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Group #2 (Feb 3 - 9, 2008)
Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge picture
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Hands-On Project In January/February, 2008 26 volunteers traveled to Guatemala to work on our hands-on projects. These volunteers worked in two groups - Jan 27 to Feb 2nd and Feb 3 to Feb 9, 2008. The first group of 12 volunteers began the work on a beautiful, and much needed, building containing two classrooms and a storage room at a remote aldea (village) - Turbala. Eight volunteers from the first group stayed on for the second week. They were joined by 14 new volunteers. Therefore, we had a large group of 22 volunteers in the second group. This group continued the work on the building. When this building is finished it will replace two classrooms made out of tin roofing with one light, no windows, and a dirt floor. Turbala is located on a steep hill with a dirt path up to the classrooms that turn into a muddy mess when it rains. The second group cut a new path and filled it with concrete. This path is large enough to accommodate a small pickup truck. This project was one of the most physically demanding of any we have ever done. The second group also included a dental clinic featuring the services of Dr. Mark Pratt (Fillmore, CA) and Dr. Rick Holm (Marina, CA). The dentists were assisted by Kristyn Pratt and Adelia Hornick. The clinic was managed by Tom Hornick and a local volunteer. Tom Gilbertz joined Tom Hornick as the "Mr. Fixit" team keeping the dental equipment running smoothly. As in past years, we stayed at the Catholic Church convent in Zacualpa. Our primary work site, Turbala was a 30 min van ride each day. The work weeks were topped off by a celebration of thanks presented by the students and teachers of Turbala. They entertained us with song, dance and gifts. We reciprocated with gifts of soccer balls and school supplies. Finally, Fredy Arguefa, President of ADIZ NGO expressed his appreciation on behalf of the larger Zacualpa area. We are also thankful to Fredy for his help in arranging for all of our hands-on projects in Guatemala. Without him we could not do what we are doing in the Zacualpa area of Guatemala. In addition to the hard work on the Turbala classrooms and path, many other projects were finished or begun this year.
It is difficult to highlight the dedication of 26 volunteers who traveled to Guatemala at their own expense to work with rural indigenous Mayan people. Some laid brick, hauled fill, mixed cement and poured concrete until their backs and arms ached. Others bent over dental patients until their backs hurt. Others worked with the children, demonstrated proper use of a toothbrush or read and donated books to classrooms. This exemplifies the Rotary motto "Service above Self". All the volunteers paid their own way, worked hard and were proud to be part of such an effort. Many will return for more next year because they love the people of Guatemala (esp. the beautiful children) and enjoy working side by side with them. Honestly, it was not all work - we had much fun also. The traveling Amigos de Guatemala volunteers in this first group were: (click on the names for photos)
Bob &
Jan Hatmaker - Groveland, CA The traveling Amigos de Guatemala volunteers in this second group were: (click on the names for photos)
Tom &
Adelia Hornick - Marina, CA Hands-on projects and project grants are much more than cement, bricks, rebar, desks, chairs and school supplies. Primarily, the volunteers of Amigos de Guatemala go to Guatemala to say "we care" to a people who have suffered with years of violence, isolation and poverty. The love expressed by these volunteers and those that support the work of Amigos de Guatemala is returned with the genuine gratitude of the people of Zacualpa and the surrounding aldeas (villages). Return to Hands-on Project Page or
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