Iximche & Adventures

Today was our break from this intense week. All of us are emotionally exhausted and are just trying to process what has happened. So much has happened in this short time and I feel like I'm on the edge of something life changing. This experience has changed they way I see parts of the world and how I feel about so many things. Today I got to see a new side of the Guatemalan culture which was the Mayan history. I knew a little about the Mayans but what I learned and saw today was stunning and so informative. The altars and plazas were amazing as they were and all I needed was a little bit of imagination to visualize what they once were. The site we visited was Iximche. Pronouncing that is hard and I had to learn how. It was built in the 1400s and the Spanish conquered it in the mid 1500s. The three generations that lived in Iximche were able to make a great impact on history and culture. we learned why the Mayan calendar was unique and why the numbers mattered. I got to walk through plazas, palaces, and arenas that the royals of the site used to utilize.

One of the most amazing parts of the ruins is the altar which is still used today. The remnants of a sun altar are used to keep the Mayan culture and history alive. Sacrifices of things of all kinds including animals are used. The energy of the altar stopped most of us in our tracks. You could actually feel the presence and we were all conscious of our surroundings, some a little more than others, but the site was powerful. Weirdly enough, well not really it was sacred ground, the videographer that's with us was unable to film while the altar was in the background but as soon as he walked away everything was working beautifully. After having a tour of the ruins and getting to just wander them ourselves we were able to eat lunch outside near the ruins. Some young Guatemalans were playing soccer and some people joined in while the rest of us watched. As I watched a few of the teenagers approached me and tried to talk to me. Since I know like 5 Spanish phrases, all of which are not helpful in a conversation, it was a struggle to communicate. However, I did get the words "you are pretty" out of all of it and so did someone nearby who knew Spanish. It made my day just a bit better and then one of them wanted a photo with me. That was super cute because it's so weird to be asked to be photographed because I'm just an average American, but here being pale, blonde, and blue eyed is super rare so I was an oddity.

The drive to and from the ruins is absolutely breathtaking. I was speechless a few times from the view and tried to utter 'look over there' but was unable to express what was happening. I took sooooo very many photos, especially since one of the volcanoes was smoking. Luckily we had the chance to stop and see the lake and volcanoes from an outlook, Unfortunately it was incredibly foggy so we really couldn't see a whole lot. I still took a ton of photos though. As we drove we got to see Solola, the capital city of this state in Guatemala. It was gorgeous and showed the difference between the poverty we've been around and middle class life here. Then as we pulled into Panajachel some of us got out to wander the city for the last time and get some more quetzals, the currency, out. Some people bought more stuff. And by some I mean me and anyone shopping with me. Then we rode a tuc tuc back to Puente Ubico, what we have to call the river house to anyone not in the river house. I quickly changed into my swimsuit to go jump in the pool since it was a very hot day, our room was a sauna basically, and the pool was a bit chilly. It took me a while to actually get in the water because it was so cold but it was totally worth it. A group of us just sat and hung out in and around the pool until dinner time. Tonight was some curry dish that was AMAZING and I had to have seconds. Most of my meals have been mainly vegetables but tonight was a good food night.

After dinner we had some group time to just process all that's happened and pack up. Valerie did some projective tests with us and everyone was shown the amazingess that is art therapy. Packing is rough. I didn't want to do it and I think the only reason I could is because my brain thinks it's about to start a new adventure to a new place. We technically don't fly out until Sunday but because our flight is at like 12:15 am we are getting shuttled in early before Guatemala city gets crazy and unsafe for driving.

This trip will forever be a part of who I am. I don't want to leave here. This place has been eye opening. I see the world differently and am so excited to take this experience on with me. I for sure will be finding a way to do more mission trips, especially with amazing people like the ones that have been on this trip.

Tomorrow morning we leave the river house at 7:30 am to go by boat to a bed and breakfast for breakfast and then we travel to San Juan to see some natural dying and art galleries. Then we'll take the boat back to Pana and head almost immediately to the airport. I can't believe it's almost over for my time in country, but my work will continue as we work with the rehabilitation center more.

