Paradise Found

The weekend of Sept. 7^th all 5 of us took the trip of a lifetime to Semuc Chempay (a nature reserve near about an hour outside the city of Coban and the village of Lanquin). Honestly, I think this is The Garden of Eden. Take a look at the photos and try to argue. That said it wasn’t exactly a relaxing weekend, but it was amazing and an adventure in every sense of the word!

We got to our “hotel” just outside of the village of Lanquin in the dark of night. We new the hostel would be “rustic” but some really big eight legged creatures, and another with even more legs gave the term new meaning for me. We had been told we’d have 5 beds for 5 people, but with our lack of communicating we had 4 beds for 5 people or so we thought. So Laura and I shared a twin bed. A lack of space became a second concern after we realized the beds were basically hard as concrete.

We found out the next morning that there was another bed in a third room. That would have been for Kevin. However, I decided I didn’t mind sharing a bed a second night and having Kevin stay in our room after seeing a very large cockroach scurry under his bed.

Kiddissa was quick to inform us after taking a shower that night that she wasn’t alone. Two very large spiders had taken refuge from the rain in the very tiny shower. She smashed one with her shampoo bottle, but the other was out of reach. Now I’ve been known to exaggerate on the size of spiders before so I wish I had a photo to show you. However, I did later see the one that escaped the shampoo massacre. Including its legs it was about the size of my palm! Therefore showering very quickly dropped off my priority list especially since we’d be in the water the next day.

So Saturday morning we got up, ate our breakfast of the best banana bread ever and then got a ride from the agency to a restaurant where we’d catch our “transport” to Semuc Chempay. There were about 10 others there as well waiting to catch a ride. Our “ride” showed up. A single pick-up truck with rigging in the back so that we could hold on. Imagine riding a crowded city bus, but without an exterior shell to keep you from falling out onto the road. We pile in like cattle and hold on for dear life as we head out of town further up the winding rocky mountain road which at some points was more of a washed out trail than anything.

Around every bend is another sight that you’re sure is the most beautiful view imaginable. Then through a clearing in the hills steeped with giant corn stalks we caught a glimpse of what we came to see. Way down below us is the bright turquoise river that looks like a wonderful escape from the sun baking us. It’s a good thing we all sprayed on several coats of sunscreen and bug spray.

After about 15 minutes of bumping along our arms and stomachs were all becoming a bit weak. Thankfully we arrived at our next jumping off point, a hotel, not long after. Another group joined ours and soon we were off in search of the perfect postcard photo overlooking the river and the naturally formed pools nestled in the dense almost jungle like forest.

Our guide told us it would take about 40 minutes to reach the top where we could rest and take pictures. Despite the temperature not being all that hot and even hiking through very shaded areas the sweat was running off us faster than even the river was moving. I’d forgotten what tropical humidity felt like. While the hike literally breathtaking the view also took your breath away. With each new sight I found myself amazed that a place this beautiful could exist in the world.

With our memories now captured on camera we headed back down through the woods. About halfway down a voice behind me said, “Hey guys, look there’s monkeys!” The national geographic wannabe in me whipped around at lightning pace with camera in hand. It was unreal! At first there was just one monkey and close enough that if I was a little taller I could have reached. She was quite interested in having her photo taken too. Then further back on the branch appeared a second smaller monkey (likely her baby). She started to climb down towards us, and that’s when I remembered and someone else stated that she could attack if we weren’t careful. After one more quick shot we let them be.

The group almost made it down to the natural pools without incident, when Laura took a decent fall sliding down a few steps. Thankfully, Kevin who was just a step or two in front sort of soccer mom armed her and stopped her from sliding further. Besides being shaken, pumped full of adrenaline and decently bruised she was okay. Then just a minute later another gal took a spill on the same damp wooden step. She however was a bit worse for the wear. I think she banged up her elbow and ankle pretty bad, but I’m not really sure what happened after because our guide told us to continue on to the pools.

We first stopped off in a shallow part of the river over looking a powerful waterfall that somehow continued on below us. A bit further along the path and we were at the swimming area. The pools are basically wide stepped areas in the river. Kevin, Laura and Emily quickly jumped in over a small waterfall/ledge for the deeper end while Kiddissa and I chilled in the upper more shallow part for a while. When my sense of adventure and need to swim took over I jumped in making sure to avoid a large rock someone said was below. I feel bad for whoever discovered it was there.

I swam out to the other three who were standing on a large rock trying to catch small fish in their hands. I prefer a rod and reel. I told them their odds were better in the shallow part where there were tons of minnow sized fish. If you could sit still long enough the fish congregated on your toes and feet for a suckling feast of whatever delicious things may be on your feet. Emily, Kiddissa and Kevin were much more able to withstand the tickling as the fish gave them free pedicures. Apparently I am far too ticklish, and the whole idea simply was too gross for Laura.

 Further down the river Laura discovered a small waterfall that we used as a slide down to another level. Just as we hoped to take the next little slide down our guide was calling us in to head back to the hotel for lunch. There was one more pool on the way back with a tall waterfall (20ft or so) where people were jumping off. My sense of survival would’ve definitely out ruled my sense of adventure on that one.

Let me just say for this next part I did not have my camera because it was not waterproof. I so much wish that wasn’t the case so you’ll just have to imagine all this.

