Journal Day 1-2: Friday and Saturday
Last night we arrived at the airport and we were met by Mandy, Guillermo, President Rivera, and his son Angel. We loaded our ba-zillion bags and headed for a Wendy's. It was alot of fun, and we were all a little wired with excitement.
Today was my very first day at the orphanage. I don't even know where to start. We're staying at the volunteer house down the street from the orphanage, and it's really small but I'm actually enjoying being able to step away from the chaos and decompress at the end of the night.
Today all the volunteers worked at the volunteer house setting it up for ourselves, and future volunteers. It's much more comfortable and feels very safe in the gated community which has a security guard at the entrance. So, while they were working here, I stayed behind to help at the orphanage with the children. It was crazy with a total of 18 kids, but it was great because it really gave me the opportunity to get to know all the new arrivals since my last trip.
Brian is still here. I was so happy to see him again, and give him a big hug. Abigail is also still here. She spends the majority of her day helping take care of the other kids. I was ecstatic to see Jose, and he is cute as ever!! He seems even happier than the last time. The most changed was baby Levi. When I was here last he was 5 days old....and SOOOO tiny!!! He's now 4 months old and the sweetest little thing I've ever seen. In fact, all of the babies are unbelievably good and cry very little.
It is incredibly hard work at the orphanage and I'm so drained. There are just so many children, and they all want your undivided attention. The language barrier is so frustrating, because even though they are children, they
want to tell me all kinds of stuff, but I have no idea what it is they're trying to say. It's really exhausting piecing together the little spanish I know to make sense of it all.I had lunch with the children today and it was some type of watery soup with noodles and green liquid. Alejandra prepared all of it herself, and it was really pretty good. Granted I was hungry soon after because I'm not used to such light meals yet, but that girl is such a great aid to those children. At only 15, she acts like a mother when Martita the cook is gone on the weekends.
Journal Day 3: Sunday
This morning we got up, Kevin and Jesse made us Breakfast and then we got ready for church. When we got
to the orphanage almost all the kids were ready and they were anticipating our early arrival. We stayed there for a little while and took pictures with the kids and then we all left together to walk into town to go to 
church. Luckily it's almost all downhill, because we ended up having to carry some of the smaller kids. Every adult had a child hanging onto each of our hands, or one in our arms. Mario is one of the oldest boys and he is absolutely adorable. He immediately came to me and linked arms with me with Wilson holding my hand on the other side. They did it in such a loving brotherly way, I felt like they were my protectors. They did not let go until we walked onto the church grounds.The kids were fairly good during Sacrament meeting. Like most kids it's a struggle for them to hold still and that one hour seems endless.
After church we gathered all the children and somehow got them home without any problems. They were pretty energized and were running everywhere. I only had a few moments of panic.
We invited Erica (She has been an orphan her entire life, but has recently moved out on her own) over to the house for lunch, and I gave her a bunch of school supplies to help get her through the next school year. She was really excited and I know it will help her alot.Later that night, Kevin made stew and we took it all up to the orphanage to feed all the kids. They LOVED it!! He packed it full of vegetables and beef steak. It was really good. After dinner we played with the kids until bedtime, and then we headed back. Then we headed for home again, and while I made brownies everyone else cleaned up the mess from dinner.
We had a organization meeting while we ate our brownies. It went on for quite a while, and there were times when it got a little heated, but we all have opinions about the way we think it should be done. It's hard sometimes when there are so many adults, but it's good because everyone's input is valuable and it's great for brainstorming. We all have different experience and different skills to bring to the table. It all ended on a good note, but I was so tired I was having a hard time thinking straight. I think I'll have to inquire about it later.
Journal Day 4: Monday
This morning we went to the orphanage at about 8am. We helped them do their chores, swept the whole orphanage and courtyard, played games and read to the children. Kari and I opened the little school room and got a few of the games out. They will sit down forever with us and play a simple game. I think they love the one on one attention. We read books, and I was happy to see that they really enjoy reading.
