Infinity "Knitty Bears"

Most of you are familiar with our adorable Knitty Bears......and many of you have been generously knitting them for us over the years.  I can't tell you how heartwarming it is to see the face of a child in need when they receive one of these beautiful bears!  To date, our bears have brought comfort to children in Haiti, India, Ghana, New Orleans, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.

These are a few photos of the bears we handed out in Guatemala.  Next month, we will be sending a batch of bears with doctors going on a medical mission to Haiti.  If any of you (or relatives who knit) are interested in helping us knit these cuties, please send me an email (kim@goinfinity.org) and I will forward you the pattern.  Thanks for your support. <3

Hiking Volcano Pacaya

Pacaya is an active volcano in Guatemala, which first erupted approximately 23,000 years ago and has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish invasion of Guatemala. Pacaya rises to an elevation of 8,373 ft.  After being dormant for a century, it erupted violently in 1965 and has been erupting continuously since then.

We hiked up the volcano Saturday morning with a guide.  Once near the top, we were able to toast marshmallows!  A fun day for all!

Guatemalan Food

During our work in various countries over the years, we always try immerse ourselves completely into the culture.....including the food.  In the more remote, impoverished villages, the food is more basic.

Here is just a snapshot of what our diet has been over the last 10 days.  The students are ready for West Main Pizza :)

Tamale in banana leaves

Not quite sure what this was :)

Pipian with rice and tortilla

Eggs with hot dog pieces

Black bean paste

Eggs with black beans and hot sauce

Grilled Fish....head, flippers, gills and all!  Yum! ;)

Cultural Tour of Antigua

Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins.

The School in Vuelta Grande

I wanted to share a few more photos of the school where we worked all week.  It is high up in the mountains and educates the children that live with their families in very small huts on the mountainside. The school teaches children up to the sixth grade....after that, they are expected to work.  The poverty is extreme and, without higher education, there is no way for that to change.  The organization that we teamed with this year, Dream Volunteers, provides scholarships, uniforms, housing, etc. for some of the students in this community to continue their education in Antigua.  We are thrilled to be able to help them with this.

With education, comes hope....

The only water at the school.....actually, a luxury in this village.

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is a beautiful high altitude lake in the Guatemalan Highlands surrounded by three volcanoes, San Pedro ( 9,000ft), Toliman (9,500ft) and Atitlan (10,600 ft). It is said to be the most beautiful lake in the world and is the home of many Mayan villages.

The lake was formed in a “Caldera” (the collapse of a mountain or volcano following an enormous eruption) and sits at an altitude of 5,000 ft with a surface of 126km², twice as big as Manhattan island.

We took a boat across the lake and had a wonderful day exploring a few of the villages.

Fog lifting off the lake

Beautiful Children of Guatemala