After lunch came the real adventure… navigating our way through a cave through which the river was running and doing so with only a candle in hand. Well sort of, I also had a small flashlight and Laura had her headlamp. Still though we had no real idea of what we were getting into. Which looking back is probably for the better because I don’t know that I could have made myself do all of it.

The first 200 yards or so were pretty straight forward minus having to duck for the occasional giant stalactite. It gradually got deeper until suddenly the line of people in front of you is up to their armpits in water. No biggy, right? Since, I’ve basically got 6 inches on all of them I figured no worries. I look ahead again at the line of people lit only by the small candle in their hands, and see that they are definitely now swimming. This of course is not easy with a candle in one hand. I lasted as long as possible walking on my tip toes with my candle held out of the water. With about 100 yards to go before reaching a ladder I gave in and sort of tread water/ one-handed doggy paddled.

I soon realized climbing a ladder that’s tied to a rock wall with a candle isn’t much easy than swimming with a candle. After nearly loosing my footing I reached the top where I now had to remind myself that I’m “not closterphobic”. A low hanging stalactite meant crawling to reach a larger opening. Just as I thought it was safe to stand up I noticed the large crater to my right. After precariously maneuvering around the hole it was just a matter of waiting for the rest of our group and guides to get up there before forging ahead.

It was back to much drier land for a little while, but soon we found ourselves swimming and wading through various depths and forces of water. I’m actually quite surprised I never lost my footing in some of the more rapid parts. Up ahead we could see what was to be our next challenge although at the time we didn’t know it. About 200 yards in front of us but off to the right was a pretty powerful waterfall running through the cave.

 The 5 of us were near the back of the pack so for probably a good 30 minutes we just waited as the line of people slowly moved toward (and we thought past) the waterfall. It wasn’t until I was about 3 people away from the waterfall that I realized we were going up it and that was that. As I’m standing in line, my adrenaline levels rising as I inch closer one person at a time the thought went through my mind, “Nobody has died doing this… right?!!”

I really wasn’t sure how it would work to climb up a 180 degree wall with water gushing against you, but I knew somehow the rest of my group had made it. At least that’s what I assumed the cheers were after each person disappeared into the water. I figured they had attached another ladder for us to climb, and told myself I could manage that. Well… you know what they say about assuming things.

I found out quickly just how hard it would be. There was no ladder instead just a rope with a few knots for grabbing. I had flashbacks to the “Gladiator Rush” I took part in over the summer… think of an extreme obstacle course. I told my friends at “the rush”, “If there’s one of those wall things you have to climb with a rope I’m done for.” There was a rope climb then, but the wall was maybe only a 45 degree angle. Who would have thought that climb was preparing me for this.

Now telling myself “you can do this,” I watched as Kiddissa (just one person in front of me) grabbed onto the rope and headed up into the rapidly rushing water. Just I’d given myself the ultimate pep talk suddenly Kiddissa came crashing back down through the water. The look on her face wasn’t exactly the confidence boost I was hoping for. Amid the deafening crash of water all around us all I could tell was that maybe she’d try again later, but now I had to go.

I grabbed the rope and stuck my foot into the pounding waterfall. The wall was right there, but was worn smooth. Looking over to our guide I yelled in desperation, “How?!” He pointed to somewhere a bit higher up on the wall. I put my foot there and there was actually a decent foothold. With a burst of adrenaline and unknown strength I pulled myself straight up into the water now painfully pounding against my whole body.

Almost immediately I’d wished I had thought to take the largest breath of my life, but that was no longer exactly an option. That realization along with not knowing how much longer I would be submerged brought a certain feeling of panic to my entire being. It became a moment of fight of flight. Thankfully, my body chose to fight. Somehow my feet once again found the smallest of ledges to balance on and refusing/terrified to let go of the rope I blindly pulled myself up once again. Suddenly my head burst through above the water. With a life or death grip on the rope I looked around for a split second… I was alive! I was not safe yet, but at least the self-inflicted water boarding was over and I could breathe again.

Another guide was precariously perched above me. I looked to him to fulfill his title, but all I got was a bunch of Spanish that in know way was my mind going to comprehend at that moment. I had to find the physical strength to somehow now get myself up and over the waterfall’s ledge without falling some 20 feet. All I could do was to tempt fate and continue blindly feeling for a place higher up for my foot. Somehow, I was now straddling the ledge. Moving my hands up one more knot I was there… safe! Well, sort of. After all I was still in a cave with a river rushing under my feet.

Still holding onto rope now tethered above my head I forcefully moved forward against the current until a dry ledge appeared on my left. Then I realized the rest of the group was ahead of me. “Yeah!!!!!!” I threw my hands over my head as the rest of the group cheered and applauded. Take that Mother Nature I've got the big guy on my side! As Laura put it, our guardian angels definitely earned their wings. I had just conquered climbing UP a waterfall. Who needs a gold medal... but I do wish I had a photo!

We all waited and cheered as one after another the rest of our group accomplished the same great feat of courage and physical strength. You’d think we would be almost out and back on dry land after that. Not so! Despite the majority of candles now doused or shrinking there was plenty more hiking up ledges and sliding into areas that you didn’t dare try to find the bottom.

After what seemed like ages the group came to a stop. Shining my light forward I saw someone climbing about 20 feet of a pretty sheer drop. It looked like a dead end… literally! I began wondering how we’d get out and what other “adventure” I may have to conjure up strength for. Still watching the young man precariously planted on the ledge suddenly he jumped… or did he slip?! I was so confused… was he alive… what was happening!? Instantly there was a huge splash below. He surfaced uninjured about 10 seconds later.

