Mid morning we took provisions to a local family. Those of you who have heard my story about the start of the Beca Project know that it was this sort of family visit a year ago that planted the seed. Today we visited the family of Florinda, a mother with 6 kids and a scant excuse for a house. The Cooperativa Spanish School has raised about 65% of the ~$9000 it will cost to build Florinda’s family a new home; we’re hoping to meet the goal and begin the house this winter which is the dry season in Guatemala. The Cooperativa school has home plans for 8 more families after this one; our Andrea's family is on the list. Most of the houses will cost around $6000; Florinda's is more because the lot is so tiny they have to build a 2nd story.
I’ve spent hours this week preparing letters and photos (some from sponsors, some that were taken during visits this week) for each student; after lunch (my final meal with Rosa, Felipe, and family) I bought envelopes and finished that process. At 3:00, Mynor and I walked to the school that most of the Beca kids attend, toured around a bit, and took photos of the group (below, with Mynor). Most of the photos we get of the kids and their families are really serious. I learned this week that if I say, "uno, dos, tres" in a goofy way before I snap the photo, I get smiles.
In advance of my trip I had asked if school staff would prepare a meal for the students and their families if I paid for the food - a big job with more than 60 people to feed. The dinner was a great success - every family attended, a father who is typically out of the picture joined us, and a mother I’ve only seen worried and serious beamed the whole time. Mynor, Lorenzo (the Cooperativa school’s director), and I each spoke briefly and food was served. Delicious! I was really humbled by the gratitude and the hugs I received from nearly every single person there, even the shy ones - a wonderful, warm group of people. I’m sorry the photos below don’t convey the warmth that I felt in spite of the rain. HAPPY TRAILS!
The kitchen crew - the female teachers at the school and 1 grateful white woman.
The servers
Some of the guests - Rosa (in pink) and her mother even managed smiles while eating!
Fresh tortillas, mixed vegies (carrots, cauliflower, green beans, and guisquil), rice, guacamole, barbecued chicken, and a fabulous salsa made from barbecued tomatoes - we're going to have to try that at home.
The set-up and clean-up crew - the male teachers at the school.
Me with those beautiful, beloved kids - note that there are 12 now, we added one this week!
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