YOGA moves GINA

Volunteer trip March 2012

2012-02-28T13:15:00.002-08:00

Lily Cavangh, Gina Stickney and Melinda Erickson go to Guatemala to volunteer in La Limonada.... things keep getting better...follow us here, good news is growing www.reachup-reachout.org

Unforgetable Summer 2011

2011-09-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

These are probably 1/10 the photos from my time volunteering in La Limonada. I hold deep gratitude to all the children, teachers, volunteers, staff and families I worked with and met this summer. A special thanks to Rebecca Gant for her time and many of the images. This album is dedicated to my friends Lucky & Irma. I love you, even if I am not with you, you are with me every minute of the day and you will be for the rest of my life.
Gracias por todo el tiempo con tigo.
Te quiero siempre,
Gina

GRACIAS OM YOGA GUATEMALA

2011-08-12T07:14:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone that participated in the workshops at OM YOGA GUATEMALA CITY last weekend. It was a total success and we raised over Q4, 000 that's about $534.00 in two workshops. One word comes to mind A W E S O M E N E S S!

Here are a few pictures, we didn't get a lot because the photographer was also my friend Rebecca Gant, Child Sponsorship Coordinator from Lemonade International She was also participating in the workshop....she was rockin' it!

VIDAS PLENAS and LEMONADE INTERNATIONAL

2011-08-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

WE RAISED OVER Q4,000 for VIDAS PLENAS!
www.vidasplenas.org

Who is Vidas Plenas? The Guatemalan NGO creating change in La Limonada though 2 schools for children ages 5-14 (these are the schools where I volunteer.), a safe house for children in need of a home, micro finance and community empowerment.

I am a volunteer with Lemonade International, working with the teams in place in Guatemala City who are a part of Vidas Plenas.
www.lemonadeinternational.org

Magical Guisquiles

2011-08-04T23:01:00.000-07:00

This week was week to of my very dear Guatemalan friend, Michelle Urdales. She is awesome and teaches Computer Science at the American School here in Guatemala City. We met through my other friend Monica basically we all love and practice yoga and the rest is history. Michelle had been asking me about coming with me to La Limonada to help me teach and finally we found the right time.

Last week was the first week we team taught together and it reminded me yet again why team teaching is not only awesome and helpful for the students to learn, but also a lot of work. Thank God Michelle and I get along like long lost best friends so it was easily. It also helps that she loves kids and is a FANTASTIC teacher and story teller.

This week we chose to teach the kids again through story, but through doing the poses while we read. IT WAS A HIT. Not to mention extremely cute. VIDEO TO FOLLOW SOON! Here is the story!

Untitled from Yoga Moves Gina on Vimeo.

MAGICAL GUISQUILES!

Written by, Michelle Urdiales & Gina Stickney. (an adaptation of a fable Michelle heard, story in Spanish still to be added!)

Once upon a time there was a beautiful garden patch with lots of nutritious and delicious vegetables. In the far corner of this garden, near the safety of the surrounding bamboo, you could find a magical guisquil patch. These guisquiles loved to dream.

Some of them would dream they were warriors, strong and brave to protect their loved ones. Others would dream of being a fast and powerful eagle fling high above the trees. Some even dreamt of becoming a bright shining star coloring the night sky for all to see. Some were more interested in living on land as a wise old tree for hundreds of years, others wished to be a frog playful and fun jumping here and there to explore the world, would you believe many often dreamt to glide through the air as a colorful butterfly happy and carefree, some guisquiles dreamt of moving like a turtle slow and steady, patient and protected by the strength of their shell but even others dreamt of becoming a long slithering snake cunning and swift and respected by all.

One morning the guisquiles woke up to share their dreams with each other but they realized they and their dreams were all different. So they started bragging about who was better. “I’m better because I will protect our families” “No, I’m better because I’m wise” “Well, your wrong because I can see things way up in the sky”, “No I’m better because I’m patient” “No, No I’ better because I get to have fun all day” “I’m can shine brighter then you” “No I’m better because I’m beautiful” “I’m better because everyone respects me” The fight went on without stopping and their anger turned into strong words that hurt each other, they were so selfish and wanting to be the best that they forgot about the rest.

A dog heard all the commotion and came over to sniff out what was going on. He barked really loud for them to stop arguing and listen up! “I heard you, I heard that you are angry with each other because of your differences and I can see you are upset. Its ok to be angry like any other emotion, but when we start to hurt each other we are actually hurting ourselves too. I want you to close your eyes and breathe in and breathe out slowly with me to calm yourselves down.”said the dog. “And now I want you to reach out your hand and touch the top of your head… now follow your stem and see where it goes.”

There was a long silence for a moment in that garden because the guiskeles realized that they were each a part the same plant and therefore all one. And then the dog continued saying, “You are fighting about different qualities but in reality you each have these qualities inside of you. “Each of you is strong, brave, fast, bright, wise, playful, beautiful, patient and cunning so there is no reason to fight.

And from then on the quiskeles were kind and respectful with themselves and each other appreciating their differences because they remembered that they are all one.

THE END

symbolism and strength

2011-07-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

This week was AWESOME! My friend Michelle came to class with me both Wednesday and Thursday....awesomeness. We taught a story that she basically made up on the fly. Her story was tells how God created all these different plants for different things, but there was one special thing that was created for many different reasons. We then ask the kids to describe all the different characteristics of the bamboo..... then we make the connection that we are like bamboo. I love when we ask them what the think the light means and hearing the different things they say, not that I always know what they say, and I love to see there faces when they come up with an idea. Kids are great.

After the story and the yoga poses, I teach them a song...
incorporated it into the song I taught for the second time at this school. It is one my friend Jean-Jacques taught me and I taught in November of 2009 at the art camp in Guate with kids from La Limonada.

WE ARE HOLLOW BAMBOO, OPEN UP YOUR HEART AND LET THE LIGHT SHINE THROUGH!

We translate the song so they know what they are saying, but they sing it in English. It is really hard for them, especially "and let the light shine though." Usually they say something that sounds like "loo-ka-lu shampoo." I absolutely love it, cute cant even describe the level of how adorable kids can be.....I know that the words are totally different linguistically, but many of the children do know it clearly and when asked to sing it SOLO in front of the class I had two very very smiliy kids after they were done.

Wow, that was one of those moments every teacher knows them....when you realize you want to try something with a shy student who understands the current topic. You ask them to explain or display it to the class and when they do, they nail it. In that moment all you can think of is "thank you God for giving that moment to that child, they really needed that!" or "I am so glad I had the huevos to ask that student do that!" "Thank goodness that student felt supported enough to share that with the class" etc etc...

After the song, we get the kids in a circle to all sign their names on a huge stick of bamboo as a sign of our community and depending on which class or which day, they then rest on their back in svasana (final rest pose) for 5 minutes..... This is the hardest part for some classes, but I feel often the most beneficial.