Now a line was forming as others wanted to take their turn at jumping into the abyss. While Laura eagerly “jumped” at the opportunity I was definitely content to watch and pray that the massive whole below was in fact deep enough that she would not coming out looking like a crushed car. She safely and with great excitement made her jump fulfilling a dream.

As for how we were getting out we went back the way we came minus the massive waterfall. However, what goes up must come down, right? We still had another challenge ahead that had me saying, “WHAT?!! I’d really just like to make it out alive today!”

For anyone that has ever been to the water park at Valleyfair you’ll be able to relate or at least picture my terror. Ahead of me was a hole about the size of one of those tunnel waterslides, and just like those slides water was gushing down through this hole. Imagine the “fast” slide and triple the force. None of us had the slightest clue what laid ahead as we were being fed into this waterfall. I thought it might be kind of fun to go through a rushing tunnel of water twisting and turning under the ground. My sense of adventure was tempered though by the realization that this was really in no way like the tightly regulated water parks back home in which I knew what to expect.

This time I told myself, “Take a huge breath! Remember that time when you set a record for holding your breath. Now would be a good time to do that again!” With a guide impossibly perched about the hole he waved me forward. Shouting against the roaring water he somehow explained through actions that I had to do exactly as he said. Wanting to survive I followed his every direction.

Sit more to the left, but hold on tightly to this piece of rock above you. Good! Now tapping my left foot he pointed to a small ledge below amid the rushing water. Before realizing I hadn’t taken a record setting breath I let go of the ledge above me. The water shot me through with the force of a train. Everything happened so fast that it wasn’t until I surfaced just a few seconds later that I could think about what happened. To my relief and slight disappointment the giant hole didn’t lead to a series of tunnels. I was simply shot through to a deep pool where the rest of the group was waiting.

We were now truly just backtracking. Now nearing the entrance with only Laura and Kevin left behind me I stopped as something flew past my light. I turned around excitedly, “Guys! There’s bats!” Then another whizzed by. We were all momentarily enraptured until a third flew by. That’s when Laura brought us to reality by saying, “We should get out. I really don’t want rabies.” Considering I’d opted out of that expensive and painful series of shots I heeded her advice.

We broke through into daylight with some of the most amazing adventures behind us. There was just one thing left for the day, which I’d been waiting for the whole time. We were going tubing! After all the extreme hiking, swimming, climbing and descending of waterfalls we were all ready for a chill end. We grabbed our tubes and sank into the chilly but tranquil turquoise river. For the next 10 minutes or so I reminisced about times of tubing up north in DL and Perham. It made me wish I could have shared the day’s adventure with friends back home.

That said I hope my short novel has helped you picture the beauty and adventure of Semuc Chempay. I hope if you have the chance you too can visit the most beautiful place on earth, test your limits and learn that you can accomplish things you never imagined possible.

Kindergarten 101

  Talk about a reality check! I spent the first 2 weeks of September (Mon-Wed) volunteering in a Kindergarten classroom. I’ve spent my fair share of time babysitting kids before, but it’s a completely different story when you’ve got close to 2 dozen 5 to 8 year olds in one room. Getting children to listen to you in your own language is challenging enough. For the most part these kids couldn’t understand anything I said and it was even harder for me to understand them. Thankfully, I was only assisting the teacher.

            The school I was helping at wasn’t a typical school though either. The project is called “Nuestros Anijahdos” (Our Godchildren). My understanding is it was started by a man from Bismarck, ND. Their goal is to take families who live at the garbage dump in Guatemala City and get the kids in school, get the families homes and sustainable living conditions.

The homes that this group helps build are easily smaller than some closets in the U.S. I would say the one I saw was maybe 8x15 ft. It costs about $1000 dollars to build one and although it still sounds terrible that small home is often a big step up. Some families go from no roof to a solid tin or heavy plastic roof and from a dirt floor to concrete. This cuts way back on diseases like worms. Their new home also has a door and window which can be shut and locked. Many families only have a curtain for a door which means animals (dogs particularly) can get in causing problems and disease. A door means a little more security. It also means parents can keep the kids inside away from danger, or even just leave them at home for a short time so the parents can work. The homes are then also anchored 5 feet into the ground which means it won’t (or at least not as easily) wash away in the frequent heavy rains.

            Each of the kids at this school is sponsored by someone typically an American family. From the looks of most of their clothes most also receive clothing from the states. I did see a few Bismarck specific t-shirts. It was a reality check when I noticed one of the girls wearing a “shirt” with a tag indicating it was for a 12-18 month old. Granted that “shirt” would have been a dress originally, but it was a bit shocking to think she is small enough still fit it as a 5 year old. Part of this is a lack of proper nutrition, but Guatemalans in general are very small people. (I’m pretty much a giant here. Anyone who knows my family can imagine what would be thought of my Dad and brother.)

However, I digress back to my time with the Kindergarteners. The first real test of using my Spanish came when the kids were eating breakfast (2 meals a day are provided at school), and I was left in charge while their teacher talked with a couple parents. It wasn’t long before the first kid came up speaking rapid Spanish and pointing at classmate. I didn’t need to understand what was being said to understand the telling voice of tattling. It was confirmed though when I caught the words “[she/he said] una mal palabra” (a bad word). Since my Spanish isn’t exactly good enough to play counselor all I could do was tell the kids to sit down and eat breakfast silently.

