by Daniel Haywood

Saturday we woke up at the usual 7 a.m., had an excellent breakfast of steak and eggs fajita style, and then headed off to field day.

The plan was to play soccer and basketball, do arts and crafts, give hip hop dance lessons, play board games, and paint faces. I didn’t know what to really expect or how many kids there would be, but I was pretty excited about it. I was hoping I would be able to keep busy without showcasing my lack of sports ability.

It was a pretty decent walk to the school, which has sort of become the standard for going anywhere. We arrived safely at the site despite the numerous schemes involving intentional fictional personal injury to warrant hiring a toktok (local taxi-tricycle thing) for the trip there and back.

There was a big soccer field next to a basketball/soccer concrete court, and a big stadium with another soccer/basketball court. We went into the stadium and divided up into teams. Board games were an easy choice for me. 

It was pretty funny when the kids first split off and chose what to go play, because they all chose crafts, face paint, and dancing, and left me and my board game comrades all alone. 

We had checkers, chess, Chinese checkers, and connect four. Another easy choice, I set up the chess set and was eventually challenged by a young girl. I stomped her, which was nice for my ego, and moved on to the next.

Unfortunately, she didn’t know how to play and didn’t speak English. I tried to explain that it was a very complicated game and tried to get a translator. I quickly realized there is no way I would be able to teach the entire game through a translator and still have time to play.

A boy volunteered his competency and took her place, thankfully. After a couple games we attracted a small crowd of kids all giving their advice on how to beat the gringo, I assume. It was all said in Ixil so I couldn’t glean even the smallest tidbit of information other than when they pointed out potential moves (that kinda helped me more then it helped them I think).

In all I enjoyed 4 or 5 decisive victories and lost twice. I was surprised at how many of the kids really liked chess, knew all the rules and played intelligently. There were some very young, unassuming boys and girls that put up a pretty good fight. It was also really cool how not a word was spoken between my opponents and me but we never had a problem with the game. Pointing and saying “no” to enforce rules, and pointing at the king to declare check was very effective.

I really enjoyed playing chess with those kids. It was the first time I had really sat down and interacted with any of them since being here. They were all good sports and didn’t try to cheat or complain, which I thought was rather different than my experiences back in the States with little kids playing games.

After my second loss, I relinquished my place and went to investigate the other forms of frivolities taking place around me. I played soccer a bit and was pleased to just make contact with the ball once in a while.

I was blown away at how quick these kids are! One little guy was better than good players my age, and he ran circles around everyone.

Soon it was time to sing “Happy Birthday” to Poleth and go back to the LHI office for lunch. Elma cooked up some lo mien for us, and wow it was delicious! The meals at the office with her are always really good, but I think today was my favorite.

We then went back to home base, had a little class time, and then prepared for the home stays. I was the only guy in our group who wanted to participate, and only 2 other girls had not backed out after seeing what it would be like. Dr. Lockett was too sick to go, but thankfully our fearless leader Jake volunteered to go with me.

I was rather pleased with this arrangement because it meant that he could translate everything, and it wouldn’t be a night of charades and awkward silence.  I took a little nap until it was time, and then we headed off.

I was rather nervous about my first Guatemalan sleep over and didn’t envision it being particularly comfortable or fun, but I wanted to experience it for the sake of culture and seeing how these people really lived. I always like the excitement of going into something unprepared and unaware of what to expect, because flying by the seat of my pants and making it up as I go is my preferred style.

That philosophy is not as much fun in school. 

We arrived and were greeted by big smiles, handshakes and lots of little eyes watching us intently. I noticed one little guy in the corner quietly trying to do a trick with his hands that I later learned was taught to him last year by Jake. We had some good small talk about general stuff while dinner was cooking, and then the kids asked us to play with them.

Of course we obliged and followed them into their backyard. Now when I say backyard, I mean that we climbed up a little hill past the homemade latrines and simple wooden corn hutch until we arrived at a little bit of mostly flat ground that had the most incredible view of the village and the surrounding mountains. I

t was breathtaking, and I had a hard time keeping my eyes on the game. Naturally, the game was soccer. The little ones ran around somewhat aimlessly kicking the ball, and I clumsily tried to play along. They were smiling and giggling the entire time we were up there.

