where asparagus and spanish collide

Joyful!

2008-08-07T22:46:00.007-05:00

A preface to this blog; an afterthought to this blog:

I am not suggesting that building a home is not an expression of the love I have received in Christ. Rather, I am suggesting that just as faith without actions is dead (James 2:17), so too deeds without an expression of faith is perhaps ambiguous -- or an incomplete expression of the hope and love we have in Jesus.
Moving on...Today we completed the home that was started a week or two before we came. Here is a picture of Veronica and her children (less a camera shy boy and their working father). They say "Gracias!" This is a joyful day -- the house is basically complete (less moving in). A need met and to be enjoyed for a lifetime. It truly does changes one´s outlook and spirit. By changing their living condition, you are pouring hope into a situation that may feel hopeless. We had a barbecue to celebrate the completion today at lunch with the construction workers. The boys from the family celebrated by scrapping it out on their new porch!

Last weekend, we went to Semuc Champey. Summary in brief sentence fragments:
gorgeous pools of water, "cattle" transportation (pictured above - only 15 per ride haha!), Only one break down of the bus (because the clutch actually wasn´t fixed in the shop); Only 3 police pulling us over and not needing to pay any bribes; finding a delicious cup of hot cacao - made purely from its bean; being inviting into the kitchen of a restaurant to learn how to make hot cacao from its bean - the deal was that Dale and I couldn´t comment on the state of the kitchen (I love the "stringent" health regulations of restaurants here!); enjoying time with Guatemalan friends from the church and learning Spanish inside jokes (¡Baya!).

Well talk with you soon.
Andres

P.S. I will upload pictures in Antigua on Sunday as the Internet is slow in Tizate right now.

Struggle

2008-08-04T22:53:00.003-05:00

Life is...Struggle.
A struggle for more, a struggle for less... a struggle for more of what?

Unkept, messy rooms. A basket filled with dirty laundry. An unwiped table attracting flies. This is what I observed when visiting a family I connected with last summer. They received a home after last summer from Global Shore. It is a family with five boys and a mother. The father passed away a few years ago. Their house and living condition is better, but did it truly solve and meet their struggle completely? Is this only part of the picture of ¨love¨? By the way, the boys and I had a blast playing soccer and monkey in the middle.

I guess I´m realizing the temporary fulfilment a house provides a family. It provides a lifelong impact in their living conditions, but the struggle we observe is still there. A new home is perhaps only possible through external help due to their current economic situation, but it only touches the surface of the need.

In the past week or so, I feel this insatiable hunger and longing for a deeper and fresh encounter with Jesus. Living off the few clothes and items packed within a suitcase, I see how my life is not as distracted by the ¨things¨ I purchase. I am noticing more and more how empty the promises of consumerism are - if you buy this, it will satisfy. Items that provide temporary fulfilment. This has challenged me to live next year more simply so that I can remove obstacles that deter me from pursuing a fresher and deeper relationship with Jesus. My solution or challenge: A Buy Nothing Year. How can this possibly occur? This means, I will be avoiding buying new items and items I do not deem necessary - aka, I can buy food, gasoline and necessities. I hope this will teach me that when I am tired and weary, I can go straight to Jesus, who can grant me true rest and satisfaction. It is saying, I choose to live simply and find comfort in Jesus who remains forever. This is my struggle for less.

On the other hand, as I struggle to live simply and void consumerism of its power, I see how it is causing struggle in families here. With rising food costs, I was talking with my host mother and others. Staple foods - such as corn flour and black beans - have doubled and tripled in price. They already spend a considerable proportion of their earnings (60-80%) on food. I think through my observation, the rising price of gasoline burdens developing countries more so, as their disposable income is minimal to begin with. This may cause concern or worry. The pressure to provide and to live is a constant struggle. This is the struggle for more to meet needs.

Perhaps along with temporary satisfaction - building a home - we need to recognize and look to Jesus who provides us with eternal satisfaction. Perhaps in a sense, whether striving for more or less, we strive for a constant satisfaction. We need to learn that we can give Jesus our concerns to find true peace within our lives by trusting that Jesus will provide us with our needs. Perhaps providing my Guatemalan friends with this truth - void of the lies consumerism teaches us. Applying generosity and help with a message of Jesus´ hope and peace for the future completes this picture of love.

We are always in need - no matter where we are in the world - and we need to know and trust that Jesus can provide us with the hope and peace we need for our weary souls.

Take care,
Andrew

P.S. It has also been a struggle to keep up with my blog. There has been several random and extended power outages this last week (not to mention the extended periods without running water). Thus, I apologize for the lack of posts. Hopefully there will be a few to catch up this week. Up next: Meeting the construction family and a weekend away.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.¨- Jesus, Matthew 11:28-29

Filled with Double Meanings

2008-07-22T22:12:00.011-05:00

This blog is inspired by the fact that one words in the English language may have multiple meanings. Also, some English words have two Spanish equivalents and vice versa.

Sick - My second week here in Tizate and Guatemala can be summarized by this word. As in, the scenery in Guatemala is ¨sick¨(aka beautiful, gorgeous). It has also made me ¨sick¨(as in, intense stomach pains). Here, you see the enticing pineapple and mango sold on the streets in Antigua. I bought a mango, which is apparently a ¨no no¨in rainy season, as they collect extra water and bacteria. I was sick for a whole day! After my trip to Panajachel and Lake Atitlan, I also laid on my bed with intense stomach pain. Pray that I feel better. (This also explains my late post). Or perhaps Guatemalan timelines are influencing my lifestyle.

