Busy times....

Monday 22nd September…. Dad’s Birthday……

WORK…..

Last week raced by and I have had to struggle to remember what happened!!!
I am finally coming to terms with so much. Firstly I have never worked with children like this and secondly it seems as if it’s very different to other places I am sure.. My main concerns were the language and overcoming my feelings about the placement. Talking about it was fine until I started and then I have to be honest and say it wasn’t that easy. But now I am getting used to the work and the children so heres a glimpse........

An average day:
I arrive at work at 8.00am, the first thing we do is feed the children, this is very difficult as it has to be done slowly and carefully. Often it takes nearly an hour to feed just two children. Then its change out of pyjamas, clean teeth and settle in the wheelchairs for the day this takes a long time as there are about 44 children and about 8 nurses and just 5 volunteers. All the time we talk to the children and stroke their faces and hands to stimulate them. After this there are various activities. Yesterday some of the volunteers took the kids swimming in a pool. After they finished I helped to dry them and clothe them and placed them in their cots for a nap, or a visit in the garden. It’s possible to take the children out to central park, so every day some of us take a child each in a wheelchair and take them to town for an hour, believe me it’s not easy to manoeuvre a wheelchair with a child over the uneven cobbled stones and incredibly narrow pavements. Some react and show awareness while others don’t. But we show them the fountain and the horses and talk with them and encourage them to react and it’s great when they smile or make a sound. It’s also an opportunity to have a drink as we usually work from 8.00 to 12.00 without a break. Then it’s back to the centre for the afternoon. Already I have got to know some of the children and I spend much time talking to them and touching them and generally loving them. With some I play with a ball, just feeling it and trying to throw it. Today (23rd Sept) the morning was spent weighing the children. They are weighed once a month. For this they have be unclothed and then clothed again after weighing. Believe me it’s a lot of work and it takes a lot of time and many of the children are heavy with minimal body control.
To be honest it was difficult at first because the natural thing is to work with children who appear 'normal' and who don’t seem to have many problems and then slowly one adjusts to the fact that they all need loving...... so now they are nearly all the same...I am still encountering some problems working with a few. Maybe next week.
So what else since I last wrote??????
One evening last week 6 of us decided to travel to Guate city to see a Mexican Orchestra play at a huge theatre. It was really enjoyable and we all had a really good evening. Amazing that at the beginning of the concert they played the national anthem of Mexico and Guatemala. Excellent music , and atmosphere. As we drove home the rain poured down and the lights of the big city disappeared behind some huge mountains.......ranchera music playing in the cab. With the school I visited a small pueblo and enjoyed my first trip on a camienetta!!!! It was just as you may imagine, lots of people, bags, and yes...ranchera music blaring through the speakers as it raced along the winding roads with views of the volcanoes and very low clouds on either side. Farms and corn fields fled by as I hung onto the seat in front and swerved from side to side on a narrow seat with too many people sitting on it! Every so often someone would get on and tell a story to raise some money, or try to sell things. How?? They just come and plonk the product on your lap and walk away and then they return and ask for money so it’s best to say No Gracias !!
I decided to have a quiet weekend in Antigua and discover some of the its famous, worth visiting places... according to the ‘Lonely Planet Bible’
Antigua was much quieter than the last one though the flags still fluttered from the windows and doors. I finally had a coffee at Frida’s a beautiful cafe with paintings by Frida and Diego and photos adorning every wall. It was full of people chatting and some smoking...yes no laws here about smoking. Mexican cantina food and music playing out onto the street. I loved it, the decor the atmosphere and of course Frida. Then it was down to the market to see the Pinyatas...huge figures made of papier-mâché painted and filled with sweets. At parties they are hung high and the children break them by hitting them with sticks until all the sweets fall out! Believe me these things are as tall as me!
Then it was off to see the local 5 star hotel Santo Domingo. Wow it was beautiful as its built around some ruins with beautiful wild gardens and courtyards and parrots. Incredibly romantic, and easy to disappear in for hours. So I wandered around and took in the atmosphere before heading back home to wash clothes and relax before Sunday, which as we all know is church day... but first......
Sunday morning bright and early I wandered off in search of breakfast, this time a new route and imagine my surprise when I passed a bar at 8.00 am with a huge sign outside which said: Today: Chelsea V Man Utd!!!! This was definitely the place to be and so it was that I enjoyed the game on a huge screen with hardly anyone around until the nail biting finish..... One of the other viewers being a Frenchman who supports Arsenal, but on Sunday he was for Chelsea. Prior to that it was Inter Milan so I caught a glimpse of the gorgeous Murhino!!
Then it was down to the church..... The family I am staying with belong to the Church of Santo Francisco and every couple of months they cook and sell food at the church after mass. The money raised goes to the homeless people. So there I was encouraging people to have food and then serving at the tables. I struggled with my Spanish but just smiled and eventually got there!!
It was a glorious sunny day as families gathered and children grasped cans of cola and lemonade. A marimba band played by the entrance of the church, and at nearby stalls children manipulated their parents into buying outrageous toys... A small boy bought a bright pink and white fluffy dog! Busloads of tourists walked by reluctant to try the food despite being told it was fine... they had obviously had the ‘don’t eat local food ‘ talk from the guide. I smiled as I tucked into my dish of rice and salad before heading home in the evening light.
I felt happy because I surprised myself and at my ability to understand the language....
As I went to bed I thought of you all and the beginning of another day...
Enjoy
Adios amigos
Goodnight
Xxx

