On the way to Sri Lanka

I’m lucky to say that I’m feeling better after one month back in Germany. I’m happy to inform you that I’m going to Sri Lanka for some months to help my friend to build up her Ayurvedic Clinic since she got very sick too. I’m very glad that I have the possibility to do something to help her and relax at a beautiful place. I’m planning to write down my experience with people and work and would love to see you on my new blog:

www.ClaudiaInSriLanka.wordpress.com

The day after arriving back in Germany

Everything seems to be unknown. What a noise is that outside, I cannot recognize it. Is there a construction? What time is it?

I went to bed around 5 pm, slept till 11 pm and was awake till around 3 am – I wanted to sleep again but I tried to organize my head. It seemed to be impossible, still drunken from my jetlag…

Is that how the story ends? My thoughts are bothering me. I guess it is morning, I can hear my parents. Aren’t they working today?  …Oh, I just see, it is already 5 pm. Wow, I slept a lot. I’m confused.

Here I am again. My environment is still the same, people get fret still about the same boring and unnecessary stuff. I don’t understand that.

I feel I have lost, lost in sense of helping many innocent people. What I’m doing here? I had so much still to do there. Without saying good bye, I needed to leave for my own safety.

I know there is too much need on our earth and this incidence is an opportunity to learn and to grow. It is my way which was predetermined for me. I won’t stop doing what I’m made for. That is for sure, it’s my passion! However, I need to rest a bit from the last weeks now…

I’m happy to live and grateful for the good which comes to me. Life is a school, and every day I open my mind and my heart to discover new people and perspectives. What a joy! The past is always necessary to bring you where you are today. Never forget this.

…Now, I’ll throw my pain over board and see how it disappears.

Bye bye!

Farewell / Despedida

My dear friends –

I wished I could have said “Goodbye” properly to all of you! I thank you for everything.

My last week with the kids in the project of Safe Passage and the wonderful animation film team from Sweden was great! We had a good time and couldn’t have been better. I’m very lucky to hear that the presentation was a fully success. I’m looking very much forward to seeing the complete DVD with the kids’ animation when I get back to Germany.

Believe me; I was more than disappointed that I couldn’t make it to the film fest on Wednesday, the week after. Many of you asked me what has happened. Till now I haven’t been in the position to give you more details about what has happened. I feel very sorry for that.

Somebody I had become close to turned out to be a very different person to what “this person” claimed to be. First, I discovered evidence of crimes, then I had my entire property stolen and was my life threatened so that the police stayed with me for the rest of my time in Guatemala. Because of this and in order to protect my personal safety, I very sadly decided to leave Guatemala.

I was planning starting my own project because of some ongoing things and the fact of the situation in Guatemala by itself. It was even already successful in the first phase. I was very excited and -full- of hope, so I planned to stay in Guatemala for unforeseeable future. I can’t hardly describe how I feel and how much got lost!

I hope I will get better soon after all and will be able to continue where I stopped on my path to help others!

I’m looking forward to getting notes from you! Here are my personal contacts:

ClaudiaReuter@hotmail.de
ClaudiaInGuatemala@googlemail.com

Skype: ClaudiaR.1

Thanks for your support and for knowing all of you. I had an incredible valuable time in Guatemala!!!!

Lots of Love & Light –

Claudia

Queridos Amigos –

Deseo haber dicho “Adiós” de una manera más apropiada a todos Ustedes! Les agradezco por todo.

Mi última semana con los niños en el proyecto de Camino Seguro y el grupo de animación de Sueca fue fantástico! Nosotros la pasamos muy bien y no pudo haber sido mucho mejor. Estoy muy feliz escuchar que la presentación fue un éxito total. No puedo esperar a ver el DVD completo de la animación de los niños cuando regrese a Alemania.

Creanme; estuve muy decepcionada que no pude ir al festival el miércoles, la semana pasada. Muchos de Ustedes me preguntaron que pasó. Hasta ahora no estuve en posición de darles más detalles sobre lo que pasó. Lo siento muchísimo por eso.