Our audience was a little piggy running around amidst us perusing the menu of grass and bugs and a big pig tied up on the hill. I think they were rooting for my team, but they were pretty hard to read.

I was overwhelmed by the gorgeous view of the town with all the huts sending up their individual hazes of cooking fires, the sun setting, the kids laughing, and the pigs running around the lush green landscape.

I can confidently say it was the best soccer game of my life even though I hardly scored a goal.

Eventually word came that it was time for dinner, and we returned to the house. We had tortillas with eggs and beans, and it was delicious. The kids all ate with us, and it was really nice.

After dinner, we took turns teaching each other games and songs with the kids. There was only one light in the house which was the only visible use of electricity in the whole place, so it got very dark very quickly. I hung my light from the ceiling, and we kept playing until it was time for bed.

We had a good conversation with the dad about America and how it was nigh impossible for him to visit America no matter how much he wanted to.  He was very intelligent and curious and wanted to see pictures of America, so Jake pulled out a magazine and everyone huddled around and very intently looked at each page.

I think they noticed how sleepy Jake and I were and got some wooden planks and a blanket to get us off the dirt floor. Since everyone lived in one room it was definitely a group thing to declare it time to go to bed, but it went pretty smoothly, and the kids quieted down quickly.

I finally got to try out my new sleeping bag, and it worked wonderfully. I fell asleep quickly and slept through the night, to awake to roosters crowing and the muted sounds of the village coming to life at about 5:30 or 6. 

We were given a cup of coffee and a sweet roll and headed back home. It was an incredible experience, and I hope I never forget it.

I was surprised by how enjoyable it all was and how easily life seemed to flow despite the lack of all of the necessities and technology that I am accustomed to.

I walked home thinking I would enjoy doing it again the next night. I wish everyone could have an experience like this.

by Cera Southerland

Our normal days in Chajul always begin with a morning walk to the Limitless Horizons Ixil office, but today we extended our walk to a high school on the outskirts of town for Chajul Field Day with a group of LHI scholars.

It was definitely more of a hike than a relaxed morning stroll, but we ended up at the intermediate school that sits on a beautiful, open plot of land with an outdoor basketball/soccer court, an indoor gym set up for both sports, a full-sized soccer field for the city league, and a great view of the town of Chajul.  

As the students started to pile inside the gym, all we could see were smiles, and we knew that Field Day in Chajul was a big deal for the students.  We split ourselves up into four groups for board games, dancing, caterpillar building, and face painting.  Once the students were told the different stations, they all sprinted to each one excited to see what we had for them to do.

A big group of girls learned how to two-step and “wobble” thanks to the energetic and dance-inclined Jenna and her assistant Josh.

Students of all ages constantly ran through the face painting station getting hearts, stars, and flowers painted on their face by the oh-so-talented Julie, Sydney, and Alicia as well as myself.  Some students even got such intricate paintings such as a volcano blowing smoke, a pirate, and a butterfly that covered one boy’s face.

When all the crafts and games were finished, we split the students up to play basketball and futbol! Many of the girl students displayed their fine basketball skills inside with Dr. Wingenbach, Caro, and Cristina.  Needless to say, Doctor Wingenbach plays basketball like a girl! 

The rest of the students, mainly the boys, went outside to play a couple rounds of futbol with the Youth Global Leadership girls from Philanthropiece, Jenna, Jake, and myself.  You can tell how serious futbol is in Chajul by the skill level of the boys that played.  Even 10-year-olds play better than me!!!

After hours of the students running circles around us, we had to say our goodbyes, but, before we left, we all gathered around Poleth and sang “Happy Birthday” to her for her 22^nd birthday! WHOOP WHOOP!!

We then hiked back into town to the LHI office to enjoy yet another delicious meal cooked by Elma.  That woman knows how to cook!!! 

