I have a house!!!

I just wanted to share a quick exciting update.  As of 20 minutes ago, I have a place to live!!  I will be living in a simple, two room house-like place with another volunteer from Common Hope.  We will be living in Santa Ana which is a village right next to Antigua.  It will be about a 25 minute walk to work, I think, or a 5-10 minute bus trip (including walking to the bus stop).  I'm very excited!!  We will be moving in this week to start off the new month!  I have a house!! Though, it just hit me that I have nothing else - no sheets, blankets, or food...so I'll have to get those sometime which may be a little difficult with the work schedule.  But, hey, I have a house! haha :)  Thanks for all the prayers - another big step completed in my settling in.

I know what I'm doing!!! ...sort of

This week I was fully in my orientation.  I have had the pleasure of going through orientation with Paola, a woman who has started working in the Infant Center.  We get along very well and have had many moments where we are laughing so hard tears are surfacing (usually because it’s the end of the day, we’re tired, and something just hits us in a funny way).  It is amazing how many departments and people keep a foundation running: hospitality, reception, sponsorship, youth, cleaning, maintenance, construction, social work, psychology, kitchen, accounting, scholarships, school collaboration…it just keeps going!  And within each of these are more specific areas and specialties.  And I am a part of this!!!!  I have had several moments this week when I realized that I am working for Common Hope; I am working for this organization; I have a position; I have responsibilities and many people have and are putting their trust in me.  It’s so exciting!!!!  I mean, nerves come with this too, but they are those invigorating nerves that push you and motivate you to get started.

One of the highlights of this week for me was when I had a meeting with my boss, Rigo, to talk about my position description – what am I actually going to do?!  I have been wondering that ever since I got here and I was very ready to find out.  This meeting helped.  My position is in the department Apoyo a Jóvenes (Youth Support).  In a nutshell, here is what I’ll be doing.

1.  Evaluating all the current programs in Apoyo a Jóvenes to give a new/outside perspective on how they are doing; making any suggestions for change so that they can better serve the youth and be more productive

2.  Assist with the facilitation of the Saturday programming that occurs for about 60+ youth

3.  Create a new program for Apoyo a Jóvenes that I will be in charge of

4.  Assist with the daily workings of Apoyo a Jóvenes and the other programs (e.g. help with tutoring, etc.)

Rigo was very great to talk to.  He was very encouraging about my ability to succeed in this position and was very open to my opinions and ideas.  This was one of those moments that it hit me that I am truly working within this organization.  He told me he wants my opinions and critiques.  He wants to make sure the programs are improving and helpful.  He, a 50+ year old Guatemalan man who’s been working here for many many years, wants MY critiques - a 22 year old from the U.S. who just graduated and is still very much working on her Spanish communication skills.  How cool!

I also am very excited about the idea of starting my own program here.  The possibilities are wide open.  I definitely have some research to do.  I want to make sure whatever I choose to do applies to the youth – is needed – and will be successful and sustainable.  Right now, my goal is to talk to and observe the youth.  I want to get their ideas and see what I can form from there.  Prayers for guidance, insight, and wisdom are welcomed.

As part of my orientation, I went with a social worker on some of her social work visits for a morning.  I’ve done this before when I was here previously, but that still does not take away from the intensity of the experience.  This time was a little different because my comprehension of Spanish is so much better that I could understand everything that was being said and going on.  I’m not going to go into detail about all I saw and heard as there is no way to capture it in such a limited space and I’d rather tell you in person then plaster these people’s stories on the internet.  What I will say is as is the same all over the world, there are many different types of families – many different situations – many different problems and successes.  And yet, there is a thread that ties many of these families together, and that is poverty.  With poverty, there are some common themes that are seen.  We can read about them in the newspaper or textbooks, hear about them informational videos or from friends we know, but to walk in a house, sit a table that has a hole in it the size of ¼ of the table and talk about these very personal struggles and successes has an impact that cannot be matched.  You see their faces, you hear their words, look into their eyes - your human spirits connect.  This was another moment when I realized I am working for Common Hope – they see me as part of this organization and therefore I am privy to these conversations.  Now, if you volunteer in any way with Common Hope, you can attend a social work visit, but this one seemed different to me because now I could understand (with my Spanish fluency) and had a desire to understand in a new way.  I wanted to know how I could assist these families through my position.  I was learning names and faces of the children so I can greet them at the foundation.  It all connects.

