According to Jen Herdina during our weekly check-in yesterday, the girls have enjoyed beautiful weather so far in Guatemala which has rewarded them with sights of the smoke from distant El Fuego.
There have been birthday parties for Jen and Liz, hikes around the Earth Lodge, lots of yummy meals with homemade carrot-ginger soup and fresh salad topped with birthday cake. On Monday, the girls had their first shortened day of classes, visited a nearby school, and spent their first town time in colonial Antigua. The girls were sent on a scavenger hunt and in their Mentor groups visited the market. Later, they continued with orientation activities. There are trips to Safe Passages
planned, a bike ride through the outskirts of Antigua, possibly to a macadamia nut farm and woman's cooperative in nearby communities. All this and more to come in the days the group is in and around Antigua.
Though you're missing your girls, know they are busy and getting to know each other and their surroundings. I will let you know more about the plan for the upcoming phone call as soon as the teachers have worked out their schedule for Sunday or Monday.
Jennifer
Sounds like the girls are eating healthier than Carl and I are in our home up here in Maine these days! One thing that's been good for this parent is that I bought all the books that the girls will be reading in their Language Arts class. I just started reading The Bridge of Courage (which takes courage just for me to read). An amazing inspirational read and certainly makes me feel more connected to what our daughter's are learning about. If your missing your daughter I highly recommend diving into the books.
ReplyDeleteWarm Regards to All!
Suzi Spector, Freeport, Maine
(Emelia von Saltza's mom)
Thank you SO much for the update---Just a little treat every few days can fill my heart!
ReplyDeletetheir adventures sound wonderful! Suzi that's a great idea about the books. I'm still reading the Africa ones but need to finish up and move on. Do you have the titles and/or they in the TTS binder? I am pleased the girls are bonding already.
ReplyDeleteGetting ready for the Nor'easter... Good luck in Maine with the blizzard!
Thanks Jennifer - We need a little weather drama up here in Maine. Its too quiet at our home, especially sine Emelia left (but my kitchen stays nice and clean!) ...
ReplyDeleteBooks:
Tree Girl - By Ben Mikaelsen
Bridge of Courage - By Jennifer Harbury
(very powerful read; helps to do it in small doses)
One Day of Life - By Manlio Argueta
Enrique's Journey - y Sonia Nazario
The Tortilla Curtain - By T.C. Boyle
If you ever need a pig sitter let me know!
Thanks for the reading list Suzi! Maybe I won't notice the unnatural quiet in our house if I'm reading.
Deletethanks for the titles Suzi! although our house is not quite quiet I will try to squeeze some reading in.
Deletepig sitting is very tempting-and to think you could also visit some of your fav phila spots!
hoping you and Carl are mostly enjoying the snow!