This past weekend, I was able to visit Panajachel and Lake Atitlan with some of the group. Is that view not ¨sick¨? It is three volcanoes surrounding a lake that developed within the craters of the volcanoes. It is by far, one of the most beautiful places I have seen in this world. I was able to explore the lake by public and private boat rides. This allowed me to really see how I was in a lake surrounded by three volcanoes. The theme of the weekend was going on boat rides that never made it to the destination we were initially told.

Time - I am reminded of the movie ¨Rent¨. How do you measure a year in the life? I am sure that in some sense, sometimes we measure life by money. In the past week, I have been affirmed twice, that life should be measured in time and relationships. At the start of last week, the group went up to Tactic. There, Impact Ministries has established 4-5 schools. They follow similar visions for Tizate´s school, although they are a few years ahead in the process. It was neat to see the future of Global Shore Opportunities´school vision for Tizate. Children, if brought up through the school in Godly and responsible ways, can become the system of hope for the future of El Tizate. Rita and Les Peters (Founders of Impact Ministries) emphasized that it is not the projects that are of utmost importance, it is the relationships and the time invested in people that matter in life. They measure their success through their relationships and their ability to disciple children and teachers to live in Godly and responsible ways.

In Panajachel, here we are at Crossroads Cafe. We talked for an hour to the caffeinated owners (an American-South African couple). They discussed how they ended up in Guatemala and how they now would rather measure life in time as opposed to money. The man realized during one of his two-hour commutes in California that he spent 1000 hours on the road every year. He decided he would change careers so that he could reclaim those 1000 hours with his family as opposed to pursuing a money-savvy career. Was the extra money worth the time he was unable to spend with his family and build relationships? He now works with his family and children and they live above the coffee shop they own. Sweet eh?

Lesson learned: Measure life in time and not money. In trying to define life by time and relationships, living simply allows us to starve money of its ability to define us. It shifts us from consumerism to a relational priority. (Oh by the way - are you interested in joining me in a Buy Nothing Year?) More on that later.

It also frees up our money (which is ultimately not our own) to help others simply live.

Aside from that - Tizate is doing well. ESL classes are running smoothly. The first construction project is almost completed and we have begun digging the trenches for the second house. I will report on life on Tizate soon (My goal: Thursday).

Love you all lots!

Andrew

Appointed

2008-07-12T08:41:00.006-05:00

Arrived in Guatemala...in a day and a half.

Delayed flight in Detroit. Missed Connection in Fort Lauderdale. Anticipating our arrival in the hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Taxi Ride to Miami. Flight from Miami to Guatemala.

Tizate is a small rural village that is no more than a few roads and houses are either on the roads or carved into the mountains. Life here is filled with many new sights, smells and sounds. Imagine the smell of wood burning, along with polluted river smell wafting through the air, along with firecrackers starting as early as four in the morning to late into the night. And let´s not forget all the barking dogs.

It has been great to reconnect and live life as ¨normal¨ here in Tizate with Mariana and Factor. I have enjoyed their hospitality very much. Tonight, I made a Canadian meal of Omelets for them (with cheddar cheese - a rare and expensive find). I had a real philosophical debate - what constitutes Canadian food? (Let me know if you think you have an idea).

My Spanish is rapidly coming back although I still feel a little rusty. It has helped me develop relationships in the village.

I am excited about the relationships that are developing this visit to Tizate. Would you like to here about a lovely couple at the church I attend here; Alberto - a man who desires to speak English - who called out to me one night on my way home late at night; Nancho and Welfredo - the construction workers who I am have a great time getting to know; the ESL adult students who are speaking better than last summer?

Life is a struggle but I hope to gain a deeper glimpse into the culture of El Tizate, Guatemala through the relationships that God has given to me
- the life I´ve been appointed to live.

Andres.

(I will update the blog every Thursday night. I will unfold one picture of life here in Tizate per entry. Photos to come!)

Friends and Family. Period.

2008-07-02T18:52:00.008-05:00

Grain fields and windmills.

Friends from the asparagus pack house.

Coffee Culture. Tillsonburg Pay Day Runs. (Hoping to kick the coffee habit once again this summer)

Family.

Guatemala - stay tuned for weekly updates starting this Sunday. We are leaving in 3 hours!

Goodbye.

Andrew

Eroding

2008-06-29T09:18:00.011-05:00

Lakeshore Road is quite an interesting place. Before coming in late-April, part of the road eroded and collapsed. Here is a picture of the "Abyss". It was a gradual build up of water underneath the road and one day it just collapsed. It reminds me how the life is eroding and changing beneath us and how I need to root myself in God who is my constancy in the world that is changing.

This week amidst the work, I needed to fix my glasses. After a mild bump and having them fall off, I was under the assumption that my glasses needed one screw tightened and an adjustment. Instead, I found out that they needed a whole new arm. Luckily, I had super-Mom get on the case and tomorrow I will have the new frames.

Yesterday, the asparagus season ended after the busiest two weeks of packing in the barn. In the season approximately 2.4 million pounds of asparagus was packed, just to give you a magnitude of the operation. Boy was I happy when I pulled out the final skid of asparagus!

On Thursday, the team will be flying to El Tizate for the next two months.

Time in Port Burwell is eroding.

A few more days to enjoy the beauty of Lake Erie.

Life is going to change - surroundings, language, activities, friendships.

I look forward to my return - to build upon existing friendships, to receive a deeper glimpse into the culture of El Tizate (a rural Guatemalan village).

I will be living with Mariana and Factor - the family that hosted me last summer.

I will also be involved in the construction of the current housing projects as well as teaching an evening adult ESL class.

I will be posting a photo blog before leaving in the next few days.

