Fresh Air, at Last... but a Dark Side, too.

Leaving the city was a great decision, and I'm very grateful it worked out... the air is much better up-down here (The 'mountain school' is actually at a lower altitude than Xela...). The folks running both schools are great, and the teachers are fine, too... but I don't miss the smell of diesel smoke at all.

All is not tranquil here in the mountains, though... yesterday morning I arrived at the family's home for breakfast and was greeted by the news that the baby girl next door, 'Esperanza' (somewhat ironic - it means 'Hope') had died early that morning. In Nuevo San Jose, this small community of roughly 35 families, everyone is affected by this event. The school took a collection to help with things, as is the custom here, and most of the day yesterday centered on this depressing event. Apparently, the little girl had a fever for a few days prior, but her mom, Maura, didn't realize it was 'fuego,' which may or may not be scarlet fever... it's very hard to tell. The funeral is later today in a nearby town where most of the families attend a Catholic church. Prayers for the family... and your choosing to learn more about Guatemala's horrible infant mortality rate... are all very welcome. I don't know how many children died while I was in Xela, but the size of this place and the nearness bring things into a very differnt focus.

I'm presently in Columba, the nearest town with a market and internet. My visit today is to check email and write this blog and buy some groceries for the upcoming (tomorrow night) Cena International (international dinner).

Catch you all later.