I'm sorry for the lack of recent posts. I have very little time at the internet cafe before I have to go home for lunch, play with the kids (and give them stickers as a going away present), finish a tiny bit of Spanish homework, and head to my last day of class. I'll try to get to the internet again soon (but it'll probably be a while). In the meantime, if you're on Facebook, check out Bettina's photos of us at Pacaya and a few other places.
I have a lot to say, just never enough time to type it at internet cafe. Hopefully, that will change soon. Also, I hope I'll be able to upload photos soon.
Thank you all for you love, encouragement, and prayers!
Paz,
Dana
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
In Guatemala
I'm in Guatemala and doing well.
On Monday at 3 a.m., the other Guatemala YAVs (Young Adult Volunteers) and I left Stony Point (a retreat center in NY where we had a week of orientation) to catch our 6 a.m. flight. After a brief layover, we arrived in Guatemala City and then drove to Antigua. The cities and the drive were beautiful. I was like a kid grinning out the window in excitement of this new wonderland, especially as I tried to read the signs in Spanish and take in all around me. We'll see how time changes my view of the place. For now, I know there are many issues, as there are most places, but this definitely feels like a place I'll be able to call home for a year.
After our initial travels, our schedule didn't slow down much. For a few days we stayed at Posada Belen, a Catholic retreat center/inn. Then yesterday for the first time, we met and moved in with our host families that we'll have while we're in language school. Mine were incredibly welcoming and helped me lug my heavy bags up a large hill. Fortunately, my luggage has wheels. Unfortunately, they don't work so well on cobblestone and dirt streets. I definitely packed way too much. I justify having two suitcases, a carry on, and a backpack with the fact that I'll be here for almost a year. But still I'm understanding a bit more about what I need and what I don't. Although, I'm sure I'm just at the beginning of my understanding on this and many other things.
I have much more to say and pictures to add. However, I need to get a bit of sleep. Tonight, the other YAVs and I are staying at Marcia's house (our site coordinator), because at 6 a.m. we're leaving to hike Pacaya, a volcano/mountain. I hope it goes well!
Peace/paz,
Dana
On Monday at 3 a.m., the other Guatemala YAVs (Young Adult Volunteers) and I left Stony Point (a retreat center in NY where we had a week of orientation) to catch our 6 a.m. flight. After a brief layover, we arrived in Guatemala City and then drove to Antigua. The cities and the drive were beautiful. I was like a kid grinning out the window in excitement of this new wonderland, especially as I tried to read the signs in Spanish and take in all around me. We'll see how time changes my view of the place. For now, I know there are many issues, as there are most places, but this definitely feels like a place I'll be able to call home for a year.
After our initial travels, our schedule didn't slow down much. For a few days we stayed at Posada Belen, a Catholic retreat center/inn. Then yesterday for the first time, we met and moved in with our host families that we'll have while we're in language school. Mine were incredibly welcoming and helped me lug my heavy bags up a large hill. Fortunately, my luggage has wheels. Unfortunately, they don't work so well on cobblestone and dirt streets. I definitely packed way too much. I justify having two suitcases, a carry on, and a backpack with the fact that I'll be here for almost a year. But still I'm understanding a bit more about what I need and what I don't. Although, I'm sure I'm just at the beginning of my understanding on this and many other things.
I have much more to say and pictures to add. However, I need to get a bit of sleep. Tonight, the other YAVs and I are staying at Marcia's house (our site coordinator), because at 6 a.m. we're leaving to hike Pacaya, a volcano/mountain. I hope it goes well!
Peace/paz,
Dana
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Preparations and Placement
Preparations are underway which will soon lead me from Arlington, VA (near Washington, DC) to the Upper Midwest, New York, and finally San Marcos in the highlands of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
On Wednesday, August 5, my dad will arrive in Virginia to load and haul my remaining belongings (after a yard sale) back to Wisconsin the following day. After two weeks in Wisconsin and Minnesota with family and a week of orientation at Stony Point in New York, I will leave the country on August 31.
