It's been months since I've written to the Tree;
months, too, since I've read any of the postings.  Most
of the summer I was on Savary Island without internet
access.  I'm sporting an excellent tan but have gained
5 pounds from lazing on the beach - oh well...

The new owners took possession of our summer cabin on
Savary on August 14th. I don't know why I allowed
myself to be 'bulldozed' into selling... my heart told
me it was the wrong thing to do but there was no going
back once the papers were signed.  Even Andrew, after
being so insistent he wanted to be free of Savary, had
second thoughts once he was there again.  

Earlier this year, I had planned to go off to Guatemala
in the fall (on my own) to 'rethink' the direction of
my life and marriage while doing volunteer work with
kids.  As I readied myself to commit to a date and make
flight arrangements, Andrew asked for a one year
leave-of-absence from work.  I had mixed feelings when
he came home and told me he was coming with me.  

We've been busy studying Spanish and I can now write
and speak at an elementary school level.  In fact, I
have written two letters in Spanish to Albin, the boy I
sponsor through World Vision in Costa Rica.  But there
is still much to learn.

This Saturday, August 28th, we fly out.  We will attend
Spanish school for the first 3 weeks and then will
commence volunteer work for www.safepassage.org.  This
organization encourages the children whose families
live at the Guatemala city dump to become educated so
there is a chance they can lead a better life.  

We will be living at Casa Hogar in Antigua (a beautiful
city in the highlands surrounded by 3 volcanoes
including one that is active).  There are 35 children
ages 6 -16 living in the Casa at this time.  These kids
have families but for various reasons do not live with
them.  I plan to help care for the kids as well as work
in the organization's office.  

Andrew will be traveling to the Guatemala City Dump 4
days a week to assist in the school that is located
there.  He must travel one hour on the chicken bus and
walk 20 minutes to get to work.  The area around the
dump is very dangerous and security measures are in
place so that the volunteers can safely get to and from
there (likely there is an armed guard.)  I may work
there as well depending on the organization's needs.

While in Guatemala, I plan to visit the ruins of Tikal
and am really looking forward to that.

Tonight my friends are taking me out for a farewell
dinner.  My house sitter is lined up.  My bills are set
to auto-pay.  I have my coded lists of passwords so I
can do my banking online etc. from internet cafes.  All
is ready...

Think of me this Sunday around 4:30 am.  That's when
I'll be touching down in Guatemala city and will start
the next chapter in my life.

Pat Martin