Next week???? Michelle please come back!

La Sistema Respiratorio

2011-07-22T07:17:00.001-07:00

Breathing, yoga and La Limonada. Why yoga in a place where people are struggeling to find work and food? How will yoga make a difference. I ask myself this all the time and people ask me as well. The last two weeks have been even more insightful to me why God has brought me here. We have been connecting the practice with a short lesson about the respiratory system.

I don't have statistics related to kids in La Limonada using drugs, but in the last 2 weeks I have seen 2 kids walk by me right in the street (about age 14-16) huffing glue. Glue is C H E E P. Here in La Limonada kids buy it by the Q. The Q=Quetzal is the currency here. 1 doller=7.5 Qs.....so when kids are buying glue by the Q that tells you that they get there hands on drugs for less than a dollar. They simply go to a house and buy it in a plastic bag. A plastic bag full of glue they carry around with them until it evaporates while they breathe it up. What the inhalents do is basically eat you from the inside out....fast. really fast. And they get hooked even faster.

By teaching the children about the respiratory system, the will experience breathing deeply, how when they breath clean air it strengthens their body and how the body becomes weaker if exposed to chemicals and smoke. They breathing exercises also give them a gang to know how they can breath deeply so if they are

exposed to huffing, they can feel the difference in the strength of their lungs from when they use and when they don't. I tell the kids that the breathing exercises are also ways for them to calm themselves down if they are scared, angry or worried.

The pics in this blog are from this week.
PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK.....

What works?

2011-07-06T19:11:00.001-07:00

Repetition works

...that is what I have realized....duh! I know, but now into the groove of my teaching I have a system. I have one main component each week that I thread through in each of my classes, but every class is different in someway, and there are NEVER the same amount of students from one week to the next.... I love this. :) But I love the challenge also of adapting my lesson to each age group and each class. In Mandarina (one of the schools in La Limonada) we have separated the older kids boys and girls. It is really interesting to see how differently they respond as compared to the students in Limon (other school. We did this primarily because of numbers and because the kids in Mandarina are a little older....but back to lessons.

This week the theme was seeing the uniqueness of each person, honoring/acknowledging each individual and making connections. Tall order! But it worked!

The physical theme ASANAS practice (poses) in the class meaning what we embody was "Connections"

...interlacing, crossing the midline of the body, connecting contra-later parts of the body and connecting hands with others partner and group. For you yogis: eagle pose, cow faced, partner lean back Anusara style stretch etc...

We took our theme of connections into PRANYAMA (breath rhythm) by again using (like we had in March when I was here) taking a simple rhythm from our hands and connecting that to our breath in the same rhythm, listen to each student in the class individually contribute a rhythm and validate that contribution by repeating it back to them.

Finally for DHARANA (meditation practice) the younger students listen to a guided meditation (I will include it in Spanish & English in a later post) about riding the waves of their breath like waves of a boat and staying connected to their breath while noticing the relaxed state of their body. Older kids drew an infinity sign for 5 minutes in two different colors (pictures to follow soon).

I have taught theses lessons this week 10 times already so each time I get clearing with my Spanish AND clearer with the lesson. I am learning SO SO much. Love it!

PS Im not home sick anymore. I am so so glad I am here yes, and looking forward to how the students will continue to lean and experience the benefits of the practice!

blogging and thinking.......about sturggle

2011-06-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I blogged.... Being here for this amount of time has been extremely different for more than just the obvious reason of time.... my apologies that my blogging has not been my priority. I have experienced situations that to recount in this format, I feel would not really honor my own experience or those involved.... but those moments are what fill my mind... Ok I am speaking in riddles, so not like me...right, ha! Basically blogging about my real personal STUFF is not what I want to rite about, yet it is what consumes my thoughts here...so Im going to have to have two journals. One for me and one for online :)
........
It is election season for a new president in Guatemala and the streets are covered with political paraphernalia. I have heard numerous stories of the corruption within the political system here... seeing a political parties sign mounted over the top of a speed-limit sign, was enough of a suggestion as to the amount of respect for the current government these politicians have...but this blog is not about politics. And if you know me, you know I don't talk much about politics.... but this election is EVERYWHERE! As soon as I walk to the main highway, I see the signs and I wonder what will happen in September after I am gone. Will the election make a difference in the lives of those living in La Limonada?

In my desire to become more settled and feel comfortable I have found my way into a community that is similar to one in Philly. I have made many friends that also practice Yoga meditate and or teach it. This has been a great way to support my practice, I have been practicing by myself or in class everyday [vinyasa classes, but I'm doing Anusara principles while I am in class :)] This has been crucial because for the first time since I have been coming down to volunteer, I am homesick. I miss my friends my life.... I love being with the kids so much, I guess I didn't realize before that I could actually get homesick.... but it doesn't mean I'm leaving.... it makes me realize that even this small struggle for me is nothing compared to the stuggles of some of the year long volunteers.... and of course those Guatemalans who have devoted their lives to helping those in La Limonada.

Puff puff sniffle sniffle

2011-06-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well luckily yesterday's classes were easy... my body is fighting off something. After thinking I was losing my voice, it turned out it's just a plain-old cold and has transformed into itchy-eyes, a runny nose and sneezing. Who knows, change of climate, hanging out with kids (no matter where you are kids are germ bombs!) or just doing a lot. I think it is the combination of all of those things AND, the pollution. There are no inspections or insurance requirements to drive a car here.

...Crazy story. Last week in Antigua, I was walking down the street and on the other side there was a Guatemalan man walking by himself. A large red city bus (they call them chicken buses, I'm not sure why) started to approach. It stopped for some people at the corner, and as it passed the man walking, it picked up speed and changed gears. Just then a H U G E & G I A N T puff of black smoke larger than a new VW Beetle shot out of the muffler and SURROUNDED the man walking. He actually disappeared in the cloud of smoke for about 1 second. My friends and I were in ahhh. It was funny, and seemed almost like a cartoon. The man kept walking and started waving his hands and laughed a little. Which brought me to the assumption, he may have seen or experienced this before!

Moral of the story. Be grateful for state inspections people!!!!

Otra vez!

2011-06-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

AWESOME!!!! It is so great to go back and see the same kids each time.... of course some are no longer there and there are always new faces as well, but I love the connection. Especially when their faces light up. AND this time I can actually converse with them!.... [Chilero! This is Guatemalan slang for 'Awesome!']

I taught 2 classes in the morning and two in the afternoon, the kids were great! I also taught 7 teachers for an hour before lunch. I AM BEAT! and I'm losing my voice AGAIN, but I don't care, because I am having a blast.

Today was a great day to watch the yoga work. And because my Spanish is not even close to the speed or comprehension of my English....I don't talk as much. I think its good in someways to help the kids be in a class with less talking, but at the same time, I look forward to the continued improvement of my Spanish to get things more easily across in my classes.

