Just because...

How cute are they?

And we are done...

Today officially marked my last day of classes in the school year. I can't believe it! On Fridays I only have my Montessori class, which is a group of 10 kids between the ages of 4 and 6. This is by far my favorite and most relaxed class. I hold class outside at two picnic tables that look out on the hills and mountains of Guatemala...it is a pretty ideal environment. We have been studying the names of fruit in English so today we made a fruit salad. We sang a few songs before class (I like to eat apples and bananas...one of their favorites) and then cut up all the fruit together and enjoyed the salad.

Off to California tomorrow for the wedding and then back and jumping right in to summer classes. 

And then there was one...

Five...four...three...two...

Today was my last day of teaching my básico (middle school) classes and my Etapa class, which is a mix of kids from first through fourth grade who have never had school before. One more class tomorrow and then I am officially done. I can't believe it...this time of year seemed like it would never come and yet it came so quickly. I have had such a blast teaching the middle school classes, which is something I never really thought I would enjoy. When I first started I did not know how to talk to them, teach them, discipline them...I was lost. Over the past eight months we have learned together. I have learned a lot about myself and about teaching and I THINK/HOPE they have all learned some English. I have learned that middle schoolers are self sufficient (for the most part) and you can talk to them like adults, yet at the same time you can't give them too much space because boy will they run with it. I was so used to pre-school that this was a huge change for me and took a long time to adjust to.

I have really loved working with these kids over the past months and I am sad to see the year end. But don't worry we will still be spending a lot more time together during summer classes, which will start when I get back from California. Here are a few pictures celebrating the last day!

Primero Básico (7th grade)

Tercero Básico (9th grade)

Etapa (1st-4th grade mixed)

One down...four to go.

Class photo after the cake/movie party. Can you find me?

Today was my last day teaching my second grade class. Since I am not going to be at school next week (due to the wedding) this is my last week with all of my classes. When I get back from California it will be time for final exams and last minute clean up before the school year is over. I can't believe how fast time has gone by and that my eight months of teaching is coming to an end.

My second grade class was by far my most challenging class. A class of 26 students (with very strong personalities and behavior problems) under the age of 10 and one teacher---I am surprised that I survived. Through many different behavior charts and behavior management techniques we all made it through the year and I think they actually learned something through it all too.

Today to celebrate the last day of classes and them completing their behavior chart we had a cake/movie party. The had to fill up a jar with twelve cotton balls to have this party and they have been working really hard. It was not easy for them or for me---but we made it and boy was that cake good.

Guillermo and Linda

Lucia

Me, Lucia and Manuela

Back to Paradise

Does this picture look familiar? If so it's because it is...we returned to the island of paradise this past weekend (aka we went to Miguel's lake house)!! After a long week of independence day activities we had a four day weekend--much needed--and we heading to Miguel's house on lake Atitlan for a few days of rest and relaxation. We arrived in time to cook dinner and enjoy the evening. The night was filled with delicious pasta and homemade sauce, music, dancing and games.

The next day we woke up to a beautiful morning and just as I had remembered the most amazing views from the house. After a quick breakfast and much needed coffee we all headed down to the dock to spend the day by the lake. We spent all day hanging on the dock and swimming--it was just what the doctor ordered. Later in the afternoon we had a BBQ and another night of relaxing. Most of us woke up on the early side to soak up the sun and the lake before we headed back to NPH. The lake was so peaceful in the morning--I could have stayed forever.

Mid day we all packed back up and walked up the hundred stone steps to the cars to head back to NPH. It was as usual an adventurous ride back....

The running of the TORCHA

The volunteers who made the trek--Sam, Danny, Hannah,
me, Kristina and Veronika.

