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.