Once we were all refueled, we headed back to La Posada to relax for the afternoon before everyone left for the homestays.  But the birthday festivities weren’t over yet!!

We surprised Poleth with a scrumptious chocolate and vanilla cake for her birthday and sang to her again.  Seeing as we haven’t had dessert in weeks, we scarfed down the cake in a minute flat with only crumbs left on the platter!

This evening a few of us will leave for the homestays with host families here in Chajul! Until then, it’s relaxation and study time for us!

I’m looking forward to more hikes and the experiences that are ahead of us on this trip!

By Julie Brod

After a healthy serving of pancakes for breakfast, we walked to the Chajul lumber yard to meet the van that would be taking us to today’s big activity. We then loaded the van with precut lumber and headed to Batzul to start our second vermiculture project.

When we arrived at Batzul’s primary school, we immediately started building the worm compost station. While the majority our group was helping with the construction, the remaining students helped the children cut up vegetables that would serve as ingredients for organic pesticides and insecticides. 

The team leaders for the Batzul project (Daniel, Cristina and I) conducted an interview with the teachers and director of the school to find out secondary projects for our next visit Friday. They suggested we give the kids an English lesson as well as a lesson on personal hygiene. We left the school almost done with the worm compost box and a few mixes of the organic pesticides.

For lunch, a local Batzul woman cooked our group a large helping of boxbol. However, each of us could eat no more than five pieces before we had to give up. (We have grown somewhat tired of boxbol). Luckily, when we returned to our hotel, Jake, Laura, Sydney and Kesley made us grilled cheese sandwiches.

After class, we had downtime and time to study for an upcoming test in Dr. Moore’s class.

For supper, we had spaghetti made by our Philanthropiece visitors from Colorado. After boxbol, we were more than happy for a “normal” meal!

by Daniel Haywood

Yesterday, we woke up to a typical chilly Guatemalan morning. 

The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the roosters were crowing and the dogs were fighting. We had our standard breakfast of eggs, beans, tortillas and fresh fruit, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The toast with peanut butter and honey really brings it home. 

Most of our group quickly got ready to take a nice hike that was allegedly “mostly flat” to a sacred Mayan site. Those of us that were not feeling up to the hike opted to go to story time at the library. 

The hike turned out to be a short and intense hike straight up a mountain, which was totally cool. We were all breathing pretty heavy when we made it to the top in 45 minutes, which turns out to be a new record.

We had to be quiet when we reached the top because there was a man praying by a fire, which was pretty cool. We walked through the site, which consisted of multiple outcroppings of boulders with ashy offering spots. There was a group of women praying at an altar with a little fire and some bunches of flowers propped up against the boulder.

I felt like I was intruding on this sacred place, so I tried to be as silent as possible and smile at the people if they looked at me.

We hiked a bit higher to the tip top of the mountain, where there were a few more rock altars and started taking pictures. The view was incredible! We could see the whole town of Chajul from up there and could also see for miles in every direction.

We saw mountains after mountains sprawling out in every direction, all covered in dense forests and the occasional corn field. It was beautiful.

Pedro Daniel (a Philantropiece scholar) told us the story of the mountain, which was pretty interesting. We walked back down to the big main site to look around some more and chill.

The guy was still praying over his fire. He sounded so intense and emotional, and I kept hearing him say, “Tanteush,” which means “thank you” in Ixil (the native language of Chajul). At one point he sacrificed some local moonshine out of a water bottle, which fueled the fire nicely. He was really into it, and it was the most intense praying I’ve ever seen.

We all sat around and took in the sights for a while, then started heading down.

The praying man eventually left, but he must have been praying there for at least an hour, all alone with his fire and machete. They all seemed to leave their fires going when they left. They were definitely not boy scouts. I guess it is ok since the fires were all sitting on rock slabs and are presumably protected by the spirit of the mountain.

The walk down was really easy, and nobody slipped too badly. We returned to the Philanthropiece building and most people went back to the Posada (our hotel) or to the library.