FIESTA>>>FIESTA!!!

Wednesday 17th September, 2008
The weekend of the 13th, 14th and 15th September was a real Fiesta as Guatemala celebrated its Independence Day (from Spain on 15th September,1839.) The previous week everyone was preparing for the celebrations, every house, car and shop was adorned in white and blue (colours of the flag) and flags of all sizes fluttered from cars, buses and houses. In don’t think I have ever seen such patriotism. The main events of the weekend were completely dominated by school children. The papers were full of information about the history of Guatemala and information about the National Symbols and reasons so teachers could teach them in School.
Friday…
In the evening many school children ran through the streets holding torches and blowing whistles and generally making themselves seen and heard. People stopped and encouraged them on. Later in the evening there was music and food in Parque Central and dancing by various Mayan tribes. People congregated along the tiny narrow footpaths. Talking, eating and generally enjoying the atmosphere. Anticipating the next two days when the celebrations would really begin
Saturday …..
This was the day for the very young children (Early Childhood and Juniors) who dressed up and paraded through the town, walking for at least two hours in the sun, adorned in various types of clothing, school uniform and the flag. Teachers encouraged them to smile and keep pace. I remembered Sue and her kids in the EC section. I think she would have loved it. They walked along to music and some played simple instruments. Parents and tourists flanked their sides and encouraged them on in their outfits representing the flora and fauna of Guatemala as well as local crafts, and methods of transport. Balloon sellers and ice cream vendors whistled to draw attention and provide additional colour to the day. The evening programme was almost the same as the night before but I missed it as I was too tired and my legs hurt after my adventure up Volcan Pacaya!!
Sunday…….
I started off to go for breakfast at a local café and got caught up in the hustle and bustle of more parades, this time it was the turn of the secondary school children, most in school uniform and sashes made of the flag. Each school was represented and had a band playing tunes and their own Mister 2008 and Miss 2008, all dressed in their best with scarves and crowns…tiaras!!! The noise was overwhelming as many different tunes from all around Antigua gelled into a huge sound not unpleasing to the ear. I was mesmerised. Again families clamoured to get the best view and passing the onlookers was a real challenge as no one was moving, caught up in the moment. Cars banned from the centre moved along slowly, blasting out Mexican Ranchera music, and old men in sombreros creased their faces as the sun reflected off various windows. All day the parades continued, and music cascaded through the streets. Onlookers hung out of balconies and shop fronts.
Monday…….
Big celebrations today as it was the turn of the older students (6th form +) who danced and played music through the streets. There is nothing like seeing a group of about 20 -30 young men dressed in red and white suits and white shoes dancing in formation through the streets and playing instruments. It was breathtaking as they jumped and spun while playing Mexican/ Guatemalan band music. Young women also danced ( a little more delicately) and majorettes spun their sticks and manoeuvred themselves carefully in stilettos over the cobbled stones. Amazing!!! Parque Central was crowded as the various groups of workers paraded by and everyone just clapped and whistled and showed their appreciation for the services they provided ; police, fire fighters, hospital workers , clerks, bus drivers…… Later people sat on the pavements and ate and drank from the many stalls that had sprouted as the evening wore on. Children played and ran around the park, ……and as evening dawned and the full moon rose everyone looked up and gasped at the amazing firework display lightening up the sky. A riot of colour accompanied by gasps of awe and wonderment. No matter how often I see fireworks I am always amazed by them…… Like life…..like love
Cars hooted and played their music as they slowly made their way out of town , the long tailbacks not a problem at all. Children collapsed in their parents arms or on their shoulders, mothers holding on to leftover food or drinks or in some cases discarded clothes.
Flags still fluttered in the night breeze as I walked home thinking how lucky I was to have been here today, and how I wished that I could have shared the moments as they happened. I could not wait to get home and look at my pictures which I can share with you…… sadly I cant open the movies so will try again sometime.