The five of us Guatemala Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) will first arrive in Guatemala City and then spend five weeks in Antigua. There, we will have intensive language study and orientation to the history and culture of the region.
Finally, we’ll arrive in the cool highlands of Quetzaltenango (Xela), where I will become involved in the community life of San Marcos Episcopal Church. The church runs a lunch service to feed low-income elderly people. Beyond helping cook food, I will engage participants in conversation and activities. Other opportunities will include accompanying a doctor who receives medical delegations and trains midwives, meeting a support group of women with HIV/AIDS once a month, and possibly participating in theological training for lay people.
Quetzaltenango, often called Xela by the locals (pronounced “Shela”), will become my home for almost a year. I’ll live with a family from the church. This will fulfill a basic need of housing, the essential structure of family and community, and a doorway into the culture and local language.
This will be my home for a year, but I hope to see you when I return!
Peace, Dana
On Wednesday, August 5, my dad will arrive in Virginia to load and haul my remaining belongings (after a yard sale) back to Wisconsin the following day. After two weeks in Wisconsin and Minnesota with family and a week of orientation at Stony Point in New York, I will leave the country on August 31.
The five of us Guatemala Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) will first arrive in Guatemala City and then spend five weeks in Antigua. There, we will have intensive language study and orientation to the history and culture of the region.
Finally, we’ll arrive in the cool highlands of Quetzaltenango (Xela), where I will become involved in the community life of San Marcos Episcopal Church. The church runs a lunch service to feed low-income elderly people. Beyond helping cook food, I will engage participants in conversation and activities. Other opportunities will include accompanying a doctor who receives medical delegations and trains midwives, meeting a support group of women with HIV/AIDS once a month, and possibly participating in theological training for lay people.
Quetzaltenango, often called Xela by the locals (pronounced “Shela”), will become my home for almost a year. I’ll live with a family from the church. This will fulfill a basic need of housing, the essential structure of family and community, and a doorway into the culture and local language.
This will be my home for a year, but I hope to see you when I return!
Peace, Dana
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Invitations, Resignations, and Vaccinations
[This post was originally written a week ago; however I was delayed in actually posting it until now.]
Welcome here! I've started telling more people about this blog. So hopefully, I'll keep it updated with interesting and relevant information as I prepare for Guatemala. Earlier, I created a Facebook group, Prayers and Support for Dana's Guatemala Trip and sent out invitations for the site. Perhaps you found this through that. However you arrived, I'm glad you're here! Your interest, prayers, and support are greatly appreciated. If this is your first visit, see more general information in previous posts. Feel free to pass this site along to others who might be interested.
Last night, my church, Calvary Presbyterian, had a session meeting where I handed in a formal letter, resigning as an active elder in my church, effective my last Sunday in the DC area, August 2, 2009. The session is the governing body of a local congregation, which consists of the pastor, who acts as moderator, and elders who have been elected to active service/leadership by the congregation. I have been blessed to serve at Calvary. From my letter:
"While I am saddened to leave my three-year term as an active elder a few months early, I am excited to pursue service to God and the broader church with the Presbyterian Young Adult Volunteer Program. My year in Guatemala, starting September 1, will be challenging. However, I am looking forward to growing as a disciple of Christ, letting the Spirit lead and open my eyes more fully, and forging partnerships while sharing God's love in action and word. Although I will be separated by distance, I will remain a faithful member of Calvary. This church family has been a source of strength, love, support, and opportunity for me. I am thankful for the opportunities of growth, friendship, and service at Calvary. I have been blessed to work with the Mission and Outreach team, from the Eagle's Wings tutoring program with Mt. Eagle Elementary School to the English as a Second Language program, to the community CROP Walk and more. Helping lead the church and envision Calvary's future and place in the community, contributing to discussions in Sunday school, and assisting with worship have all truly been meaningful experiences. I am grateful for our walk and time of service together."