Yesterday, I worked with the youth all day in their Saturday programming.  In the morning, youth from the leadership group lead small group discussions on a specific topic (yesterday’s topic was poverty) for about an hour.  Then, there is free time for several hours where everyone hangs out at the foundation and plays soccer, listens to music, talks, walks, or whatever else they find to do.  There is a snack prepared by some of the leadership group that everyone gets to have.  Around 2:30, everyone leaves except that leadership group who meet to plan the next week.  They discuss the topic, assign tasks (group leaders, snack preparers, lunch preparers), make plans and then eat lunch together that has been prepared by members of their group.  This week was special because they had planned a surprise quinceanera (15^th birthday party) for one of the girls in their group because she doesn’t have a mom to plan this party for her.  It was so special.

A challenge that I will be facing in my position is communication between the youth and me.  First of all, they talk faster and not as clear as adults.  They use slang and do not annunciate.  Secondly, they seem to have a harder time understanding me.  I don’t know if I have a thick accent or if they aren’t use to hearing a non-native talk – but oh man, there have been some moments where I wonder if I’ve started speaking another language besides Spanish when they give me the “blank stare of incomprehension”.   Haha!  Thankfully, they still seem to like me.  I’ve started to make some connections with some of the youth, specifically those in the leadership group.  It’s so funny to hang out with teenagers – I haven’t done that for awhile in this capacity.  Oh, the questions they ask and what they think is funny and entertaining.  I’m having a fun time!  I’m excited to get to know them more and really establish some solid relationships.  I can’t wait to have them stopping by my desk the way they do to the others in my office.  There is such a welcoming and fun atmosphere in our office – I’m really excited to be a part of it.

Outside of work there have been a few things going on.  I am STILL house searching (I was really wishing I would have a different message for this post), but I do think I’m getting closer.  I have a tentative roommate, we just need to check out the house I found in Santa Ana.  I also have emails out to the other organizations in the area that have volunteers to ask if anyone needs a roommate.  It will happen.  I really hope by the end of this week, but we will see. :)  Also, I had the pleasure of attending a Bible study at the house of my “new Guatemalan family” last night and went to church with them this morning.  I’m not exactly sure what denomination they are, I think they are non-denominational, therefore the service was different then what I’m use to, but it was still nice to sing some praises and worship.

I’m excited to start this next week as I only have orientation for 2.5 more days.  Wednesday afternoon I officially begin my work in Apoyo a Jóvenes.  Whoot!!  Here we go!!

My desk! I was even greeted with a "Welcome Teresa" sign  :)

The 3 ladies I first connected with from the youth program.

The leadership group at the  quinceanera (15th b-day party)

The birthday girl!

Many Blessings

The first work week is done.  I have started my orientation…sort of.  I found out that orientations usually start on Mondays, but since mine started on Wednesday – I’ve kind of started at the end and on Monday will start at the beginning (I did what was scheduled for the last three days of my 2 week orientation: Wed, Thurs, Friday already).  Even though I haven’t had an official tour yet or introduction to everyone (that happens Monday) I have already had the pleasure of working in different areas of the site.   I dabbled in construction on my day off just to meet some people and do something in the morning.  I used muscles that haven’t been used for awhile, but had a blast.  There were five of us on the site working while the rest were out building a home.  Three women including myself (2 Guatemalans, native Spanish speakers) and two men (one volunteer from London – learning Spanish like me; and one volunteer from El Salvador – learning English).  So, imagine what a morning would sound like with two native Spanish speakers, two native English speakers learning Spanish, and one native Spanish speaker learning English – that’s the morning I had.  What fun!!  That’s actually been my whole week.  I am constantly switching between languages depending on who I am around and what I am doing – it makes for quite a brain game.  I am loving the opportunity to speak Spanish so much and I can tell I am using it a lot because in some given moments it comes out faster than English!  This is not to say that I am fluent and everything is going perfectly in the language.  I have already asked if there is any “make-up” when I meant to say “butter;” I have been the recipient of and the producer of the blank stare of incomprehension; and I’ve referenced a guy as a girl and vice versa a couple times (words are gendered in Spanish if you didn’t know).  Needless to say – I have been complimented on how good my Spanish is and it’s wonderful the improvements I am already seeing in myself.