On Tuesday I participated on one of Guatemala's many independence day activities--the running of the torch. Schools, towns and cities come together to bring the flame of freedom/independence back to their home/school. NPH was no exception and the kids headed off early in the morning to go light the torches that would then be run (many miles) back to NPH. The torch was lit in the town of Zaragoza, which is about 45 minutes (driving) away from NPH. Around 2:30 the rest of the kids and the volunteers who wanted to participate set off to meet up with the crew who had already begun running. We met up with the other kids and all piled out of the bus, in the pouring rain, and began the run back to NPH.

The buses drove next to us so anyone could get on and off as they liked and did not have to run the whole way. I am guessing the whole run was close to twenty miles. We wound through the streets of Chimaltenango all the way to Parramos. I ran hand in hand with many of my girls and took shifts running with different groups. As exhausted as I was the energy was high and the kids were all so excited about the run that we continued. The buses drove along with kids and teachers hanging out the windows cheering all the runners on. 

When we arrived in Parramos everyone got off the buses and we ran together up the hill and brought the torches of independence back to NPH. When we arrived at NPH fireworks went off and we all came together to light the main torch on the cancha. It was an extremely fun and exhausting afternoon--but I am so glad to have been apart of it. The only downfall is I now can't move my legs because they are so sore. 

Returning to NPH as the fireworks got off--still pouring rain.

The torch of independence being lit by two students.

Happy Independence Day Guatemala

Yesterdat marked the third day that we celebrated the independence of Guatemala. Not that I am not excited about it---it's just a lot. Today was the biggest celebration of all--a parade in San Andres with all the surrounding schools. All of the children in preschool, primary, and básico came and walked in the parade with the band and the "carroza"...which is a fancy word for a decorated truck. Each school decorates a float and the señoritas and niñas of that school get to ride in the float and represent their school.

Marching through the streets of San Andres
followed by our NPH float!

The teachers were all in charge of decorating the float so we were told to get to school by 6am to begin the decoration process. We had already prepared everything to turn this truck into Tikal (the biggest Mayan ruins in Guatemala). When we arrived at 6am there not another teacher in sight...and the decorating did not begin until 7....that is just how things run here.

Señorita NPH and Señorita
 Deportiva in "Tikal".

Tikal!!!!!!!

We covered the outside of the truck with all the flowers we had made and then the inside was filled with roses and pine needles. The director of the primary school painted a beautiful backdrop and with a few wooden planks Tikal was recreated. Once the float was done we rode in the back to San Andres to catch up with the kids before the parade started. We walked through the streets, lined with families and friends, of San Andres for the next two hours representing NPH and celebrating the independence of Guatemala. It was a hot and sunny day---but the band was playing and the children were smiling the whole time.

The primary kids beginning the march uphill!

Followed by band and básico.

The babies even joined the parade!

The crowds lined the streets.

The best part is we now have two days off---HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Queens of Tikal--riding the float back to NPH (and on the way the
painting behind us broke and fell down and the incense fell
over and we set fire to the float---don't worry we survived!)

Bands, Bands, and More Bands (18 to be exact!)

Guatemalan pride!

So to continue with the celebrations of "Independence Week" we headed to San Andres Iztapa this morning with the band to preform in yet another parade and band presentation/competition. Here in Guatemala (or maybe just here at NPH) they celebrate Independence Day all week, even though it is not until this coming Thursday the 15th.

Today consisted of the bands, from all the schools in San Andres and the surrounding areas, marching though the streets of San Andres for an hour to begin the presentation. When the parade come to a close we all patiently waited as each band was given a chance to show off what they can do. And again they were lead by yours truly--making sure the bands did not get to close to each other.

There were bands ranging form preschool through middle school with a total of 18 bands and over 200 kids. They all came dressed in matching outfits--whether it be there school uniform or a head to toe marching band uniform. Each band was excited to be there and represent their country, their family and their school.

As fun as the morning was--5 hours of listening to marching bands is a lot. Can only wait to see what tomorrow brings...all I know is that I have to be at school at 6am to decorate a car like the Mayan ruins--Tikal. From there we are heading back to San Andres for another day of parades. More excitement to come.

