Anxiously Awaiting...

I'm still getting everything ready to go. Can anyone say last minute? Ah well, I think I work well with organizing when I am on a time limit, and a short one at that. I have confidence all will be well and I will get everything done that I need to. Mom and Dad are coming to pick up Andy and me around 3pm to begin the drive to Albert Lea, MN where we will eat with Uncle Peter and Aunt Sandy. Then Andy and I are on to Farmington, MN to stay at the Rest Well Hotel for the night. HAPPY NEW YEAR! From there it's wake up early, drive to the airport, be there by 8:45am, and depart for my first stop in Newark at 10:45am. The time is finally here and I am excited! It truly is hard to believe that I am going to be in Ireland in just a matter of days. Oh, the things I will see.

Why I am "Drinking From My Saucer"

My grandmother, Oma, or more fondly known as Mam-Maw, was a phenomenal woman; a woman who gave of herself constantly, whether it be for her children, her husband, or her friends. When she passed away this past spring, the emotions were strong as we all mourned the loss of a beautiful life. Mam-Maw, though, I know, was not mourning. Mam-Maw was ready, confident of where her spirit would lead her. Everything was prepared before her passing because of her "have to be ready" attitude, including having a few poems that she had written available to her family and friends. One she had written called "Drinking From My Saucer" is my personal favorite. It is a poem that really speaks to who Mam-Maw was and reminds me of my incredibly fortunate place in this life. The poem is as follows:

Drinking From My Saucer
by Oma Holt

I've never made a fortune, And it's prob'ly too late now.
But I don't fret about that much; It's too late anyhow.

As I go along life's journey, I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed!

I don't have lots of riches, and sometimes the going's rough;
But I've got five kids that love me; and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for His blessings and the mercy He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed!

I remember times when things went wrong; my faith got a
little thin.
Then all at once the dark clouds broke; the sun peeked through again.

Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed!

And, if God gives me strength and courage when the way
grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings; I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy to help another bear his load.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed!

Thus, I have vowed to always remember that I, too, am drinking from the saucer my overflowed cup sits upon. There are so many things that I have to be grateful for, my Mam-Maw being one of them. Wherever you are, Mam-Maw, thank you for reminding me that I am so lucky.

Finally, a post

Mainly, I just want to say that I am realizing more and more where my existence is headed, and more and more, I am pleased. While it may not be the easiest journey I could have chosen to walk, it will certainly be the most riveting, stimulating, and exciting I could have ever asked for. More to come...in the meantime, I'll be walking.

Una Dia Bonita

Today has been a nice break from all of the poverty we have been introduced to in Guatemala, although it is still obvious when there are 6 children surrounding you trying to get "un quetzal" or to sell you a bundle of bracelets. We took a book around Lake Atitlan with our new friend, Samuel as our guide and had a blast. The pictures will describe it best, but we basically saw 3 different villages around the lake, Santa Cantarina, San Antonio, and Santiago. Lots more shopping, but all the money is definitely going to a good cause. The people have next to nothing that are trying to sell their wares.

We recently had lunch (they eat so late here! but I am getting used to it) and now are waiting for Carla to return from her trip to the coast to meet the birth family of her daughter. We are anticipating many emotions and hope she is having a good time. It is raining here so that is why we are back and not out doing things. I love you all and will be home soon! I have almost 300 pictures to share with everyone and that many plus 300 more stories to tell.
kisses and hugs,
Louisa

Another Day, Another Dollar, or Quetzal

Another full day, a day full of laughter, tears, hope, destitution, sickness, and many many many thoughts of why. How could this be happening in our world where we live? Guatemala is beautiful, yes, but completely impoverished. Today we visited with Sharon two homes where we watched them install new stoves, which is something that is extremely important to the well-being of a family in Guatemala. One family of five children and a mother had lost their father 6 years ago because he had drank himself to death and now they were living on corn tortillas and salt and living in absolutely squalid conditions. Just one example of the poverty here...just one.