Andrew

Unpredictable

2008-06-15T12:59:00.005-05:00

Have you ever stood in a moment and thought about how you arrived there?

Have you ever thought about the pieces of your life's puzzle that needed to fall into place to make "that" happen?

Seemingly unrelated pieces of a puzzle fit together to craft our life's journey. Looking forward at a bunch of scattered puzzle pieces, we realize that life is unpredictable in the way it is pieced together. Yet, when looking back on how we arrived to various moments, stages and events we can see how the pieces "make sense".

Or perhaps we are in moments right now that we do not understand the purpose or God's plan for them, but they will make sense in their time. Perhaps we are discouraged and need to re-piece the puzzle back together again.

In the asparagus barn, I've had many opportunities to reflect on my journey in life so far and where I have arrived, and events that have brought me there. But I tend to lean toward the future, thinking about all of the possibilities for my life. But, I am constantly reminded that the opportunities are endless (Teaching locally, abroad, pursuing my Masters), but God has specific puzzle pieces for my life that fit into his grand puzzle for humanity.

If I saw the whole picture to my life, it might feel scary, daunting or lacking adventure. It wouldn't require the trust or relationship that God designed for us to live out with him.

Therefore, I could speculate about my future or I can trust that the plans God has for me are to prosper, to not harm me and to give me hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). I just need to trust and listen to him, seeking God's heart in the moments he has given me, by not speculating and worrying about tomorrow but to be concerned for the moments I am in now (Matthew 6:34).

I've surrounded this blog with a picture of a sunrise and sunset, the start and closure to everyday - we cannot predict what will happen after that sunrise (how our day will unfold) or the sunset (what the future holds), but we need to embrace the opportunities Jesus has given us in the present, where he is challenging us to abide with him.

I am thankful for the silence or "thinking space" I am given in the barn to reflect upon life.

Take care,
Andrew

P.S. The Sunrise I watched in Port Burwell with Fiddy, while the sunset is just one of many in this beautiful area of Southern Ontario on Lake Erie.

Busy and Mischevious

2008-06-02T16:01:00.010-05:00

Dear loyal blog fans,

The theme to my titles with explore "La vida es..." (a neat phrase sketched into a rock in Antigua). Each title will answer this deep yet light-hearted question of what life can be.

I have been here living in the hamlet of Houghton Centre - in between Port Burwell and Port Rowan for the past month now. The asparagus season started early due to the warm weather in April, but the cold weather in May has slowed asparagus production down. The hours haven't been too long (9-10 hours a day) and my job is the same as last year (dragging skids of asparagus from the cooler and plopping the lugs onto the line to be bunched and packed). I have also been the "hoser" of Spearktek 6 - ensuring that the machine sprayed down clean. This job has been a welcome break from the University academia and has given me time to reflect and think.

Living out in the country has resulted in a few mischevious adventures for me at "The Ark" (where the 12 summer students reside).

Ironically, we had a flood in the basement of the Ark.

Kris, Dale and I are enjoying the upstairs loft (we call it the penthouse).

One day at the beginning of May, Dale and I were working on watering new trees and saw a dead hawk laying on the side of the road. We placed it in Mary's window with a note that said "I'm watching you with my hawk eyes". We hoped that the hawk would become the team mascot, but alas - it was decomposing and attracting unwanted flies.

While driving home from a team trip to St Jacobs, the group of people in the truck I was in, stopped at the side of the road to see if we could join the volleyball game occurring in a backyard we saw (thinking it would be fun and random). They shouted "No!" This is our first team shot in St Jacobs (less photographer Julianne).
Here's one more 'near' St Jacobs (Mom - look real hard haha) Here is Rachel (Yo-Yo), me, Dale and Mary.
One weekend ago, I was able to go see Dale get baptized in Leamington. It was great to attend and be there to support him on that day and visit with his family. That Sunday afternoon, we went to Point Pelee to stand at the most southern tip of Canada. Here we are sitting at the 42nd parallel in Canada.

Then here are Karla and I determining to reach the absolutely tip (with my life philosophy of "Go Big or Go Home"). Visit it someday if you haven't got the chance yet.
My apologies for my inability to post - from this point forward I'll update it weekly (perhaps on the Sunday or Monday).

Talk with you next time, with some ideas and thoughts God has been stirring in me.
Andrew

Lists, Lists, Lists

2008-04-23T15:58:00.006-05:00

Well, to preface this entry, I must say, I feel slightly euphoric writing this blog as I have completed my undergraduate degree today and will start teacher's college in the fall.

A few weeks back, I felt a little more nuttier than usual - trying to figure out all the details of moving, school assignments, marking exams, and writing my one exam. So I made up a "Freedom List" - hence, when all the items were checked off I equated this to freedom! What a sense of accomplishment.

Then, I started to think about my habit of list making for my sanity and organization. Yet, I realize how living from "list to list" has become my existence in the University system. Does this help me develop the habit of enjoying the "now" and everyday moments that make life beautiful - such as the spontaneity of nature, coffee shop conversation, enjoying meals and time with friends?

On Sunday, I'm moving down to Port Burwell, Ontario, to embark on "Round Two" of Global Shore Opportunities Summer Student Program. I've made a "list". I'm sure I'll accomplish them.
1. To learn to be more like Jesus.
2. To start living in the "now" and in the "everyday" moments.
3. To search and discover beauty in all circumstances, no matter what.
4. To live in community with others and learn what "community" means.

Stay tuned over the next four months: the first two filled with asparagus and the next two with El Tizate (the village that has a special place in my heart). Now it's time to pack, and move on, and spend a little time with family and friends before I depart.