I stayed and interviewed Loupita with Jake (one of our group leaders) translating. We all had to interview a local leader about leadership and their work for ALED, and I chose Loupita because I had briefly met her at the Posada when she came to visit Laura.

The interview was awesome!

She had so much to say for each question, and she blew me away with how deep her answers were. Jake was also very impressed with how well spoken she was. I got much more from that interview than I had expected.

She had headed a project to place three big trash cans at strategic points in the city, because pollution and trash is a huge problem that greatly contributes to the disease and general unhealthiness in the city. She also works with schools, and her strategy is to work with the people by first telling them that she is not any more important than they are. She has a very gentle approach to leadership, which contrasts greatly with the heavy-handed style of the Guatemalan government and most men in authority.

Then ,we all had lunch at Philanthropiece, which was one of the best lunches yet! We had steak, rice, beets, potatoes and vanilla horchata. After we couldn’t eat any more, we headed back to the Posada for class.

We all chilled after class and worked on various projects until dinner, which was fried chicken! It was soo good!

After dinner we had Ixil lessons, which was really fun! All the letters are more like simple sounds, as opposed to the more definite sounds in English and Spanish. We learned how to say “good morning,” “how are you,” “very good,” and “and you.” They translated, respectively, to “tchaglaxh,” “kamtalaxh,” “b’ankuxhin,” and “kech axh.”

I know it reads like gibberish, but it makes a little more sense when spoken.  After that, we chilled and talked and blogged. It was a great day.

by Poleth Robledo

Another beautiful morning in Chajul, barely able to jump out of bed, my body sore from yesterdays 2 hour hike, I was ready to start another day filled with more cultural experiences. Clearly, I am not in shape for the Chajulense lifestyle.

Nonetheless I got out of bed exited to start our first service project with the community of Visuchuj, not too far from Chajul. At Visuchuj, we are helping build a vermiculture site for compost, where the children of Visuchuj can learn to produce their own organic fertilizer.

At the school, we worked with 4th, 5th, and 6th graders who loved having us, “Americanos” helping with their project. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by the kiddos ready to interact with us.

After our service project we had lunch with local families that showed us how to make tortillas. Thinking it was an easy process, I was fooled by my own assumptions. Respect for the Chajulense women who make tortillas perfectly round everyday.

My tortilla was the worst tortilla in all of Guatemala!

It was not even close to being the round shape tortillas are supposed to be, but it was still edible! Filled with tortillas for lunch I was ready for a siesta after a worked-filled morning.

After dinner, we had a Chajul war veteran named Antonio come and shared his story about his survival with us. His story was amazing. I wished the other students were able to hear the passion behind his words.

The translator did great, but Antonio had a lot more passion in his speaking that made the story sharing a great experience. After he finished his speech it was only respectful that we stood up and clapped for sharing with us a horrible but memorable part of his life. 

It’s been a great day here in Chajul. Just another day for the books. I cannot wait for what other plans lie in front of us.

Till next time amigos. Saludos.

by Julie Brod

This morning after eating French toast, we were introduced to two local agriculturalists  about the projects we will be involved with during our stay in Chajul. They spoke on Chajul’s current agricultural situation and the struggles the locals face in crop production.

One of the difficulties that local Guatemalans face when dealing with diversifying crop production is their families limited income. Other government programs have stressed the importance of incorporating more or different varieties of crops in their field operations. However, they have not been successful because people are unwilling to invest their money into new crops when their is not a model of diversity in their community.

Often locals have to see other locals doing the same practice, or else they will refer back to their original and older traditions of farming. This is where they have found that finding successful leaders within the community will help sustain the new agricultural practices the government wishes to implement.

This information has given our group a much broader understanding of agriculture in Chajul. 

Eating lunch in locals’ homes has put into perspective the challenges that Guatemalan women face on a daily basis regarding cooking and cleaning for their families.

In the evening, we discussed how different our lives are from Guatemalans. We discussed what we had seen and heard over the past few days in Chajul.

Truly, we have all been touched by our experiences here. It is our hope to touch the people of Chajul as they have touched us in our short stay here.