We are having a great time getting to know some of the neighborhood kids. When we lived in Coban we had very little contact with children on a regular basis and coming from a background of youth and children's ministry that made us a little sad. We have been quite surprised at the kids that are starting to come by daily (and some more than once a day) to hang out and visit with us. We hope to continue to build relationships with these kids and are praying about ways we can minister to them.
There is a group of young girls that comes by several times a day. They live just around the corner. If I would let them, they would stay from daylight to dark. It's been good for our language practice, but like most children, they talk soo fast!
They ask a ton of questions like where did you buy your car, how much do you pay for rent, how much is a plane ticket to the States, where did you buy your shoes, who cooks your meals, etc. All.day.long. In the States we would consider this being nosy, but here it's just their culture.
We have several coconut trees on our property.
One morning this week the girls started asking us if we drank the juice from them or eat them. We said no, and they said we needed to try it. When they came back that afternoon they brought several coconuts with them. Let me also add that this particular tree is right outside our bedroom window and there is not much scarier than hearing one of these fall during the night.
They also brought a machete. That is something that is common here (kids playing with and using machete's), but is always strange to us. Here is one of the girls cutting it open for us.
This particular type has a water like juice in it. They cut off the top and put a straw in it to drink the juice. You will see people all around here selling coco's frios (cold coconuts). This is what you get. I personally didn't enjoy the taste very much. These were warm. I might would like it better cold, maybe.
They cut a hole in the top just big enough for a straw.
me with my coco
David with his coco.
After drinking the juice they crack it open and eat the inside. It was white and slimy and reminded me of pudding. I did not like that.
The other type they brought was a coconut like I am familiar with. Here is one of the boys cutting it open.
This was what was inside. I did enjoy eating it. We all took turns picking out pieces and eating it.
They were so proud that they taught us something, and we were glad to know more about it. I am trying to think of an American treat that I can fix for them (any suggestions???). In the meantime we shared some frosted strawberry pop tarts with them that we had bought in Guatemala City. It was their first time to try them.
It's been a lot of fun getting to know these kids. They are funny and keep us on our toes. Sadly, and I am being sarcastic here, school starts back next Monday. haha The school year here is from January until October/ November. The kids are finishing up their break and will begin a new year next week. This should slow down the flow of traffic to our house, but we still expect some visits. Pray that we would not only be a friend to these kids, but a positive influence and witness to them as well.
Fresh pasta might be something you could teach the girls how to make. It is made from flour, salt and water, some people add an egg, some a little oil but the first three make fine pasta. It is labor intensive but cheap to make. It is something they could make for their families as well as for sale. People crossing the river on their way home might be tempted to buy something to take home that is different. The local restaurants might buy as well. Fresh pasta is common in the restaurants in Antigua but I think they are making it in house.
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