Dear Caldwell,
Thanks to Guatemala team correspondent Jennifer Roberts for this initial report:
The team from Caldwell Presbyterian had a very full day here in Antigua, Guatemala at the Common Hope mission. We learned about the many challenges people here face just in surviving every day. I posted some photos on my Facebook page and will try to attach some here too (many more on Facebook than here). One picture shows a marking on the ground which says “Punto de Reunion” which is where we are supposed to run to in event of earthquake–Guatemala has had many of those. Some of our team helped move gravel and sand and other construction chores at the house we are building for a family here this week (we will dedicate the house on Friday); others accompanied social workers on their visits to several of the sponsored families in the Antigua area. We learned of many challenges families face: poverty, chronic illness with little access to healthcare; domestic violence; multigenerational illiteracy; alcohol addiction; malnutrition; hunger; floods and mudslides. Common Hope is making a difference in the lives of these families and Caldwell is a big important part of that.
The people are warm and friendly in spite of it all and we did have time for a little fun as well. Many of the women were overjoyed to see Sally Thomas again, and she led a craft project where everyone made glass bead necklaces for themselves. Another memorable moment was when we all stood in a circle and danced the Hokey Pokey (taped in Spanish) with our Guatemalan friends. Ann Dorsett saw a woman whom she worked with 4 years ago to get a loan for her micro enterprise, and learned that her business is now thriving. And the consrruction crew got soaked on the way back from work because it began to pour and they were riding in the open back of a pickup truck. Thanks goodness there is a washer dryer where we are staying!
Thanks for those following on Facebook (under Jennifer Watson Roberts). I will write again soon!!
Jennifer