As I knew from before, but am still pleasantly reminded of daily – the people here are of a caliber of kindness that has never been matched in my experience.  I love being on the site during the day and meeting and working with new people.  Everyone is so welcoming and really desires to get to know you.  I am amazed at how quickly everyone has picked up my name (and wish I could say the same for all of theirs!).  Though, I have about three names going around here: Teresa, Terri (they’ve already picked this nickname for me :) ) and Teresita (which is a endearing nickname of “little Teresa” which I have been called before…this one has been started because there is Guatemalan woman who volunteers here, older than me, whose name is also Teresa).  It has been fun to see familiar faces from other times I have been here and many, many new faces.  An exciting moment when I was working in the library with the children one afternoon was when I realized that the boy I was helping do homework and the girl and boy that were playing checkers at our same table are the little siblings of Jennifer, the girl Elizabeth and I write to!!!!!  I didn’t recognize them at first because it’s been 2.5 years since I’ve seen them last, but when Juan José said his sister’s name “Heidi” all of a sudden it all came back to me!  It was so cool to see their faces light up when I explained who I was and they recognized me too.  Heidi ran to tell her mom and asked me right away, “When are you coming to our house?”  So, I need to get that on the calendar! :)

Back to what I’ve been working in thus far: I have chopped up all kinds of vegetables in the kitchen, dusted and cleaned a few rooms, and pruned some bushes all the while learning about the different people and programs that do these jobs.  I have also learned a little bit about the collaboration that Common Hope has with six of the Guatemalan schools as they work with these schools to improve the quality of education that the children receive.  I will hopefully get to go on a tour of one the schools in the coming two weeks.  I also was able to be in the youth program on Friday afternoon.  I sat in on a “charla” (which is like a workshop/speaker) for the 15-16 year old youth.  The topic was about motivating them to choose a career that they have a passion for so that they will have the drive and motivation to finish their studies.  These students are in their last year before they have to start their schooling that is directed at their career.  Therefore, they already need to be thinking about what they want to do with their life – at 15 and 16 years of age!!  I am still unsure what I want to do for a career and I am 22!  Yet, this is a reality for them, therefore Common Hope wants to help them to choose careers that fit them and motivate them because there is a problem here with students dropping out of school when they begin their career studies because they do not like what they are pursuing.  At the end of the workshop, the students were given a form to fill out with questions about what career they wanted to pursue and why, etc.  Some were able to fill it out very quickly, but others, like the boy next to me, just stared at the sheet of paper.  This boy eventually went up and talked to the director to ask a question.  When he returned, he returned to staring at the paper while his leg tapped up and down.  He didn’t know.  By the end, he had filled in part of the form, but not all of it.  He rolled it up – a nervous habit – and quickly unrolled it before turning it in.  I really felt for him.  Again, I cannot imagine trying to make that decision at that age.  Thankfully, Rigo, the director of the youth program, is a very powerful speaker and truly has a passion for the youth.  I am excited to work with him and learn from him.

Besides the many blessings during the work day that I have received, the big blessing of this week has been all the wonderful connections I have been able to make outside of the work day.  This week there was a mission trip team that was staying on the Common Hope site (but not directly working through Common Hope) and I had the pleasure of getting to know them as they kindly invited me into their evening hang-outs and meals.  It was wonderful to have other people around after everyone else left after the work day ended.  It was fun to hear of their experiences of Guatemala as for many of them this was their first time here, and it made me reflect on my impressions from my first visit.  Also, because of them I was able to meet a few people who live here including members of the families of both of the leaders of the group.  I was also able to meet their driver and his family who live in a nearby village and have children of all different ages near mine.  They are a beautiful family, and I am excited to get to know them as they have already welcomed me to their home anytime.  I already have contact information for two of the children.  Friends, companionship = an answer to prayers.

The housing search is still on.  I have a couple leads that I am working on.  The difficulty is that I want to find a roommate because I do not want to live on my own, but I haven’t been able to find another volunteer that is looking for a place or has an open room.  Though, I still have time and can stay on site as long as I need to.  Staying on site is definitely comfortable and the commute to work is wonderful :) but it is a bit isolating after the work day and on the weekends being so far from town and the walk not being very safe on your own.  I have no doubt I will figure out something in time.  I’ll keep you updated!