The highlight of my day was when I was walking from one classroom to another and had to go through the class room of students I had already taught. When one of the students say me he said.... 'La clase de Yoga, otra vez!' This means 'yoga class again!' .....yeah that basically made my face hurt from smiling.

Love love lovin this!

2011-06-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day back in Manadarina...... I lead 6 40 minute classes to kids TOTALLY IN SPANISH WITHOUT A TRANSLATOR!!!! Whoo hoo! And I lead a 20 minute relaxation class for the teachers as well! I feel great that I have attained the first part of my personal goal here which is: teach well and be understood without a translator! The second part of that goal is to come back to the US fluent in conversational Spanish. I need to practice more. Luckily I can!

Highlights of today where the numerous times that I stepped into mountain pose (a position in Yoga) and before I even asked what the pose was, a child shouted out 'posicion de montana!' .......LOVE IT! I love it that they remember me and that they have a good time in class.

Yoli is one of the leaders/directors at the school. She is in every class with me, and her support is gentle, poignant and strong. The kids know her and therefore don't act up much in my class but they do get really excited. Which is hard not to laugh at because they are so darn cute. I love kids, especially when they a being cute and sneeky....hilarious.

I promise to write more detailed info next time.... It is almost 1030 here and I am beat.
mwah, thanks for reading,
g

Getting organized...

2011-06-06T21:01:00.000-07:00

This week is my first week back in La Limonada. Yesterday I went to both the schools: Limon and Mandarina (yes they are named after fruit, after all Limonada means Lemonade, although no one knows why the ghetto is called that, but it is) Anyway, yesterday was great, I didn't oer plan I just tried to stay flexible and in both schools I have two completely different schedules! Ha, not exactly hat I was thinking would happen, but like I said, Im trying to stay flexible.

I am in Limon on Lunes/Monday y Martes/Tuesday. The children in this school are aged 4-12. I teach 2 classes for kids in the morning one class in the afternoon for teachers and 2 in the afternoon for kids. In most classes I have about 15 children, so that is around 50 kids. BUT, that is only on Monday, I do the same thing again on Tuesday with another 40-50 different kids. In Limon, I will teach about 5-15 teachers, assistant and volunteers throughout the summer. Limon is the school that is the first one created in the ghetto by Tita Evertz and her team. I know many of the kids at this school and almost all the staff, I feel really comfortable there.

Wednesday and Thursday are a little bit different. Mandara has less children so we rearranged the classes to be separated boys and girls for all but 1 class. In this school I work with children aged 6-14. I also get to see each class TWICE a week, where in Limon, I see each class only once.

I'm excited for what will come tomorrow, but super tired at the moment and will sign off here...... thanks for reading! g

The calm before the stormz

2011-06-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my first day back at La Limonada. I am getting things ready for tomorrow but spent some time looking at pictures of Antigua and want to share them. This place is magical. There are a couple pictures where I believe Mother Nature and God are having a conversation. Maybe you can figure out which ones I mean.

Studying Spanish in Antigua!

2011-06-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

I'm BACKKKKKKKKK! Thank goodness! What an amazing and unexpected first two weeks in Guatemala. My plan was to go to La Union (Spanish school) for only 1 week and then start teaching in La Limonada. Unfortunately, I got 'travelers flu' which is pretty much becoming best friends with the toilet and missing out on Spanish class. SO I stayed an extra week to make sure my Spanish was up to par and I am happy to report that my final level was Intermedio Medio... which basically means I'm in the middle of the middle. Which I am totally cool with!

The last day of class my 'test' was to lead a short yoga class entirely in Spanish.... CHECK, Done!!! I actually lead on class for 30 minutes with my teacher, my friend Lorange (met her at the school she is a native French speaker and from Quebec) and m teacher daughter! Then I lead another class afterward to other students from the school after a football (soccer) game. It was all women from the ages of 18-50ish and from all over the world. It was great.

In this slideshow you will see pictures from:
...my home-stay with Marta Julia and her helper Julia. They cooked the best food EVER and I had it 3 meals a day! (best food on a regular basis since I lived with my cousin Caren in Blue Bell in '98!) ps I DO NOT think I got sick from Marta's coking....'Im pretty sure it was the water, or from some cashews I bought from a street vendor..... I know, I know.... it was a learning experience for me! Ha!
...friends I made while traveling
...my teachers and the school La Union

When I was not at school or Marta's (sick or not) I was exploring, studing and meeting other students learning Spanish. It was an amazing two weeks and I am still in awe of how much I learned and how much I saw!

2011-05-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

WE DID IT! We raised over $8, 500 for my summer volunteer project! I am currently in Antigua in the first stage of my project..... Spanish improvement! This week I have little time to blog but I promise pictures and a full report soon!

For now check out some of the cool press about project 'REACH UP, REACH OUT!

Philly Mag: 'Yoga in the Slums of Central America'

Actuality Media.com: 'A New Pose for Change makers'

Press, Happy Hours & Silent Auction!

2011-04-12T18:36:00.001-07:00

ReaD about me in PHILLY MAG 'Philadelphia Yoga Teacher Brings Yoga to THE LARGEST Slum IN Central America'

YOGA FUNDRAISING EVENTS

2011-03-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

"So, How was your trip?"

2011-03-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

'Absolutely amazing, seamless, life affirming, spiritually uplifting, the best yet, appreciated and extremely well received by students and teachers! Going back is not an IF its a WHEN!'

I have now been home for 1 week and boy did it go by fast. Its funny how when we are really excited about something we can remember things more clearly and specifically than our day to day activities. This is what in mindful practices such as meditation and yoga call 'being present.' Through mindful practices one of the outcomes is usually the ability to be more present in day to day activities, not just the exciting ones. I know I have a long way to go in my own life when it comes to always being present, but I absolutely know that the mindfulness practices I do and teach WORK!........

While I was in Guatemala I worked in La Limonada, the largest urban slum in Central America. "Tita Evertz established Plantio De Jehova (Field Of God) in 2001. As a Guatemalan NGO, her foundation strives to reach out to the street children in the community – to rescue them from the gang culture that rules the streets of La Limonada. Over the next few years La Escuelitas: Limon and Mandarina (The Little Schools) were established, providing spiritual safe havens, education, healthy meals, hygiene and scholarships to attend formal schools in Guatemala City. " As a volunteer guest on Tita's team for my 4th annual visit, I taught in both schools doing the following...

Monday through Thursday, 6 yoga classes a day, 5 hours a day, 4 days
Ages 5-16, boys and girls,over 100 children, approximately 15 teachers

I taught the children:
Breathing techniques using pinwheels, a guided meditation, active and energizing yoga poses. Although I have worked with children and teachers from this community teaching creative movement and dance, this was my first time teaching them "Yoga".