Alguien muy cercano a mi resultó ser una persona muy diferente a lo que decía ser. Primero descubí evidencias de crimenes, luego todas mis pertenencias fueron robadas y mi vida muy amenazada, de tal manera que tuve que estar con la policia el resto de mi estancia en Guatemala. Por esto y para protecer mi seguridad personal no tuve lamentablemente otra opción si no partir de Guatemala.

Estaba planeando comenzar mi propio proyecto a causa de algunas cosas y el hecho de la situación de Guatemala. Era ya con éxito en la primera fase. Estaba muy emotionada y -llena- de esperanzas, de tal manera que pensaba que darme en Guatemala por un tiempo indefinido. Es muy difícil describir como siento y cuanto se ha perdido.

Espero mejorarme muy pronto después de todo y ser capaz de continuar donde quede en mi camino hacia los demás!

Me alegro mucho tener noticias de Ustedes! Aquí tienen mis contactos personales:

ClaudiaReuter@hotmail.de
ClaudiaInGuatemala@googlemail.com

Skype: ClaudiaR.1

Gracias por Su apoyo y de conocerlos a todos. Tenía un tiempo increíble valioso en Guatemala!

Mucho luz & amor –

Claudia

Out with the kids

After some arrangements, we could go with the kids from the Animation Film Workshop to the cinema to watch the animation movie Ice Age 3. Some of these kids have never been out of their “Zone”. So it was something very special, not just for the kids. I was so nervous and couldn’t sleep the night before. It should be an exciting excursion for the kids and the rest of the team…

At 8 am one shuttle bus was waiting for Pontus, Johanna, Kristin, Ola and me in front of the Camino Seguro/Safe Passage office in Antigua to bring us to the project into the city. At 9:30 am we were supposed to meet the kids and a teacher as well a second bus, including driver. We arrived punctually at 9:15 am at the Main Building. But where were the kids? We expected 18 kids. Little by little kids came, unfortunately not all – just 12. We had to go because the movie started at 10:00 am and it was already 9:55 am.

It was just wonderful to see their twinkle in their eyes and how enthusiastic they were, especially the little ones were like little baby monkeys. Jumping around and squealing with glee. Sweeeeeet!…. The ice had become definitely broken this day!

The movie was incredible funny. We all were laughing a lot. I can hardly describe what I felt at this point…

After the movie theatre, we planned to go to eat a bite. We ended up at a named Fast Food Restaurant around the corner. Even if this wasn’t my preference food, it was just great to see the kids were having such fun and were forgetting their fateful life for several hours.

Spontaneously, we decided to have our dessert at the big mall across the street. We had to take the escalator to have an ice cream. (Do you remember how it was for you when you took the escalator for the first time?) Afterwards we took the elevator and climbed up on top of the building. (Unforgettable!)

For me it was very special because I felt at this time exactly, why I love doing what I’m doing – the reason for our being is to share moments and help each other. We could give them something they will never forget in their life.

THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT DAY!!!!

Animationen Workshop: August 3rd – 14th

The last two weeks I went to the city to prepare the Animation Workshop with the kids. There are two groups, one in the morning and one in the evening. There is one kid from each class in every group which makes 10 kids in total. In the morning we have the older kids and in the evening the younger, this depends on when they’re having school and are back in the project for doing homework and activities. Several times we met in the library of the main building, and I must say that I was a little suspicious if all kids would really be there during the workshop and if so – on time? It wasn’t easy… Now, Pontus, Johanna, Kristin and Ola from Sweden are finally there and to my surprise – all children as well – on time!

After Pontus was at the project as a Volunteer in 2002 – 2003, he and his friends wanted to do some social work in their fields with the kids from Camino Seguro/Safe Passage. All are studying art and design at the University of Design and Craft in Gothenbourg in Sweden. Their plan is editing animated material which should now be created by our kids. For this, Pontus and his team set up their so called “stations” in the library which include: 1) Clay 2) Lego and 3) Paper. The kids are asked to build and to cut. They need to think about a story which they want tell and to create. With little moves and a click from a photo camera we make short animated movies! At the end we plan a “movie festival” to present the results to all kids.

