Part 23 "Many Worthwhile Projects"

Michelle writes:

There are many, many worthwhile projects here. There is a library here that was the dream of a gal from California who had been a Peace Corps volunteer here eight years ago. These children aren't accustomed to books. Most come from homes where the parents are illiterate. They speak a dialect of Mayan and some Spanish, but the Mayan language is not a predominantly-written language. A priest (who was later murdered) had translated the New Testament into this language. The library is a bright cheery space where students come to study and have access to resources like maps which, due to lack of funding, aren't available in the classroom. 

I also visited a school that received funds from "Sharing the Dream" to assist with construction. The parents had come and hand-dug the side of a mountain to create a flat spot. A cinder block retaining wall had been built below to hold the dirt during the rainy season. This year's project is building a retaining wall to prevent a home above the school from washing down. Fathers of the students stay at the school each night to prevent vandalism. The mothers prepare and serve the snacks and meal. The few students who receive scholarships are interviewed, assuring that the student and parents are committed to the success of the student. The student must do community service to give back to the village. This is an integral part of "Sharing the Dream." Every recipient of monetary support must perform community service for the betterment of the village. I really love this philosophy.

Here's some information from their website: 

"Sharing the Dream in Guatemala is a non-profit organization that promotes fair trade with cooperatives and small businesses in Guatemala. We are committed to providing fair wages and employment opportunities to low-income artisans, which will result in creating sustainable markets for their products. Our craft products are handmade by Mayan artisans using many traditional techniques. Purchasing these crafts not only provides work for these artisans, but the profits go to support community development projects in Guatemala. Friends of Sharing the Dream is a 501c(3) organization which accepts donations to be used for projects helping the artisans and their families."

If you want to know more about "Sharing the Dream" in Guatemala, go to http://www.sharingthedream.org/

Part 13 "Finding Myself"

Michelle writes:

Well, I think I now know why I had to come so far away to find myself. I feel so free here. It's just me and no one else to rely on. It's empowering to be in a strange place, knowing I’m OK and will figure out what I need to know, on my own. Being married for so long, I needed to know I can be okay, and in the States it just isn't the same with my safety network of family and friends. Although by writing and posting, I'm still not alone, because you all are with me.

The people I meet are great. Yesterday, I had lunch with Ginny from Vermillion, South Dakota, who is here for 2-1/2 months. She has been involved with a group that sells products from Guatemala, such as organic coffee and textiles, in a fair trade shop in Vermillion. They have return customers for the coffee, and then hope they will also buy gifts. The chocolate here is pretty good also! 
The originator of this project will be in Guatemala next week. Once again  timing came through for me. I'll meet with them next week at their project at Santiago Atitlan, a village on Lake Atitlan. They have a shelter for older women where I want to volunteer. "Sharing the Dream" is their website at: http://www.sharingthedream.org/

So many people are doing service work, and there is such a great need. Don't know where it will take me, but I'm exploring options. 


Education increases the options we can explore. The Scheel Center (see earlier blog post: Part 12) is in the process of raising $10, 000 to fund their school here.  Their deadline is Easter Sunday, April 24th, and they've already raised $4,000. If you want to contribute, please go to www.globalgiving.org. Type "Scheel Center" into the website's search box, and you'll find donation options that will benefit The Scheel Center.