We did a lot of shopping today as well, and I was able to almost spend all of my money! ha. It is hard to keep track of your money, which is Quetzales down here and about a 7.3 exchange rate, because it feels like play money and the concept of how much American money you are spending is almost transparent. But it is all going to people who truly need it and it is really kind of fun bartering and I am getting pretty good at it. Once you start walking away, their price suddenly drops 20Q. I was able to purchase a quilt made out of Guatemalan traditional clothing for 300Q, the equivalent of $40. Quite a deal if you ask me, and an absolutely beautiful work of art.

I love you all and can't wait to share all of my experiences with you in person, when I am able to relay things with the help of pictures and my audible voice. Only 2 more full days here, but my concept of time is so skewed that almost means nothing to me! Tomorrow we are sight-seeing with a friend from Mayan Families, Samuel, a fabulous new friend and like a big brother to us. He speaks a little English and I speak a little Spanish so we have been able to help each other out a lot and learn from each other. We might be going down a zip line in the mountains so pray for my life! I am excited and need to go to the ATM. :) Anyway, I will post tomorrow. Thank you for your comments. I love hearing from you!
peace,
Louisa

Here I Am

Wow, I just tried to post an entire three paragraphs but it disappeared. I guess I will just have to tell you all about it tomorrow or when I get home. Let me just say that today has been nothing short of overwhelming, a whirlwind of emotions, a devastating look at the true life of Guatemala. I'm exhausted, and I love you all immensely. You are all in my heart and I continually wish that all of you could have this live-changing experience.
Peace,
Louisa

Safe and Sound

We made it! The flight was long, but Continental Airlines was kind enough to entertain us with a movie and a meal. The meal left much to be desired, but it was food nonetheless. We ended up having to wait probably 45 minutes for our van from the Radisson to pick us up at the airport for some reason, so we really got to experience Guatemala right from the beginning. When we walked out of the airport after getting all of our bags (thank god they made it) it was just a flood of men holding up signs for taxis and yelling "taxi! taxi! you want taxi?" One woman made her way to us trying to sell lapices (pens) that were all used and we had to politely turn her down. Today we are on our way to Panajachel which is a 3 hour drive from Guatemala City. Now the real fun begins. We traded $100 of our American money and got 725 Quetzales so I think I am truly ready. I am so excited to get to Pana and experience Guatemala. I will try to post again tonight or tomorrow...I love you all so so so so much and simply cannot wait to share all of my experiences with you. Kisses and hugs,
Louisa

Truly the Beginning

Only two hours now until the ride arrives. I must dash over to Target for some last minute (quite last minute if you ask my stressed out self) purchases of Dramamine, Kleenex, and a larger memory card for my camera. One would think that during all the various trips I made to the store this past week I would have anything. I'm not surprised that I don't.

Anyway, it has officially begun and I suppose I am as ready as I'll ever be. I will do my best to update on a daily basis, but I have no idea how readily available the Internet Cafes will be and how much time we will have. If I could at least write a few lines, I would be happy. I am hoping that I can...

I love you all, wish me luck and health and a safe trip, and I wish all the same to you in your daily lives during this week and always.

"Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind."
-Seneca

Beginning an Adventure

In precisely 68 hours I will begin my Guatemalan adventure. My ride will pick me up, help me load my bags, I will say goodbye, I will get into the car, and I will go. I have mixed emotions of excitement, anticipation, nervousness, stress, and sadness, but they are all good emotions. I feel it's best to go into new experiences with mixed emotions, instead of relying on one to get you by. How could you possibly know which one to choose?

I am enjoying immensely the feeling that I am going to be making a difference in someone's life. I am determined to walk this adventure path with a feeling of humility, opening myself up to new ideas, fresh faces, and unique ways of perception. I do not want to come back the same person, and I know that it is not possible anyway. This trip is going to change my life.