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Our First Day in Windhoek

10Jul

by Leighton James

The first souvenir I will pack in my bag—the weather.  

It’s beautiful during the day. At night, the temperature drop is quite shocking though.  However, the blankets University of Namibia gave us to sleep with are very warm, which makes for a cozy night’s sleep. That’s purely opinion though.

Some stay colder than others. Thankfully, our excitement makes up for any heat we may lack. We carry it with us everywhere.

We started Monday by meeting with U.S. embassy staff. Much to our delight and surprise, Ambassador Wanda Nessbit joined us as well.

We learned about Namibia’s economy and politics and U.S.-Namibia relations. We also learned about how to get jobs in foreign relations. Our pre-departure research came in handy while at the visit. It prompted many insightful questions and allowed us to make the most of our time there.

After, we explored the city of Windhoek. Giraffes, elephants, and monkeys lined the streets—the carved miniature versions of course … not the real ones.

The city is similar to one you would find in the United States. There were malls, food courts, nice stores, modern buildings, and restaurants. We actually felt a little closer to home in town.  

The restaurant where we ate lunch looked like it walked out of an old western magazine. Old country music played in the background as we chose burgers, fajitas, fish, or other similar dishes.

Outside, there was heavy traffic and people everywhere. We even had to dodge a few cars. Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way here.

At the embassy, we learned that the wealthiest people here are 52 times richer than the poorest people. We definitely saw the wealthier population of Namibia while in Windhoek.  Later on our trip, we will get to see the poorer regions. I believe that since we saw the wealthier side first, we will have a greater understanding of the gap between the rich and poor when we encounter the other extreme.

Next, Sean Kalundu, who recently left Texas A&M University as a Fulbright Scholar, gave us a history lesson at Heroes’ Acre. Stairs lead visitors to a massive statue of Namibia’s first president, which overlooks the graves of Namibia’s heroes. Although we were out of breath when we reached the top, the hike was worth it. The cool, fresh air, the beaming sun, and the panoramic view were priceless.

Sean told us there is a lot of debate about who should be remembered at this memorial. Who should be defined as a hero? What makes someone a hero?

I frequently have to silently tell myself, “I’m in Africa.” It’s almost too hard to believe, and I have a feeling it will go by too quickly.  I didn’t know what to expect when I got here. Honestly, I don’t know what to expect the rest of the trip.

There’s only so much that can be learned from research and pre-planning. However, the introduction was capturing and has left us all wondering what will happen next.

How will our ideas be challenged?  What doors will this open?  What kind of appreciation will we have when we leave?  Will we be chased by a cheetah?

Stay updated to find out.

Willkommen!

9Jul

by Holly Van Groll

After 30+ hours in transit, we Aggies have finally reached our destination, Windhoek, Namibia! It has been a long trip, with very little sleep, but we are all so happy to be here.

After our first flight landed in Frankfurt, Germany, we jumped on a train and headed downtown. Luckily, they were having a local festival in a large, open square, where we grabbed a quick lunch of delicious bratwurst! We took part in some great “people-watching” and soaked up some of the local culture.

On several occasions throughout our time in Frankfurt, I overheard several of my fellow students exclaim how surprised they were to encounter so many English-speaking locals. This is a great example of the globalization that is quickly become our norm today.

As an international agriculture graduate student, I have learned to recognize the importance of gaining these experiences abroad. Learning how similar and different our culture is to others is a great way to promote understanding and acceptance worldwide.

After lunch, we were able to hop onto a boat for a river tour on the Main River. We had a great time chatting and relaxing on the deck while learning about the local buildings and bridges, which were covered in very elaborate graffiti.

After the tour we headed back toward the train station but stopped for a few minutes to look around a local chapel. Just as we were leaving, a wedding party was starting to convene at the front steps of the church.

Once we arrived back at the train station, we had a few hours to regroup, clean up, and prepare for the next leg of our journey … Frankfurt, Germany, to Johannesburg, South Africa!

Guatemala … Forever Special in Our Hearts!

26Jun

by Jenna Howell

Today, we have had an amazing day and have seen so much! Sadly, we left the beautiful Ring of Fire and headed to see some Mayan ruins. It was very interesting to see the remains of the second Mayan capitol.

Even the bus rides are great, seeing the country side and all the towns we have passed through. One thing I have really enjoyed is how much geography we have covered over the course of our adventure.

We ended today where we started, with some final shopping in Antigua and dinner at the first restaurant at which we ate.

Dale and Carolina from AGTEC and the Colorado (Philanthropiece) group met us for dinner. It was great to see everyone once again and say goodbye. 

As we are winding down here in Guatemala, we seem sad. Here is this amazing country that has opened our eyes to things we never thought existed, and we are just turning around and heading home. I feel like we are leaving all these people behind.