Enjoy freedom in the everyday moments!
Andrew

Doesn't This Make You Smile

2007-10-09T11:52:00.001-05:00

Here is a photo of a majority of the children impacted by the summer construction projects.

It sits on my desktop and makes me smile...everytime.

Hope you smile too.

The Ugly Cry: Why I Will Miss Guatemala

2007-09-13T20:53:00.000-05:00

I have long been back to Canada. Settling in and still unpacking my experiences.

Here is the journal entry, late at night, the last night in Guatemala.

Today has been a very tough day. Last time to Antigua, last time eating favourite foods, last time using a chicken bus, last time spending quality time with my new Guatemalan friends. A place I have grown in love with is well going to have to be left behind soon.

A bunch of lasts today.

A bunch of good-byes.

It is tough to say if I will return which makes this tough as well. Especially Jocelyn and Josue (my cute brother and sister...who are pulling Lassie's ears).

It was the kids at the construction site that caused me to ugly cry. It began like usual - playing. Although it rained very much (aka no futbal), we played and laughed at Melvin (Mel-bean - the child who was just playing by the fire in this photo), a crazy hilarious young boy. Then as supper time was approaching, Alejandra told me her abuela (grandma) wanted to see me. Then, the grandma hugged me and began to weep.

Through her muddled Spanish (because she was crying), she said that I have a special place in hers and the kids' hearts. Chon (the mom) echoed this and began to cry. I began crying when all the kids began to hug me and started to cry. I guess we had grown incredibly close through play and I will miss them greatly. I have never seen two ladies weep SO hard saying "pobrezito" (poor little thing).

They even gave me 7 snacks for the road. This expense is great to them - terrible feeling like I was taking the kids snack food for the next day - but it's a universal sign to me of their love. They wanted me to have a nice flight back to my family. They want me to stay but I cannot... I guess I gave them a piece of my heart, and they gave me a piece of theirs.

May I remember them - and learn to be generous and extravagant. They were with the little they had.

Then the worst part! "Hasta manana!" I realized this was the end of the last play session, the last time I would say this. I began to weep...and weep... and weep some more. I was in a full out ugly cry on my walk home - in the rain. (I was also laughing, because it was like some movie dramatics - sadness and rain.)

Goodbyes are tough.

Tomorrow will be tough too!

I'll miss Mariana and the familia mucho!

'Night (Ultima Vez)

Andres

P.S. The day we left, we said good-bye to probably 100 people in the village on the bridge. It was a big cry-fest too. My favourite part about Latin America is the value placed on relationships - may I foster relationships such as those here in Canada - caring, genuine and generous relationships. Relationships are number one there, and I want them to be number one back home too! May I place aside selfish ambitions and emphasize and live out the importance on relationships.

Relationships are what matter in life.

The Place I Like to Call T-dot

2007-08-16T19:59:00.000-05:00

You are probably thinking I'm referring to Toronto but in fact, I'm not. You may think it is the biggest city I've been in since April - Tillsonburg (embarrassing yes, but I love it.) But again, that is not the town I'm referring to. I am referring to Antigua (the Tig-dot). I'm realizing that in two weeks, I will be embracing big cities again, but for the last 4 months, small towns and Antigua (a city like no other) have been my homes.

Antigua. There is so much to say about Antigua. It is the old-colonial town capital of Guatemala. But due to the threat of earthquakes, the capital was moved to Guatemala City, and Antigua has been a city decorated with ruins, artisans, tourists and beauty as it overlooks 3 volcanoes and old architecture. It also remains cultural by maintaining the Spanish language throughout all commerce (including interactions with the tourists). I love that as Antigua is constantly keeping its cultural intact and is not being lost to the booming tourist industry.

It is also the location where you can find a great cup of coffee. In fact, I'm now a "regular" at Cafe L'espresso (every time I happen to visit Antigua). The coffee shop overlooks a ruin where the Spaniards planted the first coffee plants in Central America. Thus, Antigua can proudly say they were the first place to grow coffee! It the best coffee in the world due to the acidity in the volcanic soil.

I will share my 3 favourite things about the town.

1. Ruins - There are a bunch of ruins the Mayans inhabited first. Then the Spanish conquered these castles. And then, the earthquakes conquered them. Now, there is great beauty to discover amidst the remaining architecture. My Spanish teacher and I try to visit one each week and study Guatemalan history.

2. Bartering- The big thing that makes Antigua not seem like a big city is that there are NO malls. None. Stuff happens in the markets - the food market, clothing market, touristy artisan market and the other markets scattered throughout. Most markets are aggressive and I have learned not to be friendly unless I see items of interest. Most people are very persuasive (although I keep a good head on). I had one experience where one artisan chased me through the market constantly dropping his price, but I did not want the product. There are many techniques in driving a hard bargain (I should write a book). But I will share my favourite phrases: That is very expensive! I can buy it elsewhere for less! You must be joking! Other non-verbal techniques that work exceptionally well: walk away and stand there and just wait for them to lower it. There are more, but I like to think I drive a hard bargain (but am still fair - hopefully). Sometimes when I really want something that I haven't seen anywhere else in the market, my bartering goes out the window.

3. Transportation on Cobblestone Roads - Tizate is 30 minutes outside of Antigua by a Chicken Bus. These pimped-out, old North-American school buses are filled with Guatemalans and it is quite the sight to see a foreigner on the bus. It is quite lively and the experiences seem to be different each time. From a broken down bus to wild music. For very fast wet-your-pants speed to a leisurely Sunday-afternoon scenic view. My other favourite form of transport is called a "Tuck-Tuck". These are little car-like/moto-like vehicles. I occasionally will take one from Antigua to Tizate, and its usually a ride of your life (Usually my roller-coaster experience for the week.) You go really fast on cobblestone roads. The sides of the vehicle are metal rods covered with a tarp-like material. It feels like it might collapse at any moment.

