Antigua

Nestled between 3 massive volcanoes lies an idyllic Guatemalan city called Antigua. Amidst ruins from ancient earthquakes have sprouted beautiful colored buildings. Connected, as if forming a tapestry of finely woven fabric. Michael and I have settled into this town for the next week to work with camino seguro, or safe passage in English (safepassage.org). This organization was founded to provide dignity and opportunities through education for the children living and working in the Guatemala City Garbage Dump. This organization has been in operation for about 15 years. It is amazing to see what they have accomplished. Today was orientation. We visited the educational reinforcement centers that they have set up around the dump. Beautiful beacons of light amidst some of the most impoverished areas I have ever seen. 60% of Guatemalans live on less than $.50 US a day. The 3000 plus people who recycle the trash that comes off the dump trucks are the poorest of them all. I was speechless as we watched these workers sift through the trash from a safe peak above this crater of desolation and hopelessness. Michael and I left in silence. Committed to whatever project Camino Seguro requires from us. Committed to working so that no child will ever have to stand in that pit, closer to hell than any other human, as carrion birds swarm overhead, trying to distinguish between human flesh and the stench of trash. Check our updated flickr page. You will know what I am talking about.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26885096@N07/

gregorio

Conversations

Fernando: It's all a jungle out there man. The industry, the factories, the buildings, this beach, this forrest. I just choose the beach as my jungle.

Me: So where did you learn to speak English?
Alejandro: In Texas. I was in Prison.
Me: Really... Wow... What did they get you for?
Alejandro: I was working the construction and didn't have papers.
Me: They locked you up for that?
Alejandro: 74 months
Me: That's just... wrong.
Alejandro: I couldn't see my family or nothing.
Me: But now we are here. And we got to sit on this pier and stare into the dark see, and look at these stars... together... as friends. And now I know your story. I'm gonna remember this story.
Alejandro: If you ever need anything in this city... you call Alejandro. Friends have to look out for eachother.

Me: How long have you been traveling?
D: 9 months... In Taiwan, this is a long time to be away.
Me: Buddy... It's a long time to be away from anywhere.
D: I leave to escape my sadness. My best friend die so I begin traveling.
Me: How are you now?
D: Traveling can heal. Things will be okay

Me: What kind of bird is this?
Sergio: It's a baby. Notice its wings. It is just beginning to test them.
Me: It's learning to fly.
Sergio: Yes my brotha!
Me: If you don't mind my asking... What does your tattoo mean?
Sergio: Only the wings of a feather can carry the heart.

Me: Let's write what we are feeling right now and send it out to sea.
Erin: I'll throw it.
Me: Can I read what you wrote?
Erin: It's not meant for us to see. This message is intended for the one who needs it most.

Rob: You gotta come with me right now.
Me: Okay
Rob: Have you ever seen stars like this in your life?
Me: .....
Rob: Let's find a place to lay down.
Me: It's like I can touch them. Do you ever wonder what they would look like from space?
Rob: No man. I'd rather sit right here and wonder. Cause nothing can compare to what I am imagining right now.
Me: Did you see that shooting star?
Rob: Yeah
Me: Why does it always surprise you when they race across the sky?
Rob: Because it is always beautiful

gregorio