Kayalá Turns Two!

Pictures from Kayalá's second year of life:

Sisters, Friday, 6am

Hello, world!

One of Kayala's classic poses, ever since she was a baby on my back: arms outstretched, one hand up and the other down ... wonder and joy.

Just like big sister...

Kayalá does not like saying good-bye to Chely (whom she calls "Tehteh") in the mornings when she goes to school. She says, "Tehteh no go school! Tehteh stay home."   

Recently Kayalá (who calls herself "Yaya") has been saying "Yaya go school too." She sure wants to be like her big sister!

 

In the afternoon when the school minivan brings Chely back, Kayalá gets so excited. "Honk honk Tehteh home!" she yells and rushes to give her big sister a kiss.

Swing Song

Here is the song that Chely made up while on the swings at the park yesterday:

"I close my eyes
and feel I am in the sky.
My joy is high.
My heart goes up
and my joy goes up."

Ode to Bamba

Thoughtful Bamba, Creative Bamba

My mom recently sent us some inspired hats and cards

honoring spring and life.

Earlier this year, she knitted sweaters for the children.

My mom has been through a lot this past year.

Throughout it all she has shown bravery, strength, spirit,
grace, and gratitude.

Today and every day,
we honor you, Bamba!
Happy Mother's Day!

Holy Week Procession

Easter in Guatemala is all about bread, honey, and processions.

In Santa María on Good Friday, community members carry out a special procession, the Way of the Cross.

Families prepare altars for each station of the cross, like this one:

and people walk from one to the other

- some with umbrellas to shade themselves from the hot sun -

and one person carries the cross.

At each station they pause for prayer and reflection.

The reflections often connect religious themes to community struggles and current pressing issues.