2009... A new Year.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A change this week as I started work with some of the older children from the other ward we have merged with. Its been quite something to adjust to it and gain confidence from them, in many ways it’s like starting all over again. At first I was somewhat reluctant as they are so set in their ways that anything or anyone new destabilizes them. I have found it quite challenging to work with them, feeding them is usually not that much of an issue but brushing teeth etc is really hard and they are so strong! Needless to say I have been pinched and almost bitten a couple of times! I also think they find it hard to adjust to the little children from our ward, as they cry a lot, especially in the morning when they are hungry.
Most of these youngsters have been here for years, their stories not being un similar to the younger ones. Most of them come from Mayan families who traditionally work the land and have many children, both to help with the land and bring in some extra cash. When a disabled child is born its very difficult for the family to cope as everyone has to work. The mothers work in the fields with the children strapped to their backs until they get too heavy, then they have to address the issue as its impossible to know what to do with them. Food is scarce so these children don’t get much and often end up malnourished. Despite trying, its almost impossible for the family to keep the children and so have to abandon them, or get them placed in hospitals like ours. I am convinced its not easy for the families, but I feel they have no option as they have to consider the rest of the family.
I believe we all have to make choices , often very difficult ones……….

2009 ARRIVES
The week started with a demonstration in Central Park, The vendors form the market were demonstrating about the possible changes to the traffic system which would make it difficult for them to load theirs goods on and off cars and trucks. It was a comparatively small demonstration, but still required the presence of many police and soldiers. It is, I think the first time I have known some form of unrest here, but it was very peaceful. The situation was resolved late afternoon as it was announced that everything would be left as it was. The people’s voice was heard!!!! So the outcome was celebrated with dancing and music in the streets………..

Every celebration here involves fireworks!!! So from Midday new year’s eve the fireworks started as people filled the streets of Antigua to join in the celebrations. Huge firework displays had been organised at various points in the city to ensure a 360 degrees display for everyone to enjoy. Around 8.00O clock some of us walked down 5th Avenue to see all the shops lit up, marimba bands playing in the streets, and a display of ‘Baile de Gigantes. Huge paper mache figures dancing through the streets. Families gathered around, children on their parents shoulders hanging on tight, many with headbands lit up with large sticky out micky mouse blue ears or devils horns!! Very strange indeed. We walked along making our way to Central Square for more celebrations before heading off to Lesley’s house and the roof top, where we drank wine and tea and awaited the midnight hour. We were not disappointed as all around the city beautiful fireworks lit up the sky, all different and spectacular. In the distance the small villages in the mountains had their own displays which could be spied through the clouds. Drifting though the night sky were glittering paper balloons sent adrift with hot air from lit candles, twinkling in the skies, left to drift across the mountains and soar up into the sky with hopes and wishes for the new year. Car alarms went off nearby as bomberos went off with their ear splitting bangs! And as if on cue Volcan Agua gave out a huge burst of fire and smoke, hopefully just a small reminder of its existence, joining in the celebrations. Around 1.30 the displays came to an end and I made my way back through the busy smoke filled ,and still celebrating streets and back to my flat and my own hopes and wishes for the new year.........
Enjoy

Adios amigos

Goodnight

Xxx