After breakfast each day the kids a form a line and their toothbrushes are handed out. The school does a good job of really teaching kids a lot of things that they probably aren’t getting at home.

Other days at breakfast I was pretty much a jungle gym for the boys and a test subject for the girls wanting to play with my hair. I quickly recalled the command to “be careful” (cuidado) when I realized the kids absolutely loved trying on my glasses and playing with my camera. Although our communication mutually lacked I quickly learned I don’t have to be able to say much and the kids still love you. All they want is some positive attention.

In class most days I helped them with their “spelling” tests. I put spelling in quotes because in Spanish you don’t exactly learn how to spell words since everything is phonetic. For example the teacher would tell them to write “Da, De, Di, Do, Du” and then “Ma, Me, Mi, Mo, Mu” and so on with whichever letters they’d been practicing. My role was basically to watch for which kids who needed things repeated, needed one on one help or even just a reminder to sit down because we weren’t on the playground anymore. I became a broken record saying, “Tu necesistas escribir ____” (You need to write ___). I think the teacher definitely appreciated having an extra hand though since it definitely took some kids a lot longer to take their “tests”.

One day I brought my homework with to work on while the kids were on the playground. During their snack break and into recess my notebook was the center of attention. Almost all of them were more excited to have a blank piece of paper to write on than play. I gave them each a sheet of paper and had them practice writing their names, favorite colors, favorite animals and other basics that I could say in Spanish.

Most days on the playground I got used to hearing, “Miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis, Miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis, Miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis, aqui ayudame!” (Miss, Miss, Miss, here help me!) Most of the time it was help me do the monkey bars, or push me in the swing… my shoulders definitely got a work out! One time though I turned around to the call to help and Gloria wanted me to tie her shoe. I did and then in the following days it became a regular occurrence. Their teacher (I realize now I never knew her name) told Gloria something which I think translated to the fact that she would have to learn to tie her shoes before moving on to 1^st grade/preparatory. Gloria became the most determined little girl I’ve ever met.

With one of Gloria’s shoes now sitting in her lap she and her teacher spent the rest of recess (about a half hour) practicing. A small group of her classmates even rallied around with interest and lots of input about the best way to tie shoes. But unlike Gloria most the kids lost interest within a few minutes, and went back to playing “football”/soccer or climbing various jungle gyms. When her teacher got called away I sat down by Gloria in hopes of trying to help. I quickly realized translating the “bunny rabbit” shoe tying method was above my skill level. She already had down the criss-cross and the first bunny ear steps so now came the tough part of finishing.

To the best of my speaking ability I tried to help. About all I could do was point to one lace and say “esta” (this one) and then point to where it should go and say “aqui” (here). The biggest challenge for her was getting her small fingers to maneuver the right way while still holding onto the correct lace. It took several attempts and then suddenly she got it! I have never seen a child so excited. I swear she was actually glowing.

With a huge smile she jumped up with her shoe raised above her head shouting “Maestra, Maestra, Maestra!!!” (Teacher, Teacher, Teacher). In an attempt to find her teacher she ran for the classroom. It quickly turned into a one foot hop when she realized she was only wearing one shoe. Before getting too far one of her classmates, Alessandra (a very take charge little girl), basically told Gloria give me your shoe I can run faster and show her. Their teacher came back with the shoe in her hand and a big smile and lots of praise saying, “Muy bein, muy bien” but was quick to untie the shoe and tell her to try it again.

So even though I may not have understood much of what was going on those 6 days I volunteered I became the student. Gloria reminded me of the important lesson that we can’t be successful without practice and determination, and that my blog readers is a big lesson from a small child that you can all take with you.

Flight Change, Delay and a Marathon Sprint

I began this entry on my flight back home for my sister's wedding last Wednesday:

I'm waiting to board my plane back to the states for my sister's wedding. The good news is I will now actually get in earlier than expected, but this news came only after a bit of a mix up. I got to the check in machine and it could not locate me on the flight. I also had trouble when trying to check in online, but figured it was an issue with the website. After 2 failed attempts it printed out a card telling me to go to the desk for assistance. In Spanish I was able to tell the lady at the counter that I had a problem and showed her the card that printed out. I gave her my passport and record locator code which I just happened to have written down. She couldn't find me on the flight either. She then rattled off a ton of information in Spanish and the only word I caught was “tomorrow”. Thankfully her english was much better than my Spanish so she told me that my flight had been switched and left at 7:00 a.m. I had missed it! She said American Airlines had sent an email. I however never got that vital email. She said the flight was full and that's why I was switched. She then told me the next flight was tomorrow. This would not be the end of the world but considering I have only 6 quetzales (the equivalent of less than a dollar) a bank card that has been blocked, had no where to stay and speak virtually no Spanish it was enough to make me a little panicked. I asked if there were any other flights to any other US city today. Turning to Saint Christopher all I could ask is please get this sorted for me. A few minutes later she had me on the same flight connecting in Miami then directly to Minneapolis that night. Originally I was supposed to be going Miami to Chicago with a layover and getting into Minnesota the next morning. The downside is I don't get to catch up with my awesome college roommate in Chicago tonight, but in the large scheme it's all good. That said I am now about to board my flight. Saint Christopher please get us all to our destinations with no further issues.

