San Jose

Here is the section of boys I get to laugh, play, hug and spend time with. There are 22 boys between the ages of 8 and 10, and there isn't a night where I leave these boys without a smile. Also, they WILL come after me if I don't give a kiss and a hug goodnight.

If I decide not to come home here are 22 reasons why.

  

Tuc-tuc race!

Great day! Six volunteers, three tuc-tuc's, and one race from San Andres Itzapa to NPH! Elena and Alejandra had the idea to race tuc-tuc's, and the rest of us went along for the ride!

The drivers: Elena, Vroni and Ale.

The assistants: Nona, Rachel and I.

I'm driving the tuc-tuc!

The volunteer team! 

 

Saying Goodbye :(

The last couple weeks it has been tough to keep my spirits up. Saying goodbye to my former co-workers, housemates and friends that I have been with the last 6 months is challenging. There have been a lot of tears and more to come with the upcoming goodbyes. Not only do I have to make friends with the new volunteers, I have to give up the comfort, company and security of the friendships I have formed. 

There are three volunteer houses, eight volunteers living in each house. In my house six of the volunteers are ending their year. It's not easy watching six of your friends pack up and move out. Goodbye las chicas lindas de casa 4.

Me, Steph, Vroni, Nicole, Elena, Char, Nona:

I am going to miss my crazy house-mates! 

Goodbye to some of the funniest, loving, caring and honest people I know. Including the crazy Italian.

Charlotte, the Park Ridge chick.

Vroni and her crazy break dancing.

I am going to miss "Shawn." Who will I go to when I have questions about my health? 

Marlene and her unique laugh.

I'm going to miss our crazy nights together. 

My sister from another Mr., why do you all have to leave me?

Despedida de los voluntarios

As an end of the year celebration the kids dance to say thank you to the volunteers. Everyone enjoys the dancing and it's a fun way to top off the year. 

The Especiales dancing for Shawn, Steph and Vroni.

Casa de bebes dancing for their volunteers, Nicole, Vroni and Karla.

San Jose and Elena. 

Charlotte's group, San Antonio.

Steph's boys, Santiago.

The girls dancing with Nona to say thank you to Marlene.

Elena and I sharing time and laughs with our boys.

Hot-dogs and Marsh-mellows

As the new volunteers are coming in, the old volunteers are shipping out. To celebrate a year of hard work,  the old volunteers (Shawn, Steph and Vroni) took the kids and I for a picnic in a park. The scenery was breathtaking and the company was fantastic. I am really sad to see these three volunteers leave NPH. 

My first day EVER at NPH this is the girl I met. Stephanie is my work partner and my Algonquin sister. Not only did she have the patience of an angel with the kids, she was at my side the whole year, and I couldn't have done it without her. 

Stephanie collecting wood for the camp fire.

The beautiful scenery.

Francisca and Alvaro.

Stephanie and I goofing around with Alvaro.

The camp fire.

Leo and the marsh-mellow I wouldn't let him eat.

Shawn, another person I will miss dearly. One of the sweetest/funniest people I know. Whenever I would say, "the fly in these jeans always fall down," he would reply "yea, I noticed." 

Vroni, a fun, loving and strong advocate for the kids. We are all sad to see her go.

Group shot of the tios, volunteers and kids.

The best part of the day was leaving, we put the kids in wheel chairs in a pick up. Welcome to Guatemala.

7 months!

It’s my 7 month Guatemalan birthday tomorrow! Crazy to believe I have officially been here for 7 months! Being this far in means that the old volunteers are leaving L and the new volunteers are in training. It feels like yesterday I was in training and orientation, where did the time go? Now I’m the one giving the tours and information to the new volunteers. I hope my next 7 months don't fly. 

The New Year is here and I am back to my normal M-F job. Here are some new pictures of my kids hard at work.  

Carlos and I goofing around, gotta have some fun sometimes:

Juan hard at work:

Leo practicing his numbers:

Francisca playing with Legos, thanks MIKE&CHRIS: 

Gustavo trying to beat the clock of Perfection: