Josh & Courtney's Miracle House and Garden

Earlier this year Josh and Courtney were expecting a new baby due in late October. Their small house on the mountainside would be less than adequate for a family of five. Funds to upgrade were lacking, but a huge miracle occurred. A well-to-do couple,

friends of Josh’s parents, offered a large amount of money—no strings attached--for them to purchase a bigger house. By Guatemala standards, it was a small fortune. Fortuitously, a British contractor-entrepreneur wanted to sell his spacious, exquisite property bordering Courtney and Josh’s school. He is married to an Argentine woman who wished to return to her native country. What could be better for our daughter’s family than a well-built, stylish, three-bedroom house with a spacious, picturesque garden in a prime gated location right next to their school? It would truly be a gift from God but not totally free. Its hefty price was a little more than the donor’s gift, so a loan from the Brit seller was required. However, as soon as the small house on the mountain sells, that loan will be repaid. Meanwhile, the house being sold is rented to one of their new teachers.

It is difficult to describe Josh and Courtney’s recently acquired gorgeous property—truly one of the most beautiful in the village. Since the previous owner could not expeditiously move his upscale, hand-made furniture to Argentina, most of it was left behind. One can see a high mountain with billowing clouds from the garden as well as Lake Atitlan from the master bedroom. The garden would certainly be the highpoint of any U.S. city garden tour if indeed it could even be replicated stateside. The children and Leroy, their trusty old Great Dane, seem to relish this tranquil setting. Flagstone sidewalks and terraced steps wind through heavy, green, tropical foliage and colorful flowers. Except for the rainy season, sunny, warm, breezy weather prevails daily.


The spacious property requires the expertise of a part-time gardener, Antonio, who worked for the previous owner. The inside of the brightly colored masonry home has high, stained,  tongue-“n” groove wood ceilings and glossy, stained beams. It is lovingly cared for by Lydia, who also serves as three-year old Mirabai’s sitter. We don’t want to leave the impression that Josh and Courtney are wealthy; they are not. It’s just that household labor is inexpensive in San Marcos. They have many friends, so having a showplace property gives lots of added joy. Some were present at a party as we honored Mirabai’s third birthday.  Because of Gloria’s cold we did not get to celebrate Althea’s 10^th. This young lady is remarkable sharp, mature, and demonstrates patient care for her little sister. She can also sometimes beat Grandpa as we often play a card game called 3-13.

Along with miracles, we all must cope with “downers” traveling through the journey of life. Before the deal on the new home could be consummated, a heart-wrenching thing happened. The baby that had been due in the fall arrived prematurely on July 6 with many physical problems. She was named Mercedes but lived less than two full days. It was a terribly sad time for all of us, even for precocious toddler, Mirabai who kept sadly asking, “Where is the baby?” after Courtney came home from the hospital in Guatemala City. (You may read more about Mercedes by going back to our July posts.) The baby was cremated, but we wanted a tangible remembrance for the family. So we purchased a memorial stone to be crafted by a local artist, Mateo. We have always been impressed with his wonderful, expressive stone work found throughout the city. Josh and Courtney designed the sculpture, and it was delivered by Mateo one evening while we were having dinner at their home. The humble, little crafted angel has been carefully positioned in a serene corner of the garden framed by grass and lovely flowering bushes. Yet, she can be seen in the distance from the front door of the house. Upon leaving the dinner table to view her, we could not have been more pleased with our memorial gift. Ten year old Althea and we placed roses from the garden at her base, and Jerry offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the life of Mercedes, though brief, and for her sweet family. According to a dream Althea had, real angels attended to Mercedes during her abbreviated life in the hospital with Josh and Courtney. Now her little body has been made whole in heaven by a loving God, and we look forward to someday meeting her.   *NOTE: Click photos to enlarge them; use back arrow to minimize.      

Drifting to Success: Courtney & Josh's School

In February 2006 we met daughter, Courtney, husband Josh, and four-year old Althea at Big Bend National Park near the Texas-Mexican Border. We were heading toward the West Coast. They were camping in a VW Vanagon on their way to Belize, where they had contracted to work on a farm—an atypical goal for two Summa Cum Laude college graduates with a small child. Their plan was to tour their way through Mexico. We were the quintessential worried parents, wondering if this young couple had lost it.  Whatever happened to getting a good job, finding an affordable home, and raising a family in a safe, traditional environment? What would become of little Althea? What if we never saw them again? We did not attempt to meddle, as they were optimistic and adventuresome. Courtney reminded us of our lifelong teaching: “God will provide.”

Mexico was a bit safer in those days. The fearsome trio took two months to make it to Belize with minimal problems, soon to discover that they were not farmers. Humidity, crocs, insects, and heavy rains caused them to move on to Guatemala after a couple of months. Their vehicle needed a new head gasket that would require mechanical skills and parts not available in Belize. They lived in an apartment in Guatemala City owned by friends for a month while awaiting repairs. One weekend they elected to visit San Marcos located on lovely, tranquil Lake Atitlan. The local people were humble, friendly, hard-working, and gentle. When the Vanagon was finally repaired, they decided to live in San Marcos for awhile in a rented tree house. Fortuitously, they met a lady who was planning to be away for a few months. She offered free rent in turn for their caring for her property. During that time that they decided to settle in and start an elementary school for local Mayas and children of resident Internationals, Public schools are not all that good, and the average child drops out after the third grade. 

