a few adventures in our first few days of travel so it’s really nice to have things organized! The journey to San Pedro was dusty and barren and beautiful, and the village itself is in a breathtaking location. It was so interesting to listen in on the community meeting about poverty, it’s just the kind of thing I hoped to learn about and understand better here. The hotel is pretty luxurious but in my woozy altitude induced state I appreciate it. Thank you Sharlen so much for being our translator – we really appreciate it! Today we groggily stumbled to mass (misa) at 8, but it was well worth it. The church is so brightly painted in some ways it reminded me of medieval Europe. The people are very friendly and I with so much that I spoke more Spanish! Walter took us to see the view of the mountains (wow!) to see the Lorena stove the last group built and to see the local museum and it’s mummies…. The latter made me feel a bit dizzy so we headed back to the hotel for a gigantic lunch and coca mata (addictive or not?) Then Carmen and I crawled into her bed to stay warm and prepare lessons and promptly fall asleep. Lets blame it on the altitude and work extra hard tomorrow.
8/9/04
Man, the kids are awesome! Come to think of it the adults are pretty cool too. Teaching classes was scary and fun. I love being with kids and being a goof. Today was slow but peaceful. I want to be able to supply all the things the school and clinic are missing The kids seem so happy – I cant believe 80% are malnourished. I really want to know how to decrease that number. Yeah Stoves!
8/11/04
Another busy day! Stoves, classes, and sneaking in a bit of resting. I had such a good time in the English class and with the first aid girls even though I felt a little under the weather. Being part of 2 completed stoves is really exciting though, I feel like a bit of a wimp. I also am concerned that instead of being addicted to coca tea I will be addicted to Mexican soup operas and I fear that the latter is the most dangerous addiction. I’m understanding more Spanish and feeling so cozy in our little group and with some villagers. Such a warm and welcoming community. Carmen and Oscar are so nice!
Dear ladies,
I had such an amazing trip – I am glad our group was small and cozy and made of fabulous women. I am so proud of the way we connected with the community—I think we made a really positive impact and I am so grateful for all that I learned from everyone in the community and from you! Sharlene, thank you for your leadership and all your translations and Spanish teaching you are such a warm and intelligent woman—I am so glad I got to know you. Carmen, you are the first person I would want to share this experience with—I admire you so much!
--Jeanie Morton, Canada