1)

2)

3)

********************************************************************************

The Swedish team was planning this workshop over one year. And we are lucky to have them finally here! They’ve brought all materials, including cameras and a projector for showing the movies as well a special gift for the kids: A computer to continue making their own animation films! Thank you again!!!

“This is a good way for the children to be able to express themselves and tell a story. But the most important is the joy and to give them the magical moment to see something you have done move on a screen for the first time.” Pontus is writing in one of his previous e-mails. If everything is going well and everybody is happy they like to make an exhibition with the material back in Sweden. “With that we want to inspire people to do projects like this.” says Pontus.

It is great to see how kids come out of themselves through art! In the beginning, they were closed and very shy, it seemed they would be a little unmotivated even if we picked talented kids who actually like art. Today they are open and cannot wait to begin their workshop.

- Glendy to her teacher before art class: “¡Seño, tengo que ir, tengo arte!”…  (engl. = Miss, I have to go, I have art!…)

Hope to show you soon a section from one of these kids-made movies HERE! :)

Interview with Irina

Irina Lorena is 36 years old and is attending the women literacy program of Camino Seguro/Safe Passage. She has five children, ranging in age from 10 to 18 years, and one grandchild. She is a single mother. Read her interview, by Volunteer Claudia Reuter of Germany.

How did you hear about the project of Camino Seguro/Safe Passage and when was it?

7 years ago, I heard people in the street talking. They said, there is a “Gringa” knocking on people’s doors and asking to take their children. Some of them were really skeptical, however, others said that she wants to send our children to school and wants to give us support. It took me some years before I came to the project, which was at that time in the church in front of the garbage dump entrance. I asked for a place for my eldest daughter. She was twelve and completing her 6th grade when she entered the project. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to pay her school fees any longer.

What about your other four children? Could they go to school as well?

At that time they weren’t at school. They came in 2003, and the little one in 2004, to the project. In the beginning I had some difficulties getting them in because we had brushed their hair and cleaned their clothes. I was always happy to talk to Hanley. When I told her about the problem to get my kids in the program, she arranged everything immediately.

What are your memories of Hanley?

She had a lot of quality and warmth; I haven’t seen it again in anybody else. She was so human with a big heart for everybody. We certainly miss her spirit.

Can you tell me a bit about your childhood?

I grew up with my grandmother and my three siblings in [Guatemala City's] Zone 8. Our house, which was just one simple room, made of wood with a dirt floor; we didn’t have any water, only electricity. My mother went to the United States when I was 4 years old. She was hoping for a better life and wanted to send us money but we never got it. She returned once when I was 18 but I haven’t heard anything from her again. My father left us when I was 11; I haven’t heard from him personally but I know he is alive. My grandmother hadn’t had a lot of money to send us children to school. I just went to school from the ages of 6 to 8. So I had to start working early.

What did you do for work?

I worked as waitress in a hotel and in many different factories.

What happened next in your life?

I lived with a man, the father of all my children. He worked, as almost all our neighbors did, at the dump close to our house. He was very violent with us and had many women. After I separated from him, I was alone for 6 years. In 2002, I met a new man. Soon I was pregnant again. At the same time I recognized a massive change in my body and realized that something must be very wrong with me. I weighed just 83 pounds and had yellow skin. Then I got the message that I was, indeed, very sick. I didn’t know what HIV was. Now I know, I will die sooner. I lost the baby and suffered a huge depression. The yellow color was because I have hepatitis B as well. I wasn’t sure which man had infected me, and because I know now everything about my illnesses and the infectiousness, I was very afraid my children would also be infected. However, as my first boyfriend died only 4 years ago from all different kinds of illnesses because of his weak immune system, it was clear that it was he. It is a miracle that all of my children were born healthy because my first boyfriend was violent and hit me even through my pregnancy; they were all born by Caesarean. God knew that and let them be healthy.

