Books Worth a Look

  • Little Bee by Chris Cleave - This book is a must read. Better than anything else I've read, it takes you vividly into the life of a person in the 3rd world who has no choice but to escape. It is brilliantly written & works well as an audio book. Often I've sent info about the wonderful refugees I've met in Europe. We know only so much of their plight as it is painful for them to recall much less live through again by recounting it. But over time it is clear what they've lived through. This book is excellent as you discover the horrors of their world. Somewhat how to me, it is like being in Europe near a Concentration Camp. One has an obligation to visit it. 'Never to Forget.' In this case, to have our eyes opened.
  • Garbage King by Eliz Laird - The book is set on the streets on Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia and here lives Mamo and his sister Tiggist. When Mamo's "uncle" offers a job, he soon sets out on a bus to work. Little does he know that he is actually being sold into slavery...

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

1 week at home & off to Guatemala Friday 2/11

I have to admit the pace is a bit much! Then again, I was determined to not be here for the snow & ice. So far so good. There are though trade offs! Can't drink local water in CA & one must be quite alert & careful re: safety. And, I've built in several lazy days in Guatemala!

1 week of Spanish study in Quetzaltenango (Xela) 2/14 - 2/18 The weekend to hang out & see Xela.

1 week of Spanish study in San Pedro La Laguna - return visit. I will stay with the same wonderful Mayan family, and enjoy the lake. 2/21 - 2/25.

THEN lazy! Two days at a hotel on the lake at Santa Cruz la Laguna My friend Ellen suggested it & I loved it on my 1st visit. There I will also be able to visit my young friend Servando and also visit the Amigos de Santa Cruz, www.amigosdesantacruz.org I'll also be able to visit with my friend, Pat Torpie, one of the founders of Amigos & its current director.

Lastly, I return to Antigua for my 3rd study visit. My excellent teacher, Juan Luis, will be teaching me 3 hours in the p.m. each day, Tecun Uman Spanish Language School. I will have the weekend between classes to hang out, rest, and stroll this lovely city with mountains in each direction.

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REFLECTIONS & ARTICLES

Thoughts on the amazing people I get to meet.

Rich, my 19 year old friend, soon to be Franciscan and recent community member at Haley House in Boston. An article he wrote.

http://www.capuchinfranciscans.org/pdf/2008%2003%2011%20CVO%20Update%20A%20community%20of%20two%20tables.pdf