By 2007 this bold, good-looking, carefree couple in their twenties—the same couple we had considered aimless risk-takers in 2006—had sold their vehicle and borrowed enough money to purchase a school property and a small home high on the rocky side of a mountain. By this time they had mastered the Spanish language which they had studied in high school. In March 2008, we saw their one open-air classroom with a thatched roof in full use with 25 attendees. Their school, Escuela Caracol, embraces the Waldorf method which originated in Germany in 1919 following WW I. That system is popular throughout the world with over 1000 primary schools and over 600 kindergartens in 60 different countries. Children are taught life skills, to think aesthetically and analytically, to value their culture and environment, and to appreciate nature and the arts. High-tech skills and television are deemphasized. The school has even been highlighted by the national newspaper published in the Capital.

We were pleased to attend an art exhibit featuring student work and a terrific play performed by the third graders. Nearly all of the proud parents and many friends were in attendance. Three languages are taught at Escuela Caracol: English, Spanish, and Kaq’chikel, the local Mayan language. There are now 50 students with 75 projected for next year; a second kindergarten will be launched. International families pay full tuition, while Maya tuition comes from sponsors like us—professionals and retirees with a heart for the less fortunate children of San Marcos.  One can become a contributing sponsor with a donation of only a dollar a day—about the price of a quart of fuel. Full sponsorships for a given child cost more. Periodic updates on that child’s progress are provided to the sponsor. It’s a joy to learn the many ways the girls we sponsor, Estrella (see our photo with her and her parents) and Sophia are advancing socially and academically. Twenty new sponsors will be needed next year. Some donors contribute much more than do individual sponsors, and grants for special projects and capital improvements sometimes come from Germany. 

Strolling through the school grounds is like a botanical garden tour. Cats, caged rabbits, and chickens reside among lovely trees, huge plants, flowers, and blooming shrubs. Coffee and fruit trees produce an abundance of produce. Three open-air classrooms have been erected since 2008, and a second floor for administrative services has been added to the original classroom. There are no bathrooms—just compost toilets--but Waldorf children learn to commune with nature and protect the environment. A healthy school lunch is provided each day by two cooks. Dishes are washed by hand.

We are so proud of what Josh and Courtney have accomplished in just a few years. At the age of 33 they are now seasoned entrepreneurs, who have learned the skills necessary for education, leadership, school administration, and fundraising. They oversee a staff of nearly 20 and are impacting the lives of many children who otherwise would be out of school working with their parents. They may never be wealthy, but they are developing dreams for children who otherwise would have no dreams. They have taught us to never underestimate what God can do in the lives of our children. *NOTE: Click photos to enlarge them. Use back arrow to return to view.

San Marcos, La Laguna, Guatemala

San Marcos on Lake Atitlan is a sharp contrast with Guatemala City. It is a fairly safe, quiet, provincial village of only about 3500 residents, but it’s a haven for Internationals from over 30 different countries they arrive for a variety of reasons: The Lake, perfect climate, hiking, Yoga, massages, Shiatsu, meditation, and for providing services such as hotel, food, and in Josh and Courtney’s case, elementary schooling for local and International children. Some Internationals stay for a couple of weeks, while others appear to have moved here for life. A few of them build lovely homes near the lake, while others rent from local entrepreneurs. At this point, the lake is high due to recent heavy rains and because the silt bottom hampers drainage. Some homes and restaurants have been flooded to the roofs. Pathways that we took a couple of years ago no longer exist.

 

Most residents of San Marcos do not own cars. One can easily and cheaply travel in little passenger boats or the myriad tuk tuks (taxis), which resemble the old Cushman scooters but with small, open cabs. They resemble little busy, red ants zipping around the corners (beep-beep) or through town with as many as four crowded passengers. The boats move majestically between several small cities around the lake. As a passenger, one may find himself seated next to a Guatemalan with live chicks in a box, a huge bag of coffee beans, or by an International packing a dead dog unsuccessfully treated by a veterinarian on the other side of the lake. 

Most of locals are of Roman Catholic faith, but there are Protestants as well. Both Catholics and Pentecostals have their loudspeakers, and their mournful, wailing soloists can be heard chanting into the night. We support a small. independent, Evangelical church, Iglesias Esmirna, and have contributed to their building fund since 2008. A couple of years ago we also enlisted support from our U.S. family members and friends. Sadly, only four of 40 responded, but they will be blessed for their generosity we are sure. The new sanctuary is ideally located on the main street, now under construction with young workers carrying heavy buckets of stone, feeding one small, old cement mixer. The church building has a long way to go before completion. This is an impoverished congregation except in spirit. The slow influx of money allows for only a couple full-time construction workers. Nevertheless, the attractive, curved, metal roof is in place, the concrete walls are erected, lovely tall columns are being built, and services are being held—dirt floors and plastic chairs notwithstanding. They do have a quality sound system which probably belongs to a member who owns a business. The current thrust is on finishing the altar and elegant columns. Although we understand little of what the enthusiastic preacher says, the hymns are mostly familiar. Members seem to appreciate our support and interest in their fellowship.