The rest of the week beckons with work and study but at the moment I am smiling and feel happy.
I hope you are too and enjoying some of the simple things in life.
I miss you all
I prepare to sleep as you all prepare to wake and begin another day.
Adios Amigos
Goodnight
Xxx

Volcanoes and Work...........

Have a day off tomorrow so two for the price of one!!!

Have tried to load movies but it hasnt worked so will try again next week.Thank you all for your support and news please leave a post if you can.

By the way when I do the create a post it all looks good and then when I post it...I dont know what happens! OK Off to find a meal for the evening and homework before bed.

Take care as you wander through your dreams in the night.

I think of you all

Adios Amigos

Goodnight

Xxx
VOLCANO PACAYA
12th September,2008
This is for you Geography buffs!!!
I have decided to try new things each week, last week was Lake Atitlan, a lake formed from a volcano, and this week Volcano pacaya… an active volcano!!!
Guatemal boasts more than 35 volcanoes of which 3 are active.: Volcano Pacaya , Fuego and Santiaguito. Antigua is surrounded by 3 volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. The highest volcano in Central America is in Guatemala: Volcano Tajumulca. Believe me its strange to be in a place where on morning you can wake up to see smoke erupting from a volcano.
One thing that everyone does is hike up Volcano Pacaya (you can do this for about £5) So I joined a group of youngsters and decided to have a go. We Left at 6.00am for the one hour drive there which was beautifl as the sun was rising and people were making their way the market.
VOLCANO PACAYA
Volcano Pacaya stands 2552m and has erupted 20 times since 1565, but since the mid 1960’s it has erupted continuously. In 1998 many villages surrounding the volcano had to be evacuated following an eruption and the airport at Guatemala City had to be closed as it was covered in ash.
Upon arrival we were surrounded by children selling walking sticks to assist with the climb as it is a real challenge, some chose to go on horseback but I decided to walk. The guide who took us up was really good as he was continuously checking on me, aware that I was the eldest by at least 28 years!!! They say that doing things with youngsters make you feel young but believe me it’s the opposite!!! I never felt so old. BUT on I went slowly and carefully because the tracks were narrow and the drops sheer. For the first part of the climb we travelled through the forest which was steep but manageable with breathtaking views of the three volcanoes in the distance which surround Antigua. After about 45 minutes we arrived at the cone, which is covered in black basaltic rock shed from the crater, it looked like the surface of the moon or mars .We were quite high but not high enough as I looked ahead and saw the crater with smoke belching out of it. I was strangely excited by the prospect of seeing lava, then, ….. I looked down below and saw a steep expanse of lava scree. ‘Ok’ said the guide ‘we have to go down and then up’ I was about to ask him how when he answered my question by free surfing down the scree at great speed. OK, I thought, I can do this as I saw the youngsters rushing down, screaming and many falling and tumbling overcome by enthusiasm. Do as they do, so I got my stick and sailed all the way down… and didn’t fall. I have to admit it was a real adrenalin rush. The next stage was difficult, not very steep but challenging as we walked over scree which gave under our feet, making it harder to walk through it. I believe the army and footballers in Brazil train in sand dunes and scree to have strong legs…mine were just tired and aching.
Also, it was covered in boulders which were lethally sharp and getting warm. Close up they looked like hardened crystals of various types of minerals all glittering and shiny in the morning sun. Almost there I thought but no, we still had at least 30 minutes to go to get to the top. As we neared the top I could hear shouts and excitement, this must be where the lava is I thought…. so glad that I had stuck it out despite being the last one there. When I first saw a slight redness through some cracks in the rocks and felt the heat on my face I was excited and wanted to take a photo and then my knight in a sombrero arrived ( the guide) and walked me to the top. So what do you think it was like????
The first thing that hit me was the heat, I felt as if the skin and hair on my face and arms was on fire and my feet were burning as the heat from the rocks trickled through my trainers. One girl dropped her water bottle and immediately it melted. Everyone was jumping from one rock to another, the phrase cat on a hot tin roof and walking on fire came to mind. Despite this we all moved forward to see the red hot larva which was flowing snaking its way across. Then there was a sudden noise as a boulder collapsed as the hot lava burst forth. Scary ?? Oh yes it was, but amazing just the same. A lot of people with cameras on hot rocks is not a good thing as we could not stand still for more than 30 seconds in one place. Many lost their rubber soles and had to escape to cooler parts and as for me, I got to go right to the edge of the lava flow for a photo with the guide. I thought I would spontaneously combust but remembered that all I needed to be there was for just a click on the camera and then off I sped onto cooler ground….well couldn’t speed but stepped carefully and quickly and grasped my bottle of water, my mouth was so dry, gulped down with a cereal bar!
Standing at this place I was forced to wonder what on earth was I doing here as it might at any moment react and send me into oblivion!!! But that’s the risk one takes to see something spectacular and alive and amazing.

