by Sydney Wingenbach
I feel like I’m in a whole ‘nother world. But poverty in Texas, you think is bad, but come on down to where I am right now and look at it. Feel good that we have good homes, iPads, electronics, etc. Be fortunate of what we have and don’t take it for granted.
-A 5th-grade girl
Sydney Wingenbach is the 10-year-old daughter of Dr. Gary Wingenbach. This trip to Guatemala is her first (of hopefully many) outside the United States.
Sydney,
I’m glad you are helping people from my country. I heard you are working hard beside your dad, the other professors, and the students. Believe it or not, you are making a difference to these kids in Guatemala. You are amazing. Not a lot of kids your age would go to a country like Guatemala and do what you are doing. As a Guatemalan I thank you for that.
When you come back to Texas you have to tell me all about your adventures in beautiful Guatemala.
Elke
(the lady who works at a desk around your dad’s office :o)
PS: Please tell your dad: Hola dude!!
Wow Sydney- interesting thoughts! I read them to Brahm and Brianna. Glad you are having a good experience. P.S. Jack and Holly are doing well.
Paula McMillan
Sydney,
I’m so glad to read your thoughts and happy to know that you are able to appreciate and understand how good Americans have it compared to other places around the world. I’m very proud that you are doing your part to help the people of Guatemala in the ways in which you are able. I miss you so incredibly much and hope to be able to talk to you soon. I am off to Haiti tomorrow, where I too will appreciate poverty at its greatest. I love you sweetheart. Hugs & Kisses, XOXO, Mommy
Sydney – Wow! Greg and I are good friends with your Dad and live in Ames. . .we came to visit a few years back and knew then that you were a special girl. What a great thing that you are doing! The world needs more children like you who think of helping other people rather than thinking of themselves all the time. Stay safe!
Sydney,
While you were away, Mary Clare has been visiting. I read her your blog and she was quite impressed. She caught a frog this morning that is smaller than Lincoln’s head on a penny. The frog was released in our backyard near Grandma’s flowers. I hope you are taking some photos of where you are staying so you can share them with us when you return. Dr. Jack and Miss Maureen (and Mary Clare).