Toto, I don't think we're in Upstate NY anymore

I must make my apologies once again for the lapse in information flow from this SMI-dweller.  But do not for a moment think that this has been an apathetic or merely laconic dismissal of my blogging duties.  Nay, let the fault be laid squarely at the feet of those tyrannical controllers of internet who have been carelessly toying with our worldy connections as they fail to provide sufficient bandwidth.  We are not your puppets you unfeeling business-types!  Yes our connection was completely lost for over 2 weeks, and has been sketchy since then.  This is actually the third time I’ve tried to write this post, so please be patient with me and forgive the delay in news.  Somehow we muddled through without the latest celebrity gossip and infinite accessability of facebook photos, and even managed to have some good times away from a computer screen!  Here are some of the exciting happenings that took place:

A group of musicians from the US came for a week to work with the students recording a CD of marimba, vocals, rhythm and some music the kids wrote themselves.  Watch out Latin Grammys, here come the kids of Centro Comunitario.  This was a slightly hectic time for all of us here at the Foundation, as we were serving as headquarters and dining establishment for 14 people.  Our friend and companero Chat, was sadly forced to flee into exile from this madness and now lives upstairs with our landlord and his adorable family where he feasts like a king and enjoys the company of great kids.  We miss him….but he’s in a better place.  Anyways, the music project was a lot of fun and I had a great time hanging out, helping to translate and occasionally amping up the creativity of the kids.

Beth Neville, our director and her videographer friend Chip, enjoyed a 3 week stay here at El Hospedaje Fundacion.  They cheerfully tolerated and sometimes even participated in the shenanigans of this group of youngsters.  While here, Chip worked on a short film starring some of our students that was a brief interpretation of Romeo and Juliet entitled “Xapin y Axul: A Mayan Romance”.  Don’t miss it when it comes to theatres near you- it features some of the most beautiful people you will ever lay eyes upon.  Upon the departure of Beth and Chip last week, we threw a small farewall party complete with snacks and party games.  A very successful round of telephone took place, which was enjoyed by all.  Providing extra-hilarity was the fact that one of the guests got “slightly” tipsy and kept changing the message to “I Love Jessica.”

One beautiful and sunny Saturday morning we set out on an expedition to the top of Cerro Bobi- the highest point around San Mateo, which is home to the cell phone towers which provide the wonderful opportunity for all of our students to chat with friends even outside the school during class.  We went with some friends who served as wonderful guides and forcibly conquered the 2-hour uphill battle.  When we arrived at the top we then proceeded to climb up the rickety ladders to the tops of the towers, which luckily were not protected by any sort of gates or fences- lawsuits must be slightly less common here in SMI.  About half way up I realized that I do in fact still have a slight fear of heights, but I completed the ascension and the view was definitely worth it.  It was frightening and exhilarating and probably dangerous and great for me.  After laying our feet on solid ground again we enjoyed a hearty lunch of beef, onions, beans and tortillas, flame-grilled to our liking over a roaring fire.  We sunned ourselves and gathered up strength for the break-neck race back down the mountain to our beloved little pueblo.

On one of our traditional Sunday pizza nights we had the pleasure of teaching Maria, Eulalia and Andres, the kids upstairs how to make a pizza.  In return, they laughed and sang and danced and entertained us and made our kitchen a beautiful place for a few hours.  After dinner we played telephone- hey, it’s a Foundation favorite.  There were also some discrpancies in the transferred messages in this game- most of them ended up being jokes about Chat.  These changes were traced back to the mischievious grin of tiny Eulalia.

I have become friends with two very sweet girls from 9th grade, Juana and Maria who assisted me in the crucial and immensely thrilling task of purchasing a corte!!  Cortes are the long skirts that are the traditional indigenous clothing of the women here.  They are basically extremely long, heavy pieces of beautiful fabric that you wrap around you and tie tightly around your waist.  Mine is bright pink and red with shiny thread and I love wearing it, although I am still getting used to taking tiny little steps rather than my long-hurried pant-wearing stride.  It’s nice to feel like I’m a little more a part of the culture and all the kids get really excited to see the gringa teachers wearing cortes.  They are a little disappointed to see me return to wearing pants for part of the week, but I’m still unable to resist the siren call of the practicality of jeans.

I have received the fabulous news that Miss Mary Beth Butler will be gracing SMI with her presence in mid-June.  Preparations for her arrival have already commenced, including the writing of love poems and romantic songs by most of the boys in my primero class.  They are not deterred by either her age or her height, and have assured me that love is the most important thing and one of them WILL marry her.  Watch out Mary Beth, for the battle for your heart is about to begin.

Well, I believe that is sufficient for the moment- this is the last week before we have vacation for Semana Santa.  Plans for our travels are still uncertain but we are thinking about visiting Lake Atitlan for at least part of the week.  I will try to update soon after my return on the wonderful sights we are blessed with.  Hope everyone enjoys their holidays!  Think of me while you’re eating jelly beans and Peeps!  Poor disadvantaged Jessica with nary a Cadbury egg to her name.