Last weekend, Global Shore sent the team to Semuc Champey. It was a team vacation. It's in Northern Guatemala and has quite a scenic view there. It is a natural water park with many pools of crystal-clear water, waterfalls and cliffs. Many fun things to do within Semuc Champey - such as climbing up waterfalls, cliff-jumping (which I did for the first time in my life) and refreshing swims. It was hot! At the hostel, I met people from Kitchener and even two people I knew through a Vacation Bible School I helped out at (random!). Two funny stories about the bribe (I mean drive). First, we are leaving in the morning and I slam the door shut (to realize that the driver's fingers were in the door. Oops! Not a smooth start, but we are friends. On the way home, the police pulled our bus over for no reason. Our driver needed to pay a fine, aka a bribe to proceed. He was legally in the right, but two cars got hit up for bribes. Apparently this is a normal procedure. You never really get speeding tickets, says bus driver, Luis. Here are Dale, Steph and I on a hike with a spectacular view.

Well I must go! Stay tuned for more.

6 more days in the place I now call my second home.

Lovin' the barterin'

Andrew

You Know You've Been In Guatemala For a While When...

2007-08-09T22:53:00.000-05:00

You sentences are neither in English or Spanish and you forget how to speak both languages on occasion.

You are a loyal customer of Fanta and Doritos (I'm addicted to Doritos here, even though I hate them at home)

Your bus ride to Antigua may consist of sitting on a broken down bus for 20 minutes, listening to blaring music (of many different genres), to being stared at for being white, to meeting someone new

Bartering for even the smallest of things - i.e. bananas. Not allowing the locals to take advantage of foreigners with big wallets.

Bartering and being stubborn for fair prices. Using multiple techniques to obtain goods at a fair price you want. This may mean - walking away to get them to give in, repeating the same price 10 times as they lower to your price, telling them other tiendas sell the same product for cheaper, taking a Guatemalan amigo with you, etc... the ways are endless.

My last Sunday - cruising around Guatemala on a motorcycle with a new friend from Julianna's church! *Here I am in San Antonio (a half-hour moto ride up the mountain!)

Wanting to Shower but having no water. (Water is temperamental in the afternoon)

Having water but having no electricity.

Seeing so many moustaches that the guys decided to grow their own for three weeks.

When it rains (usually in the afternoon or evening), conversations are postponed. Tin roofs are loud!

Conversations begin to revolve around the sickly street dogs (such as perro feo - ugly dog). It may include: their "shaz" seen on the streets, the holes in their head (serious), who they might be friends and enemies with.

Throwing rocks at dogs is totally acceptable. Let me re-phrase that: Rabies or rocks?

ESL - Hearing hilarious miscommunication in English pronunciation. (i.e. Kat is brushing her teeth - becomes - Kat is brushing her teet.)

Falling in love with my new Guatemalan friends and the world they live in.

Well my friends, I am off. I love El Tizate. I love my family here. I love my home.

Your Chapin (Guatemalan)!
Andres

P.S. I apologize for not posting pictures. I tried, but the internet connection is not working well tonight. I will add them to my blog at a later time.

Finding the Beauty in the Brokeness

2007-07-31T20:32:00.000-05:00

I have come to love the quaint pueblo of El Tizate. A village that masks its poverty and dark side. There is so much beauty in the people, while there are struggles in their lives as well - as some struggle against poverty. I am learning that for me to be well rounded, I need to see both beauty and brokenness in myself and others to see a more holistic perspective of myself and others. Jesus always saw the beauty in broken lives and embraced them by healing them with his unlimited, lavish love.

Now, I must tell you about the family we are providing housing for. One house for the grandparents and two for the children and their families. Here is a picture of some of the family - when I went to play with the children. I try to make it there as often as I can to play. It's sweet - one gringo and a bunch of Guatemalan children! While working on the construction site, I have come to know the children (who sometimes also try to help in the building process). For a family who has very little, they have great gratitude for this gift. They treat us to coke, cookies, pineapple and other undeserved tokens of thanks. They are gratuitous with what they are receiving and being generous with the little they have. This challenges me to us what I have been given to generously and lavishly love others. Every drop of sweat in the hot Guatemalan sun is worth it, when I know that this family will have a sweet home in a month or so. By the way, our favourite games are "Andrew push me in the wheelbarrow" and Hide and Go Seek in the Construction Site (probably not the safest - but they love it!)

It has left me with this challenge - The cookies and the coca-cola I'm given when I'm there feels unneeded but obliged to accept. Accepting a cookie is appreciating their thankfulness, and truly sharing this mutual friendship. (It feels less and less like a 'give, give, give' relationship and more like friendship and love). I've seen beyond their poverty to find beauty in our friendship. This is what we need more of in this world - giving and receiving - and for the world to rip the 'scorecard' to shreds, so that there is no tally of favours, but only mutual friendships. A mentality that is not a 'us-them' helping but rather 'helping each other' to understand the world.

After the first three weeks here in Tizate, I had the opportunity to visit Monterrico with Dale and Cam. Monterrico is a black-sand paradise situated on the Pacific Ocean. It was a relaxing weekend, where I was able to do much journalling over bottomless coffee at the sweet retaurant, Johnny's. By the way, I no longer need my daily cup of coffee. Our hotel was also on the beach! I feel like we did not do much - as we wanted to refresh ourselves for when we returned to Tizate. The first picture is on the boat tour I did at 5 a.m. over a sweet sunrise. The other two are Dale, Cam and I on the beach, and a beautiful sunset we sat and watched on the beach. Monterrico is a little paradise on this planet - maybe you will discover it someday too.