I taught the teachers:
Restorative, guided imagery and yoga therapeutics to give them an opportunity to step away from their stressful day, relax and exercise. One of the many things I love about working in Guatemala is how kind, warm and humorous people are. I had so much fun teaching the teachers and volunteers. They are the stronghold supporting each other and the do it so graciously and without a second though. I felt lucky that they wanted to listen to what I had to say and tried everything I presented.

Kids Yoga in Limonada

2011-03-14T18:19:00.001-07:00

There were so many beautiful times with the kids....... here are some of my favorite!

Guided Meditation: Your special gift

2011-03-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

The following is the guided meditation I wrote and was read to the children and teachers in La Limonada (some adjustments were made for the teachers). This is the English version. I want to say THANK YOU to my dear friend and fellow volunteer Rebecca Gant translated for me all week as well as translated the meditation and read it aloud.

Before you share the meditation aloud, I suggest you read it first so you know where to pause. I have written some places where I feel it is best to go slow .... or (pause) so that the listener can use their imagination! If you have soft calming voice and use soft music with the sound of a stream or water in the background that will also set the mood!

"Your Special Gift" by, Gina Stickney :)

Lay down on your back or belly, how ever you feel the most comfortable.

Keep your feet, hands and body on your own mat.

Close your eyes, let your body be heavy like a rock, in a colorful garden.

In a moment, I will count backwards from 5 to 1 (10 to 1 for older students or teachers).

Each time that the number gets lower, your body will feel heavier and more comfortable and safe on your mat. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, (counting EXTREMELY slowly and deeply) Be totally still and silent. Listen with your eyes closed softly. Imagine this story in your head. This is a story about you. Now, as you are resting safe and comfortably, imagine yourself sitting by yourself on a tall large safe rock…… next to a beautiful clean stream running next to a big open patch of soft green grass. Picture the color of the rock and what it feels like when you touch it. (pause) Feel the warm sun on your skin. (pause) Hear the beautiful stream of water as it moves near you on the rock. Look into the stream and see what is there as well. (pause) Look down and see your bear feet and toes resting on the warm sunny rock. Breathe deeply. Feel and smell the fresh clean air all around you. As you sit on the rock, you notice ahead of you on the grass something flickering in the sun. You climb easily down from the rock to go and look. You are happy to go exploring and walk slowly towards what is up ahead. It feels like this place must be magic. You are closer now and you can see that what is up ahead looks like a sparkling box in the grass. Picture what it looks like, its color and shape. (pause) Bend down and pick up the box. As you look closer at the box you can also see that is has words on it. You look even closer, and see the letters read your name! (pause) You slowly and carefully open the box and when you open it up you see a ‘special gift.’ Only you know what this ‘special gift’ is. Picture the color........size....... and shape of your 'special gift'. (pause......) You can pick up your ‘special gift’ and hold it or look at it as closely as you want. (pause) As you hold your ‘special gift’ you feel safe, welcome and strong. (pause) This

‘special gift’ is special because you are special, and it is with you all the time. (pause.......) Now it is time to place your ‘special gift’ back into the box. The moment you close the lid you see the box disappear into magic sparkling dust ………and you have returned to your tall sunny rock over looking the beautiful stream. Anytime that you want to remember or feel safe in this magic place with grass……. the stream and the high sunny rock ………All you have to do is close your eyes think of your ‘special gift.’ and breathe deeply and count down from 1-5 (5-10). For a few moments, rest here. Enjoy the relaxed feeling in your body as you are quiet and clam. (pause) Breathe deeply. (pause) In a moment, I will count upwards from 1 to 5 (1 to 10 for older students). Each time that the number gets higher, your body will feel more refreshed and awake, yet calm and focused. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (counting EXTREMELY slow and deeply). With eyes closed, S l o w l y ........ stretch your arms over your head and begin to wake you body back up. (pause). Roll over on to your side and make a pillow with your hands for your head. Use your strong arms to bring you up to sit in a way that you enjoy.

Strength: Bigger than muscles

2011-03-09T17:26:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite teachers Zhenja LaRosa once said 'when we use force we are met with resistance, when we use strength we are met with power'. I find the children of La Limonada to be magical beautiful beings of strength. As young and little children may be, they have a mighty power to overcome adversity, show compassion and share love.

When I was teaching in La Liomonada at the schools Limon and Mandarina I was gratefully able to visit one boy in his house this year in perticular. I have known him for 4 years now and there are two impacting stories that will forever remain in my memory about him. I will call him George in this post. I am only going to share one story about George because of time.

In 2009, I arrived in Guatemala for my second year, so excited to see the kids again. I was able to convince my friend Liz to take me to La Limonada to see Tita and the kids. We pulled up to the slum to what looks like a gravel parking lot. It is actually their 'park' in La Limonada. Some of the kids were sitting on the top of a plastic trash can and using it to slide down the gravel hill. I turned to look and see a crowd of children forming around Tita's car. I went over to see what was going on and there was George standing totally still with his hand really bleeding. I wanted to help but Tita was on the scene. As I got closer I could see George' cut was extremely deep and very serious. When I looked at Geo's face I could see absolutely no fear. There were tears falling from his face, but he was totally silent and still. I put may hand on his back and said 'You are so strong George,' Tita translated it in Spanish. The next day I found out that he and his mother sat in the hospital emergency room all night before he could even be seen or get stitches. Hearing this story I felt so angry and sad comparing this experience with a memory of my own childhood as a North American with health insurance. My experience seemed like minutes in my memory knowing the length of George's bus ride to the doctor and hours in the waiting room.

It is from the strength of our spirits and the grace we are given that we endure so much in this lifetime. I didn't see George at the art camp last year, but this year he was in my yoga class and it was great to see him bouncing around and smiling. On my last afternoon I asked to go to his house and I got to meet his mother, and two younger brothers (one who was only a few months old!). What a gift to see George doing well and his mother and brother in great spirits!

Pranayama and Pin-wheels

2011-03-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

Pranayama is the Sanskrit word in simple definition, breath regulation or breath control. Prana 'vital energy' + yama 'self-control.' Pranayama is a vital component to Yoga and a powerful tool for concentration, strengthing the resperatory system, calming our connective energetic field (which we can easier conceptualize as the connections to our nervous system. This is a gross overstatement, but gets accross the general idea). (The picture to the left is Simhasana Pranayama, Lions breath...warning, coffee breath= no fun!)

A way to begin the steps towards a pranayama practice is to breathe mindfully. This is something we are taught as children when we become excited "just slow down and take three breaths" or "breathe and count to 10." I always find it hilarious when my friends and family still to this day say to me "Gina! Just slow down and breathe or something!" Ha, its funny to hear that as a Yoga teacher. But humbling to remember that we all need it and we all need to sometimes be reminded.

