Work and life at NPH couldn’t be better. Many of the other volunteers describe this stage as the “honeymoon stage” where you love your job and life at NPH. My Spanish is developing little by little every day and I’m able to communicate more with the Guatemalans who work here. I’d say it’s a step in the right direction!
Life is great besides the occasional bite marks:
Independence day has passed:
NPH participated in different activities in celebration of Guatemalan independence. We had a battle of the bands day, a parade with neighboring schools and the torch run.
The best activity in my opinion was the "antorca," the torch run. We first drove an hour and a half away from NPH to a swimming pool where we all enjoyed the water. After swimming we literally had to run home. It was hard work, I ran a two hours which totaled (about) 15 miles! We had a lot of local support as we ran, people in town would stand outside, cheer us on and throw water.
Here are some pictures from the parade:
NPH participated in different activities in celebration of Guatemalan independence. We had a battle of the bands day, a parade with neighboring schools and the torch run.
The best activity in my opinion was the "antorca," the torch run. We first drove an hour and a half away from NPH to a swimming pool where we all enjoyed the water. After swimming we literally had to run home. It was hard work, I ran a two hours which totaled (about) 15 miles! We had a lot of local support as we ran, people in town would stand outside, cheer us on and throw water.
Here are some pictures from the parade:
Special Olympics:
Special Olympic training is going well. Twice a week we train with two separate groups of kids. The race in the Capital is in November. I will keep you posted.
Monterrico Pt. 2:
Monterrico was beautiful as ever! Mas o menos 27 volunteers went on a weekend trip and we had a blast. The trip was successful, I saw a whale jumping in the water, a live scorpion, played a lot of volleyball, ran a 10K and got a lot of sun.
For the 10K I placed 36 out of 500 runners and ranked 8th place for the women. I ran with Steph, Charlotte and Vron. We literally started at the end of the pack, so next time if we make our way to the front of the line we will do better.
Before the race:
After the race:
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Other news:
- The volcano, before and after:
- The anniversary of NPH is coming up. We were going to have a three day celebration of this event but due to money issues we are going to have a one day celebration on October 13.
- For the holiday break from school, kids are allowed to leave NPH and spend time with their families (not all the kids leave). Originally they were all allowed to leave at the end of November. Due to our financial crisis, NPH is allowing the kids to go home November 4 (or so) until the New Year. With fewer kids at NPH for a longer time, this will help with saving money on food, electricity and water.
- During December I will switch jobs for a month and work as a Tia. This means I will be in charge of one of the sections of kids who didn't go with their family over the break. I will act as their parent, get them ready for the day/night, entertain them with activities, and make sure they don’t hurt each other.
Here are some of the boys I will be working with, they are all in my section (San Jose):
I read this right when you posted and, then, re-read it today. Your adventures look awesome. You're doing meaningful work. I hope the honeymoon lasts the rest of your time at NPH! :)
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