Well, a relaxing day on the site today after playing with some youth in the morning.  Tomorrow, I'm meeting up with some other volunteers for a walk/hike to some restaurant I've never heard of and then a little shopping in the afternoon for a volunteer who's leaving.  I hope you are all doing well in your homes and routines.  Much love from Guatemala!

My new Guatemalan family

New friends and companions! Thank yoU!

The First Day...that's it, just one day?! whoa.

Good news!  I successfully completed step one: Make it to Guatemala. :)  I made it here safe and sound, but my peanut butter did not.  FYI – peanut butter is a liquid and should not be carried in your carry on.  That is what happens when you shift the weight around in your luggage to make it all work.

I was able to crash on both of my flights because of how early the first one was (5:20am) and because I only had a few hours of sleep before them.  Therefore, it was a fast trip!  I did meet a cute little 6^th grader on my first flight named Kirril.  He was going to México for a week vacation and this was the first time he remembered being on a plane (previous times he was too young to remember) so he was very excited and nervous about the whole thing.  Therefore, I got to share my “expertise” about flying which he gobbled right up.  I had a first on that flight too – I missed the complimentary beverages!!  I guess I was too tired…but of course this was the flight where they give you the full can of soda instead of just the little cup as was demonstrated by Kirril’s coke can when I awoke.  Next flight – little cup only.

Flight 2 from Houston to Guatemala City employed my Spanish skills right away as my companion passenger was a Guatemalan returning home.  A grandma of 5 year old twins and a 3 month-old of her son in Seattle, she had just spent a week with them for the twins’ birthdays.

My first thought looking out the window on our descent into Guatemala City: “I’m not in Kansas/Minnesota anymore.”  Two large volcanoes rose up above the rolling hills and terrain that were speckled with clouds.  And then, the city emerged – more like exploded across the land.  Silver, lots and lots of sliver, coated almost everything.  It just kept going.

Leaving the flight, I had an immediate culture shock moment.  I realized as I was walking, I quickly became the lead of the crowd to the baggage claim…I realized, I (we) walk fast.  For some reason, we are always in a hurry when leaving airports and scurry to get our stuff and get out.  That was not the case for my companion passengers…so I slowed down a bit.  Enjoyed the view of the airport?  And kept with the crowd.

Immigration/Customs=easy.  I know it won’t be that easy on my return.  Then, I walked outside the airport doors to the crowd of people waiting and saw my sign “Teresa Hermodsonolsen” being held by a mustached man who I learned later is José.  Guatemalan hospitality showered upon me from there and I was filled with the pure delight of conversing and knowing these people that I had been blessed with in my three previous visits.  José and I talked about everything – history, our countries, holidays, traffic, the Olympics, and a tad of politics.  The ride to Antigua was a little more than an hour (we hit some traffic jams) and I smiled when I saw landmarks I recognized.  Then, we pulled into Antigua – cobble stones and yellow walls – big smile.

José dropped me off at Common Hope’s site and said we would see each other again as he drives for Common Hope often.  I was handed a key and helped to find my room by a young Josue.  My room wasn’t quite ready, but the women made it up quick.  Then, I brought my stuff in and found someone to ask about lunch.  My contact Lisa, wasn’t going to be here until later in the afternoon.  It was 1:30 and I was hungry.  I went to the lunch room, was served cooked vegetable soup over rice with two tortillas and pineapple for dessert…and guess who I found in the dining room? Felix and Mario from construction! :) I love familiar faces.  They recognized me as well, but I had to remind them of my name…Felix said to me: “I think we have a picture with you.” Which is probably true because I believe I sent them one from my last trip here.  There were about 8 of us at the table and I was quickly surrounded by Spanish and laughing – lots of laughing.  Sometimes I knew what was going on and other times, I had no idea.  But that’s the fun with laughter – you can smile and laugh anyway! :)

I met Lisa briefly before she had a meeting and she instructed me where I could get Wifi here on site…except as is my luck it isn’t working…so I’m writing this in Microsoft Word and hoping Mom isn’t freaking out yet.  :) Don’t worry, Mom, I’m safe!  I will have the rest of today and tomorrow to settle in a bit and rest up and then start orientation on Wednesday.  I’m hoping I can figure out where a few things are today and tomorrow and maybe even work on getting items like money and a cell phone.