Beautiful and Broken,

Andres

Laundry, Belts and Living my North American Guatemalan Paradigm

2007-07-26T22:10:00.000-05:00

One way I've been challenged recently is in how I spend my money. Even if it's for things I need - that money can make an impact and bless others.

In El Tizate, laundry takes forever in a pela (a 3 sink cement contraption). I have come to enjoy the process of handwashing but with my busy schedule, I have little time to wash my clothes. I found Olga - a lady in the village willing to clean my clothes. This means I can provide temporary employment to this lady while washing my clothes. Purposeful consumerism. This money can now help her support her family. Knowing your power as a consumer even in small ways is important.

This brings me to Marciel - the local boot maker in the town. Thank God for a man such as Marciel. Very talkative and such a persuasive talker (almost my Spanish twin). I recently purchased a belt from him. After showing me many pictures of "cowboy" boots, I told him I wanted to buy a belt. This lead into a conversation about alligator skin, and before you know it, I ordered a genuine leather belt with alligator and snake skins incorporated into it. The best part is the buckle - a genuine carousel horse. After a "quick" 40 minute conversation (see how we are similar), my belt was in the process of being made. The next day, I received a knock on my door. I thought it was a team member, but rather, it was Marciel on his bike. (My thought: Why Marciel?! How do you know where I live?) When I picked up the belt, Marciel was sure to remind me that I need a pair of boots to go along with the belt - so that I can pick up a Canadian chica on my return to Canada. Quite a hilarious salesman. I just might buy boots. Again: purposeful consumerism.

Finally, I have learned that time is quite different here in Guatemala. Punctual and on-time just don't seem to be in the vocabulary. One day with the Spanish teachers we went to study the Ruins in Antigua. The chicken bus took quite some time on the way home. We arrived in El Tizate at 6:50 p.m. Nick and I were already late for supper and still needed to eat AND we needed to be at music school and ESL class respectively at 7 p.m. SHARP to teach. So here we are running through the town, feeling incredibly challenged to be punctual in a laid back culture. How ironic! No time for tardiness in my North American Guatemalan Paradigm.

Relaxed and 5 minutes late, always and forever.

Andres

Stay Tuned: My recent weekend off to Monterrico, the construction project (This Monday)

Arrived and Pollo Conejo Arroz!

2007-07-13T22:30:00.000-05:00

I have arrived safely in Guatemala and my home, El Tizate 9 days ago. It seems like I have already been here for a few months and this unfamiliar place feels like home.

I'm learning very quickly that the village of El Tizate is very relational. Not in the North American sense, but in the sense of relationships before careers and self driven ambitions. The days are very busy here but through serving this community from usually 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., I'm gaining the experience through the service.

First, the guys on the team are involved in building 3 houses for 3 families (all related). This means manual labour (that probably could be done in 5 minutes with a proper machine) in the mornings (using shovels and wheelbarrows). We are working alongside a Guatemalan construction team that Global Shore has hired to continue building houses whether or not the summer student team is here. This is where I am starting to get to know some Guatemalan men, and talk about what construction workers talk about - we'll leave that unsaid! (work of course *wink*). Not only is this a time to build relationships with the workers, but also when we have seen the family - who's life is in a state of transition and transitioning into a state of hope. Every drop of sweat is worth that!

Three evenings of the week - Monday, Thursday and Friday - I teach the advanced ESL class in Tizate with Kat (the caffeine-addict, by the way - I don't drink coffee everyday anymore). This is a place where we are not only teaching English, but building relationships with the local villagers. I love it!

Finally - my host family. Marianna and Factor are wonderful. They live with their daughter and son-in-law, and their adorable grandchildren - Jocelyn and Jose. They are quite comforting and treat me as their own. Although sometimes I am not exactly sure what they are telling me. By the way, my Spanish is improving rapidly and I'd like to say I could make my way around by myself. I still need to work on fluency and telling stories. Hence, there have been funny stories. I will leave you with this one.

One day, Marianna gave me a delicious meal, "Pollo Conejo Arroz" (Poyo Cone-eh-ho A-roze). After eating it, and looking up Conejo in my Spanish dictionary, I realized I ate rabbit. Which I promptly ran to the animal cage in our home to still find the two rabbits alive and jumping. This prompted me to ask, and I had misheard. Indeed, I had not ate the rabbit, and instead, I had just at chicken (pollo) and it was actually "Pollo Consido Arroz" (for those who were wondering...I know you were). We laughed and laughed. So the joke each night is, "is this rabbit?"

Well, I must be off. Stay tuned! In a few days, I will be sharing with you my exciting new purchase!

Hasta Luego, from your fully-immersed Spanish friend.
Andreas

36 Hours!

2007-07-01T14:39:00.000-05:00

Well my friends, 36 hours... is all that is left to be ready to leave little quaint Houghton Centre at 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday. A few more trips to the beach and a few more sunsets. That last few days have been filled with last minute errands in Tillsonburg, figuring out Brock's course registration and a few more goodbyes. There is a busy buzz around here, but soon we will be settling into our new homes - down South - in Guatemala. I will miss it here. But the anticipation for what God is waiting to teach me is also killing me.

On Thursday, the team went on a group trip to the St. Jacob's Farmer's Market. What an experience! I felt back in my neck of the woods and the only thing on my mind was how I could plot to pick up a cup of William's Coffee today? It was a success - and I got "my fix" and also introduced my friends to a part of the world they have missed out on their whole life! (Here is Steph, Kat and Ashley). I also enjoyed some apple fritters, cheese curds and fresh strawberries.

