A Few Days in Coban

Last weekend we went to Coban (the city we will be living in) with some of the staff from the Guatemala City office. We were able to practice our Spanish, meet our fellow employees and envision our future living conditions. One morning, we went to Paapa where all the mothers brought their children to be measured and weighed. As the child was wrapped in clothe then hung on the hook the mother anxiously awaited the results. Had her child gained weight? Weight gain as well as vertical growth indicates proper nourishment. The mothers are learning about good nutrition and how to prevent malnutrition and this monthly measurement shows the hopeful mothers that their children are developing properly. Unfortunately, most of the women in these small villages don’t speak Spanish. We were only able to smile and wave. Many of the men know Spanish as their second language because they have more education.

It was obvious that gringos are an interesting and unusual occurrence in Paapa. The children would stare at us with big, brown eyes. We were only approached by a few who would get up the courage to say hi or ask us our names, but then would quickly return to the comfort of their mother's side. Our few days in Coban have made us all the more excited to join in with the great work that's already going on.

Both Shane and I have been far from healthy since our return from Coban. Last week I was miserably sick and unable to attend school for the first two days and this week Shane has been sick. But I think things are looking up now. Part of the adjustment process.