It feels good to be here.  I’m excited to get started and keep meeting people.  I’m excited to improve my Spanish, though I’ve been happy with how I’ve gotten by so far.
Thank you for all your prayers thus far – I made it!!!

-------several hours later------

Internet is up and working!  Mom knows I’m alive!  I have met another volunteer (who is actually leaving in a couple days) and have been given a nice intro into life here with a quick trip to downtown.  Information overload.  Busito/minibus 2Qs for one trip in; cram in; this street is [something] and there are these little villages before Antigua.  Santa Ana is one of them where many volunteers live (and I might?!).  North/South streets are Avenues and East/West running streets are Streets.  Make sure you count as you go so you know to get off at 5^th Ave.  If you see the arch, you are walking North on 5^th Ave.  Around here are all the good dancing places.  That’s the best place to get desserts – chocolate.  The Bologna is the grocery store that has everything, but don’t get chicken at this place, get it at the other place.  Here’s where you can get minutes for your phone too and use an ATM.  Market days are Wed. and Saturdays for the fresh items.  More and more and more and more!

It hit me how I am really going to be living on my own for the first time here.  I need to learn to cook.  Or at least cook more than I know.  Easy crock pot recipes are welcome as I have acquired a crock pot from the volunteer that is leaving.  I know once I get settled in…get the staples…it will be a lot easier.  Oh, and it’s only the first day, so maybe I should keep that in mind. :)

This place is going to stretch me like no other, I can already tell that, but I’m super excited for the adventures that are to come.  I’m thrilled.  Thrilled = excited and terrified at the same time.

Time to wrap things up and get some sleep. Chao for now!

The Time to Trust

Bags packed…well mostly. Passport. Tickets. Debit card and some leftover Quetzales from past trips. I can make it to Guatemala = step 1. Step 2-349: get large suitcases to room, meet people and remember names, speak Spanish, find a home, find a bed?, find the internet, find laundry facilities, find food, figure out what exactly I’m doing for a year..a month..today, breathe, enjoy the moment, how do I get to work?, how do you ride a chicken bus?, ¿qué? Otra vez, por favor…¿cómo se dice…?  Stop. Back up.

Step 1: Make it to Guatemala.

Oh, the rollercoaster of emotions that I have gone through in the past year, months, and 3 days…I’m pretty sure I have experienced every possible one.  Though, apparently I am an internal processor of these things since my mom said the other day, “You haven’t said too much.”  I know the emotions have leaked out to different people at different times – my pure excitement, joy, tears, fears…but overall, my mind, heart, and God have been the listeners of my thoughts.  Whenever I’m “processing” I think back to all the events that have brought me to this moment: adopted siblings coming home, trips to Guatemala, Spanish classes, abroad trips, social justice conversations and actions, St. Kate’s, a letter or hug from a child, uncertain career paths, prayers, encouragement, prayers…Though all these events (and many more) have led me here, I particularly reminisce to a car ride back to St. Kate’s after a visit home last summer.  I had been discerning deeply where I was headed after graduation…I knew a year of volunteering was in my future, but in country or out? And where? With who?  Guatemala with Common Hope had always been a front runner, but there were still many uncertainties that kept me from committing.  That car ride made my decision.  I shut off the radio, both hands on the wheel and said “Okay God. What is it? Where am I suppose to go?” I waited…I listened…I breathed.  And then I knew, “It’s Guatemala isn’t it? It is! That’s where I’m suppose to go.” *deep breath* “Okay. Let’s do it.”  From then on, I knew.  There have been moments of doubt since then and times when it seemed just easier to stay here, but I know this is my call for this year.  I have something I need to do in Antigua, Guatemala.

I have decided to keep this blog in order to attempt to give those I love back home a glimpse into my experience.  I am uncertain what type of blog this will be or how it will turn out, just like I am uncertain of all that is in store for me this coming year.  I hope that whatever occurs, you will find something here to connect with me and the people I collaborate with.  Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.   Now, it’s time for me to take a leap. To trust. I am ready. In the simple words that got me through my Spanish classes in college: “Todo está bien, todo está bien.” 

Common Hope

The organization I will be volunteering with is Common Hope in Antigua, Guatemala.  Please check out their website www.commonhope.org . They are a strong and valuable organization that I am proud to be working with.