Thank you for following along with me and I'll post all about the next day and traveling as soon as I can.

Casa Tat Loy

Today we spent the day at the rehabilitation center. It was absolutely amazing. Upon arriving we had the chance to hear the person in charge's story. It told of the struggles of most of the addicts in Guatemala. Those suffering from addiction don't get treatment in the rehabilitation programs. They just dry out there and usually cannot leave or go outside. Most of them are involved in illegal activities and some have no one. Many of the addicts get addicted young, the first time the person in charge got drunk for the first time before he turned 10. His story was a testament to what addiction can do and how it can destroy lives.

After hearing his story we had the chance to make lunch, and of course I made the guacamole again. It was delicious again because I made it. Then we set up for an afternoon of crafts and art. I managed to teach some of the men how to make a kirigami box without speaking any Spanish and no translator. Then after decorating them and making a few each, I taught them the origami star box. It was cool to watch them help each other and we worked around the language barrier. Another group of men learned to make bracelets so they can sell them. We also discussed the next stages of our project with them. Our idea is to create handmade paper cards with cultural references on the front whether it's out of fabric or painting on them.

The men were inspiring to work with especially the young teenager who was so excited to work with us. They all learned a new craft and watching them get the hang of it inspired me to keep on working so I can help others like them. One of the older men is a painter and painted us the scenery on a slice of a tree. The paintings he makes are incredible for 4 colors of cheap tempera paint and 2 paintbrushes. It's so humbling to receive these gifts from just having interacted with them. All of the men were so gracious and giving, they worked all week to create a piece of art they create by folding paper. In total they made 15 pieces for all of us and they are all so beautiful.

After our day there we just got to relax and eat dinner. A family brought the things they made to the Mission and were selling them. After that we all just hung out because we were emotionally and physically exhausted.

I still am so I'm going to sleep.

The people & culture

Today most of my day was spent with the people of a small municipality near Panajachel. I had the amazing opportunity to experience multiple schools and communities. The schools all received benefits from Mission Guatemala in a feeding program and we saw how that actually works. The mothers and teacher cook the food, many of the schools utilized some Kids Against Hunger rice packs. It's amazing to see the packages used having made some of them before. They also have vegetables and tortillas. They make tortillas and I got to help. It's way harder than I thought. I succesfuly made 3 and they only needed a little help. It was awesome. In each of the three schools we visited we got to play and visit with the kids. The kids were so excited to meet new people and were incredibly friendly. I loved seeing all the different kids and communicating with them.

One of the schools was a struggle go get go. Like a hardcore struggle. My blood sugar plummeted and the world starting spinning because we had to hike up a mountain to get to this school because the van could not carry us all up. I made it about 3/4 of the way and then the van took me the rest of the way. That school was just a time to play as most of the kids had already eaten. Then we came back to the clinic to eat lunch.

After lunch we were able to shop in Panajachel for supplies to use at Casa Tat Loy tomorrow. It went well  until we got sidetracked by the things we wanted. The prices are so amazing since 100 quetzals is only $15 and everything so so amazing. When the shopaholics not good at bartering are left alone, things go astray. After the shopping was "finished" we sat at the lake and just watched the sun fade into the mountains. It was amazing and beautifully breathtaking. I was in love. Absolutely. It's so beautiful. I was lucky enough to find a gluten and dairy free cookie at a gluten free cafe I had researched and found. Also I got a Cuba libre for 10 quetzals which is like $1.30. An afternoon well spent.

After shopping we went to a traditional Mayan culture dinner. Jose Penguinos told us the story of the people and also served us great food. Throughout it all we laughed and enjoyed the food and company as we got to visit and relax. The food was delicious and traditional of the culture. We made tortillas for dinner and then ate them. Cool right?

After we finished dinner and watched some more of the entertainment we caught a tuc tuc and came back. Our shopping hauls were large, our bellies full, and our lives filled with crazy memories of tonight.

