Three Weeks In

We've been in Guatemala for just over three weeks now, and we wanted to give an update on our progress. Things that have happened so far:

• Maura learned the hard way why they say don't drink the water.
• We rented an apartment in Antigua which we've been using as our home operating location.
  
• We are quickly moving forward with data collection: we've translated the surveys and have continued to administer them. Preliminary feedback is promising so far.
  
• We started collaborating with a woman in Antigua who has a large network of organizations in the area. She has been working in Guatemala for three years, and talking with her validated our assumptions that there is a demand (even a need) for MEOG's services. We will be attending a conference she is organizing for local development agencies this July.
• We fell in love with Pollo Campero (a fried chicken place that puts KFC to shame).
• Our work Stateside has been moving smoothly. The preliminary infrastructure for the website is currently being developed and many have been pitching in to research, write, and do other miscellaneous tasks that are fundamental to our future success (we thank everyone for their hard work!).
  
• We plan to continue our work in Antigua for the next two weeks, at which point we will move to our next city.
  
• We've started accepting donations under the auspices of a not-for-profit organization based here in Antigua. Contact us for more information on how to donate.
  

Life in Guatemala brings surprises everyday. You haven't lived until you've: 1) argued with a vendor at the local mercado over whether the tomatoes are 4 Quetzales a pound or 3.50Q ( a difference of 7 cents), 2) washed your clothes by hand in a pila, only to have it downpour two hours after hanging them to dry, 3) found bugs in your food, yet continued to eat so it wouldn't go to waste (don't worry we picked the bugs out first), or 4) traveled to Guatemala during the rainy season without a raincoat or an umbrella. All in all, our Spanish is rapidly improving, we're adjusting to Guatemalan life, enjoying the scenery, and loving every minute of building MEOG :)

Just a quick snapshot of a beautiful part of Antigua:


Nos Vemos,

Justin y Maura