Hot from Guat: A Country of Liars?
You haven´t heard from me in 2 weeks? That can't be possible. Well, anyway, I am not doing too great, but I'm not horrible either. Norman decided to cut things off with me, which is bumming me out big time. It's probably best this way, but I find that difficult to admit to myself. I've decided that Guatemalan guys never tell the truth. No one tells the truth around here. It's the Guatemalan culture to lie. You wouldn't believe it until you came down here to live. It's truely unbelievable at times. I am living through culture shock right now. It doesn't help that the organization of this orphanage is completely nutso. Vacation just started and everyone is running around like their butts are on fire. No one knows what is going on. Everyone wants to change this place for the better, to have work that they are succesful with, and to be happy. But no one is taking charge, and Angie (our leader) is the queen stuck-in-the-mud. She likes things done her way, and she's too old and weird to actually change things. She is truly the only person who can really get things going around here. But really, she's too old. Right now I am working with the Ninas Pequenas as a childcare person. No teaching for me, at this moment. Wow, I have already dressed so many pus-oozing wounds that their Guatemalan caretaker has just overlooked. Like infected ingrown toenails, or cuts that ooze pus, and can't be cured with some antibiotic cream. It's just not a good day. I am so angry with Norman, and I am so angry with this place. No one looks into the hearts of these children to find their talents. They're like cattle that are passing through. They must be fed, given clean clothes, and taught to read. Then, at the age of 18, they can leave. But they haven't realized any talents, or found a love for life. They are brought up ignorant. What is out there for them? They don't know anything! Ugh...I am tired. Okay, I have to go eat something. I miss everyone. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had in the U.S. and for the knowledge I have within me. Is ignorance really bliss?
Love Maia
Love Maia
posted by chuck at 11/22/2005 05:09:00 PM
1 Comments:
maia, sounds like a tough spell down in that old banana republic. the old ebb and flow. but i think you can rest assured that boys everywhere since the beginning of time have been telling little white lies to the gals to satisfy their hormonal needs. i don't think it's a cultural thang so much as a genetic thang.
and don't worry, if you get sick of the jungle there are plenty of people right in the good old USA who could use the help and heart of an incredible young woman willing to sacrifice for others.
elizabeth and laura and i miss you too and hope with the coming of a new month comes a new and better flow.
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