Guatemala Team Reports

Today was all about stoves. We collectively installed 49 of them, eight more than on Monday, and generally in less time. I guess most of us are through our stove installation apprencticeships now and becoming journeyman. Just 38 more until we reach the 128. Fewer, actually, because one was previously installed at the school as a demo and another will be picked up later by a family that is not currently at home.

Sadness in camp – two of our Hands for Peacemaking staff lost a family member at age 42 due to health issues. She was Elvin’s mother-in-law and Neddie’s sister. Both worked a full day today then left for Barillas tonight to help prepare for her funeral and will not rejoin us this week.

The weather in the village continues to be hot for the most part and generally rain free. Except right now. Rain is pelting the tin roof over the school as I type. Which is okay as long as it’s gone by tomorrow. Hopefully the roof doesn’t leak because the tent I’m sleeping in as mosquito protection doesn’t have a rain fly. Everyone remains healthy, the villagers are showing us their love and we’re all getting along as far as I can tell.

Oh, and we all survived an earthquake! It measured 4.4, enough to startle those who were awake about 3 a.m. when it hit (like Wily) but not enough to wake the rest of us. There was no local damage from the tremor as far as we could tell.

We did encounter a strange looking spider crawling across the roof of one of our homes. It’s about five inches long and bone white. Anyone know it might be?

I’ve been trying to post a photo of the spider and a lot of other photos from today but am being thwarted by a slow and fussy cell connection that is causing photo uploads to time out. Too bad because there are some good ones. Will try again tomorrow.

If we finish early enough tomorrow and the weather cooperates we’ll head for the local swimming hole from which the town gets its name. Rio Azul means blue river. Hopefully the river will live up to its name. Apparently it’s about a 20-minute drive away though. Another incentive to wrap it up!