Guest entry by my mom about her visit, part 9 of 14

DAY 8 (Champollap):

It's Tuesday. There's been no running water at Elizabeth's place since we arrived Saturday night. We've heard that a pipe has burst in town; the sewer system can't handle all the rain.

Correction: We had water this morning. We thought the pipe was fixed. I got a whole shower. Brian got half of a shower. Elizabeth got a bucket bath with rain water that she heated on her stove.

This unit heats shower water at the point of use --
on days that you have water.

Today we will head out to the second school where Elizabeth works, in Chapil. First, though, we take the now-familiar ride to San Pedro. Elizabeth picks up some poster paper, then the three of us pick up lunch -- huge, delicious sandwiches. The rain drips right into the restaurant as we're eating.  

Generous portions at this restaurant.

Cappuccino fan.

The waitress calmly slid this plant to the middle
of the floor to catch the rain.

Money can't buy you love, but in San Pedro
it buys you joy(a)... jewelry.

Mickey, Sponge Bob, Elmo, Pooh... American icons abound.

Now that's an entrepreneur.

A half-hour van ride from San Pedro, and we're in Chapil.

Elizabeth's second school.

Elizabeth helps the Social Studies teacher with a lesson on job hunting.
This classroom is shared: elementary students use it in the mornings,
middle-schoolers use it in the afternoons.

Elizabeth supports teachers in the use of Peace Corps materials.
She seems right at home in this classroom. 

Before we know it, the day is over, and we find ourselves at home relaxing... or not.

Back home, Brian and Elizabeth wash dishes in the pila.
Outside. In the dark. In the rain. With cold water.
What's not to smile about?