Another exciting day for the preschool children was when they all received a new pair of socks and a new pair of shoes.

Many of the children had shoes that were literally coming apart at the seams.  Through the generosity of preschool supporters, each child was able to receive a new pair of socks and a new pair of shoes.
The smiles on their faces show how happy and proud they were to receive their new shoes!

Guatemala Independence Day is September 15, and all of the students in the Susanna Wesley Preschool at Camanchaj had a special treat on Independence Day!  They got to march in the Camanchaj Independence Day Parade.

Dressed as clowns, the children lined up early in the morning to proudly march the approximate 3 mile parade route.

“After weeks of preparation the children had an exciting day of celebration and national pride. It was fun for everyone,” said preschool director Carey Cooper.

We would like to introduce to you Wayne and Janet Wiley from Battlecreek, Michigan.  Wayne and Janet have been in Guatemala for about three weeks taking language lessons and visiting the clinic and preschool at Camanchaj.  Sometime next summer, Wayne and Janet will begin to work at Salud y Paz as long term volunteers in mission.  Wayne will help coordinate teams that visit the project and Janet will help direct the Susanna Wesley Preschool.

When the Guatemalan staff was informed about Wayne and Janet coming next summer, they broke out with a big round of applause.

Welcome Wayne and Janet to the Salud y Paz family!

What do you get when you combine an 8 foot deep hole, 20 Texas teenagers, and an “earthy” smell?  A new septic system for our clinic in Camanchaj, of course. Up until last week, our old “septic system” consisted of about 6 very deep holes scattered around the clinic. Well, we finally ran out of space in those holes one short week after the Susanna Wesley preschool opened on clinic grounds last January. However, with lots of hard work from the Hurst United Methodist Youth Group and generous donations from churches in the States, we’ve now installed a brand-new Water/Waste Treatment System!

In addition to working on the new septic system, the Hurst UMYF spent the week giving our clinic a much-needed face-life, inside and out.  Thanks to the sweat, creativeness and great attitude of this team of youth and their adult leaders, the clinic looks better than it has in years.  We’re so thankful for the work you did.  It is a tremendous blessing to our patients and the community of Camanchaj, Guatemala! 

The faces of the people of Guatemala are what we will remember the most. Open to the friendship and help offered, yet somewhat guarded at the same time. We saw faces early at the clinic in Camanchaj, waiting patiently for the staff to help them. A child peeking around mother or an older sibling , confused by the great big bus that pulls up and these giant people get out wearing gloves, goggles, knee pads and begin to spread out tools and uncoiling electrical cords. . . .

We spent five day at Camanchaj working on the pre-school building so it could open the doors next year. There were no slackers in our group of Metodistas from Coronado Community Church! Leader Janet kept the program rolling and organized. Nurse Pam demonstrated great style as a spirited superintendent, and at sand sifting; former sailor Brenda literally dug in the dirt with her bare hands for hours. Larry, Gene, Paul, and Bruce swung the pick ax, the hoe. A rotation system formed of mixers and shovel-ers and spreaders: Cheryl, Bonnie, Barbara, Charles, Paul, everyone working and keeping the encouraging remarks, jokes and songs going. Translator Jose tired of our one-line-wonder songs and brought out a CD player for local up beat music! We scraped down the boards used for scaffolding of accumulated cement. Barbara and Mara set a very high standard and rarely rested. Painting was supervised by Mel, whose jovial good nature and inability to hear complaints served him well.

The planning for our mission trip by Inge and Phil was welldone and allowed for very nice lodging in Chichicastenango at Hotel Santo Tomas (I had expected tents and latrines…). The assistance and good cheer of two translators, Jose’ and Raul, and the careful driving of Lyo added to our security and comfort. Meals were delicious. We ate lunch at Camanchaj when working. Maribel prepared lunch the two clinic days, and Inge, helped by Mara and Susan, the other days. Since returning home, I have found myself feeling sorry for anyone with the typical story of their travels. . . I realize that without serving side by side with the people, sharing meals and conversation and experiences throughout the day, their experience has been far less deeper and meaningful than ours was. We all departed with the deep fatigue of accomplishment.

We feel so very grateful to have been a part of the ongoing project of Salud y Paz in the beautiful and fascinating country of Guatemala.

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