So how do I get kids, who are innately...all over the place being active, creative and full of life to want to slow down and breathe? Last year when I taught kids from La Limonada, I used bubbles to get students to be more aware of their breath and slow down their breathing in general via seeing the bubbles. Although it was fun and beautiful to see, sustaining the stream of bubbles was a challenge. This year I used pin-wheels, which waere actually more fun and allowed the children to concentrate with out the distraction of wanting to pop the bubbles.

I love using the pin-wheels because they are different colors, some even multi colored. It is a great lesson to share with kids who inevitable want a particular color. I share that we are all different and unique like the many endless colors of the rainbow. No one color is better than other each color is special and has value, just like each of us.

In the class pictured here it was after lunch, they were especially excited. Teaching children yoga at this age is very much like teaching a dance class, but I know it had impact because at the end of the class when I asked 'How are you are feeling?' Eyes lit up and I heard,things like happy, calm, good and relaxed. To the right is a picture of one of the newest members of the class who had an especially relaxing experience. :)

Kids, drugs and hope

2011-03-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

This trip I was graced to see Joel Van Dike and his family. I know I have spoken about Joel in past posts, 2009. So encase you don't know. Joel is from New Jersey living here in Guatemala for many years and doing amazing work with street kids, families in Guatemala and youth in general sharing hope, good news and God with those who are often looked at and thought of by most of the world as hopeless. Joel is ON FIRE for social justice though his devotion to God.

Joel invited me to an event to honor the passing of Italo Castro, a man whose mission was to help street kids in Guatemala. Of the little that I know of Italo, this post is not even going to touch the tip of how much of an impact he made to the lives of so many children and youth suffering with homelessness, gangs, drug, alcohol, physical and sexual abuse on the streets of Guatemala. I only hope that this post gathers more interest for others who feel called to work with kids on the street.

The event Joel invited me to was a safe gathering the street kids where they could grieve, share their stories, see pictures of Italo and also have some thing to eat. This memorial service was one of the most impactful experiences of seeing youth in need in my whole life. This was the first time that I saw kids grappling with the clamp and aftermath of debilitating drug abuse and streetlife. It doesn't seem right for me to try to explain in this post details of what I saw or what I heard. But my heart will forever be greatful knowing the beauty that Italo showed those youth that shared last night and the many kids on the street in Guatemala.

Although the night was hard, I know is that there is hope for everyone, and this man Italo saw it in even the children who feel the world had turned their back on them. Even though this man has passed on, his mission still lives and his work inspires me and fuels me to be a light in the lives of those I meet while I am here and when I return to Philadelphia.

Italo Tribute - Spanish from Athentikos on Vimeo.

Gracias Por Todo....

2011-03-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

(Pictured left are Luky and Moshe, two of my favorite kids in the world!)
Saturday was a day I have been waiting for for about a year and a half. It was the day I was able to spend time with my sponsor child (who I will call in this post Lu). I have been nervous about this day. Will she be excited to see me too, (eleven is a tough age). Will she want to talk, will she understand my attempts at Spanish, my lack of consistent letter writing...etc etc.

Well, God was listening to my prayers and my time with Lu was beyond words, but I will try. The one thing that stands out in my mind the most is when we were sitting together and I said (in my broken Spanish) Tell me everything, tell me what you have been doing, how you are? She paused and I saw that her eyes were tearing and she looked into my eyes and said "Gina, Gracias.... Gracias por todo." and the she hugged me. She hugged me and didn't let go. I think we hugged each other in for about five minutes in silence. But in each passing moment, I realized more how much I mean to her in her life. How all my concerns of her appreciation or wanting me in her life became obvious. That my presence in her life has meaning that moves beyond language.

I will never forget the day she asked me to be her sponsor. It was in November in 2009. We were all outside playing in the gravel playground for what seemed a few hours. At some point with no hesitation in front of about 10 other kids and teachers asked me in Spanish to be her madrina. I didn't know what she said, and once Tita translated that she wants me to be her sponsor the first thought was how can I afford to sponsor a child? May second thought was, this is like when I used to ask my mom to buy things in line at the grocery store knowing she was on the spot...my last thought was, this is a very brave girl who needs my help, I'm doing this.

Not each person has to be asked asked to be a madrina/sponsor, but I'm so grateful that I was. I will never give up on her, my support for her in prayer, communication and what ever help I can give to her will be there for as long as she lets it. She is a gift of grace in my life.

LANDED back with the family

2011-03-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY March 4th
I landed in Guatemala City exhausted, excited, and happier than I can explain. It is amazing how this being my fourth trip the airport still feels as though it is out of a movie. Year after year, I exit the terminal with more baggage than I can handle at that point of near collapsing from depletion from what seems to be an easy trip on paper, but always ends up being a marathon! I get spit out into a wide open cement pick up area gated so people can see who comes out. where there are hudereds of Guatemalans pressed up against the gate awaiting family members, prospective taxi customers, volunteers, missionaries and tourists. The many beautiful generations of Guatemalans, smiling children peering through the gate and signs for travelers to be picked up blend into the landscape of traditional Guatemalan dress, current styles and even cowboy hats.

Luckily, I was found by the Lemonade International team very easily, within 5 minutes, record time (unlike the first year I came when we waited for over an hour, only to realize that our pick up people were there the entire time as well, good fun though!) This time it was Mosh (Moses) and my new friend Inna. Moshe is Tita's son and is now almost 12. He now remembers me with out me having to jar his memory with stories and songs.....I guess after for years of consistant visits people are realizing I COME BACK :) It feels good. Inna (pictured left making a funny face HA!), also there to receive me, is from the Ukraine, fluent in both English and Spanish and has been living here for almost 1 year as a volunteer for the mission in La Limonada. She and I now refer to each other as sisters, because of our similar names (we keep answering to both Inna or Gina), and because we immediately became friends expressing that we feel like we have known each other for years.

When the van pulled up I was extactic to see Tita (the founder of the mission in La Limonada) and I starting jumping up and down. Its funny but not the least bit concerning to see locals immediatly turn their heads to see me the gringa jumping up and down, but for me, seeing Tita is a HUGE deal. Tita is like a mother to hundreds... shoot, maybe even thousands of children and now adults. I know no one like her, people say she is like a mother Theresa to the childern of La Limonada. To me she is like a big sister, one of the most understanding, giving, real, honest, open, loving, humble, proactive, prophetic, people following in the foot steps of Jesus I have ever met. I never feel judged when I am in her presence. She accepts me for who I am and for that I love her.

Coming back to Guatemala is in many ways like coming home, and always brings up questions that are waiting to be answered...each year the answers get clearer and clearer and more and more questions shaken to the surface.......

2011-02-21T17:46:00.000-08:00

Guatemala 2007-2010

Why I go back year after year....

2011-02-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

Such A Medicine Is Love from Lemonade International on Vimeo.

Gearing up for March!