Here's hoping any of your future travels are easy!

~Katherine

Flight Update: Not so fast :( I spoke too soon!

It's been a series of minor or near setbacks today. Which in the moment is a bit stressful, but in the large scheme it could all be a lot worse. That said, I got aboard my flight in Guatemala City and we were delayed for about an hour due to a storm. This wouldn't typically be a big concern for me, but it was already going to be tight catching my connection to Minneapolis. The wheels hit the tarmac with just over 30 minutes to go before my next flight would be loading. 

I am not typically pushy, but the moment the seat belt sign turned off my bags were out of the overhead bin. It took ages (or so it seemed) for the front of the plane to clear out. The moment the wheels of my suitcase hit the ground I was off at what felt like a marathon pace moving as fast as one can go with a large backpack and suitcase in tow. The slalom course of other passengers took a slight toll on getting into the record books.

Then came the escalator... at that instant I flashed back to England where people actually understand the proper use of an escalator. For those who don't know... If you are simply riding up or down please stand to the right and leave the left for those who are hoping to break the sound barrier. In a split second I dropped any hope of using the escalator and opted for the stairs. Let's just say I was quite relieved in that moment to have packed relatively light.

So now having climbed Mt. Everest (or so it felt considering just the day before I'd been quite sick with some sort of stomach bug that left me exhausted after even standing up) I continued my awkward sprint to what I figured would be baggage claim and then on to customs. This was to be my chance to make it past the hoards of people coming into the country from every known direction possible. I hadn't checked luggage for precisely this reason... well sort of and I just didn't need to. However, luck or really just logic was not on my side. 

Customs came before baggage claim meaning there was no running past the mobs of people staring numbingly at the rotating belt in hopes of their luggage showing up. My only option was to be that line jumper that so many people despise, but a wonderful few graciously embraced. The line went for another football field past the roped off maze. 

I now drenched in sweat and quite possibly returning to a feverish state breathlessly told a lady nearest the start of the rope maze that my flight was boarding in 15 minutes. I don't think I even fully asked if I could go in front of her before she said yes. It's people like that who make the world a better place!

I got up to the customs agent and handed him my form. It was the wrong form! I just about lost hope of catching my flight at that point. I had to go back through the crowds refill out the correct form. Thankfully he told me to come straight back to him and I could cut in front of anyone waiting. That didn't go over so well with one guy. As the agent saw me running back he waved me ahead and the guy at the front of the line starting yelling at me to stop. Ignoring him I went straight to the agent who smiled and chuckling said, “You are going to start a riot.” I was too winded to respond but in my head said, “So long as I make my flight.”

Finished with that check point I dug deep for what little energy and adrenaline I had left and at warp speed headed for the exit/connecting flights area. This meant barreling past crowds more tightly packed and high strung than the Mall of America on the day after Thanksgiving. Thankfully, I had not checked any bags. T minus 5 minutes to boarding...I spot the exit! Deep breath....I might just make it! 

With blinders on I race with my suitcase in behind like a plow making it's way through a rocky field of zombie travelers. Now just feet from the exit/connections I'm brought to an sudden halt. I realize the sea of zombie travelers were all patiently waiting in lines for yet another passport check! I say to the guy next to me at the front of the line that I'm sorry but my flight is boarding in less than 5 minutes. Before he could even say anything the security agent says very sternly that I need to return to the end of the line and ask each person if it's okay to go ahead.

REALLY?!?!?!?!?!?! I just about collapse right there from sheer exhaustion and probably a bit of wanting to throw a temper tantrum or just start sobbing. Instead though I suck it up, and in a split second come to terms with spending the night in the Miami airport. However, within the same split second before my mind even comprehends what my mouth is saying I cry out in frustration (loud enough to surprise myself), “Does anyone care?!” As I begin walking to the back of the waiting mass I hear two ladies call me over and tell me to go in front of them. That was enough to make me choke back a couple exhausted tears.

Now clear of checkpoint number two it's back to an all out sprint. By this time my flight is beginning to board. Now at security checkpoint number 3 I peel off my shoes while still in line. I'm sure those around me loved the smell. Thinking back I probably smelled only slightly better than I looked and far better than I felt, but I was too exhausted and too determined to get home to care. In near world record speed I got my carry-ons unpacked, through security, repacked and shoes back on, but only after having gone through a body scanner that made me want to ask Scotty to beam me to my gate.

Now ready for the final sprint I realize I still don't know which gate I need to be at. Standing in front of the massive screens of cities, gates and times it made me wish I'd taken that speed reading course. I spot Minneapolis... now boarding. I turn to see where I am and hope that my gate just happens to be right there. 

Who am I kidding? After having hiked Mt. Everest, sprinted the length of the Great Wall and plowed through fields of travelers the size of Russia I knew fate was not on my side. I turn and make a final sprint for my gate Home Alone style. I can't recall just how far it was, but definitely near the end of the line. All that mattered is I got the gate and there was still a line of travelers waiting to board the plane.

Now standing in line guaranteed to be home in a matter of hours I had just enough time to call home for the first time in 3 weeks. Between fits of feverish asthmatic coughs I tell my mom I'd made the flight and would be home that night. I squeezed my backpack and luggage into the impossibly small overhead bin and collapsed in my seat. It didn't matter how cramped that seat was because it had my name on it and it meant I was going to make it home that night.  

