Submitted by Carla Cottrell:

13450915_10205348480506608_3339221006347816887_nThis morning we were treated to breakfast outside under a wedding tent…truly a lovely spot. We then drove to the Aqua Escondido school where AIR has sponsored curriculum, students and a plant nursery. I should mention it was market day in the town we traveled to, and our minibus was guilty of tearing through some of the strings that were holding up some of the street booths on our way in. Needles to say, some of the Mayan women looked liked they were ready to chase us down the street with their brooms.

13445492_10205348479386580_4579295710424072586_nThe students were very excited about our visit, and they planned traditional dances for us, and their mothers came and cooked and served us delicious tamales for lunch. Peter and I were each pulled up to dance, and it was so much fun to see the joy with which they responded when we “hammed it up” a bit.

In some ways the Guatemalan kids acted as if they would be at home among our youth…posing for photos, taking selfies, and flipping a coin to determine who had to go first to speak on the microphone. In other ways,13413012_10205348478226551_2051586641995050546_n they were quite different…all singing proudly and loudly the National Anthem and bidding us farewell with kisses and warm handshakes.

After the dancing, we walked to the basketball/soccer court/field to judge an art contest. The students worked on drawings under the theme: Guatemala-Then and Now. They were to depict the challenges that clearcutting and farming by slash-and-burn tactics have caused…a part of AIR’s educational curriculum. We were quite impressed with their efforts, and we found it difficult to name winners. We did finally vote on it, and then we were blessed to participate in the awarding of the prizes for both the dancers and the artists….a soccer ball, a basketball and new backpacks were among the prizes sponsored by AIR.

13413627_10205348478786565_2088834873692974556_nThe cutest moment of the day was when Don Miguel began dancing to the Guatemalan music that played during lunch. Such a special man and such a powerful legacy he has created!

We were dropped off on the main street of Pana upon our return, and we walked through the artisan booths and stores that line both sides of the road. Many among us found jewelry and shoes and purses at superb prices…and even a few gifts to share back home. Look for Guatemalan goods at our alternative market in December at Coronado. This is a way you can help finance the work of AIR and ensure the Guatemalan people receive fair compensation for their work.

Tonight we are heading to a local pizza parlor to watch the NBA final game…sort of odd, don’t you think? We will be praying for a safe and fun time for all!

God bless you!

Carla