They have taught me so much, and I hope I made a difference with them like they made with me. Going through all my pictures I find myself smiling and tearing up all at once. To me, these pictures come to life. The colors here are vibrant and alive! This is real, these people, this amazing country; it exists and has stolen a part of my heart!

Antigua, The Lake, Chichi … they were gorgeous and amazing to see but these towns (to me) are NOT the real Guatemala. 

We have seen the TRUE Guatemala!

I speak for myself, but I think all of my Guatemala family would agree when I say that this experience has been an emotional roller coaster.  We have all missed home but also have seen and been exposed to things we never thought existed.

We have been touched personally by families and children. We have celebrated, gone through hard times, and encouraged each other through this whole journey. We have rejoiced and cried together. We have all become more than a study abroad group … we have become a family. I am so thankful for all the friendships I am taking home from this experience.

This has been an experience of a lifetime. I would choose this adventure again over any other study abroad. I cannot wait to go back and try to bring our stories and pictures to life. I want our stories to be known, and I cannot wait to recruit to future students. This has changed my life, opened my eyes, and humbled me.  

Counting my Blessings.

Guatemala … forever special in our hearts!

Market Day

25Jun

by Kesley Fraley

Below are Kesley’s thoughts on yesterday at the market in Chichi, Guatemala.

“It’s Guatemala time, brush your teeth in 30 seconds, not 2 minutes.” –Dr. Lockett

We woke up with a mission (especially Dr. Lockett and I)! We grouped up and headed off to the Chichi market, ready to bargain!

Bargaining with the people of Chichi is an adrenaline rush! I love the feeling of accomplishment when I get a man selling placemats down from 150 Quetzales to a third of the original price.

You can find anything you could ever want at the market. They have machetes, clothes, shoes, placemats, table clothes, carvings, jewelry, and hammocks, just to name a few items.

The group also came out with mini chicken buses, Christmas ornaments, pottery, and chicken potholders (a definite group favorite). I bought so much that I don’t know how I’m going to get it all back to Texas. I made out with quite a bit and spent less than a $70 (Q539) on gifts for my entire family.

The only thing that really bugs me about the market scene is the excessive attention we receive. We become automatic targets when the “GRINGOS” hit the market streets.

To the left is one girl trying to sell potholders and bookmarks, another selling scarfs, and a third selling table clothes. Then to our right is an older women selling shawls, asking for a “good price” and telling me she “needs money for dinner.”  Tables and booths line the crowded streets; as you walk by, people shout at you to buy their merchandise.

It’s all a little overwhelming, but I love it all at the same time.

She Gave … Everything.

25Jun

by Caroline Black

As Caroline Black enjoys her “cultural appreciation” at the beautiful Lake Atitlan, she reflects on her final day of service in the Ixil region.  Below are her thoughts.

Thursday marked our final day of service in Guatemala. Our crew spent the morning at a school in Batzul (outside of Chajul). We played games with the students all morning, reviewing basic plant names and parts taught last week during our two visits. Additionally, to further explain why we made organic pesticides last week, we played a game where we (Aggies and the Batzul kids) were all divided into three teams: Plants, Pesticides, & Insects. Depending on your assigned roll, the “plants” were protected by the “pesticides.” If tagged by an “insect” the “plant” died (squatted then stood up again), but if the “pesticide” tagged the “insect” while protecting the “plant” the “insect” had to run back to a base and start over again… I was a “plant” and I must brag on my “pesticide” Victor… he did an awesome job keeping me alive!

After playing our games, the students made mini lombricomposturas in dixie cups, for the students to take home to their families. I hope at least one kid will teach his or her parents the information we shared with them…That would be awesome!

During the morning’s activities, I met a little girl. Her name: Elda.

Elda quickly became my friend and wanted multiple pictures taken. She handed me her workbook and had me write my name down for her. She also showed me the las gatas (cats) she had drawn… my response, “iMuy bonita!”

Before we left the school, I heard someone yell “Carolina, Carolina” and it was Elda. She reached out her hand and presented me a little plastic nob — her gift to me. I was startled by her act of kindness and immediately asked “for me?” Her answer was a grin that read “yes.” I wish I had had something to give to her in return, but all I had was a hug and we took another picture together.

 A plastic nob — maybe a piece from an old hair pin? I’m not sure — but she willingly gave. It was pretty humbling, if you ask me.

Elda serves as one of many examples of the culture we’ve been a part of over the last 20 days. It’s the individuals like Elda who have made this trip priceless.

These people have given all that they have to welcome us into their homes, schools, offices, and even futbol games to share their smiles, friendship, love, life…and culture.

I’m very thankful for the Elda’s of Chajul. I only hope I gave half of what they have each given to me…

 Tantiuxh Elda, Tantiuxh!