Two of the students who won the academic
awards led the parade!

"Marching" through San Andres.

Cool  kids waiting their turn to preform.

Marta Celia and Alejandro

Little Ray of Sunshine!

This past weekend was a laid back and relaxing weekend. Some people went away to the beach, but most of us stayed around NPH to avoid the chaos of the elections. It was mostly a weekend of cleaning, reading, catching up on emails, watching movies and for me a trip down to the babies house. Sunday afternoon I headed down to the babies house to see if anyone was around and was happy to find all the little buggers outside. I spent the next hour playing, running, laughing and cuddling with the babies. Always a great mood booster! Here are a few photos from the afternoon.

Wilson and Jose 

Brothers-Tony and Jose

Tony, Jose and Jordy

Jordy!

Newest member of NPH: Jordy!

Brothers

I had project today with the cutest brothers: Alex, Edwin, Edgar and Wilson. They were so happy to spend time together and it was so fun to watch them interact. We made waffles, drew pictures, played soccer, played Uno and danced to music. Here are some photos from the morning. Enjoy.

Wilson and Edwin stir the waffle mix.

Edwin and Wilson ENJOYING their waffles.

Edgar and Alex liked them too!

Group shot number 1: Edgar, Edwin, Alex and Wilson

Sweet Dreams!

Most weeks I go down to my section two to three times in the evenings to spend times with my girls! Usually the evenings are filled with card games, listening to music, looking at magazines, helping with homework, chores, gossiping and the occasional soccer game. I stay down in the section until the tía turns out the lights--which means everyone in bed now! The girls all grab their ponchos (blankets) and hop into bed. I usually pass by each of them in their beds and say goodnight and give them a hug or kiss.

The past two times I have been down in my section one of my girls has asked me to lay with her for a few minutes. After I laid down she told me that she did not want to go to sleep. I was thinking why the hell not you get up soooooo early--you have got to be tired. When I asked her why she didn't want to go to sleep she told me it was because she has the same dream every night and she wakes up screaming. She continued to tell me in the dream someone comes to NPH and tells her that all of her family has been killed. What an awful dream. As we laid next to each other I suggested that we think of other things that she can dream about. We made a list of different things that make her happy and that would be nice dreams to have. I gave her a hug and wished her sweet dreams. As I went to get up she grabbed me hand and said that she was going to try and dream about me and the two of us spending time together. I bent down and kissed her on the head.

I love all of these girls so much and if I could take away all their hurt I would. I wish I could protect them all and make sure they all had sweet dreams--but all I can do is be there for now and show them I love and care about them. I have to believe that that is enough even though sometimes it doesn't seem like it.

Battle of the Marching Bands

The NPH marching band practices almost every day for two hours. As much as I love music the banging of the drums and the belting out of the trumpets while we are trying to work is not always enjoyed. All of the banging and belting was worth it though because today NPH's marching band shined in the battle of the marching bands.

The event started this morning with six different marching bands meeting in the park in Parramos. The English department somehow got put in charge of crowd control and throughout the parade back to NPH we had to keep the bands at least 12 feet apart so that the sounds didn't blend. We began in Parramos this morning at 7:30 and all of the bands had a chance to get organized and practice. Around 8 we started to march around Parramos and back up to NPH for the competition. The following two hours consisted of walking around Parramos backwards leading the band in the blue shirts and making sure they did not get to close to the band in the brown shirts. I felt so important! And don't worry I was also carrying a huge pot of hot beans---only in Guatemala.

We arrived back at NPH two hours later and the battle of the marching bands took off. The students not in the band had decorated the school with blue and white balloons and streamers and designated different spots for each band on the basketball courts. For the following three hours each band had a chance to preform while all of NPH, friends and families watched and cheered them on.

Some of my students practicing in the park.

Marching through Parramos.

Back at NPH-preforming!

Spectators up on the balcony.

All decorated and ready to go.