Erica called at about noon and asked if we could take her to the College to register for school. Kari is the only other one who speaks spanish, and I'm the only other person she knows.....so we took the 4-Runner with Erica and off we went. Kari did a great job driving, because I would have been freaking out. The absence of stop lights makes it total chaos on the roads. Erica's school is near Antigua and it's a pretty drive about 45 minutes away from the orphanage. The school is very nice....in fact much nicer than I anticipated. She got herself registered, and she's basically good to go now.Lunch Time: Ahhhh....my favorite activity. We worked so hard all the time that it seemed like we were hungry all the time. Kevin, Jesse, Kari and I went to the corner Tienda to get Tortillas. Ummm....they were sooo delicious. We walked in and this adorable little old lady was making them as fast as she could and we wanted to give her some business so we asked for 100 tortillas, thinking this would be a great profit for her. When we asked how much they were about 20 quetzales, which is about $2.50 in U.S. dollars. WHAAAT??? That seemed so cheap it was almost cruel. It would take a long time to make 100 tortillas. Not to mention tortillas are bought daily, so she would never get orders that big. We told her we wanted 100, and she was really excited. She couldn't figure out the math though, so when she gave us our order, Jesse handed her about 55 quetzales which is about $7.00 in U.S. Dollars. She was soooo happy, and it made us feel good too!! Just think about many orders ahead that small $7.00 put her for the day. It's crazy!
After lunch, everything that was received from the cargo box was packed up from the orphanage and taken to the volunteer house. It was so awesome to see all the things we collected here in Las Vegas.....there in Guatemala. I would say at least 80% of what was there was from Las Vegas. That felt great, and I know I have a responsibility to show everyone that donated supplies, the results of their generosity.
After that, Jesse got ready to be "Penny Man" for the kids. (A little background on the "Penny Man" costume. Sunset Elementary did a fundraiser for the orphanage. To jump start the program they had an assembly with all of the children and explained to the kids about these orphans living in Guatemala, who don't have the
luxury of living in a place where an education is something that is giving to everyone. They explained that Knowledge is Power, and they can help provide books for these kids so they can learn too. So in the assembly they had "Penny Man" run out and get everyone pumped up and excited about the program. Over the course of I think 4-5 weeks, the kids were to bring One Penny for EVERY page that they read. They raised $1,200 dollars....just from reading!!! It was AMAZING, and with that money they got Brand new books, school supplies, and different kinds of 
educational material. So.... we made a little video with Penny Man to show at an assembly so the kids can see it on the receiving end and feel good about helping others.) So, Jesse gets in his costume, drawing attention from all the neighborhood kids.....they thought it was soooo great that a super hero was in their neighborhood!! We had all the kids waiting for him to come in the house, and he sat them down and explained what the kids at Sunset Elementary had done for them. They were in awe of how much money was raised. Then "Penny Man" passed the books out and they were esctatic!! Brand new books for each of them!! Then he read them a story, and called it good. The kids thought it was awesome, and they were going crazy. I think it was like Christmas for them!
After "Penny Man" I pulled Alejandra aside with her books and I gave her school supplies that I had brought for her. I have her an organizer, folders, pencils, erasers, stapler, pens, staples, paperclips, notecards, sharpener, and a few misc. items. It was soo cute. Every time I would hand her something she would gasp and say " Oh, Thank yOU!!!". When we were done, she turned to me, put her hand on me and exclaimed, "This is like a DREAM!!!". It was so cute I wanted to cry. I have never known a 15 year old to be so excited about books and school supplies. It was really humbling.
For diner Kevin made us tacos. THis was his recipe for the ground beef. *1 pound Hamburger Meat. * 1 cup Chili Powder. He thought it was like taco seasoning.....he was wrong. We all had heartburn for the rest of the night.
Journal Day 5: Tuesday
This morning Kari and I stayed at the Volunteer house to sort, organize, inventory, and put away all of the donation items that were needing to be stored. This turned out to be a much bigger project than I had anticipated, but it was great because I have a REALLY good idea of what we have, and what we still need.
We worked hard until noon, and then everyone returned so we could run to the market and get the things that we need to continue working. We went first to the Guatemalan Wal-mart. I didn't even realize that it was wal-mart until I saw the logo below one of the signs. It was a stange store, but like the wal-mart here....it carries a little of everything. We were able to find the things for the orphanage inventory, and needed baby supplies. One of the previous baby stores was trying to rip us off, probably because we were a big group of white people who maybe looked like we have money. So we got the baby stuff, and then I was pushing the cart with all the toilet paper. We were able to fit 16 x 24rolls of toilet paper in my cart. So here I am, pushing this cart full of T.P., and everyone in the store is laughing at me. At first I didn't even notice it, but then I was like, hey, why is everyone laughing at me? It's not like I this is all for me? Is it really necessary to stop, point, and laugh??? It's a good thing I have a sense of humor, because I was drawing alot of attention. Jesse said when he bought the bathroom plunger at the outdoor market, little kids were pointing and laughing at him, and they even started following him. Soo....maybe bathroom supplies just just create that kind of reaction in Guatemala.