Today, I will also hand in an official letter of resignation at work, Bread for the World. Now that I have a firm date for leaving (August 5), I can finish this. My supervisor and department have known of my plans since April and others have known for a few weeks. I am incredibly grateful for the people, ideas, and mission that I have been exposed to at Bread, "a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad." If you're not familiar with it, check it out. This next week will be incredibly hectic and meaningful we as prepare for Bread's Gathering 2009 and 35th Anniversary. I'm looking forward to it! [Note this post was written a week ago; the busyness of the Gathering was a contributing factor in my delayed post. The Gathering is over, and the events went incredibly well. However, they left me a bit exhausted.]
Closing on a brief note of pain, on Monday morning [of last week], I went to the doctor for more vaccinations (others were taken just before going to Ethiopia last fall). The cost of the vaccinations hurt more than the actual shots. However, I'm grateful for access to preventative medicine. I'd rather get the shot than the disease. I need two follow-up shots, and then I should be set with that. This seems to follow in the same vein of a phrase I've been using recently, "For every task I check off my to-do list, two more seem to get added." Oh well, I'll keep checking, and hopefully the tasks will soon stop being added [or more realistically, hopefully the rate at which they're added will lessen].
Thanks again for your interest, prayers, and support. Also, thanks for all of the birthday wishes and prayers! Soon, I may have news about my specific placement.
Peace/paz,
Dana
Welcome here! I've started telling more people about this blog. So hopefully, I'll keep it updated with interesting and relevant information as I prepare for Guatemala. Earlier, I created a Facebook group, Prayers and Support for Dana's Guatemala Trip and sent out invitations for the site. Perhaps you found this through that. However you arrived, I'm glad you're here! Your interest, prayers, and support are greatly appreciated. If this is your first visit, see more general information in previous posts. Feel free to pass this site along to others who might be interested.
Last night, my church, Calvary Presbyterian, had a session meeting where I handed in a formal letter, resigning as an active elder in my church, effective my last Sunday in the DC area, August 2, 2009. The session is the governing body of a local congregation, which consists of the pastor, who acts as moderator, and elders who have been elected to active service/leadership by the congregation. I have been blessed to serve at Calvary. From my letter:
"While I am saddened to leave my three-year term as an active elder a few months early, I am excited to pursue service to God and the broader church with the Presbyterian Young Adult Volunteer Program. My year in Guatemala, starting September 1, will be challenging. However, I am looking forward to growing as a disciple of Christ, letting the Spirit lead and open my eyes more fully, and forging partnerships while sharing God's love in action and word. Although I will be separated by distance, I will remain a faithful member of Calvary. This church family has been a source of strength, love, support, and opportunity for me. I am thankful for the opportunities of growth, friendship, and service at Calvary. I have been blessed to work with the Mission and Outreach team, from the Eagle's Wings tutoring program with Mt. Eagle Elementary School to the English as a Second Language program, to the community CROP Walk and more. Helping lead the church and envision Calvary's future and place in the community, contributing to discussions in Sunday school, and assisting with worship have all truly been meaningful experiences. I am grateful for our walk and time of service together."
Today, I will also hand in an official letter of resignation at work, Bread for the World. Now that I have a firm date for leaving (August 5), I can finish this. My supervisor and department have known of my plans since April and others have known for a few weeks. I am incredibly grateful for the people, ideas, and mission that I have been exposed to at Bread, "a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad." If you're not familiar with it, check it out. This next week will be incredibly hectic and meaningful we as prepare for Bread's Gathering 2009 and 35th Anniversary. I'm looking forward to it! [Note this post was written a week ago; the busyness of the Gathering was a contributing factor in my delayed post. The Gathering is over, and the events went incredibly well. However, they left me a bit exhausted.]
Closing on a brief note of pain, on Monday morning [of last week], I went to the doctor for more vaccinations (others were taken just before going to Ethiopia last fall). The cost of the vaccinations hurt more than the actual shots. However, I'm grateful for access to preventative medicine. I'd rather get the shot than the disease. I need two follow-up shots, and then I should be set with that. This seems to follow in the same vein of a phrase I've been using recently, "For every task I check off my to-do list, two more seem to get added." Oh well, I'll keep checking, and hopefully the tasks will soon stop being added [or more realistically, hopefully the rate at which they're added will lessen].
