Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
ALEC Abroad

She Gave … Everything.

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!

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!

…and then it was done, for now.

by Gary Wingenbach

At some point in life, we all have the same nagging doubt, “if only I knew then what I know now, it would’ve been much different.” I could’ve acted differently. I would’ve, or wouldn’t have, said what I said. Damn it all, if only I had known that time was running out!

We seldom get the chance to purposefully plan our thoughts, actions, and deeds when we know the imminent end of something is near. But, that shouldn’t keep us from purposefully planning our future thoughts, actions, and deeds for living a different life because of our most recent experience.

That is how we find ourselves, 10 Aggies, three ALEC faculty members, and one future Aggie, preparing to leave Chajul, Guatemala this morning. Our time here was too short, but we vow to live our lives differently because of the changes Chajul has made in us.

Ironic, we came to Chajul to collaborate with the Philanthropiece Foundation and Limitless Horizons Ixil in service-learning projects that would change lives in several mountainous villages. Chajul and her villages of Visuchuj, Batzul, and Ixla, changed us!

Now we are more open-minded about rural development. We are more tolerant and accepting of each other. Certainly, after many “it’s just a short hike” warnings, we’re more in shape now than when we arrived. Probably most of all, we are less naive about the necessities of life.

We could not help but be changed by the thousands of warm smiles, waves, and greetings every place we visited. We could not help but be changed by Jake Matlak and Laura Myers, our ever positive, upbeat, and energetic cultural program leaders. Thank you Jake and Laura! Thank you so much for understanding that the transition from a U.S. cultural perspective to what you now see from our group is an arduous undertaking. Thank you for your infinite patience.

A little more than two weeks ago, we all knew this ending would occur today. Yet, I don’t think any of us realized just how difficult it is to say goodbye. Through the many heart-felt conversations yesterday and last night, through the hugs and the tears with our Guatemalan collaborators, these Aggies have dedicated themselves to take their experience back to Aggieland, to share it widely with family and friends, to make a difference elsewhere in life.

Several Aggies now have plans to assist the Philanthropiece Foundation and Limitless Horizons Ixil with their artisan projects, agricultural science curriculum development, and sponsorship of a LHI scholar. I am not surprised by this outcome because the Aggie spirit and work ethic knows no bounds to the challenges of life.

I am very proud to have shared this experience with Annalee Antoon, Caroline Black, Julie Brod, Kesley Fraley, Joshua Hardcastle, Daniel Haywood, Jenna Howell, Cristina Palomino, Poleth Robledo, Cera Southerland, Lori Moore, Landry Lockett, and most of all, with Sydney Wingenbach!

And so, our Guatemala Study Abroad 2012 is nearing its end. A mere four days from this writing will find us checking monitors in the Guatemala City airport, anticipating our return to a very hot and humid Texas.

I will miss this cool, spring-like climate. I will miss these mountains. And until 2013, I will surely miss you, Chajul!

The Ties That Bind

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

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!

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

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!

Ripples…

by Hannah Davinroy

Over 30 percent of the world’s population is living without access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities. 

One of the leading causes of death in children under the age of five is water-borne disease. 

My work for the last year has been to design a project that will address the issue of contaminated water here in Chajul, Guatemala. I’ve explored many filtration systems, water pumps, and solar disinfection technology, but without education, none of these solutions are sustainable or successful.

Tuesday, Philanthropiece is hosting a community event incorporating activities such water cycle coloring sheets and a “make-your-own-filter” station as well as presentations from local organizations on their clean water technologies.

Seven local schools are coming to learn more about the importance of clean water. My hope is to spread awareness and introduce possible solutions to students and their families with the goal of promoting health.

International development work is hard. There are many ways to approach it, but none of them seem to be perfect. We can’t always change the world, but we are a drop of water in a lake and the ripples eventually hit the shore.

Tuesday is about Las Ondas. Ripples.

Today, while hosting a workshop on building a BioSand Filter, one of the filters to be presented tomorrow, I had an incredible meaningful conversation with Gerber Perez, the clean water promoter for Mission Impact. We were discussing inspiration. The question was “Why do we do this work?”.

His answer: “I do this work because I know how it feels. I carried water up a hill for my family instead of going to school. I didn’t have water in my house until 1996. I was given an opportunity to get an education. I was given an opportunity to get myself out of this situation. I am proud of my Guatemalan people for the challenges they’ve overcome. We do not need nor deserve handouts. We deserve and need an opportunity.”

And that’s where I see my role – as someone who’s life has been full of opportunity. The water fair tomorrow is about creating a ripple and an opportunity to share my knowledge and  passion about something that almost everyone in the United States takes for granted.

Water should not be a privilege, but, in truth, it is. 

Tomorrow, with the help of Texas A&M students, I hope to put a dent in that. I hope to promote that clean water is a basic human need.

All it takes is a drop in a bucket to create a ripple effect of change. 

Hannah Davinroy is currently a senior at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, Colorado. She is part of Philathropiece’s Youth Global Leadership Program and has spent the past week in Chajul with Aggies, who plan to help her at the Clean Water Fair.

Checkmate

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.

Goal!

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 22nd 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!