We made it! The flight to Guatemala was smooth, albeit a bumpy bit over the Gulf. New construction in the Guate airport, making it very different than ´04, but no problems. Went straight to the hotel Beth suggested, and the kids love the courtyard design and lovely tropical flowers. No way to include photos right now, maybe not while on this trip, but there are these amazing vines dripping with colorful flowers right in front of our room door, and Michelle is enchanted.
Brendan is so excited (for a somber teen) that he is ready to work at scout camp every summer until college, so he can pay his way to his own vacation when he graduates, or after his first year in college. A goal! I am thrilled for him.
Walking was very difficult for Michelle, and today she got fed up and put her braces on for the first time with a short skirt, and the loudest socks she has. Everyone, every single person we pass, gawks at her legs. She knows it, and said, "Oh well, I will never see them again"... Brave sweet girl.
After this trial by fire she will be able to face a lot. Brendan likes the food!!!!!!!!!! Michelle eats less than I thought, but Brendan is hungry and eating anything that doesn´t run, except potatoes.
They are really "waking up" out of their middle class world and looking around them. I am so glad I did this. I hope I feel this way in San Mateo! I was so nervous that they were not ready.
Tomorrow we go to Tikal, rest a bit on Sunday, and to climb a volcano with active lava streams on Monday. Brendan considers the money conversion a challenge. Michelle keeps trying to understand the difference in living conditions, from a ten year old´s standpoint. I hope she makes friends in San Mateo. I hope she can feel a connection with the girls who live there, and I hope we can learn to make those yummy tortillas.
I have never done a blog before, so Sunday when I get back I will fix anything I need to. Let me figure out how to tell people it exists now!
Buen Fin de Semana
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Pasos del Viaje was begun to share a trip to Guatemala that I took with my children in the summer of 2007. I thank Kimm Viebrock (http://www.soaringmountain.com http://techsurvival.blogspot.com) for setting up this blog, and being a conduit for the initial posts. Without her dear friendship I would not have thought of this vehicle for communication.
I hope you enjoy the photos and stories. It will take a while to digest this trip, and I will continue to update it as I have time. That means you have all fall to look forward to tidbits, here and there.
One of Kirsten's favorite sayings: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
I hope you enjoy the photos and stories. It will take a while to digest this trip, and I will continue to update it as I have time. That means you have all fall to look forward to tidbits, here and there.
One of Kirsten's favorite sayings: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
6 comments:
Blogging is *so* easy! And I'm so glad you're doing it.
Kirsten: So awesome to be able to live this trip with you through this blog. No pictures means you'll have to describe the scenes and that will be no problem for you since you are such a wonderful writer. I look forward to more posts.
I love the "picture" of Michelle with her braces and loud socks! Good for her.
Michelle, The colorful socks sound like a great idea. It will give the people looking at your braces something colorful to see! When I was a teenager I loved bright colorful socks and I had some wild ones.
The flowers sound so beautiful. What amazing new sights, sounds and smells you all must be experiencing!
Belinda
Wow! What a great way to keep us up to date! I can't wait to hear more! It's like we're right there with you. I am so proud of both of your kids for joining you on this adventure
If you have blogger questions, I might be able to help! :) Sounds like you're all having fun already! I'm glad we'll be able to hear about the trip while you're there.
It's wonderful to hear and 'see' what you're up to. I can hardly wait to learn more!
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