How are you living with that knowledge/certainty?

I’m very lucky Camino Seguro/Safe Passage provides me with the medications I need to keep myself healthy. Because of my weak immune system, I’ve already had to go twice to the hospital for a few days each. The last time was one year ago. Every time they asked me, where I want to leave my children, who will take care of them, I told them that I will do that. I will go home and raise my children. …I think they thought I wouldn’t leave the hospital. When I was ready to go, the doctor finally believed me! My children mean the world to me; they are great kids and I’m very proud of them. The oldest children know about my illness and are doing everything when they see I’m not feeling well. When I see their smiling faces, I know I have to be there for them and it gives me this energy to continue. I don’t know why this is happening to me; I may never know that.

And now, are you still living with your second boyfriend?

No, he was killed 3 years ago. We sold clothes next to our house on the street. Many people think that when you sell many clothes, that you have money. But this is not true, the clothes were not ours, we had to bring them back every evening and got the money for the clothes that were sold. On this day two men came and wanted our money, which we didn’t have because we hadn’t sold any yet. I was able to escape and ran away. A few seconds later I heard a gun shot, this was the shot with which they killed him. We had spent just three years together. He was one of the good men.

Could they find the men who did this?

Who are “they”? …No, never.

When did you come to Camino Seguro/Safe Passage?

I couldn’t help my children with their homework, who were visiting the project of Camino Seguro/Safe Passage already for 5 years, and I felt dumb. Then I heard about the “Alphabetisación” program of Camino Seguro/Safe Passage. In this program are women who learn the basic things like writing, reading and mathematics. I asked if I could attend. Two years later and I’m in my 7st Grade (1a Basico). Two times a week I visit “Alphabetisación”, helping a beginner’s class and learning. When our project CREA started, in which we are making jewelry; I became the first president.

In which way could Camino Seguro/Safe Passage help change your life?

Without Camino Seguro/Safe Passage my children couldn’t study and I wouldn’t know what I know now. I cannot – or don’t want to – imagine how my life would be without Camino Seguro/Safe Passage. Now, my children have so many opportunities for their future. My life changed completely, all our lives here did! We are almost all single mothers; our men are dead or with other women somewhere. It is necessary for many of us to know more about our rights and how we can continue our lives healthier and with a more positive direction. For me, it is like a big family. I enjoy being here to learn, the people are amazing here. Furthermore, we get these big food bags once a month, help with life skills and confidence, and medicine. With the selling of our jewelry I can earn money which helps me a lot and makes me very proud.

What are your plans for your future?

I live every day as if it would be the last, and I’m so grateful every day that God let me study. I want to see my children grow, study, and be good, happy human beings. I’d like to have a house made of stones and help people. I want to see the United States, to walk on a street when it is snowing…

Mail from Guatemala…

Today I was at the post office in Antigua, to send my at least 25 letters and post cards to sponsors, friends and family. The postage stamp tariff to Europe for one letter or post card is 8 Guatemalan Quetzal.

To my surprise they were not having any 8 Quetzales stamps – however, many 0,50 Quetzales  (= 50 Centavos)… This means, I had to buy 16 stamps for just one letter, which are in total: 4oo. Yub!

Have you ever tried to stick 16 stamps on a post card? I couldn’t stop laughing! I spent more or less 1 hour sticking stamps. Can you imagine how much time you need for a package? I could see it. Next to me was a mom with her daughter, they wanted to send an iron somewhere within Guatemala – the package was covered!!!

“Is this normal or do they don’t have any other stamps at the moment?” I ask them. They were laughing as well and said that this is always like that, they wouldn’t know why they don’t have any other but it takes much time. (Laughing again!…)

Fact is: These letters and post cards are unique – very special from abroad! Unfortunately, I was without my photo camera this day and couldn’t take any picture of these wonderful time-consuming letters and post cards. But please, please send me one. (It’s even better with postmarks! :)

For me this has become a symbol of, how Guatemala is “ticking”. Why not complicated when you can have it even more complicated!?