We can touch the clouds

Today was amazing. AMAZING. Absolutely amazing. We expected so little out of today because we thought we would just be touring and learning about the rehabilitation center we visited. In reality it was so, so much more. Today I got to journey to San Lucas Toliman which is on the south side of Lake Atitlan. The journey there was part of what made it so amazing; I rode in the back of the pick up truck all the way there. It was about an hour and a half ride and it was totally worth it. We got to see the scenery in a 360 and I am so glad I did it. Although it was a bit uncomfortable we had a blast singing songs, taking photos, and just goofing around. The clouds were on the mountain tops and we so badly wanted to touch one. As I rode along the bumpy, windy roads out to Casa Tat Loy the rehabilitation center, we got to see the lake for the first time. It is stunning. Like absolutely, incredibly, out of this world stunning. We couldn't tell it was the lake at first because it so perfectly reflected the sky. At points they simply were the same. Once we arrived in San Lucas we went straight to Tat Loy, a rehabilitation center for male addicts. We learned about their story and also got to meet a lot of the guys there. I sat on the floor and created some art with one of them and then also learned some of the techniques they use to create things they're known for. They were inspiring to be around because they were so invested in their projects and wanted to be there. After hanging out with them for a while we went up onto a rooftop patio area to eat lunch and I got to make guacamole. The avocados came fresh and we prepared them, oranges, and had some onions and cilantro already ready. The guacamole was delicious and not just because I made it.

After our lunch spread we got to explore San Lucas's market and areas. We looked for examples of art that we had been thinking about for the men to create as well as of course shopping for us. After some market wandering we walked to the church they have there and then down to the lake. I put my feet in because how often does one have the chance to stand in Lake Atitlan? The water was nice and cold and super refreshing compared to my sweaty, sun beating down on self. We took group photos and tried for jumping photos. Some turned out and the jumping ones did not. I wandered around the lake shore and took a lot of photos and just enjoyed the amazing view. The lake is gorgeous near and far away. Luckily it was a beautiful, sunny somewhat hot day to explore and I did. Then we went back to Tat Loy to get ready to leave and finish up talking with the men. A little girl across the way was watching us and trying to mime to us across some houses. It was adorable and super entertaining. We left and of course I picked the back of the truck to get home. The drive to get back to Pana was totally amazing again. One other student fell asleep in the bed of the truck, one was singing cow songs, and one was struggling to stay up front and enjoy the inside of the vehicles.

Once back to the river house a small group of us went into Pana to work for art supplies. We found the stores we needed and then got onto a tuc tuc and was ready to go home. The tuc tucs are a little scary but totally worth it. After our into town run we got a nice assistant and hope that they start before.

I have to go to sleep now. I cannot keep my eyes open or in other stores.
Time to sleep for days.
(This is from yesterday the 8th, I just fell asleep as I tried to post it.)

Gu((art))emala

I spent my whole first day in Guatemala. Well I got in at 11pm yesterday and then arrived to Mission Guatemala housing in Panajachel at about 2am. That was a rough rough time. I couldn't sleep on the van ride over because my luggage was tied to the top of the van which made me nervous, plus we were on super windy, bumpy mountain roads in a large van going pretty fast. Also seat belts not a thing here in bus/van things apparently. I was struggling to stay awake and struggling to go to sleep. I wanted to just go sleep but it was definitely not my favorite thing. Luckily as soon as we got here things kind of started looking up. I have a three bed room to myself attached to a full bathroom -- BONUS we can flush the toilet paper while we stay here but nowhere else. As I was getting into my bed and settling in one of my roommates was struggling to turn the shower off. It wanted to make our lives a little more complicated and needed 6 people to figure out how to turn it off. It was not fun but I crawled into my bed after receiving the magical wifi password and was able to sleep until 8am.