Thanks again for your interest, prayers, and support. Also, thanks for all of the birthday wishes and prayers! Soon, I may have news about my specific placement.
Peace/paz,
Dana
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Muchas Gracias - Calvary Newsletter Article
This is an extended version (in which I apparently go overboard with links) of an article/letter in the June-July '09 edition of my church's newsletter.
Calvary family (and everyone else who is reading this blog), thank you so much for the encouragement, prayers, and support. Your words, hugs, dollars, and pennies will help as I prepare to follow where I believe God is calling me – to a year of service in Guatemala. This year as a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Young Adult Volunteer will certainly be challenging. However, I am looking forward to growing as a disciple of Christ, letting the Spirit lead and open my eyes more fully, and forging partnerships while sharing God’s love in action and word.
In March, I participated in the program’s placement event to discern God’s will, interview, and meet other Young Adult Volunteers. Former volunteers shared their experiences and joys, especially with advice about challenges and preparation. In a few short days, I also began to form bonds with others going through the same process. Together, we shared our excitement and concerns. In particular, I met three others living in (or formerly in) the National Capital Presbytery and four others who will be going to Guatemala.
In the photo below are the four of us living in the National Capital Presbytery: Bettina Burgett, me, Deanna Drake, and Cameron O’Bannon (with former volunteer, Brenton Thompson, in the background). Bettina will also be going to Guatemala. Deanna will serve in Kenya, and Cameron in India. Please pray for us, for God’s guidance, for our preparations for this transition, our future host families, and the work that God is preparing for us. Part of our preparations included tabling at a Presbytery meeting, where I even met a former Young Adult Volunteer who also served in Guatemala!
I have been practicing Spanish with books, flashcards, podcasts, an occasional Latino newspaper, and movies (from online Disney cartoons in Spanish to a serious film on Guatemala’s history). I am remembering and learning a lot, but I still have quite a ways to go. Two friends from college, Eddy and Sal, recently visited and helped me practice the language a bit. Eddy grew up in Guatemala, so he was able to tell me more about the country and even brought Guatemalan-style homemade soup (very tasty)!
I am definitely feeling support as this endeavor draws near! Thank you! Please continue your prayers. To follow my journey as I prepare, travel, and return, visit my new online journal at www.olsondanam.blogspot.com (apparently you've already found this). Bookmark it (or follow me - see left-hand sidebar), as I will update it periodically throughout the year. Thank you to the many who have supported me financially. With $1,800 pledged or raised, I am getting closer to the $2,500 needed by July 15 (and the $9,000 needed overall). Every little bit helps and is appreciated. If you would like to offer financial support now, please donate online.
Muchas gracias/many thanks,
Dana
Calvary family (and everyone else who is reading this blog), thank you so much for the encouragement, prayers, and support. Your words, hugs, dollars, and pennies will help as I prepare to follow where I believe God is calling me – to a year of service in Guatemala. This year as a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Young Adult Volunteer will certainly be challenging. However, I am looking forward to growing as a disciple of Christ, letting the Spirit lead and open my eyes more fully, and forging partnerships while sharing God’s love in action and word.
In March, I participated in the program’s placement event to discern God’s will, interview, and meet other Young Adult Volunteers. Former volunteers shared their experiences and joys, especially with advice about challenges and preparation. In a few short days, I also began to form bonds with others going through the same process. Together, we shared our excitement and concerns. In particular, I met three others living in (or formerly in) the National Capital Presbytery and four others who will be going to Guatemala.
In the photo below are the four of us living in the National Capital Presbytery: Bettina Burgett, me, Deanna Drake, and Cameron O’Bannon (with former volunteer, Brenton Thompson, in the background). Bettina will also be going to Guatemala. Deanna will serve in Kenya, and Cameron in India. Please pray for us, for God’s guidance, for our preparations for this transition, our future host families, and the work that God is preparing for us. Part of our preparations included tabling at a Presbytery meeting, where I even met a former Young Adult Volunteer who also served in Guatemala!