(Tantiuxh is “thank you” in Ixil)

Give Me Some Coffee!

23Jun

by Poleth Robledo

Friday morning in Chajul! We woke up with a bittersweet feeling. It was the last full day in Chajul, and our group was heading out to AGROS, a coffee farm on the edge of Nebaj in Rio Azul.

For the trip, the girls decided to take a little extra time to get dolled up, after spending two weeks in T-shirts and dirty jeans.

Ready for the coffee farm, the gang loaded up in a microbus with Reynaldo, our driver for the past two weeks who has gotten us safely to our destinations.

It was a short ride to the coffee farm, where our team was under the impression that we were having lunch, but that changed upon arrival. Thank goodness we packed our flexibility!

Jake, our group leader, saved the day by setting up a reservation in Nebaj for us. After a fun-filled tour through AGROS, the team was ready for a delicious and most definitely filling lunch in town.

Next, we headed back to the Limitless Horizons Ixil office for a heart-warming goodbye party with the staff.

We shared our last feelings among the group, and a game of musical chairs proceeded to get the real party started. Dancing around with the LHI students, with whom we have spent most of our time in Chajul, filled the room with excitement and joy.

Cake completed the festivities, and off to the Posada we headed to pack and spend our last night with the wonderful staff who have dealt with us for the past two weeks.

Once again, that bittersweet feeling rose and filled the Posada as our team packed and cleaned up what we called home for two weeks.

Hasta luego, Chajul, the small town in Quiché that touched all of our hearts!

The Ties That Bind

22Jun

by Landry Lockett

Everyone in our group has experienced culture shock in varying degrees since arriving in Guatemala.  Sometimes it has felt like we’ve stepped back in time, with dirt-floor homes full of smoke from open-fire stoves; to farmers completing tasks with the original horse power.

Other times it feels like we’re on a different planet; complete with languages we have never heard, plants we have never seen, and food we have never tasted.

Many differences have been drastic; however, it has been interesting to observe facets of life that are the same both in the U.S.A. and Guatemala.  Just a few examples are as follows:

The power of a smile

The force of thunder and lightning

Momma’s fried chicken

Giggling girls

Boys throwing rocks and playing ball

The song from the ice cream truck that can be heard throughout town

Running to beat the rain

Young lovers and private conversations

The sweet sounds of birds singing

Pride in country

The carrying on of traditions

Flowers in bloom

The universal language of laughter

Mischievous students

Weeds in the garden

Fussy babies

Curious babies

Hard work and stinky bodies

Holding hands

Little girls modeling mom’s behavior

Little boys building things

Parents providing as best they can

Church bells ringing

The desire to be successful

The desire to be happy

Faith, Hope, and Love

These things remind me that there are universal, unifying themes found in the hearts of mankind scattered around the world.  Our differences add spice and tell amazing stories.  Our similarities bind our hearts together.

I am forever, positively changed by the differences and similarities discovered on this trip.

Sticking To Guatemala

21Jun

by Cera Southerland

For the first time in almost a week, we were able to sleep in this morning! ¡Es solo un hora, pero que magnifico esta!

Despite the minimal water pressure in the showers that kept us from being able to shower, we had a hearty breakfast of pancakes, watermelon, and pineapple (by far, my favorite fruit here)!

We returned to Batzul to teach the students the importance of their organic pesticides, vermiculture compost, and the different vegetables in their garden.  We started off playing fruit basket turnover.  After a couple minutes of trying to play and the kids giggling and smiling, the teacher re-explained the game in Quiché (their native language) for all the kids to fully understand.  After that, they all got involved in the game and had a blast.  We followed that up with a game of Pesticide Tag, which Daniel made up, and the kids loved it! All the kids that were pesticides protected the plant kids from the pests with such enthusiasm! 

Being able to watch the students at these different schools enjoy such simple games and toys is a blessing and an experience that I wish everyone could get to see!  We constantly have cute girls run up to you just wanting to hold your hands while you play any game!

We came prepared with activities for the kids to learn from so we could further educate them on the importance of their new vermiculture compost and organic pesticides, and their vegetables.  We started off quizzing them on what goes into their vermiculture box and why each component was important.  Then we had them make a mini compostura in a plastic cup so they could put the components in themselves.

Next, we went over the different vegetables they have in their garden and what they are called in English.  It’s amazing how these kids answer questions in unison! We gave the kids a matching game so they could match the Spanish name and picture of each vegetable to the English word.  The kids retained the English word so well and were thrilled when they matched the cards correctly! 

We passed out zoo animal stickers to the kids as prizes or gifts for participating in class.  I ended up with a monkey sticker and showed a few boys what monkeys do and the noise they make, oo-ing and aah-ing while I scratched my underarms.  They giggled at the crazy gringa, but started to do the same thing back to me!

