A busy week in August

Hello everyone,

I have been so busy lately that I have not been motivated to write a blog. It didn’t help that the volunteers were very busy last week:

Kermes Voluntarios 8/12:

One Sunday every other month the volunteers are responsible for creating an activity for all of the kids at NPH. This past Kermes included a fair type activity. Where two volunteers were stationed at some sort of game and the kids could run around and participate in the different events. We had bingo, darts, ring toss, prizes, and more. It lasted a total of two hours and I was stationed at the “Latas” game. My partner and I set up pop cans in the form of a larger triangle and the kids were able to knock them over by throwing a ball. I probably picked and set up cans at least 100 times within the two hour time frame. Our game was very popular and we always had a line, but it took forever to set the cans up at times. The kids had fun and seemed to enjoy all of the games.  

Liz & I and the cans:

The kids lining up for the can game:

Jack and his game:

Honor a la muerte de Padre Wasson 8/15:

The anniversary of the death of Padre Wasson was on the 16^th of August. NPH celebrated on the 15^th with activities that illuminated Father William Wasson’s life. All of the departments created a display that portrayed Padre Wasson’s life, beliefs, morals, and facts on how NPH was started. There was also a competition for the top three displays, my department won 3^rd place!  

My boss reading a book to the children:

My team, we came in 3rd place:

It was a long day and Nona and I kept ourselves entertained:

Eleccion nina y senorita 8/16:

Once a year NPH has a beauty pageant! There were about 10 girls who participated, including one of my students. All of the kids were really excited about the pageant and there were little cheering section for some of the girls. There were three judges from outside of NPH, so this was the real deal. The girls changed outfits about three times. They had traditional outfits, formal wear and sportswear. The girls were even asked questions and all did a wonderful job. I would have been so nervous.

(L-R) Carlos, Francisca (last years winner), Delmi (competed this year) and their teacher:

Sports wear:

After the pageant there was a dance competition. About five boys form my section competed and it was adorable. 

Aniversario de la Escuela 8/17:

The school had a day of activities for the kids as well in celebration of the anniversary. From a human line, rope climb, jeopardy questions, and other activities. All of the kids were running around crazy competing in their teams. I ran around with some of my students and helped them participate in the activities.  

My students, Delmi and Francisca:

Some of the activities:

Monterrico 8/18-8/19:

After a long week of activities I went to Monterrico beach with three other girls. It was a perfect mini vacation away from volunteering. I was able to enjoy myself by reading on the beach or in a hammock overlooking the water, and drinking $2 smoothies all day. Besides one large spider incident, the weekend was very relaxing. In September, for a group activity, all of the 27 volunteers plan on taking a trip to Monterrico.  

Special Olympics:

Training has officially started as of 8.21! In total we have about 15 kids who are willing to train and participate in the Guatemala Special Olympics. For practice, we have split the kids up into two groups, one that practices on Tuesday and the other that trains on Thursday. The first practice went really well, not only did we get everyone to run but we also got everyone to laugh. It’s hard to keep everyone’s attention all the time, but we had activities such as relay races, crab walks, rope jumping and sprinting.

Within a couple weeks, the other volunteers and I are going to take a trip to Guatemala City to watch the Guatemala team practice, so we can get ideas. Our first official meet will be in November!  

Stephanie and I are starting the NPH team for the Olympics. Here we are with one of our athletes, Carlos: