Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Wednesday, June 15, 2011











06/15/11

We left Antigua promptly at 8:15 AM and began our 2.5 hour drive up a mountain to take a tour of a Mayan village called Choabajito. We took a tour of this village to see the way the indigenous Guatemalans live. This village is sponsored by the Behrhorst Partners for Development (BPD) which helps improve the health and well being of Guatemalans in rural communities. We took a tour of their community center, two homes and the children’s school. The Behrhorst team provided the tour and taught us about their Running Water Project which included chlorinator, gray water filters and latrines. The homes also improved stoves with an exhaust system. BPD educated the families on sustainable gardening techniques in order to improve the health of the villagers. The children on Choabajito surprised us with a traditional dance and taught us how to play the game “Cat and Mouse.” Meagan was surprised to be the first gringa to lead the group with the “Chicken” song. Carol was second. Ellen won the gold star of the day when she pulled “burbujas” (bubbles) out of her backpack; the kids loved it! The visit ended with a traditional Mayan lunch prepared by women in the village, including: chicken, rice, black beans, guacamole, tortillas and horchata (a rice drink). Muy deliciosa!

We arrived back in Antigua with just enough time for round two of speed market shopping. We ended the day with a lovely candlelit dinner at Epicure Restaurant. Steve, Shyrel and family from Amor del Nino joined us as well. After a busy and educational day we are ready for a goodnight sleep before continuing our work at orphanages. Hasta Luego!

Mackenzie (student) and Natalie (student)

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