ANyway, we loaded it all up in the car, and we didn't have room for ourselves. We had to literally pile in , and
drive home clown car style to unload.After unloading and eating, we headed back out to the outdoor market. It was the first time I had ever been there, so it was fun for me. It was indeed a little dirty, smelly, the meat was laid out on the tables with flies on them.....it was basically salmonella city. However the vegetables looked INCREDIBLE!!! I have never seen such fresh and yummy looking produce.
There was a little of everything at that market, and we saw it all. A few things at the market that surprised me:
- Box Baby: A mother had her BABY in one of the pretzal carts with the glass sliding boxes on top. Well, instead of having pretzales in the box, she had her baby inside the glass case and then she slid the door shut after handing her something to play with.....wow....
- There was an adorable little girl sitting in the gutter next to her oblivious mother surrounded by filthy pools of contaminated water with flies all over her face.
- One of the women selling produce used a contaminated pool of water in the gutter to wash an apple that was dirty. She dried it off and set it back on the apple pile to sell to the next customer.*cringe* (That is precisely the reason why Debbie Bleached all of the produce that we purchased before eating)
We found what we were looking for, bought our produce, and headed home again. Kari and I immediately started back into the organizing of orphanage supplies. We knew this was going to be a long project. Luckily Kevin and Jesse had built us locking cabinets for one of the hallways where we're storing it all. They had them knocked out pretty quick, and I was glad to see so much progress. It motivated us to work harder. Kari and I worked until after 10:00. We could hardly think straight by the end, and we literally collapsed into bed.
While we were at the volunteer house, everyone else was at the orphanage cleaning, organizing, sorting....the works. They kicked butt too. Dang we make a great team!!!
Journal Day 6: Wednesday
First thing Wednesday morning, Kari and I finished putting away the supplies. Unfortunately, we had to leave a little early because we were waiting on Kevin and Jesse to finish the shelves. Thanks to those who finished that for us!!! By 11:00 we were heading back up MOunt Everest to the orphanage to spend the last day with the
kids. It was hard for me because I had been unable to spend much time bonding with the kids because we spent so much time working to set up systems and structure for future long term volunteers and help stabilize the orphanage. It was incredibly important work, but I definitely didn't get the opportunity to know the kids like I did on the last trip. At least on Wednesday I knew it was my last day and I 
really wanted to be with the kids. I sat alone with the babies for a few hours while everyone else went to lunch. Kari and Jesica went with ALejandra to her school to get her registered. Alejandra was so nervous because she didn't know whether or not she was going to have the funding for the next year's tuition. They had to wait for the Dean, and when he showed up he informed them that all of her tuition, books, and misc. items had been paid for in full. She was ready to start the following day. She could not have been a happier girl. She was jumping up and down, and smiling from ear to ear. She starting crying when she saw her friends and the best part of it all.....is that she got to be a kid. She was able to be a 15 year old, and I think school has become her outlet for her childhood. School is where she gets to be a kid, and I think that's fantastic!! ( I found out that Elder Jones who is in the Quorom of the Seventy. He pays not only for HER tuition, but books, bus fare, whatever she needs...but he pays for Erica as well. Erica said that he does this for many of the youth in Guatemala. I do not know him....but I have an immense respect for what he is doing for these kids.)
After Lunch I made 3 batches of Rice Crispy treats for for everyone. When we got back to the orphanage we ordered pizza from Dominos. Let me tell you...I think we made their year. They were going crazy with excitement!!! After dinner, everyone went outside in the courtyard and had rice crispies. They stuffed themselves silly. When they all had their fill, they started grabbing ziplock bags and stuffing them with slices of pizza and rice crispy treats and running to their rooms to hide them so they could eat it later. It was really humbling to see such excitement over something like pizza and rice crispies.
Jimmy turned on the music and we all had a dance party outside in the courtyard. The boys and Jesse were showing off their skillz, and Tanya was surprisingly a very good dancer. I went out on the dance floor and got her to show me her moves, and we were all clapping and cheering. The kids were having a fabulous time, and really being kids without problems.