Thanks for reading my novel ;)

~Katherine

Clinic Translating 101

I knew for over a week that the day was coming when I’d enthusiastically volunteered to join my teammates as a Spanish translator for patients at a local clinic. Most sane people would have realized that after only 3 weeks of learning a language this may not have been the best volunteer opportunity. Frankly I didn’t care. I was going to put up any sort of façade as if I knew more than I did. I would do what I could and it would be an amazing experience. I was right!

It’s now been about a week and a half since assisting at the clinic so I’ll do my best to recount my experience. We met the volunteer doctors from Texas Friday morning at a hotel and drove up into a nearby mountain village to the Santa Maria de Jesus clinic. It became clear that some of them spoke just as much if not more Spanish than I did. Thankfully Kiddissa and Laura had already helped out earlier that week. Plus it was the last day for the U.S. doctors the clinic was only scheduled for a half day.

My first thought was how difficult it might be for some of these patients to not only have to talk about personal problems to a doctor they don’t know, but then also to someone else who’s not even a doctor. While that could have been the case for some it quickly realized most of the patients were just overjoyed to have someone helping them. 

We got to the clinic and there was already a short line of patients waiting outside. I initially was put in an exam room with one of the doctors. I later learned he was the one I’d been told to avoid working with since he was the least patient. After a couple minutes Kiddissa shuffled some of us so that someone else could translate for him. I instead got assigned to the waiting room. It became my job to find out why each patient was there, what their pain or illness was, how long it’d been going on, severity, symptoms etc. This was a much better match being able to ask questions one on one. I didn’t fully know what to expect as far as what illnesses I’d encounter. Most of what I saw that morning though were things that are often quickly and easily treated over the counter in the U.S. often times without ever going to a doctor. It made me grateful for and helped me realize how great an education I’d received in school and everyday life.

To put things in perspective:

A Dad brought in his three kids (a girl approx. age 9, two boys approx. ages 6 & 4) because they had toothaches. I don’t know how bad the kids’ teeth were, but it makes me glad that I was taught from a young age the importance of brushing and also had access to a toothbrush, paste and clean water. Despite having teeth likely rotting from their heads those three kids had the best smiles and definitely put one on my face. I introduced myself and immediately the older boy very enthusiastically repeated my name as if it was the best thing he had ever heard in his young life.

It was also discovered that the children’s father was complaining of a headache. That lead to the discovery that he was in desperate need of glasses. In the clinic is just a basic eye chart and at 20 feet he could barely make out the top number. He was just about as blind as I am, but never had glasses. I can only imagine how life changing the moment will be when he does finally receive the glasses.

We also saw our fair share of common illnesses and infections. A couple ladies had skin rashes, a few cases of urinary tract infections, and a couple patients with diabetes related concerns. Two patients stick out though when talking about infections though. The first was a man probably in his 50s or 60s with a bad eye infection. His lower lid was droopy and bright red. He told me it’s been going on for 2 months and now the pain was radiating to the side of his face and even down into his shoulder. The second patient was a 3 year old girl. Her mother told me she had stomach pain, diarrhea, wasn’t eating much but was still drinking water and juice. It was pretty apparent that she still had lots of energy too. It came to light that the little girl had eaten dirt a few days before and now likely had a parasite. So even though it’s been said a little dirt never hurt I will have to disagree. One of the nurses told me it is actually pretty common for the kids there to eat dirt after it rains to get more nutrients.

Speaking of being desperate for nutrition earlier in the week (I was not there) a lady came in who was severely ma-nourished. Kiddissa was in the room translating for her. I turns out her husband had passed away a year or two before so in order to feed her 6 kids she was only eating bread. The doctors were able to give her packets of what’s called peanut paste. It’s packed full of nutrients and is meant for treating malnourished patients. It’s just devastating to think of being in such a destitute situation.

On a more uplifting almost comical note is a patient who was most definitely a first time mom. The young woman came into the waiting room with her tiny one month old sound asleep swaddled to her chest in a traditional brightly colored woven fabric. I asked her what was wrong with baby. She began speaking quite quickly for a bit, but I wasn’t picking up on most of what she was saying. Not only is my Spanish poor, but some of the indigenous Mayans also speak local languages which are much different.

I was able to understand that she said the baby wasn’t sleeping at night. My first thought was… she’s a month old that’s pretty typical. However, I asked several questions like does she have a fever, a cough, earache, diarrhea, is she eating regularly. Every symptom I could think of the answer was no, she’s only not sleeping at night. The doctor came in, but I told him I think the baby is perfectly healthy. He did a well baby check and consulted with the mom. It was concluded that the baby was healthy and the mom just needed to not let the baby sleep all day long.

In the end, I may not have been the best translator nor had the most medical knowledge, but it was a wonderful experience. My hope is that we helped make the patients’ lives a little better even if it is just helping a new mom get a few hours of shut eye each night. 

Hasta luego mis amigos!

~Katherine

Bucket List: Climb a Volcano... Check

So it wasn't really on my bucket list, but this past Sunday my teammates and I did in fact hike up an active volcano (Volcano Pacaya). If I stop to really think about that it is really pretty amazing and frankly a little terrifying since in reality it could have erupted again at any moment. The entire scene reminded me of the scene in the movie “The Lion King” where Simba is in the elephant graveyard with the hyenas hauntingly singing “be prepared”. That said it was also highly unlikely since we've been told that since the last eruption (about 5 years ago) the lava has all dried up and stopped flowing.