2011-02-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am excited. I am really excited. In less than two weeks, I will be back in Guatemala and able to spend time with Lucky, Tita, Monika, Lucia, Shorty, Liz and I hope Joel as well and more of the Lemonada and Titas team. These are the kind of people that are up to big big things. Social justice and the work of God. Yeah, that big. I find it absolutely exciting and inspiring to be around them. I don't have much to say other than I am really really excited to volunteer and be with the people of La Limonada again. Please check my blog back throughout the next month and see what happens.

Love and gratitude,
Gina

Building a team to teach UNITY

2009-12-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

The theme of the Camp is Unity. We will be bringing together children from 2 different schools, from 2 different barrios in La Limonada, Guatemala City. Most of the children from either barrio have NOT visited the other. This is because in La Limonada nearly every barrio has its own gangs. From what I understand, by simply living in another barrio that is good enough reason for a gang member to consider you an enemy. Although rivalry is not felt by all who live in the barrios, fear of the gang violence is something that often is felt by all. So, bringing these children together will make a huge and impact and possibly create unity between these communities.

The adults have been gearing up from many ends as well. In total, we many up about 30 adults who will come together to create 4 days of art-making, activities, relationship building and spiritual development to promote hope, healing and UNITY for 100 children from La Limonada. We will take the children out of the slum on a 7 HOUR bus ride to the beach near Puerto Barrios. Many of the children will have not seen the sea before! This is AWESOME!

We are composed of:
*The Plantio De Jehova team at the 2 schools (Lemon and Mandarina): local Guatemalan teachers and volunteers who live in La Limonada and others who live in Guatemala City,
*Lemonade International: Volunteers who live in Guatemala City from the United States who are working full-time to bring support to the schools/students in many ways *Local Guatemalan artists and volunteers
*Artists/Teachers from the US

The day of the training was a lot of fun, work and translation (I was not translating)...my Spanish is getting BETTER! Here are some pictures of us in the BuildaBridge training and camp meeting with not all the adults, but most. Each group was given the task to create either a dance, drama, human sculpture or song that expresses one of our objectives for unity in the camp. Art is fun for EVERYONE!!!

These photos (all but the first) were taken by Bethany Streng an amazing photographer, dancer and dance teacher that came down as a BuildaBridge artist this year, but has been a part of Lemonade International mission as well. THANK YOU BETHANY!

The Yoga Teacher learns to be flexible

2009-12-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

Before I begin this story, a special thanks to Leah Craver of Lemonade International and Aliana Cronkright of BuildaBridge for the beautiful photography.

“Be flexible” is the mantra that Nathan and Vivian have reminded me of over and over since 2006, when I first started working with BuildaBridge. Since I love planning, this element can be somewhat of a struggle with my upside being that I also live to improvise. This trip in Guatemala w as a perfect example of how being flexible has deepened my faith in my own ability as a teacher and innovator.

Since teaching in Guatemala last year with BuildaBridge, my dream has been to pilot a short yoga program while working with the children of La Esquilita (the name given to the first school in Plantino do Jovah, the organization founded by Tita Evertz which teaches over 300 children in the largest urban slum in Guatemala City), but in a country where Yoga is thought of by many as a religion, I knew bringing Yoga into their community could take a long time to be accepted. Fueled with the whole-hearted belief that Yoga is a healing art and a great supplement to any person’s life regardless of religion, I held fast in my hope that this year, Yoga would make a presence. After getting the OK to incorporate Yoga within my teaching from both BuildaBridge and Plantio de Jehova, I teamed up with BuildaBridge for year three of Diaspora of Hope.
My goal was to teach without disguising the Yoga, but rather enhancing the creative and performative aspects of what I was going to be teaching with Yoga. Confident of the complimentary aspects of creative dance and yoga poses, my desire to teach the integral breathing practices and chanting became my next consideration.

I love chanting and truly believe the results of its practice have made a profound impact on my life. After speaking with my friend Jean-Jaques about a simple English mantra for children, he taught me “We are hallow bamboo, open up your heart and let the light shine through.” Excited by the rhythm and how short the mantra was, I though it was perfect! He also mentioned it lent itself to beat-boxing, which at the time I thought was cool (little did I know I would later us e beat-boxing as a way to teach rhythm and use of the breath!). I thought about translating the song into Spanish, but it would not have been the same rhyme or rhythm, so I stuck with English, which given the tempo, ended up being quite a challenge for my students to speak as well as consider conceptually. Mantras are like positive commercials that play over and over in our mind and connecting us more deeply with our spirit and the spirit of the Universe. Just like a catchy jingle gets stuck in your head, so does a mantra.

Singing provides opportunity for us to breath deeply which sends positive messages to the brain encouraging our body to relax. This is why breathing patterns have such a profound effect on our general and mental health. “Breathing interacts with and affects the cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and muscular systems. It also has general effects on sleep patters, memory, energy levels and concentration.” (Yoga Calm, Gillian & Gillian 2007). Along with counting the length of their breath, I us

ed blowing bubbles as a way to teach students to focus on their breath, slow down their thoughts and become more comfortable facing someone in close proximity.

At the end of the week, what resulted from the blending of dance, yoga, sound, chanting, breath work, relaxation, rhythm, beat-boxing, bubbles and bamboo brought children from 2 disparate barrios in Guatemala City together share a short performance in front of their community uniting many minds, bodies and spirits together deepening their connection to themselves, each other and their community.

A time for reflection

2009-11-20T05:19:00.000-08:00

This beautiful Guatemalan morning I am preparing to leave the beautiful family I have staying with to stay at the hostel, and I want to write about them, as well as they are wonderful people who have brought me here as a way to reflect and give thanks to friends family God and the Universe for all the beautiful gifts I have been given.

I have been staying for the last week at my friend Tita Everetsz home. She is the founder of Plantio do Johova, the group I often also refer to as La Esquilita (this is the name of he first school she opened in the ghetto of La Limonada. Tita is AWESOME! But I already wrote about her in my other post.

Along with Tita her two sons, she houses people that come to work in the ghetto as part of her team called Plantio de Jehova, or part of Lemonade International (the foundation that is helping bring sponsorship to the children at her school and be of help in many other ways as well) In total right now with me at the house there are 12 people here. It is so much fun! We laugh a lot and I have never heard anyone fight. All of the beauty and kindness which they share with each other is fueled through their passion for helping others and their faith in Jesus. They are all open minded, kind, generous and fun people that I feel blessed to have met and now know. They live really simply, and like one big family. They eat together go to La Limonada together, make plans together and look out for eachother.

My dear friend Monika, who I have known for 3 years (a local Guatemalan whose family once lived in La Limonada, but whoes family moved out 5 years ago) now lives in Tita's house and takes care of a 2 yr old from La Limonada there at the house. She is helping to raise this little girl and she is an awesome mom. Monika never ceases to amaze me with her compassion to make time for others!