Breakfast was very different from what I'm used to considering breakfast. Scrambled eggs, black beans, a blue corn tortilla, plantains and fresh fruit. It was delicious and totally amazing. I want to have the beans every day of my life. After breakfast we applied copious amounts of bug spray and sunscreen before heading to San Andres Semetabaj where Mission Guatemala's medical clinic is located. There we learned all about the things they offered. Their mantra is "Do all the good you can" by John Wesley. It's amazing how much good they do through all of their programs and support. They started out just as a medical clinic and now they have a dental clinic as well as an ophthalmologist. They provide medical care and medicine to the indigenous people for a low cost and do so with respect and honor for the patients. The land is also used to raise chickens and grow food for the feeding program they have to feed about 90 children lunch everyday they're at school. By the chickens were some puppies and I got to play with them on our break as they set up our lunch. The puppies were so small and adorable. They made me want to take one home but I went to lunch instead. I ate some fresh, local guacamole and loved it. So good. Then we came back to the river house. We had hit a wall of tired. All of us and luckily I got to take a nap to recharge for our art therapy meeting and to run into town.

As a group we are trying to develop an art therapy program for recovering addicts in San Lucas Toliman. Luckily they already create art as a way to bring in profit so we'll just be finding a stable and sustainable activity that involves a long process to help with addiction and also raising funds. We got to see some of the things they made and they were amazing. This whole area is filled with such crafty people. One of the ladies that talked to us today had made her shirt. Like completely made it. So amazing. After our meeting we wanted to run into town to get some quetzals, the money here, and I got to ride in a truck bed and that was amazing.We rode through the mountains, able to see them all, and surrounded by the people and the culture. I loved it. Then we struggled to find an ATM. It was rough as we arrived as the banks were closing. Eventually we did and it was still a struggle. Luckily it had English subtitles. Then we came back on tuc tuc, which are little cab like vehicles but are open on the sides and are powered by a motorcycle.

After dinner we had some downtime and we journaled and discussed how we were feeling and doing. It sounds weird but these are the people we're experiencing everything with so we discuss everything to process it. We did a projective drawing test as a group and just had fun hanging out. I've already experienced so much and the trip has only just begun. I cannot wait to go the market tomorrow and to create more art along the way. Check out some photos of my journey and days. The puppies and views will make you jealous that's for sure.


Now to sleep because the tired is real.

Evansville Struggles

Maybe we'll make it to Guatemala today. The fog in Houston is so bad that we're arriving about 3 hours late. We almost landed in Houston, as in we were like 200 ft from the ground but it was too cloudy. So we've missed our connection, but we got to go to Shreveport for some gas and a very hot pit stop. Luckily we got transferred to a different flight later today at like 7pm. We were supposed to be in Panajachel by 4pm. Today will be an adventure that's for sure.

As we land in Houston I know I need food, a nap, and possibly a margarita. We may be staying overnight here but hopefully not because I would like to get there and be done with airports for a few days at least.

Some of us are streaming the Aces game and we may start yelling as the boys try to play. Evansville is having a rough time today.

Road Trip to Guatemala Trip

Left at 5pm from campus to head toward the Louisville airport. Luckily someone lives nearby because having to be at the airport around 4am does not sound super pleasant but we'll do it.

On the drive here we got lost once we were in the neighborhood because dark and there is a difference between Northwest and northeast roads. So we found the house eventually and once inside were greeted with home made food. It smelled so good and once the other car got here we chowed down. Homemade ice cream and a lot of tasty snacks made the conversation a lot better. We all talked about what we were afraid of and excited for. Most of us are worried about what we'll see that we haven't before and what well experience that will change our lives. For me, I'm worried about food and bug bites. Luckily I have snacks and a lot of bug spray.

I'm so excited to see the lake we'll be right off of, to see the bright colors, and experience a completely different culture. As a group we will get to experience so much and see a world so different from our own. I hope to become more grateful and to spend most of my day unplugged from the world, actually experiencing the world around me. As I write this I'm struggling because I don't have internet on my phone or wifi. But we've gone so old school that we had to rewind Tarzan on VHS to watch it and are sitting on bean bags. We're all getting ready to go sleep for our 3:30 am at the latest wake up call.

After eating and talking we all were sitting around and journaled about our preconceptions and colored in some pages. In just a few hours we'll begin our journey to Guatemala and I'm ready to be in country and sleep for a whole night after a day of travel. 