It took us about 2 hours with a guide to reach the “top”. No one is allowed (as far as I understand) to actually go to the very top/the crater because (or so my teacher says) some guy fell into the crater a while back. I'll be posting pictures and hopefully a couple short videos soon. The pictures don't quite do it justice though. The morning we were at the top there were a lot of clouds (some of it was steam too) so it was not possible to even see the summit. The lava field is really interesting. It's basically a wasteland of black lava rocks or various sizes from a fine sand up to massive boulders however, there is a lot of random green growth too because the soil is incredibly nutrient rich. At the top our guide gave us marshmallows to roast in a vent where steam was coming out. There was also this small vent that we could stand in and it felt like a sauna.

Right now I am sitting in one of the many cafes/ice cream shops near the central park. I have just noticed they can make a “chocolate mint frost” drink. It may be the closest thing to a “mint condition cooler” from Caribou Coffee I can find. I think this will definitely be one of my new places to study.

Speaking of studying I finally have “a lot” of homework. The first week my teacher never gave me any. Last week I learned the word for homework so I could finally ask for things to be assigned but most the time she would just tell me to study. While most people would be glad to not have homework I feel like it at least gives me some direction with studying. So now this week she has actually assigned me 4 worksheets. It's encouraging since my teammates (who all speak much better Spanish than I) have all been getting homework. I feel like maybe I now at the point where I've learned enough that she feels I'm capable of doing homework.

This morning for the 2^nd half of class my teacher, Laura, Laura's teacher and I all hiked up to this area called Cerro del la Cruz. It's basically an open park area on one of the small nearby mountains (more like a large hill). It over looks Antigua and directly faces Volcano Agua with 2 other volcanoes to the right.

All this week my teammates and I are volunteering as translators at a clinic. I don't go until Friday and I really don't know that I'll be of much assistance. Kiddissa is volunteering there Monday-Friday, Kevin is assisting Mon, Tuesday and Thursday. Laura is there for Monday and with me and Kiddissa on Friday. It should be very beneficial for Laura who is a nurse practitioner and will be our nurse at La Finca. I expect that I'll be simply pointing many various body parts and then pointing to words in my dictionary. It should be a good experience though and hopefully there are no emergencies.

Our team of 5 becomes complete this week as well. Emily arrives Wednesday from Colorado. She waited a couple weeks since she speaks more Spanish. I'm excited to meet her and complete our little family.

That's all for now :)

Make today your best one yet!
~ Katherine

Wrap up of the 1st week

It's now the start of our second week at language school and although my Spanish skills are still extremely minimal I think I may be on par with or close to that of a 2 year old. It's not much, but in just four days of classes (6 hours a day) I can tell I've come a long way. If I'm really focused in a one on one conversation I can at least get the jist of a situation. It really helps having my teammates to study with. Even though their Spanish skills are far beyond me it is still helpful for me to quiz them and vice versa on certain things like vocab and verbs/tenses.

Inside our school.

These are the tables each student sits at with their teacher for one on one lessons.

Here's an entertaining story to show just how poor my spanish is. So I was sitting down to dinner with my host mother and the other student who lives here. I said "Ooo pollo" a.k.a chicken. Next I meant to say in Spanish "me gusta" a.k.a "I like". Instead I said "mucho gusto". For those who know Spanish I'm sure you are laughing. For those who don't the jist is that I said "Ooo chicken nice to meet you". The others got a kick out of it.

Beyond school... we (Kidissa, Kevin, Laura and I) took a much needed weekend trip to the beach in Monte Rico. Antigua (where we are going to school) is sort of in the south central part of Guatemala but still two and a half hours from the beach. My housemate (Stephanie) mentioned that she and two of her friends were headed to the beach so we too looked into it and took a shuttle provided by the school. The hotel we stayed at (El Delfin a.k.a The Dolphin) was more like a hostel so it was super cheap only like 9 dollars person. What it lacked in comfort (the bed was literally cement with a hard thin mattress) it made up for in the view, the people and the food.

Monte Rico is very much a tourist trap so we ran into a number of other Americans, Canadians/French, Germans and others. Over the years and places I've traveled I've definitely learned that we live in a small world and Monte Rico was no exception. There were two other gals at our hotel who are from Minnesota. One is a teacher in Minneapolis the other is from Sherburne (near Fairmont). To make it an even smaller world story... it turned out the massage therapist at the hotel (Martin) who is Guatemalan also lived in Sherburne for several years with his uncle during grade school.

On the shuttle to the hotel we met two other Americans (Dan and Theresa) that are med students. They are taking a year off before residency and will be working in El Salvador for 5 months. Laura who will be our nurse at the Finca (a.k.a. The Farm) is hoping to go visit them at some point and I too would like to go with. However, since they are only there for 5 months I have a feeling we won't have any time off before they finish.

