Sunday, March 3, 2013

Art Everywhere

"Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand."
Native American Saying


It's midway through our week in Antigua, Guatemala.  On Thursday, we visited Escuela Cambiando Vidas, which in 2010 became the sister school to Samy's former school - the Ridgewood Avenue School in Glen Ridge.  We brought over a hundred pencils and sharpeners with us, which had been collected in NJ for the students in Guatemala.   The students were so excited to see us, and especially to see Samy.  They sang for us, and presented us with lovely thank you cards (that so reminded me of gelli prints!).


On Friday, we visited Escuela Kimna'oj in Santa Maria de Jesus, Guatemala.  Samy's current school, the Montclair Cooperative, is beginning a sister school relationship with Kimna'oj!  Samy and her classmates made little booklets to introduce themselves to their new amigos and amigas.  On Monday, the two classes will skype with each other!


In between our school visits, we roamed Antigua, which is a beautiful colonial city.  Color and composition are everywhere.




I didn't bring much in the way of art supplies with me -- just Neocolor II crayons, my journal, a pencil and a black pen.  But I was moved to sketch some of the beautiful foliage outside my window and write what I feel, being here: 


Today, we have a full day.  In the morning, we'll walk to Jocotenango, a small village outside of Antigua, to see the beautiful alfombras -- "carpets" created with colored sawdust, flower petals, and fruits and vegetables throughout the village on the path of the processionals that take place in the days leading up to Easter.  Here's a blog post that describes this custom.   Then, we'll visit our three different families in San Antonio des Aguas Calientes and Santa Maria de Jesus.  Can't wait to see them!  And of course, I'll take lots of pictures and share.  To see all prior posts about our work in Guatemala, click here.


Thank you for visiting! I read and treasure every comment and will answer any questions as quickly as I can.

Linking to the blog hops at  Create With JoyCreative Everyday, Mandarin Orange Monday, Make It Monday, and Monday Mantras.

27 comments:

  1. WOW, Jessica, my heart sings when I read your post today. This is a beautiful thing you did with all these children, such blessing to them. Thank heavens for doing all these work to help cheer and sharing much love with them :). I LOVE your tropical page too. HUGS.

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  2. How special it is to visit and meet the people and places are connected with your child's school - makes it so much more meaningful.
    Your journal page is lovely!
    Love the photos! I have never been to Antiqua - but looks to be a beautiful place to visit.

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  3. Wow. Enjoy your time there. What a lovely way to connect with the kids. Safe travels!

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  4. Such a rich rich trip you are having- rich in inspiration, rich in heartwarming soul nourishing moments, rich in so many ways!

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  5. You know, I completely agree with the Saying top of post. I can only ever understand something properly when I actually am hands on. Looks like you are having a wonderful time. The communities you are visiting all look so happy, even if they don't have a lot compared to some places in the world....makes you think doesn't it.

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  6. What fabulous colours! Please keep sharing your colourful adventures!!

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  7. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful photographs and stories. Hugs Annette x

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  8. Beautiful pictures and you write so much from your heart. Thank you for sharing your journey. I love your page and you are right, there is art and colors all around us. Miss you.

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  9. Such beautiful things to share Jessica. What incredible and uplifting experiences for all-especially the children- how awesome that they'll be able to skype!

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  10. marvelous post Jessica..great! Thank you so much!

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  11. Wow, what an inspiring journey! Thank you for sharing the beautiful journal page, and the photos a town that inspired you! hugs, Kimberly

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  12. Oh my goodness, I have missed your blog so much! Sorry it's been awhile since I've been here. Life has been insanely busy. You are such an inspiration. I love your colorful journal page - it's so full of heart! The smiles on the children's faces in your photos is so heartwarming - beautiful post!

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  13. I am overcome with emotion once again seeing you all there, and all you are seeing and doing! What beauty, the adults, and oh goodness the children.! Oh to wear those wonderful colors and textures every day! Pencils and sharpeners!! Simple treasures! What a gift this is to your daughter, and what did they make of SKYPING? I am stiLL In awe of that myself!

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  14. What a beautiful, beautiful post, Jessica. What a rich experience for you and your family...the relationships you are building, first and foremost, and then the visuals...those vivid colors are just breathtaking. Your journal page speaks perfectly to it all. XO, janice

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  15. With limited supplies you have created a beautiful page.

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  16. What a delightful post and journey you are on with so many delightful colors for MOM ^_^

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  17. Wonderful shots. Happy MOM!

    I'd also like to invite you to join Orange You Glad It's Friday. It's an Orange meme too and starting March 11, I will be hosting it at Life's sweets and spices. Hope to see you there.

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  18. It looks like you had a special time there. I love your home art work too - beautiful!

    Thanks for linking up :)

    Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity

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  19. Absolutely beautiful!!!
    Thank you so much for joining us at Make it Monday this week! Don't forget to leave a comment for another entry and mention you saw them on MIM for a chance at our second prize! Good luck and I hope to see you back next week!
    Rene :D

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  20. Thanks for sharing these pics, Jessica. How wonderful that the children will Skype!

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  21. Look at those beautiful faces Jessica. I love to see the light in those kids eyes as they hold up their books...Glad your heart is ever present in everything you do, they are lucky to know you and your family. xox

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  22. Beautiful kids and I like the saying..

    Stopping by from Mandarin Orange Monday- hope you can stop by:)

    http://www.heavenly-dreams.com/2013/03/i-so-love-those-chunky-little-hands.html

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  23. I love your card and the inspiration behind it. You are loving life in every moment. I saw this on MIM

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  24. Love your page! It's always great to see what you are doing. Thanks for sharing! Saw this on MIM, I am #68.

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  25. Beautiful photos and what a wonderful school project!

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  26. Fabulous artwork Jessica. I saw this on MIM..Loz

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  27. What inspiration, a rich culture so much color. Love your artwork. Forgot to say how beautiful those rugs were! I was so taken by the poverty. Love the photos so much...you must feel so humble there...
    We are all so blessed....This is more reason for gratitude in abundance!!

    Hugs Giggles and thanks so much for sharing this lovely experience!

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