Up before dawn
and on the road at 5am. The things we do for the arts! Also to beat the blazing
sun later on, as well as the traffic. Although, driving in the pre-dawn dark
wasn’t much fun. Plenty of traffic already with many cars outfitted like
Christmas trees. In Guatemala there is no middle way: people drive without any
lights at all, or they pimp their vehicles till they look like the tandem bicycle
in Men in Black II.
We made it to
San Martín Jilotepeque and at 6.30am on the dot we were at work. As soon as we
got out of the car, we were warmly greeted by two street dogs who stuck with us
during the day. Despite of their heartwarming hugs, it was COLD! Something like 12°C. But we knew it wouldn’t last for long. An
indeed, as soon as the sun made it over the mountain tops and then over the buildings
in our street, it was HOT. From 12°C to 28°C in two hours’ time, WOW!
We were back in
San Martín Jilotepeque to finish the mural we had started last month. It wasn’t
an awful lot of work, but the details that were pending were important ones. Such
as the name of the school and the symbols that represent different special needs.
Now it’s all done and finally the mural, with social inclusion as a theme, makes sense!
It won’t be our
last time in San Martín Jilotepeque. With the Dutch Foundation Colour4Kids we’re
still raising funds for the construction of a second level for this school for
children with special needs. Another level means more walls, so hopefully more
paint projects in the future!
This mural is
sponsored by Colour4Kids. Many thanks to Catherine Corry for driving (again!)
as well as doing a terrific paint job. And thanks to our friend Cristy Velasco
who brought us coffee and her delicious carrot cake.
It was
cold, that chilly kind of cold before the sun announces its appearance with bleak
streaks of light. Dressed in sweaters and scarves, our all-girl team of four
set out for San Martín Jilotepeque. We left this early to beat the traffic and
to have an early start because we knew we had a long day ahead of us.
The wall at
the Escuela de Educación Especial (School for children with special
needs) was ready for us. The cinder block wall was neatly stuccoed and ready
for some colour. In accordance with the director of the school, I had made a design
about social inclusion with a focus on respect and acceptance, something that persons
with special needs still struggle with in rural Guatemala.
It was a
tough job! Despite January being the coldest month of the year, the heat was
relentless. The white wall reflected the fierce sunlight and heavy traffic was
thundering along, right behind our backs. The cones that the friendly traffic
police had placed on the road helped a bit to keep us safe but didn’t do much
for the exhaustion fumes. It was so bad, we all opted for a facemask, despite the
heat! And to top it off, some workmen started opening the road right next to
our wall. The noise, the heat, the dust and dirt made it a tough day’s work.
The next
day we left even earlier. Sunrise over the mountains of San Martín Jilotepeque
was a treat. It felt as if the temperature had slightly dropped and even the traffic
seemed to have slowed down a bit. Ten more hours of painting and the wall was
completely covered in paint. But alas, we couldn’t finish it completely. Some very
important details still need to be painted, such as the name of the school and
the symbols for the different abilities that go on the blue squares at the top.
I also want to paint the small part at the very right of the wall. So, I’ll
have to go back.
Going back
to San Martín Jilotepeque was in the planning anyway, because with the Dutch
foundation Colour4Kids we’re fundraising towards the construction of a much
needed second level at the school. As soon as we’ll have raised the needed
funds (donations are very welcome!), the construction can get started. The
first thing to be built is a ramp leading to the first floor. In order to do
so, the outside wall will be raised a bit and this part needs to be painted
too, so I’m going back no matter what. Hopefully sooner rather than later!
This mural
would not have been possible without the help of Catherine Corry, Gaby Rodriguez
and Diana Hernández, my fantastic painting crew. Thanks also to Elmer Hernández
Lara, director of the school for helping with the logistics and the parents who
volunteered to stucco the wall. Thanks to Cristy Velasco for the delicious lunch and snacks. And of course, a big shout-out to Colour4Kids for
sponsoring this mural.