Life is good for Gringos in San Marcos, but it is barely adequate for the indigenous Mayans, who struggle to make a living. Diminutive women carry heavy loads on their heads, and the men use their backs like pack mules. Tiny one-room “grocery stores” are found on every block, but some seem void of customers. Street-side vendors compete with their attractive fruits and vegetables spread on the ground. A decent wage in San Marcos is the equivalent of $10-$15 U.S. per day. Most homes have dirt floors and no plumbing. Doors and windows are mostly open during the day, as insects are few. Many scrawny dogs wander the streets looking for a handout; sometimes they even beg at restaurant tables. Better watch where you step. Roosters strut and crow all day long. A young bull is tied along the side of the street awaiting the slaughter. The women wear long, colorful, traditional attire, and they always look neat and clean, even after a hard day’s work. The appearance of many older men and women is marred by missing teeth and severe wrinkles. Superstition runs rampant in Guatemala. Weekend firecrackers are sometimes ignited to whisk away the evil spirits. Still, with all of this, there is something unique and special about this quaint little town by the lake that attracts so many from around the world. NOTE: Click photos to enlarge them; click back arrow to minimize.

A Bumpy Ride to Our Lovely Guatemalan Casa

We arrived in Guatemala City from DFW on the afternoon of Nov. 1 via Spirit Airlines. Round trip fare for both of us was less than $850, but we were allowed only one carry-on. Our four checked bags were charged at $33 each and had to weigh 40 lbs. or less. Customer service was fair, and the schedule, including a stop at Fort Lauderdale, was generally maintained. We used wheel chair assistance for Gloria, and that worked well; we were even assigned wide seats from Fort Lauderdale to Guatemala City.  At our destination airport that afternoon we were met by our driver, Dionicio, who drove us to Wal-Mart for groceries and other supplies. Then it was off to San Marcos, La Laguna, where we would stay for a month. This would be our fourth trip here. Heavy fall rains had taken their toll on roads that are barely adequate at best. Bathtub-sized potholes were pervasive the last 40 miles. At certain points the hard surface had been totally washed out leaving nothing but small gravel-laden streams to cross. However, cheerful Dionicio and his trusty Toyota van were not dissuaded. On open stretches of highway, it was pedal to the metal, just like when he was an ambulance driver. We wondered what had happened to the missing passenger seat belts. Yellow center lines on main roads in Guatemala appear to be for decoration rather than to deter passing. Drivers make maximum use of horns; even atheists must pray for safe passage. Dionicio spoke little English, so any fearful groans from us went unheeded.

It was a national holiday in Guatemala, which was celebrated by festivals everywhere. The narrow highways were lined with thousands of cars, which slowed our trip. Colorful kites were flying high, swooping and diving in the wind. On this All-Saints Day the latter were flown to drive away the evil spirits. One of the high points of the grueling ride from Wal-Mart was an enjoyable dinner at a wonderful upscale restaurant, Paulino's, located mid-way from Guatemala City. We have stopped there each of the four times we have visited Guatemala. Friendly, uniformed waiters quickly serve guests with efficiency and dignity in rustic surroundings that include a high peaked ceiling and huge stone fireplace. The food is always great, and the setting reminds one of a U.S. National Park restaurant.  

The purpose of our journey was to visit daughter, Courtney, husband Josh, and young granddaughters, Althea and Mirabai. It was wonderful giving them hugs as they met us at 10:00 p.m. when we finally arrived at our rental home.We had stayed in the same quaint, yellow and white cottage (top of page left) on picturesque Lake Atitlan in November 2008 when granddaughter, Mirabai, was born, so it was great to awaken the next morning to a familiar, awesome view of the lake with three volcanoes as a backdrop. Fishermen in their little dugout boats were already at work. Palm trees were waving in the sunshine with the gentle breezes. Courtney had insured that everything in the cottage was clean and in order.

Our huge front yard with hundreds of plants and bushes receives tender care from a full-time guardian, who has a small home on the property. One of our favorite activities is to stand on the shore in early mornings and evenings to watch the small, covered passenger boats pass in front of our property. Thump, thump, thump they sound--the captains standing proudly--as their crafts hit the waves with outboard motors churning the waters. The little cabana (top of page right) that used to be a haven for us is now flooded with lake water that has risen 15-20 feet since we were here before. During early chilly mornings and at night we love sitting by our glowing fireplace with our snacks and beverages made more delectable by the crackle of the burning wood.  We take daily walks downtown to shop, have lunch, or use the Internet. The guardian packs our big jugs of fresh, pure water and firewood to the cottage, and we have, Estella, the best cleaning lady in town. Sometimes our grandchildren, Althea and Mirabai, spend the night with us, and we see their busy parents nearly every day. Life is tranquil and good here. We are excited about this opportunity to spend quality time with our daughter's family, whom we seldom see.