…I’m still laughing about it. Because at the same time all this is so likeable, so different to what we are used to in the countries where we live in…

THE PICTURE!  :))

DANKE – THANKS !!!

I THANK all helpers, donors & visitors who were attending the

- Summer Party -

on July 11st, 2009 in Meine!

P.S.
Because I unforunately could not be there personally, my parents took pictures which I am STILL waiting on!!! Please, check out later for pictures!

Ich DANKE allen Helfern, Spendern & Besuchern, die am 11. Juli 2009 an der

- Sommer Party -

in Meine teilgenommen haben!

Danksagung

P.S.
Da ich leider nicht persönlich dort sein konnte, machten meine Eltern Fotos, auf die ich IMMER NOCH warte!!! Bitte schaut später noch mal rein!

Landslide: Notice from the “Basurero”

Because of a landslide on Tuesday June 30^th, 2009 around 7:30 pm the dump is closed since July 1^st, 2009. The landslide had double the size as the registered number of last year. For safety reasons they have decided to close the dump for a certain time and to limit entrancing of persons during the reparation work of this area.

Camino Seguro/Safe Passage has almost 100 families working in this area, where they generate their only economic income every day. Their situation is difficult. Camino Seguro/Safe Passage coordinates the delivery of 100 emergency survival bags. These bags include: pasta, salt, cereals, rice, frijol (red beans), sugar and oil.

They inform that some families have “saved” recyclable materials (like plastic bottles, cardboard, tins etc.) in times with bigger need (like Christmas) and in this situation they sell the materials which they have stored in their houses.

Beginning of July 11^st, 2009 the municipality permits the entrance again. However, they advise the recycler that there still exist a high risk of landslides in the “patios” (terrain where the trucks landfill the trash) where they pick up their materials.

 Why people still  have to work there? Over 60 years already! …

Summer Party July 11st, 2009

Einladung

Wann?

Samstag

11. Juli 2009

14 Uhr

Wo?

„Vinetum-Garten“

Hauptstrasse 9, Meine

Wer?

Claudia Reuter, 30 Jahre aus Meine – derzeit in Guatemala

Was?

~Sommer-Party~

Trinke und Esse soviel Du möchtest und helfe somit den Kindern und

den Familien von der größten Müllhalde Mittelamerikas in Guatemala Stadt eine

bessere Zukunft zu haben.

Im Namen der Kinder von Camino Seguro / Safe Passage bedanke ich mich Vorab

ganz herzlich für Euer Kommen!

Infos unter:

ClaudiaReuter@hotmail.de ~oder~ Claudia@safepassage.org

www.claudiainguatemala.wordpress.com

www.safepassage.org

00 502 – 443 41235

Trete meiner Facebook-Gruppe bei!

Claudia in Guatemala – Camino Seguro / Safe Passage

Invitation / Einladung

Wann?  

Samstag

11. Juli 2009

14 Uhr

  

Wo?  

„Vinetum-Garten“

Hauptstrasse 9, Meine

  

Wer?  

Claudia Reuter, 30 Jahre aus Meine – derzeit in Guatemala

 

Was?

~Sommer-Party~

 

Trinke und Esse soviel Du möchtest und helfe somit den Kindern und

den Familien von der größten Müllhalde Mittelamerikas in Guatemala Stadt eine

bessere Zukunft zu haben.

 

Im Namen der Kinder von Camino Seguro / Safe Passage bedanke ich mich Vorab

ganz herzlich für Euer Kommen!

 

Infos unter:

ClaudiaReuter@hotmail.de ~oder~ Claudia@safepassage.org

www.claudiainguatemala.wordpress.com

www.safepassage.org

00 502 – 443 41235

Trete meiner Facebook-Gruppe bei!

Claudia in Guatemala – Camino Seguro / Safe Passage