In the afternoon, we drove to Elora Gorge and then proceeded to Jenna's place for a barbeque. On our trek back home, we hit quite the traffic jam - and to kill time we proceed to ask cars beside us, "Hey, do you have any toast for this traffic jam?" We proceeded to get many smiles, but the best response was "What the $%ck are you talking about?!" Quite a lively time on Highway 6.

I will close this blog with three things I will miss when I'm in Guatemala:

1. The beach. I'm not sure if I've told anyone this yet, but the best parts of the beach are the sinking mud pits! Cam, Dale and myself have enjoyed many times playing in these mud pits - some days I really think pigs have the life! (This is quite a clean picture actually...)

2. Asparagus. Gosh. I never thought I'd say that. But I really enjoyed my job and getting back into shape. Also, I will miss the Mexican Mennonites I worked with and the time in the barn.

3. My family. Two weekends ago we said our good-byes, and it was really special to show them asparagus land - the land I have grown in love with.

4. Coffee. I will now have to cut coffee out of my diet for the next two months. WAIT WAIT WAIT!! Andrew is giving up coffee?!?!?! That was until I met someone as much in love with coffee as myself. Let me introduce you to my caffeine-addict friend, Kat (potentially her alias). She has a solo French-Press travel mug coffee-maker from a trendy coffee shop (insert Starbucks). She conformed me to her religion, and now too, I am a proud owner of a solo French-Press and have been brewing Cafe Estima coffee for the past two days - delicious! It also means I only need to ask for hot water in the morning for my coffee in Tizate. Kat is pretty much my coffee saviour.

Stay tuned - for the stories and adventures from Guatemala.

Andrew

P.S. I will try to post the first Sunday that I am in Antigua!

"This" is really about "That"

2007-06-24T19:28:00.000-05:00

You know the asparagus season is coming to a close when:

- I’ve been collecting my Vitamin D by basking in the late afternoon sun.
- I convert potential purchases into the hours of hard work it took to earn the money
- More Days off; I'm debating whether I will miss my job, after I have come to enjoy it.
- Work days outside of the pack house become our work (three cheers for hoeing! seriously, I love it!)

With the end of the asparagus season in loom, the reality of heading off to Guatemala becomes the forefront again. The next portion of the program is quite different, yet all much of the same picture – the business of Sandy Shore Farms helps makes the reality for the village of Tizate a different story – a story of love, hope and development. Two families have made their business, service and lives very holistic. Something I want my life to become. Although the two portions of this program are different, this portion is really about that portion.

This is really about that.
(Thanks Rob Bell, “Sex God” – a thought provoking read)

This past Wednesday, we had a “Guatemalan Night”. It was a night where we found out which family in Tizate I would be staying with. I am on my own, staying with an older couple – Marianna y Factor - and their grandchildren. I am nervous as I do not feel confident in my Spanish yet (looking forward to moments of awkward silence), but excited to be fully immersed in the language and really get to know “mi familia”. Apparently one of my neighbours practices witchcraft while the other is a devout Christian.

This coming week, there will be a lot of meetings in regards to our two month stay in Guatemala. It looks like a majority of my service will stem from the construction project – providing a home for three families (all inter-connected) and teaching an advanced ESL class. I’m sure there will be a few local games of “futbal” thrown in there as well.

Hasta luego mis amigos! (See you later my friends)

Andreas

Note: The picture is me and my friend Tina, overlooking Lake Erie (It is the part of Lakeshore Rd. that is no longer safe to drive on due to the erosion)

Hicks on Big 'Crick'

2007-06-07T21:22:00.000-05:00

Two Sundays back, part of the group decided to enjoy our day off by going on a canoe trip down Big Creek (The hick pronounciation would be "crick". This lead into a discussion on what defines a hick - those that drink lots of beer, and say "crick"...but then that would have lead to a whole debate on stereotypes and the negative images it places on others...so we will just leave it at that).

Between the two canoes, rivalries started with a few splashes and John decided to fire a mud ball at our canoe. After this, we decided to band together to retaliate through Operation "Revenge Mud". We paddled quickly ahead and started gathering mud sludge ammunition in our canoe . When the perfect opportunity to throw mud came, our canoe turned side ways to face our enemies; after Kat and I fired one mud ball each, John, Steph, Cam and Dale all leaned to the right side and their canoe capsized! Success! Although, when Dan, Kat and I frantically paddled away from the potential retaliation, our canoe capsized in the moment of panic! This proceeded to the next rational step: A FULL OUT MUD WAR! It was great. Unfortunately, photos cannot capture such a memorable event.

Recently, someone came to speak to us about this Essential Oil concoction called Parafree. These all-natural pills help provide us the immunity to fight off potential parasites, while also cleansing potential parasites already living in our bodies (perhaps the ones we picked up in Big Crick). The statistic was that 85% of North Americans already have some form of a parasite. One family that visited Tizate and our team leader Kris have used Parafree and it not only has prevented them from acquiring a parasite, but has even helped in keeping them regular (seriously, the "no traveller's diarrhea" idea sold me). So, my body is now at war against parasites. Each week the dosage is increased until I reach the 4 pills each morning and 4 pills each evening routine. It will mean over the next 4 months I will pop about 600 pills!

Last but not least, the war for the Golden Raja. John and I have deemed the yellow hand jack to be the best to drag the massive asparagus skids around the pack house. John named it the "Golden Raja", and we strive to make sure that this hand jack does not leave our sight. It is the only one of its kind and when others take it from us, this means war. Well not really, but I try to rescue the Golden Raja from their care.