I have been practicing Spanish with books, flashcards, podcasts, an occasional Latino newspaper, and movies (from online Disney cartoons in Spanish to a serious film on Guatemala’s history). I am remembering and learning a lot, but I still have quite a ways to go. Two friends from college, Eddy and Sal, recently visited and helped me practice the language a bit. Eddy grew up in Guatemala, so he was able to tell me more about the country and even brought Guatemalan-style homemade soup (very tasty)!
I am definitely feeling support as this endeavor draws near! Thank you! Please continue your prayers. To follow my journey as I prepare, travel, and return, visit my new online journal at www.olsondanam.blogspot.com (apparently you've already found this). Bookmark it (or follow me - see left-hand sidebar), as I will update it periodically throughout the year. Thank you to the many who have supported me financially. With $1,800 pledged or raised, I am getting closer to the $2,500 needed by July 15 (and the $9,000 needed overall). Every little bit helps and is appreciated. If you would like to offer financial support now, please donate online.
Muchas gracias/many thanks,
Dana
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Introduction, Going to Guatemala
With great joy and a little trepidation, I am thrilled to share with you that I have been chosen by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to serve for one year as a Young Adult Volunteer in Guatemala, starting September 1. First and foremost, I ask for your prayers. I will need and request support in several ways, but your prayers will be of greatest value and be sustaining in this journey ahead. Please pray for God’s guidance, my preparations for this transition, my parents, and my future host family.
Through the Young Adult Volunteer Program (YAV) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), I will be joining over 60 other young adults serving at 15 different sites both here in the United States and around the world. While I am still learning about my specific responsibilities, I will be living and working near Xela (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala. I will practice living simply with a host family, become engaged in their church – likely with women’s or children’s ministries, and work with a project to address community needs.
This year’s experience will be life changing for me. It will involve living outside of my comfort zone and what is familiar to me. It will involve focusing on the needs of others. It will involve journeying in faith and trusting God in new ways. I hope you will join me in this journey, through prayers, financial support, and interest in my year of service. I will be in touch throughout the year, sharing my experiences with three newsletters, an online journal, and other means as available.
As part of my commitment, I need to raise $9,000 in gifts and pledges for my year of service. In truth, this task seems more daunting than many others I will soon face in my travels. However, I am trusting in God to open doors and lead me here as well as there. The timing is critical as I need to raise $2,500 by July 15.
I will be sharing more information in the days, weeks, and months ahead about this journey in service of Christ. I look forward to speaking with you individually and thank you for your love, support, and especially prayers. To offer financial support now, you can donate online at www.pcusa.org/yav/support (scroll down and click on my name in the Guatemala section).
In hope, joy, and thankfulness,
Dana
Through the Young Adult Volunteer Program (YAV) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), I will be joining over 60 other young adults serving at 15 different sites both here in the United States and around the world. While I am still learning about my specific responsibilities, I will be living and working near Xela (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala. I will practice living simply with a host family, become engaged in their church – likely with women’s or children’s ministries, and work with a project to address community needs.
This year’s experience will be life changing for me. It will involve living outside of my comfort zone and what is familiar to me. It will involve focusing on the needs of others. It will involve journeying in faith and trusting God in new ways. I hope you will join me in this journey, through prayers, financial support, and interest in my year of service. I will be in touch throughout the year, sharing my experiences with three newsletters, an online journal, and other means as available.
As part of my commitment, I need to raise $9,000 in gifts and pledges for my year of service. In truth, this task seems more daunting than many others I will soon face in my travels. However, I am trusting in God to open doors and lead me here as well as there. The timing is critical as I need to raise $2,500 by July 15.
I will be sharing more information in the days, weeks, and months ahead about this journey in service of Christ. I look forward to speaking with you individually and thank you for your love, support, and especially prayers. To offer financial support now, you can donate online at www.pcusa.org/yav/support (scroll down and click on my name in the Guatemala section).
In hope, joy, and thankfulness,
Dana
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