MTSU DRAMA TEAM 2014
HUMANITIZE EXPEDITIONS
LOS ROBLES, GUATEMALA
May 10-18, 2014
Katie Walther, Humanitize Team Leader
Cathy Barlow, Humanitize Co-Lead and Interpreter
Jette Halladay, MTSU Professor and Director
Janice Lewis, MTSU Administration
Adanna Omatu, Student
Michelle Benson, Student
Stephanie Bottum, Student
Morgan Farmer, Student
Elizabeth Davidson, Student
Benjamin George, Student
Harley Walker, Student
Sinjun Halladay
SUMMARY:
Donations brought by team – 2 large tubs of school supplies, 1 large tub of clinic supplies, 1 large tub of hygiene items, ½ tub of toys, 1 suitcase full of medical and cleaning supplies and 3 large canisters of formula with iron.
The play developed and written by the students, then translated into Spanish taught three major concepts: anger management, tooth brushing and hand washing.
Number of performances – 15
Villages/schools viewing performances – 6, plus Mamas and Tots Program
Total number of people who were able to view performance – More than 850
5/12/14 Chuti Estancia school gymnasium – 3 performances for K-3, 4-6 and Basico (our equivalent of junior high) – 246 total
5/13/14 Tocache basketball court – 2 performances for elementary age students, 63 total
5/14/14 Maria del Carmen – 3 performances, two for elementary age, 1 for Basico, 138 total
Nueva Victoria – 1 outside performance for elementary age, many adults gathered from the neighborhood on the edge of the field, 95 total
5/15/14 Los Robles School – 1 performance in double classroom, 25 total
Mamas and Tots luncheon at Casa de Sion – 1 performance, 85 total
5/16/14 Godinez – 2 performances for the Primario and one for the Basico, 200 total
HIGHLIGHTS BY DAY:
Saturday – Safe arrival at Guatemala City Airport, no lost or delayed participants or luggage. 3 hour drive to Los Robles and Casa de Sion. Settled into third floor of guesthouse.
Sunday – Trip to San Andres for Sunday street market, optional church services. All donations sorted. Caulk gun and caulk purchased and Sinjun improved window seals in the bunkroom, greatly improving the flying beetle problem.
Monday – attended opening assembly at Chuti Estancia school included flag presentation, national anthem, flag pledge and words from adults. Many in this community speak Quiche as their first language and some speak Ketchaquel. Clinic supplies unpacked and clinic organized.
Tuesday – Slogan on the wall at Tocache school “Hay todo el bien que puedas.” This means Do all the good that you can. Walked to a home to watch a woman weaving using the loom tied to her waist. Shopping in Godinez including some popular salsa called Picamas. Spent afternoon playing with children in the Casa de Sion afterschool program. The highlight was an amazing and totally joyous music jam session in the dining hall during a noisy rainstorm. We all played rhythm instruments and the kids were completely engaged.
Wednesday – Outdoor performance and village adults gathered on the edges of the field to watch. Most of the audiences had never seen a play of any kind before this. Walked to house near school and were able to watch two women weaving while on their knees.
Thursday – Mamas and Tots performance was an unprecedented hit. The mothers were completely engaged, responded to all funny moments and lines, understood the messages presented, laughed and clapped and enjoyed themselves. Team members played with the children and also had time to do some hiking and three for a quick Tuk-Tuk trip to Mirador for photos.
Friday – A group of the Primario students performed traditional dance in native costumes for us following the team performance.
Comments by team members at wrap up on Friday night:
We cried when the kids left today.
My comfort zone has expanded.
We take so much for granted.
The first day was a shock.
Nice to not be tied to my phone.
Sunburned, dirty and tired but would rather be that than home this week.
Not worried about my phone.
No one has gotten mad at anyone.
We conquered the mountain coming up the hill.
So relaxed, usually get anxious when traveling with groups.
I love all of you.
Humbling.
I want to come back.
I know now that I definitely want to work with kids in some capacity.
Inspired by the surroundings, we are so used to not taking time to value things.
This is something I would like to do again and continue doing stuff like this. Showing kids art is a way of life.
Saturday – a fun day crossing Lake Atitlan and visiting the old village of Santiago, seeing the historic Catholic Church, shopping in the markets and shops then back to Panajachel to shop and walk and eat. Overnight at Hotel El Sol.
Sunday – Early pick-up and return to Guatemala City for flight home.