We are long overdue for a post about our life here in Guatemala. In a way I think our lack of posts is a good sign. We are busy and happy and even though that has left our blog a little empty it has left us with full and content hearts.
I feel the need to share about the ins and outs of our daily life since other than Skyping with friends and family we haven't really shared about it. So here goes....
Our Home
Originally we were living with another girl- a volunteer at the NGO where I am working. At first, it seemed like a good set-up, but eventually we realized that we needed our own space. So at the end of February we moved into our own little apartment. It's equipped with furniture, appliances- including a microwave! and a stove with an oven, WiFi, and a tv with cable. Compared to our place in Bolivia we are living the good life. Lol! Most places here don't have an oven and a lot do not have furniture so we feel fortunate that we found this place. Also, we are thoroughly enjoying having tv since we get some U.S. channels like the main networks and CNN. I am able to watch The Voice which makes me a happy girl. :) The only downside is that we now live on the outskirts of Panajachel (our town) so it takes us longer to walk places. For me, it takes about 30 minutes to walk to work. Not a huge problem, but my nearest and dearest know I am perpetually running
late.
 |
| Dan in front of the waterfall close to our apt. |
Transportation
I was talking to a friend back home recently and realized something. It is pretty unique that we don't have a car here and we don't need one! Our main form of transportation is our feet. If we are running late or something we take a tuk-tuk (rhymes with fluke fluke) a little motorized vehicle.
 |
| A tuk-tuk! Our town is full of them. |
That is pretty much it when it comes to transportation in our town. It is small so that's how most people get around. Some people have motos or cars. Also, some use bicycles, but we can walk to everywhere we need to go- the bank, the coffee shop, the grocery store or market. It's awesome right now, but might be a pain once the rainy season begins in June. We will wait and see.
My Job
The catalyst of our move here to Guatemala was me being offered a job with Mayan Families- a local NGO. We arrived with high hopes... dreams of enjoying my job, liking the organization, and overall, being happy here. So far, our hopes are being fulfilled. I won't spend too much time explaining what Mayan Families does, but you can
click here if you want to visit their website.
I work specifically with the Education Program otherwise known as Student Sponsorship. The program is very similar to those of other NGOs like World Vision and Compassion International. Individuals (usually North Americans) choose a child and become their sponsor paying a fee every month to support them. Where our program differs is that the sponsorship is focused on education. The donors are paying to send children to school, to provide them with the supplies and tools they need (shoes, books, uniforms, etc.), and overall, to give them the chance of a better future. The other difference with Mayan Families is it's personal nature. The program started out small, but we now have over 2,000 kids sponsored. We still manage to offer very personalized service which is a huge part of my job. Every day I answer emails from donors checking in on their families and asking about their needs. Donors tend to get really involved and many send additional funds for food, medical costs, and other things. Oftentimes, they support not only their student, but the student's family. If a student comes into our office asking for additional support whether it is for a field trip or a doctor's visit we write to the donors letting them know and asking if they would like to or are able to support their student and his/her family. For more information on child sponsorship please
click here.
 |
| Shot of the volcano from the waterfall by our house |
While a huge part of my job is office work- corresponding with donors, tracking payments, etc., I also get the opportunity to go to the field. This happens when we receive visitors, specifically donors who sponsor children through our program. My co-worker, Laura, and I take the visitors to meet their sponsor children and families. We act as translators for our guests. Even though it's hard work (there have been days when I have done 7 or 8 visits and many of the children we support live in faraway villages), I think this is my favorite part of the job. It's amazing to see the North Americans interact with local families and vice versa. It's a really special experience that I am honored to be part of. In general, I feel like I am getting into the groove and feel very blessed to be doing something I enjoy and to work with some really cool people- both foreigners and Guatemalans.
Dan's Job
When we moved here we were hoping and praying that God would provide something for Dan. I am happy to say that God has really answered our prayers. First, Dan began working part-time at a local restaurant geared towards
gringos (the Spanish word here for foreigners). It wasn't his dream job, but something that would help pay the bills. This job gave him the chance to meet lots of other foreigners including local gringo teachers. Through connections he made at the restaurant Dan began substitute teaching. There are three English-speaking schools here in Panajachel. They would call him to sub when they needed someone to fill in.
Recently, there was an opening at one of the schools and Dan was offered part-time work. He is teaching English Literature, World History, and Drama to high school students. So far he is really enjoying it and I am very proud of him for jumping in feet first. The work is only part-time, but financially it is definitely a help for us. He is loving interacting with youth here. Also, he's continuing with his Spanish studies and meets with a private tutor 2 hours each day.
 |
The river Dan crosses everyday to get to school.
Dry now, but it'll be full of water in June. |
Food
I was shocked to discover upon our arrival that there is a grocery store here! Let me explain... in most Latin American countries grocery stores are not common. Most people get their groceries at open air markets or
tiendas- comparable to corner or convenience stores. Actual grocery stores are not common. Some big cities have them, but not little towns like where we live. But sure enough, there is an actual grocery store in our town. Such a little thing, but something that makes life here a tad more comfortable and convenient. We buy some staple foods there, but get all of our fruits and veggies at the local market. It is a huge space full of vendors selling everything from lettuce to cantaloupe to black beans.
 |
Some agricultural fields by our house- to the right are onions,
not sure what's on the left. |
There are also some gringo grocery stores here which are awesome, but problematic. It is cool finding things we never thought we'd find here (Sleepytime Tea!?!), BUT the dangerous part is the prices. They have nearly everything one could want, but some of the prices are insane. For example, it costs over $10 for a handful of almonds! For this reason, we try to limit ourselves when we go there. There are some things we always buy though like multigrain bread for sandwiches. To satisfy our caffeine addiction we visit a local coffee shop where the owner buys coffee and roasts it himself. It's delicious!
The Little{Big}Things
A huge thank you to all of you for your prayers. I am finally starting to feel better! I ended up going back to the doctor who determined I have fungus, yes
fungus, in my stomach. Kind of strange, but I was happy he was able to diagnose me with something. I am on a new set of medicine and finally starting to feel like myself. Praise the Lord!
We have been meeting a lot of people as this town is full of gringos. Everyone has a different story of why they came here and why they are staying. It's been interesting meeting all types of people and for me it's been a new experience being "the Christians". There are definitely a lot of people here that are anti-religion or have beliefs very different than ours such as New Ageism. For me, it's been an opportunity to show people God's love and grace. Please pray for us as we continue to meet people and start building friendships here.
A huge blessing has been finding a local English-Spanish church. We were introduced to it by one of my co-workers and her husband, a young couple from Indiana that are also Christians. One of my biggest struggles my last time in Guatemala was feeling alone and isolated so having a chance to worship with others and meet new people each week has been really awesome. We'd like to get more involved with the local church (which is also an NGO-
Solomon's Porch). It is something we are talking and praying about.
That's about it friends. We are grateful for your prayers! Please keep them coming. Also, we'd love to hear from you. Now that we have WiFi at home we are able to check email and be online daily so please drop us a line (on here, on Facebook, or via email).
We love you!
-Rachel {& Daniel}