Finally, work has been going well. The normal day now seems to be 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., which allows me to relax and feel like I have time to read, be social and enjoy life outside of work.

Sincerely from your pacifist,
Andrew

Andrew's favourite way to eat asparagus this week - eat it with some parmesan cheese and pepper.

A Day In the Life of an Asparagus Farmer

2007-05-27T11:38:00.000-05:00

What shall I say about my experience here in Port Burwell?

I love the remoteness of my current home. Although the mailing address is for Port Burwell, “The Ark” and Sandy Shore Farms’ are in the middle of Lakeshore Rd. very distant from both Port Burwell and Port Rowan. (In other words, I am situated in the middle of no where). There is great beauty in the remoteness that I appreciate:

The crisp stars in the night sky
The setting sun as the backdrop to preceding fields of asparagus, tobacco and wind turbines.
Walking across the asparagus field to the sand cliffs and the vast view of Lake Erie.
Walking left either to work, or down to a graveyard, elk farm, and of course, encountering some road kill along the way.
Walking right to either visit the Konrad or Wall family or Dan’s place for NHL playoff games - these are people who make this place feel like home.
Appreciating the simple things of life – community and God’s creation.

Living here “The Ark” with my 11 new friends and the community surrounding us has been nothing but enjoyable. I enjoy the fact that they will feel like family by the time we leave for Guatemala on July 3rd.

How has Andrew been keeping in shape on this fine program? I’m glad you asked. As most of you know, we work in asparagus land for Sandy Shore Farms – the family business run by the Konrad’s and Wall’s. On average, 65 hours a week over the 6 day work week. I am working in the Pack Barn where the asparagus is prepared for distribution, as a Line Supplier. This means that I lug 1200 pound skids of asparagus to the start of two lines to be processed for distribution. This means I walk into a very cold cooler where the asparagus is stored to maintain its freshness. I then lug the asparagus out, and lift each of the lugs onto the line. I’m getting quite the work out each day.

The work at the asparagus barn has been challenging at time, until it became the normal routine - wake up, work, eat, sleep…repeat. In the pack barn, I have been immersed in the Mexican Mennonite culture, as they form the majority of the employees (More thoughts on their culture at another time). I have been able to practice my Spanish and learn a few phrases in Low German (such as “no I do not have a wife”). The long hours – sometimes from 6:30 a.m. to as late as 8:15 p.m. – were hard to get accustomed to. After long days of work, the dinner table was filled with laughter as we all found everything hilarious as we were purely exhausted.

I will now try to keep you updated weekly with thoughts on my refining passions and new adventures.

Until then, Andrew

P.S. Here is a picture of the family, after an ice cream trip in Port Rowan.

Sunday Sushi Supper y Sand Scaling Sabbath

2007-04-29T23:12:00.000-05:00

I hope you enjoy the attempt at alliteration in my title.

I arrived in Port Burwell on Tuesday to a small group of four, to watch the summer student team grow. We are living in a renovated church turn dormitory, called "The Ark", with a big screen projector and unlimited food. It's very comfortable. The landscape here is very beautiful, situated close to Lake Erie in the middle of nowhere on Lakeshore Rd. This is where the 12 students on the summer team for Global Shore Opportunities will be living.

The first week consisted of ESL training which was enjoyable and informative. (I have lain down...yes, that is proper grammar). It was rouch learning on the cozy couches! It was great hearing about Tizate, Guatemala and the village I will soon call home.

The week was full of various movies - I now deem I will only watch educational movies - or ones I will find practical benefits from - such as Motorcycle Diaries (a must see! and good review of Spanish) based on Che Guaverra, and the not so intriguing, yet very funny, Nacho Libre (a must see! but in the sense of the quotes) For the Jack Black Lovers, I love the Encarnacion song!

Saturday night the 7 of us who had arrived, experienced "Richard Simmons Sweating to the 80s". One word to describe it "outrageously creepy". Wild I know. Nothing better than that to bond with people I just met!

On the Sabbath, we explore the sand dunes at the beach near the Ark. After the sand dune jumping to the greatness of Lake Erie, we scaled the cliff. A challenging feat with my first war wound - a sliced thumb. I'm okay, just don't pick up old glass you find! We found a deer skull which made it all worth it.

That night - we had a bonfire on the beach behind the Konrad's place. The warmth of a fire and the roar of the waves - as the sun was setting. Lake Erie provides such great scenery.

Soon, the whole team of 12 will be here, and I look forward to the many memories to come. Soon, asparagus land will consume our time in the packing plant. The ease into summer helps relax my brain after a busy school year. This summer is going to be a hoot.

Always and forever, Andrew.

P.S. Leave your comments :)

Off I Go!

2007-04-24T14:48:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, charming young lad, discovered an opportunity - a global one with some shores - Global Shore Opportunities. They offered a Summer Student Program - where you work on an asparagus farm in Port Burwell, Ontario, living in community with 12 students - for a two month term. Then for the months of July and August, this community lives in a small town, El Tizate, Guatemala, where we love the people we encounter, as we are immersed in their culture and lives.

He submitted his application, and much to his delight, he was accepted. Now, in t-minus 1 hour, I will be heading off to Port Burwell.

The last few days I have been at home and have come up with a few conclusions:
1. My family and friends are great.
2. I hate packing (I wish I could really take the scripture, "Take nothing with you" literally)
3. William's Coffee Pub still is amazing.

We'll chat more later. I'll try to post a weekly update, as the adventure unfolds.

Andy