Update: Monday, June 25, 2007

Saludos de Antigua. I figured out how to upload photos. It´s a slow process, about 5 minutes per photo, so I haven´t included too many but hopefully there are enough to give you a flavor.

Today was our first day at the Camino Seguro site. All of us could probably write a novel about our experiences just from today. I´ll encourage students to log on tomorrow to write a comment or 2 on this blog. There are only 2 computers in the hotel and sometimes there is a wait to use them.

Students in the day care center are Jack, Ben, Rosie H., Paige, Liz B. Their stories at dinner were great. Jack was swarmed by kids and all five Capers gave more than their share of piggy-back rides. Ben has lots of photos of Tino on his camera because Tino loved seeing himself in the viewfinder. They also helped to put the children down for naps which was an experience.

Becca is assigned to kindergarten class, Caitlin and Katie are in 1st grade, Caitlin in 5 and 6 grade, Emily in 2nd (I think), Lydia, Emily, Alana, and Rosie are in assorted primary grades. Mr. Dana is in day care center and Sra. Dana with 2nd grade / middle schoolers. Actually 10 -14 yr. olds who have just started school but are on a 2nd grade academic level. They're grouped together so they are more comfortable age-wise. They are called 'Los Campeones', the Champions.

Tomorrow we volunteer in the morning, go to Mirador in afternoon, and then tour Safe Passage´s Casa Hogar here in Antigua. Late afternoon on Tuesday we'll also go to bank to exchange dollars to quetzales, buy postcards, and search for ice cream to celebrate Paige´s birthday. There are no desserts after any meals, a very healthy option, but not one to which the American palate is accustomed.

That´s it for now. Students will all come home with a multitude of stories, speaking fluent Spanish.

P.S. - Ask Ben, Jack, or Mr. Dana about the Pollo Campero discovery. :)
Also, photos are out of sequential order but that´s the best I can do for now.