We finished up our time at Batzul simply playing with the kids and taking pictures with them.  I sat with one little boy wearing plaid overalls and showed him different hand games and how to bump fists and make them explode.  We repeated the same handshake over and over, and every time our fists hit he flashed the biggest smile with the cutest dimples a kid could have.  I took pictures of him and showed them to him after; he seemed so intrigued to see himself on a camera and smiled every time.

Before we left, we got a picture with all the kids and teachers with our Aggie flag.  We topped off our visit at Batzul with the Aggie War Hymn! They all loved it, and kids from the village gathered around the fence of the school while we sang. It was definitely a memorable way to end our time at the Batzul School!

We traveled back into Chajul to have lunch at a LHI employee’s house.  Her mother, the best cook in Chajul according to Laura and Jake, cooked us the most amazing fried chicken and rice meal we’ve had all trip!!

We returned to La Posada for some classic Texas A&M class time and later some delicious chicken fajitas for dinner.  It’s definitely nice to have a piece of Tex-Mex here in Guatemala every now and then!

We all spent our nights working on homework and relaxing with each other (if that’s even possible with those two together)!  We are all truly bonding, like a family of our own here in Guatemala.  It’s amazing how close you become with people that you didn’t even know before the trip started. With all the projects we’ve completed and people we’ve met, we are all growing closer together, and I’m excited to see where this trip takes us in the end as a group and individually. 

Adios Visuchuj!

21Jun

by Julie Brod

At 7:30 we had breakfast, which consisted of eggs, black beans, tortillas, toast, pineapple, bananas, and other fruit.  We then spent the next hour preparing a game plan for our morning activities at the primary school in Visuchuj. 

At 9 a.m. we left to go to the LHI office to refill our water bottles since the Posada was currently out of filtered water.  After filling up on water, we then got in the bus and rode to the school to spend time with the students and teachers.

We played an icebreaker, informed them about the usage of pesticides, made a miniature worm compost in a cup, and gave a demonstration over personal hygiene.  After handing out a “grande” amount of toothbrushes and toothpaste, we said our goodbyes and left the school.

Today was our last day to have lunches in the local homes of Guatemalans.  However, the same menu we had for breakfast is exactly what we had for lunch.  Eggs, black beans, and tortillas!!!  Needless to say we stopped by a tienda for sodas and plastic packaged cupcakes for an afternoon snack.

Next we had class time, where we discussed the  promotion of future study abroad trips to Guatemala in Dr. Wingenbach’s class.  In Dr. Moore’s class we talked about task and relationship behaviors in leadership as well as the elimination of dysfunctional behaviors in completing group activities.

For supper, the “Wing Team” (Dr. Wingenbach, Sydney, Caroline, and I) cooked noodles, cheese sauce, vegetables, and opened cans of tuna.  It was not exactly what I would call the Olive Garden experience, however, it was not half bad.

Reflections after supper, lead by Cera and Daniel got the entire group thinking about how we have had the chance to have such a life changing experience and how we could use our knew knowledge to make a difference in our future endeavors at Texas A&M and in our life after graduation.

I will miss Visuchuj but am excited to head back to the primary school in Batzul. Be sure and check tomorrow to hear about our big adventures there.

On the Streets of Chajul

19Jun

by Kesley Fraley

After a long morning filled with French toast, an exam, and class, we took off for lunch at the home of Limitless Horizons Ixil families. We were served guisquil (a local plant) soup with a fried egg and some yummy blue corn tortillas.

After lunch, we headed back up the mountain to the office where we heard the origins of LHI from cofounder and executive director Katie Morrow.

Katie founded LHI with Chajul native Pedro Cabo. In 2005, LHI started by providing 10 scholarships to Chajulense students; today the organization gives 68 scholarships and has a tutoring program and a public library. LHI also provides their students with textbooks and a computer lab.

Most students in the program are the first in their family to study and become literate. Because of this, LHI has strict rules when applying for the program. They only accept students entering the 7th grade with low economic status, good grades, motivation, and a supportive family.

The average middle school student receives $10 a month for 10 months and the average high school student collects $40 a month for 10 months. Students are also given school supplies and other resources on top of their monthly check, equaling about $1000 a year per student. 

I found it really amazing how fast LHI has grown in the last 7 years. I am proud to work with this organization along with Philanthropiece, while in Chajul.

After Katie’s talk, we had an introduction to LHI’s Artisan Program and then had time to shop from a variety of choices that a few Chajulense women brought to the LHI office. The women were selling huipiles (woven tops), fajas (woven belts), cortes (skirts), shaws, scarfs, bracelets, purses, and many other small things.

The “Gringos” enjoyed bargaining with the women and a lot of us got a fair amount of merchandise. Needless to say, today was a great day on the streets of Chajul!

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