gracegoestosantacruz

Santa Cruz

gracegoestosantacruz — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday we arrived in Santa Cruz La Laguna. A small village off of lake Atitlan. While here we will be doing two days of professional development with the teachers here. The schools here are not very well developed and most teachers do not have more than a high school education. The teachers I am here with will be teaching the teachers reading strategies.

We will also be in the classroom with both the younger and older students. While in the classrooms with the older students we will be looking for 2 students to being to the US in Decemeber. I already have my picks... ;)

Working with these kids is so incredible! They are all so creative and very smart. They just need the tools to help them.

I will post more throughout the week!

Did she just call me a Gringo?

gracegoestosantacruz — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

So, week one is almost over and i have had an absolutely fabulous time. I have been speaking in Spanish and interacting with locals and living the Antigua life!

Our days, this past week consist of...

8:00 - 12:00 - Spanish lessons at The Sevilla School. So wonderful to wok on my Spanish that diligently but so difficult!

12:00 - 1:00 - Lunch at the Hostal El Montanes. We picked up some food at the super mercado.

1:00 - 5:00 - Walkin around the city Enjoying all of the beautiful sites!

The best part of all is that I am speaking in Spanish, and people understand what I'm saying! How crazy is that? I was walking Down the street and I was able to here two girls call me a gringo! Putting my skills to use!

Tomorrow we leave for Santa Cruz and then the real work begins. Stay tuned, I'll update more throughout the week!

Hasta Luego!

Less than a Week!

gracegoestosantacruz — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Ahhh!!! Less than a week to go! I have started packing and getting everything organized. Some of the things necessary to bring for our trip....
Lots of Bug Spray!
Malaria Medication
Anti-Biotics (just in case)
Books Books Books! For the kids
Sunscreen
Jacket (The Mountain Gets Cold)
Good Walking Shoes
Spanish language book

That is just a few of the over 10 suitcases we are packing. All full with school supplies, books! And anything else we may need while in Guatemala.

I started my anti-malarial medication in Monday. While in the city the Mosquitos aren't so bad, but while by the water and in Costa Rica it gets a little buggier.

I am also taking a prescription of cipro. It is an antibiotic for anyone to take if we were to get sick. We cannot drink the water while on Guatemala because it is not filtered like it is in the states. Interesting fact though, the same ingredients In cipro are also in tonic water. I have a microbiologist for a dad so I get to learn this stuff.

I post more as the day gets closer and closer!

Countdown to Guatemala!

gracegoestosantacruz — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As I'm driving to Baltimore I'm thinking about all of the cool things I am going to be doing while in Guatemala. It is really going to be an amazing experience. I cannot wait, and as the day gets closer and closer I get more and more excited. Reading to these kids and teaching them is going to be so amazing! But I'm nervous at the same time! What of they don't like me, or I forget all of my Spanish on the spot! Ahh! I want to know what all of you would say to these kids (English or not) if you could. So comment, email, Facebook, twitter! Let me know!

Did I just buy tickets to Guatemala?

gracegoestosantacruz — Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I did! I bought the tickets to Guatemala! I cannot believe I am doing this. I am so lucky to be going! This is going to be a once in a life-time experience! Counting down the days till my trip!

What we are all about!

gracegoestosantacruz — Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are a group of teachers and students trying to spread cultural and educational awareness. Every Summer we take a trip down to Santa Cruz, Guatemala to help the local school and teachers. We bring books, shoes, clothes anything we can fit in our suitcases that they need. While down their we learn all about their culture, lifestyle, and also how similar we all really are.
Every Winter a few teachers and students from Guatemala come to visit us! They get to experience snow and ice,and teach in our schools! Its a win win for everyone!

This will be a blog of our trials and tribulations as we fund-raise, preparations, and travels!