My new friend Kate (native to the US) has been living in Tita's home off and on for about a year total, or more...I think. She seems to really be Tita's right hand lady, is FLUENT in Spanish, will be director for the art camp and is also taking on a parenting role with a little boy who is from La Limonada. I aspire to be able to have as much patience, determination and consistency in child raising as she has!!! When the kids see me from afar in either of the schools in La imonada, they are always calling her name or Leah's from the window. They are truly loved and making a huge impact!

Leah is the photographer for Lemonade International. I had heard of her for over 3 years since I began coming to Guatemala, and she has an unforgettable smile that is contagiousness. It was a gift to finally be able to meet her and get to know her this year. Leah is relentless in her commitment to child sponsorship for the kids. Her talent brings to the children and families of La Limonada a way for their stories to bee seen by millions all over the world and feel compelled to helped. She is able to capture a story through with dignity, grace and beauty.

Donnie has created an AMAZING website for Lemonade Internaitonal. He is an awesome person and the kids love him a lot. He is very genuine and although he is still in the beginnings of his journey with the Spanish language, it is easy for the kids to feel his compassion and a blessing for the boys to have a role model who they can see as a committed, caring and a strong man.

Lucia is an amazing example to me of how a language barrier is not enough of a reason for people to be disconnected. My Spanish is OK, not great but I get by. Lucia is still just learning the very basics of English but we had a great time learning to understand each other. A native of Guatemala and of Mayan descent, this beautfully sprited young woman always makes me feel at home. I feel apart of the culture and love how its cool to go arm and arm here in Guatemala and be close to your friends. In the US its rarely common, or even for many.... comfortable. I will never forget being near Lucia when we prayed. Her strength and energy are suportive gifts that are felt by everyone around her.

So this is not good be to these beautiful peole yet..just a change of venue! Tomorrow I go to the hostel to meet up with the Buildabridge team and start working on all the good stuff we will be doing at the CAMP!!!

Gina is teaching beat boxing?

2009-11-18T20:53:00.000-08:00

I know I know, another picture without faces, well, I want to share pics with you but I am waiting to hear the ok on photo forms to be returned at La Esquilita, so for now, its a lot of scenery.

Today was a great start to teaching as I taught the new BuildaBridge and Esquilita Song to both schools: Limon and Mandarina. We have 60 kids from Limon and 30 From Mandarina. Which means more than half of the kids have been studing at La Esquilita for possibly 3+ years. This is a bonus for many reason, understanding of the rules, literacy, consistancy and compatency in the structure Tita has created within the school. It will be interesting to see how the 2 schools work together. Our theme this year is UNITY. The two schools are in two different barrios, which means students may not be so quick to get along. If someone in La Limonada tries to go into another barrio in La Limonada, they could be jumped, beat up or worse, by local gang members. So kids feel the rivelry, La Esquilita is working to change this by uniting them through the Art Camp with BuildaBridge. This being my third year as a volunteer here in Guatemala with BuildaBridge, Im excited to see how we can help as well.

Im teaching an interdisciplinary class that encompasses the various forms of Yoga: postures, breathing and chanting and presents them in a more trendy...(although I dislike that word to go with Yoga...it seems the only one I can think of at 12am)....way. Though the building blocks of these Yogic aspects, we will explore yoga poses with creative movement and voice, breathing and chanting through beatboxing and put them together to create a final piece of Voice and Movement.

Beat boxing is super fun, Im definately a novice but Im not afraid to make a fool of myself in front of the kids while I'm working hard...which is helpful for them to see me vulnerable anyway. Besides, wait till I bust out my crazy handbalancing on them! We are going to have a BLAST!

Chheck out whats going on the Thanksgiving with BuildaBridge at www.buildabridge.org

She is my eyes and I am her cane

2009-11-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

Today we approached the Lemon Esquilita to see many young men dressed in what is called in the states as fatigues. The camouflage-clothing that solders wear has now infiltrated the US fashion culture as a normal pattern option When I see US citizens in 'camo', they don't usually have a huge rifles in their arms. Today the whole slum of La Limonada was crawling with government soldiers who were sent in arms to hand out care packages of rice, beans and dried milk to householders with legal documentation. Everyone seemed pretty happy, but each household could probably make that food last a week. Still it as a blessing to see the government doing something good, despite their reputation of greed and corruption.

It was even more on my mind that I was probably in the whole ghetto the only gringa there. Being that many of the kids at the school know me now, and I saw familiar faces was such a warm and happy comfort for me...around all these soldiers that I was uneasy seeing (to be totally honest!) Not that I was scared really, Monika knows everyone since she grew up in La Limonada and is now part of the Lemonade International Team. She is one of the most patient, understanding and kind people I have ever met.

Today was a day I will never forget, not because of the soldiers, but because of the home visits we made. When one walks down a street in La Limonada, no alleyways or streets are marked. Just the 'lot' or home number possibly written above the door. Every turn you make is more homes that are made of cinder blocks, corrugated metal sheets, scraps of wood and possibly large pieces of plastic. The streets are roughly the width of two peoples outstretched arms at most and homes are right there up to the extremely uneven and pot-holed street. Yet these are not streets filled with faces who will not look you in the eye, but rather filled with faces of inquiry, with nothing to hide. I only needed to give a smile or a good morning and all the faces would light up. It was quite a morning.

Of each of the homes we went into, we brought (pasteurized cheese) and cream (like sour cream only way better) this was hugely welcomed by each house hold. We would sit and ask them how they were doing and then pray with them. I just smiled and nodded and did lots of hugging convinced that if I was going to get lice this trip, it would be for giving some good hugs. Some of the houses were like mazes to get into down deep in the slum's revenue surrounded by other homes, or up high on a hill where I could see the whole of La Limonada. Which was actually breath-taking in its own right.

Of the 5 houses we visited the first was a two bedroom with 5 children and mom at work. To babies on the beds being watched by their older 13 year old sister. Two of the other homes were of extremely sick, dying and bed ridden, which was very hard not to cry when we prayed for them. I am amazed by the families devote to caring for them with little to no help from the doctors, since the walk alone to the hospital would be injuring enough.

But the family I visited that was the most emotionally gripping for me was a woman in her 80's with her blind 60 year old husband. I was amazed at how little they had and the husband could not see, yet he was in a button down shirt and sweater vest. He must have heard us coming down the winding dangerous steps helping his wife arm and arm, because by the time we got to the bottom I could smell someone had sprayed fresh cologne. They live on disability for 115 Q's a month which is less than $12.00. They have one room in their home with a bed, cooker, small fridge and a sink. What love they must have for eachother. They have nothing really but eachother. The husband Daniel says "She is my eyes, and I am her cane."

After the home visits we returned to La Esquilita.... which is another story I hope to share with you another day. The day was filled with more hugging, smiling and words of gratitude than I have experienced in years. PS I dont have lice! YAY

Day one Guatemala

2009-11-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

Today is actually day three but I want to backtrack and remember the excitement of each day. So im reporting about the first day, as the title states. Although getting to see my Guatemalan family (Tita, Moshe and Monika plus now other N Americans and some kids) and how much they have expanded in number... :) was absolutely awesome! The experience on the airplane got me thinking even more intensely than the reconnection with people who I know and love.

