July 3

In 12,000 Miles in the Nick of Time, there is a poorly translated expression written, I think, in a Cambodian restaurant, "Esteem the chance bootie." I think we've got that down. Some kids went to see Buena Vista Social Club when they came to town last week. Some others rented bikes and got to the top of some hill high above the city. Some found a Korean restaurant in Antigua that had Kareoke, and sang Beatles' songs. Yesterday a Guatemalan Elvis played at the school - he was very good, on Elvis and others.
Today we celebrated Chris Bergin's birthday. Along with the cake and pinata, Salvador set off firecrackers - a long string of them, for the traditional Guatemalan mark of a birthday.
Yesterday we were divided into three groups for three Habitat projects, working on houses in the country. Today we go to a high school for soccer and basketball.
I'm a little surprised at how little complaining I have heard - where is the homesickness, the longing for pizza? Also, I'm pleased to see the kids "get it" on many fronts - that supporting the cooperatives is a good thing - You'll see things from Trama and Cafe Consciencia, for example - and about how much good a bunch of kids can do when they work together.
Not much longer. I'll do one more blog after we go to the high school, to show some of the games played, and the high school we helped - and who will probably slaughter us at soccer. Ah, well.
At least I think we are all healthy now.