Getting back in the bus on our way back I felt a real sense of achievement and free surfing down the scree was amazing. It was truly brilliant adrenalin pumping stuff and made me forgive the volcano for giving me such a hard time on the way up!
WORK>>>>>

Friday 11th September, 2008.
Somewhere I heard that to think about something is often worse than the real thing…. Well in some ways its true and in others its not. For me the family, house and amenities have been much better than I expected , the Spanish School is intensive and challenging but necessary . However the main purpose of being here, to work at the hospital is very different. I don’t think that anything prepared me for my first visit there. The hospital is a huge old building with many sections, each section cordoned off with metal grill bars and padlocks. It operates completely through donations and relies heavily on volunteers to assist on a daily bases. The hospital caters for very disabled people ranging from babies to 75 yr olds. They are severely mentally and physically handicapped. On my first day we had a guided tour (my teacher from the Spanish school accompanied me) from the first moment we entered the main building I was shocked, we walked through the various sections: elderly men, elderly women, young men, young women, children and babies. Each area had huge dormitories, very difficult to describe with many ‘patients ‘ in bed staring, and generally not aware of their surroundings. A large kitchen and dining room and the nurses areas. It did not smell of hospitals as we know it but very strong human odours, which at times were very overpowering, and the constant sound of people making noises. One of the areas I was not prepared for was the psychiatric section. I was not ready to be jumped upon by an old lady shouting Spanish, the nurse had to lead her away. Then it was the children’s area, what do you imagine it to be like? images of clean areas with vibrant murals? cute things and maybe some laughter? well imagine again. The older ones were in wheelchairs and the toddlers were in metal cots, hardly moving and clearly not aware of what life is. Already I was acutely aware of how lucky we all are. Walking around brought back memories of the pictures from Chechnya all those years ago and other areas of the world where people are suffering, It was difficult, especially when the nurse said that the children needed a lot of love and physical stimulation, many are not hugged or kissed and all their contact is functional……..I knew then that it would not be easy, but also that what I was going to do was very important not just for me, but also for all my family and friends who have supported this venture. I thank you for your care and will pass it on through the work I do.
Feeding the children is not easy as they have very little control or awareness, patience and gentle words of love eventually gets the task done. Even though working with children is my choice, I am acutely aware that I have to be where I am needed so who knows? Currently there are 3 of us volunteers , the others are medical students!!!
It’s a lot of adjusting and it will take time I know, but I can do it.

These photos are from a booklet about the place, not by me.

It is a long weekend as Monday is Liberation/ Independence Day so there will be lots going on in town…..everywhere is adorned in blue and white….the national colours……
Its 10.30pm, I have washed all my clothes by hand and cleaned my room, I am ready for bed and tomorrow is a holiday!!!!!!!
Sleep well
Adios amigos.
Goodnight
Xxx