Well it is 4:20 and we're driving to the airport. We got our flight info a few days ago and we're all ready to go. Some of us are a little more hyper and some are ready for a nap already. Our hosts were AMAZING and I'm so grateful I got to sleep some and not spend my sleep time driving to the airport.

I almost can't believe we're on our way but I'm ready to experience this new adventure.

Thank Yous

I have to say a huge thank you to everyone who has provided support to me for this trip I'm about to embark on. As I get ready to leave, I am realizing the amazing opportunity this is. I am about to serve people who have probably never really left their region of Guatemala and I am getting to travel there because of the generosity of others.

To everyone who donated monetary support to me;
Thank you times a million! Your support is helping me be able to afford to go and not be incredibly in debt when I get back. My trip ended up costing about $2200 and with the assistance I received from friends, family, the Friends of Art Board, and the University of Evansville, I was able to cover $1500. That's amazing and means so much to me. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. THANK YOU.

To those who supported me in so many other ways;
You're support means just as much. I'm not sure I could have decided to go on this trip and do all that I will if not for the support I received along the way. This trip was introduced to me this past fall and I was told I should go and encouraged by my advisers and their support helped me decide to do something out of my comfort zone. I'll be visiting a Spanish speaking country and I know less than Dora level of Spanish. My class has also provided support because they are facing the same trip and craziness but they help me see that we can make the best of all of it.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you all so much for helping me experience a part of the world I never thought I'd experience.

Philemon 1:4
I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers.


Bise Bise

I'm Going to Guatemala?!

I'm Going to Guatemala

On March 5th, I begin my journey to Guatemala. I will be spending my spring break working at Mission Guatemala to develop and plan an art therapy program for recovering drug and alcohol addicts. The journey really began last semester when I was told of the possibility and now it has lead to me actually going to Panajachel, Guatemala and doing some work.

The trip is through my school as part of the GAP program, the global assistance project. Last semester I worked with my university in the GAP program to help develop a cultural district and now I'm using my art therapy to help those suffering in Guatemala. Not only do I get to go and develop this program I'll get to see the work of so many others to build up a support system in the central highlands of Guatemala. We'll look at their nutrition program, medical clinic, and a part of my class team will be working on a micro-finance project. There's so much that can be done and needs to happen because of the political turmoil that has happened and continues to happen.

Amidst all of this planning and the journey a little bug came up, quite literally, the zika virus. Before this even became an epidemic the only worry was maybe to get pick-pocketed or not drinking unclean water, and now I've been briefed so many times on the dangers of zika and what could happen. The thing I've learned that help me know I'll more than likely be fine is that only 1 in 5 people show symptoms, the main issue is for pregnant women, and the symptoms, if they show, are usually only mild. It's not going to happen right? So I'm just being prepared, bug spray with about 25% deet and spraying a product on my clothes that will help, also avoiding shorts and short sleeves. Which makes it a little sad since it's spring break and I want to enjoy the nice weather but for the sake of my sanity, and others I'll be super protected as much as possible.

Mainly I'm excited because of all the things I will learn and experience. I'll admit to not knowing what to expect. I come from a slightly upper-middle class family. I attend a private university where we complain when they don't serve the right french fries or the wifi spazes out, but I know that seeing how so many people live will forever change the way I live. I've taken a lot for granted and what I seek the most out of this trip is a greater appreciation of what I have and what I can do to help others. Our journey to Guatemala will be a service trip to help others but that does include going to different cities and seeing all the many ways this area needs help. So I'll kind of be a tourist some of the time and on the way to the airport on our way home we'll get to see some Mayan ruins; history, art, and service all in one. How bout that?

I can't wait to begin this journey to this small country with so much history and culture. I'm looking forward to learning a little Spanish and trying out as many new things as I can. I'd appreciate advice, thoughts, prayers, and for those who see me to ask me about it at any time. I really like talking about this trip and am sure I'll talk about it for the rest of my life.

Bise Bise,
Patilyn