We visited Dona Matilda and her daughter Sara at their home before school. Matilda’s father was murdered when she was a young girl and she always regretted having to go to work to help support the family rather than to pursue her own education. She is so grateful that she can provide something better for Sara with the help of Adivima. Sara is a bright … Continue reading More student visit photos-Sara
We shared our final reflections of this spirit filled and meaningful time we have shared. Our chalice is a collection of stones from Rio Negro. We focused on the gratitude and inspiration each of us has drawn from our experience. Marvin, the Adivima sub-director who ably arranged our program, brought his two sons to join us for final dinner together. We bid farewell to little … Continue reading Farewell Rabinal
We had an opportunity to meet two of our ADIVIMA scholarship students in class and then go to one of their homes and see a family. Kayla’s family was welcoming and offered us their hospitality while answering questions. They shared their stories and their aspirations – Kayla wants to be a nurse. Without ADIVIMA she would not have this opportunity. We are making a difference … Continue reading Meeting the ADIVIMA Students in Class and with their families.
Up before dawn to hike to the Mayan temple ruins in the hills above Rabinal. Even in their deteriorated state, it was plain to see that this was a significant public space. We saw the “ballfield” where sports were “played”, however the loser was subject to sacrifice. There is a very large plaza space with a sacrificial altar and an architecturally significant well structure. In … Continue reading Kujyub Temple ruins and Rabinal Market
Dancing in the Rabinal colors, Emily beginning our presentation, and Kate with her solar oven. Continue reading Cultural Exchange with ADIVIMA
Kate identified with this figurine. Continue reading Fun pictures from our trip
Here are pictures of hope – this community returned to their home near the Chixoy Dam and with their reparations money have built a two-room schoolhouse and are planning an adventure tourism destination. Continue reading Trip to Rio Negro
In case you were unsure of your proper place in the racial caste system, here is a poster explaining it – indigineous/mestizo/colonial. And here are our ADIVIMA students reading our UU 7 Principles Bookmarks. Continue reading Why we need the 8th Principle!
Maura welcomed us into her new home in Pacux where she first arrived at the age of seven after hiding in the mountains for two years following the Rio Negro massacre. After 35 years her family finally received a reparation payment which enabled them to replace the subsistence shelter they had been living in with a more modern home. Adivima assisted her family with financial … Continue reading Maura and Sebastian-two survivors from Rio Negro
