This past fall I went to Patizica Guatemala and taught English with The Rose Education Foundation. I had a wonderful time there. I wouldn't trade those three months for any thing. I learned to love Guatemala's humble, beautiful the people more then I can express. I still consider one little girl (Lesly Micolash or "susi") my best friend. There was never a dull moment. Every day kids from the colony would come spend time with me at the volunteer house. We played games and drew pictures. They helped me with my Spanish and I helped with there English. I would get back from a weekend trip and with in seconds five or more kids would be there to welcome me home. I felt so loved.Teaching was great. I went having a little experience teaching English using the Daily Dose program (conversation for adults). I want to teach ESL so the trip was a great place improve my skills. The "Patzi" school was not nearly as structured as schools in the U.S. and that took some getting used to. In the beginning I felt discouraged every day. I felt like my efforts were utterly wasted on the older kids. They could not careless about learning English (much like me and math) but after time a hard work I gained the respect of the older kids. It just took, love and the ability to laugh at myself.
I worked closely with the school's director Denise Francis. I loved the time I spent with her, we became close friends. She is full of knowledge about the town, language and culture there. She would do any thing for the volunteers and for the people of Patizica. The teachers I worked with at the school inspired me. They love the students and care about the future of their country. They were patient and tons of fun!!!!
A few key families made me feel at home. Domitila's family, the Per's, the Aquejia kids, the bishop's family, and the Per Micalash family all took me in. "!Les Queiro Un Monton!
To any one who wants to work as a volunteer with the rose foundation I would suggest that you make the most of it. Take time see Guatemala. It's the most beautiful place on earth! (You have to go to Shamulk Champe, and Pannahacel).Try to go with a friend or have a second volunteer there for mural, safety and fun; it's better to travel in numbers. I was the only volunteer for most of my time there and it was difficult at times. Make a weekly activity with the kids at the volunteer house. For example I had pop corn night "Popropos" every Tuesday. The Aquejia boys were the Chefs or "los jefes de poporopos" it wasn't fancy or expensive just super fun! There would be at least eight kids at my house every Tuesday night. We would scarf down every cornel of popcorn. It was a wonderful tradition. You'll find it impossible to not to fall in love with the people. Take the time to learn from them and enjoy it.
I want to thank Rose Education Foundation for their many kindnesses and for giving me this life changing opportunity. I loved every day, every flee bite, every child's dirty face and huge smile!!!, every corn tortilla, every confused moment, every bright color, each trip on the "Chicken buss", every stomach ache, every sunrise, every rain drop, every "proveincho" and every "Buenos dias!"
I worked closely with the school's director Denise Francis. I loved the time I spent with her, we became close friends. She is full of knowledge about the town, language and culture there. She would do any thing for the volunteers and for the people of Patizica. The teachers I worked with at the school inspired me. They love the students and care about the future of their country. They were patient and tons of fun!!!!
A few key families made me feel at home. Domitila's family, the Per's, the Aquejia kids, the bishop's family, and the Per Micalash family all took me in. "!Les Queiro Un Monton!
To any one who wants to work as a volunteer with the rose foundation I would suggest that you make the most of it. Take time see Guatemala. It's the most beautiful place on earth! (You have to go to Shamulk Champe, and Pannahacel).Try to go with a friend or have a second volunteer there for mural, safety and fun; it's better to travel in numbers. I was the only volunteer for most of my time there and it was difficult at times. Make a weekly activity with the kids at the volunteer house. For example I had pop corn night "Popropos" every Tuesday. The Aquejia boys were the Chefs or "los jefes de poporopos" it wasn't fancy or expensive just super fun! There would be at least eight kids at my house every Tuesday night. We would scarf down every cornel of popcorn. It was a wonderful tradition. You'll find it impossible to not to fall in love with the people. Take the time to learn from them and enjoy it.
I want to thank Rose Education Foundation for their many kindnesses and for giving me this life changing opportunity. I loved every day, every flee bite, every child's dirty face and huge smile!!!, every corn tortilla, every confused moment, every bright color, each trip on the "Chicken buss", every stomach ache, every sunrise, every rain drop, every "proveincho" and every "Buenos dias!"
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