Each time I arrive in Guatemala there is usually one conversation with a local that stands out in my mind. Saturday it was with a man in his 60's on the airplane. We were over looking the gorgeousness of the mountains which was jaw dropping for me, him and his wife. I had a giant smile on my face and felt extremely grateful that I not only got the window seat, but just for the fact I was actually about to land in Guatemala, see my sponsor child Luky and follow though with my promise to many adults and children in La Limonada.

"Is this your first time in Guatemala?" the man asked me.
"No my third, I have come back every November for the last 3 years."
"Have you been to Lake Atitalan?" he said smiling. "I am retired, I'm from here but my wife and I have a house near the lake."
"No,...I havent bee, not yet. I am here to work in La Limonada." I replied calmly.

Everyone in Guatemala City knows where La Limonada is. Most of the time I hear..."Are you sure your going to La Limonada? You most be mistaken." Later followed by "Thank you for your work in our country. Be careful!" I almost always as them at that point if they would like to come with me for a day to La Limonada. Which gets a laugh or an excuse, but is still an interesteing moment none the less. Im a strong believer that if you dont want to work with kids because you dont like them...DONT, volunteering can be the same way....but sometimes once you get there things can change, kids are freaking amazing....all of them.

This man said nothing, but I watched his smile fade. Uncertain as to why he became silent, I happily told him how we will take the kids out of the slum and to the beach on Puerto de Barros the only water I had been to in Guatemala, for a week of art making, relationship building and fun. He shook his head as to express he did not know where Puerto Barrios was and then turned to look at the TV screen in front of him. I had never experienced a reaction like that and it brought me to wonder... A lot of things about him, his knowledge of La Limonada, experiences etc....But mostely, it brought me to think, what do locals of developing countries NOT living in poverty actually think of the volunteers. Most of the volunteers I have seen are from the US, church groups of some sort. I watched the man's line of site as he stared at the four aged 40-50 something white folks in front of him all dressed in red t-shirts with crosses and huge smiles on their faces. He did not speak to me the rest of the flight.

I have been told that in Guatemala more than 80% of the wealth is in the hands of less than 20% the population. Over 100,000 people are living on less that $1.oo a day ( think this number is actually really low...I will updates it soon). Do I think everyone should volunteer like I am doing, NO. Do I think everyone can help? YES Do I know the solution...Well, only for myself.....and even that I am still learning.

More questions in my head about this topic... so I will get back to you my lovely Blog....

PS The photo is of my very very dear friend Tita Evertsz. She has been a positive light in my life, role model, teacher and friend for the last 3 years. I love her like a big sister. Thank you TITA! Check out how Tita is changing the world here www.lemonadeinternational.org

You can be a leader too

2008-12-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

"Carlos", I said making eye contact with him. "Necisitiamos tu en el groupo."

Carlos turned his head down and started to descend from the cement post he had climbed. This post had been a challenge for everyone not to climb, play or rest on. In this beautiful open airy space covered by a palm tree leaves, the cement post were the only ‘walls’ to lean against, an environment that allowed for little room to hide.

Carlos had been having a hard time focusing all morning. I had already spoken to him once about following directions.

"Carlos." I said again firmly. He was joking around, not being a part of his group and trying to get some other kids to play around as well. "Ok Carlos, I have asked you twice. " This means you sit out for a bit because you are not following the rules. Do you know what rule you have broken?" He shook his head and looked down" "Mantenemos nuestras manos y pies junto a nosotros (We keep our hands and feet to ourselves) y Tratamos a los dem·s y a nuestro ambiente con respecto (We treat others and our environment with respect).

"If you choose not to follow your class rules, than you cannot be in the class today. I asked him to think if there were any other rules he had broken, and when he would come back to the group how he would change his behavior. He didn't say anything, but seemed relieved to get to sit out for a bit.

After about 3 minutes I invited him back to the group. He smiled and looked down and shook his head no. "No, you don't want to come back", I asked, "You may not stay there and not participate Carlos, you would have to go see Hermana Tita" Then he agreed to come back in. At this point, it was nearly lunchtime, thankfully his time out of the lesson was helpful and his behavior was calmer.

Than at lunch, I spoke with Tita about the situation with Carlos. She and I called Carlos over and spoke with him about his behavior in class. He seemed very sad and embarrassed. He told us what rules he had broken. Then Tita spoke to him and then me. We told him how important he was, how important it was for him to be in class and respect the teachers, his classmates and himself and we told him how important it was for him to learn. I thought he was going to cry. Then Tita said to me, would you pray for him? Oh wow, here we go I thought... I have not been one to pray out loud for people. I wasn’t raised praying out load like that, but I had remembered what Nathan told me. "Speak a blessing" So I did just that. I don’t remember what I said but I remember I felt grateful to be asked to give him a blessing. I also remember how Carlos looked. He was so reverent. I wondered what he was thinking. We told him that this was the last chance. If he broke the rules again, he would have to spend the rest of the lessons with Hermana Tita. Then I gave him a hug and shook his hand and told him how excited I was to have him stay in class.

After lunch we went back to class. We had been learning all week about the different forms of water and exploring how we could move like water. I put Carlos in a leadership roll helping his group to review the group dance we had learned earlier. Then as they worked on their individual group movements (His group was the iceberg. Their job was to dance like ice cubes into the center of their group circle and form an iceberg that would then melt from the sun.), Carlos decided to be the sun. His movement was the catalyst for his classmates melting’ to the floor and then rising like vapor into the sky. He was so committed to this movement, helping his classmates. His classmates in return supported him by following his direction and not giving him a hard time when he got a bit ahead with the timing. They made it work, all together!

When we brought together all the works the dancers had created for the performance, I needed to put some students in the front that really knew the group dance. I watched the students to see whom really had the movement memorized. Ashley, yes definitely, Ronaldo of course, but wait, Carlos! He had improved so much. I was impressed at how much his behavior had changed and helped him learn! I brought him closer to the front, also away from any students likely to want to chat with him. How much his face lit up, I will never forget!

For the rest of my time there with the kids, Carlos was always looking to hold my hand or give me a hug when he saw me. Hermana Gina, Hermana Gina and he would point to a chair for me to come and sit with him at meals. Hermana Gina, Hermana Gina and he would hold out his hand to me.

How amazing this little boy is. So amazing of a change I saw in him from being given opportunity. Maybe it was the opportunity to experience following the rules, hearing the empowering voice of Tita setting consequences, holding my hand or spending time away from home. I will never know what the exact reason was. But in my heart I know that it was the art of being acknowledged, for creating and being apart of something beautiful, making choices and experiencing success. This is the power of the creative arts this is the power of Hope.