So as I was saying the hotel had the most amazing view, people and food. It is right on the black sand (extremely hot on your feet) beach of the pacific. At first you think you are looking west but it is actually south. I realized this as the sun set to our right somewhat along the shore and did not set straight ahead on the horizon. It was really beautiful! I'll hopefully have posted pictures by the time you read this. Not only was the sunset beautiful but the sun was quite strong. Mom... no worries, Laura made sure we were all well taken care of as far as wearing sunscreen ; )

Even stronger than the sun though were the waves. I've been to both sides of the Atlantic before and the Pacific in San Francisco and never have I dealt with such strong waves. Swimming in the water is basically impossible and just stupid unless you are a local and a very strong swimmer who understands the ocean's temperament. You pretty much can only stand on the beach and when the waves come ashore is when you get soaked. If you're not careful though and bracing yourself it can easily sweep you out. The lifeguards were constantly reminding everyone not to go in very far. At one point the hotel's dog (Luna) went after a frisbee and couldn't doggy paddle back fast enough so one of the lifeguards had to rescue her.

Kevin, Laura, Dan, Theresa and I went running on the beach with one of the lifeguards and some of the local kids Saturday evening. Theresa and I quickly remembered how much we hate running. It worked out though because someone had to keep an eye on the local boys since they wanted to chase after every crab they saw no matter how close to the water it got and the waves would have easily taken the kids under.

Saturday night we went with a guide in search of sea turtles coming ashore. We never did find any despite walking for what felt like 5 kilometers. Walking that far (after running earlier) on sand is an incredible workout, but we all felt like we were going to die. On our way back to keep our minds off how far away the hotel was we sang Disney and Broadway songs. Strange yes, but fun and I think our guide got quite the kick out of it.

The next morning (after just 3 or 4 hours sleep) we got up at 4:30 to catch a boat tour on a local river/lake to see some of the many birds and other wildlife in the area. Unfortunately my camera battery died just as we got to the boats. We got back to the hotel after a couple hours just in time for breakfast.

That brings me to the awesome food! Basically every meal comes with frijoles (black refried beans) which are delicious. I brought myself to order shrimp tacos (for dinner Saturday) which were actually pretty good. A couple of the other gals ordered fish.... it was definitely fresh too. It was still intact, head tail and all. I'm not a fan of seafood particularly if it still looks like it should be alive. However, I did try it and it was the least fishy tasting fish I've ever had. I didn't necessarily like it, but it wasn't the typical icky fish taste.

After a breakfast of eggs and beans it was time for a massage on the beach. I hadn't planned to spend my own money on something extraneous like that but after walking for hours on the beach and sleeping on a cement bed I couldn't pass it up. Plus, I figure it's unlikely that I'll ever have a second chance for an hour massage on the beach for only $20.

The rest of the day was spent resting and studying Spanish with my teammates before catching our van back to the school.

Sunday night we made it back just after 6:30 and still had to find a Mass to go to. We knew there were a number of evening Masses but hadn't really planned ahead. Thankfully Kevin's Spanish skills are good enough that he was able to ask for directions and we got to a Mass in the middle of the homily. Having missed the readings we went over them back at my place after dinner.

Every afternoon the school offers a different activity. Since Laura and I take an additional 2 hours of language classes we don't always get to do the extra activities. Wednesday's activity is hiking up a nearby volcano! No worries... it's no longer active. We decided that we couldn't miss out on that so our teachers are coming with. There are 3 or 4 volcanoes that we can see from Antigua. They just look like small tree covered mountains. The one we are hiking is Volcano Picaya and it sounds like it's a smaller one that will take 2 hours up and 2 hours back down. I just hope it doesn't rain since it does almost every afternoon/night this time of year.

Monday night Laura, Kevin and I went to our first salsa & meringue lesson offered for free with the school. I took a cardio salsa class in college which helped a little bit. The class was pretty basic though so we all kept up okay.

I will hopefully get pictures uploaded in the coming days.

Make today your best day!

~ Katherine

Day 1: Arrival

We all arrived safe and sound. I have met one of my teammates, Kiddissa. We were both picked up at the airport by a rep from the school. We're told that Laura and Kevin arrived earlier and were picked up. I think we all meet at La Union (the language school) just before 8 tomorrow morning. Laura and I are both doing 6 hours of class a day. The others are doing 4 and our final teammate Emily will come down in 2 weeks since she already speaks Spanish.

I'm currently sitting in my room at my host mother's house. I am quickly realizing just how far of a language gap I will have to try to bridge. My house mother (Delia) is very sweet though and seems eager to help me learn. I am able to pick up on a few key words and phrases, but I think more of the problem is me trying to speak back.

If I understood her correctly there are two other gals staying here. I have yet to meet them, but hopefully at dinner. Which I'm not sure when that will be, but the dinning room is right outside my bedroom so I should hear. Although I'm tired enough that I may just sleep through.

The home is small but beautiful. Everything is stone, tile or stucco due to the humid climate. The weather is actually quite comfy right now. All the rooms are off of a small open courtyard which allows for good air circulation. The question though is how good the air is. I think it's likely much better here in Antigua, but the pollution in Guatemala City would make anyone sick.

So far I've explained in very poor Spanish that I have an older and younger sibling and their ages. Whether I properly explained that my siblings are an older sister and younger brother is another question. I believe I explained how old my parents are. I think I failed to tell her any names. I also mentioned that I previously studied German for multiple years. Maybe this will help give her some perspective as to where I'm coming from. I think more than once I've switched into speaking German already... this could be an on going theme.

Delia like a majority of Guatemalans is Catholic. I gather this from the many icons and wall hangings she has. I think one of the churches may be right out our front door, but again this was a bit of a language barrier. She seems eager to know more about The Farm and the work we will be doing as missionaries. I just wish I could find the words. I'll get there! Un poco y poco :)