I have now been in Guatemala for 5 days, and I am loving it! The first night was a bit lonely, however, this is typical when ones life changes such as mine. However I have adjusted quite well at this point. I am living in Teculutan at the HIM house. Hearts In Motion has a house here that a Guatemalan family lives in and takes care of. Norma cooks for the people that come out on trips and Luis drives the bus for the trips. They are fantastic and very welcoming. There are two other volunteers who also live here. At the moment they are both in the states for another couple weeks.
After having some time to adjust, Julio, my sidekick/translator/driver/and plain old cool guy and I started making our rounds to a few of the daycares we will be working with. We have interviewed most of the older children (ages 5-7) and gotten a feel for who they are and what they enjoy. Our next step will be to make house visits. I am very excited about this step. Most people that come to Guatemala don't get the opportunity to see inside the lives of these families. After this I will be creating packets about these children and their families and sending them to the states where they will then be found a sponsor.
The children are absolutely adorable and hilarious. I usually miss out on the initial laughter of what is said due to language barriers, but to see Julio's reaction... I can laugh all the same. It kills me to sit and talk to them... I am constantly swating the flies and bugs away and they sit like nothing is happening when I can see the lice and little bugs crawling in not only their hair, but also their eyelashes. It's very sad, but a reality to life down here.
I want to thank everyone who has made this opportunity for me become a reality. For the support and love I've been shown. The emails have been great and thus what is comes down to... God is Good!!
About Me
- Lauren
- I have to come to Guatemala to give of myself to the people in this country that are less fortunate than myself. While here I will be creating a sponsorship program for the children in daycares. With a sponsor, these children will be ensured an education and the opportunity for a better future! Please take a look at other work that is being done in Guatemala. http://sportsinmotion.blogspot.com www.heartsinmotion.org For more information on the sponsorship program I am creating, please have a look at the following site http://childreninguatemala.blogspot.com
5 comments:
Hey Lauren! I thought I would be the first to comment on your page! It's really neat to see where you are staying. The place Isn't too shabby! I like the view. I'm glad to hear that your doing well. The pictures are awesome. I hope to talk to you soon. Love,Roz
Dude Lo you rock!!! I'm a little jeleous, Glad your settling in nicely. I'll have to drag my ass down there one of these days. love you
Hey Lo, I am so excited for everything you're going to do and experience this year. I can't wait to get info on a family so my students can help me sponsor one. In the meantime, e-mail me a list of things you yourself need/want and I will put a package together. Remember, you gotta take care of yourself so you can continue to help the people around you...so give me a detailed list of anything you want me to send. Love you tons! Kels
Thanks for sharing Lauren. I covet your life right now. Stay healthy and I'm bookmarking your page so keep it up:)
Gail
Loza,
Just wanted to say hello! I am so glad that you are doing this blog, so you can keep us posted! I love looking at your pictures, you are going to have the experience of a lifetime! I know that you will touch the lives of everyone you meet, they are lucky to have you! When you get a chance, would you send me your address, Thanks! Jeffro and I are doing well, Just keeping busy. Have a good night! Love and Miss you! xoxo~jen
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