At the end of the evening, Guillermo gathered all the volunteers and children together in the kitchen. He told everyone thank you and asked if anyone wanted to say anything. I had a feeling that we were going to do this again, so this time I jotted down a few words earlier that day so I could think about it a little more. I was the first to go, and here's what I told them with Jesse Translating:
Dear Children,
It's my last day, and I just wanted to take a moment and thank you. This has been a wonderful experience, and I want you to know that it's an honor to be here. I fell in love with all of you before I even arrived, and now I'm getting ready to leave. I wish I could stay longer to spend more time with you instead of working. I want you to know that we love you, we worry about you, and we want what's best for you.
I want you to know that when I leave here, I'm not going to forget about you. I will continue to help, and I will tell others about you back home. You are all amazing children, and your strength and courage inspires me to be a better person.
I also want you to remember to be kind and love one another. Be good examples for eath other, because your friendship and love will affect and influence those around you.
Remember that Heavenly Father Loves you. He worries about you, and he watches over you. Say your prayers, and feel his love. I want you to know that I won't forget you, and you'll always be in my heart.
During the meeting Abigail sat next to me and sobbed on my shoulder. She didn't want to let go. She just clings to those that show her love and affection. We don't have much information about her, and it makes you wonder what her previous life was like before the orphanage. The most touching part was when Jimmy got up. He is this 12 year old "tough guy". He is the last person in that room I would have expected to get up in front of everyone. He told us thank you, for cleaning their rooms, and giving them shampoo and lotion. For taking care of them this week, and really making this home a better place to live. He was trying his best to hold it together, and then he broke down.....and then WE ALL BROKE DOWN. I cannot say this enough. I am realizing that children are children, and no matter who they are, how old they are, and where they come from....they need to FEEL loved, and have the opportunity to GIVE love. It was a really special moment for me to listen to 
him speak. At the end I gave all of the children a picture of Chris and I, and on the back I had a nice postcard of Las Vegas so they could see where I live. They all wanted 2 and 3 copies to keep for themselves. I thought it was really sweet, and I hope they will remember me and know that I really do love them.That night, after all the kids were in bed, Guillermo came over to the house to tell us all about the children and their histories. It's important we have the accurate stories, and we also need to keep records of things like this. I have to say I thought I was prepared to hear it all, but nothing can prepare you to accept the
things these kids have been through. My heart literally ached and he went through each story of the children in great detail. Most of the information is really personal, and to protect the children, won't be used on the website. I have no words to express the things that they have endured. I am so inspired by them, and I know that their stories inspire others. That is why we do what we do. We do it for them. They have been dealt a crappy lot in life, and maybe, just maybe, we can help undo some of the injustices that have been forced upon them at such an innocent age. That is our goal. I know that we may lose some along the way, 100% success is never guaranteed. However, I feel that with the right spirit and hard work, there will be some along the way that are saved and even one child makes it worth it. Everyone deserves at least the chance for success, and what they do with it is up to them.Journal Day 7: Thursday
This morning Guillermo picked us up at at 5:30 to head to the airport. Kari sat up front with him and pretty much translated the whole way. It was way too early for me to really say a whole lot, so I just did alot of listening. Guillermo played us 2 yr old Brandon's favorite song. I think his parents used to play it alot at home because he knows all the words and sings along. He said that every time they get in the car, he says
"Play my song, play my song!" and then Guillermo will put it on and he'll sing his little heart out. He also said that when all the kids are in the car and they're being naughty, and fighting with each other, all he has to do is turn on Brandon's Favorite song and they all calm down and start singing along because they all know the words from playing it so many times. For some reason that really was such a sweet picture in my head of all the kids that morning.It's strange to be back in the states. A mere 24 hours ago, everyone was speaking spanish around me, and it was dirty and dusty, and I was with the kids. Now, here I am, in a nice car, in my beautiful home, eating takeout. I'm always shocked by the reality check it gives me. How much I take for granted. I thought more than once how grateful I am to be born to the family I was born to, in the United States. What tremendous
blessings and opportunities I have been given almost from birth! What a blessing NOT to have to raise children in a third world country. I don't know how these women even do it.When people come up to me and ask, "How was your trip?!" Honestly, how the heck am I supposed to sum up all these experiences and all these feelings into a few senteces? I don't even know where to start or what to say. How can I possibly convey my feelings, my experiences? How can a simple, "It was great!!" sum it all up? That's the hard part. I LOVE talking about it. I LOVE telling people about the kids. I owe it to the kids to share their stories and let people know how they can help. But where the heck do I start? It's changed my life, and my perspective on life....that's just the beginning.....
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