Roadside Relaunch
Last week, Olga and her family relaunched their business with the enhancements funded by our generous donors. These exciting changes provide many opportunities to diversify their menu options and a more enjoyable customer experience. The results are flat-out amazing!
First off is the food cart makeover. With the paint and supplies furnished, Olga’s husband, Salome, transformed its shop-worn façade into the centerpiece of their eatery that’s sure to attract the attention of passersby.
BEFORE
Olga 
AFTER
The cart was augmented with an extra shelf. The original intent was to allow Olga to prepare tacos, but we found out about another menu option they’re trying – fried chicken! “Pollo frito,” as it’s known to the locals, is a universal favorite among Guatemalans much like hamburgers are to those in the United States. Over a video call today, Diego showed us a tasty fried chicken meal they prepared. Very exciting! These improvements will allow Olga to diversify their menu to attract more visitors, perhaps with occasional specials or made-to-order options in the future.
The industriousness of the men of Guatemala never ceases to amaze. After dismantling the existing structure, Salome levelled all the land with non-powered hand tools – no Bobcats or mechanized rollers. He constructed the entire “galera” (building) save for the massive front door and new electrical wiring, for which he collaborated with a friend to complete. The new construction consists of “lamina” (sheet metal) walls secured to a wood frame, a 10’ sliding front door with deadbolt, and lamina roofing.
The structure “BEFORE” 
Tearing down the cornstalk walls 
Using bags of sand and dirt for retention and a smooth surface 
Using basic tools 
Nice and flat! 
Erecting a new frame 
Getting ready to add the sheet metal walls and roof 
The finishing touch was a sturdy door with a dead-bolt closure 
The door safely secures the equipment when not in use 
Indoor and outdoor lighting! 
The structure “AFTER”
The new building, aside from being more sturdy and secure, offers a huge added benefit. As an outdoor enterprise, Olga’s business success is tied to the weather. Average high temperatures barely break 70 degrees. Guatemalans frequently eat dinner meals later in the evening when temperatures are often in the mid 50’s with highland wind gusts ready to whip up at any moment. What’s more, Chichi has a long and heavy rainy season – from June to September, there’s a 70+% chance of rain each day. The new sturdy structure with a solid roof, walls and sliding door means Olga can serve and seat customers comfortably in all weather conditions.
Olga and Salome have proudly reopened. Six days in, Diego reported a noticeable uptick in their business so far. The refrigerator, the final piece to the project, will be delivered this weekend, allowing them to offer a complete meal as a one-stop-shop. We’ll share some statistics of their results in the coming weeks – stay tuned!
The “right” opportunity arose when I learned about a travel opportunity for adoptive families which would include volunteer work and cultural sightseeing. Being members of that team had a profound impact on me, Lillian and Andrew. Not only were we able to make a real connection to our son’s birthplace, but we met incredibly warm and generous people, all of whom we now consider to be a part of our “family.” In addition to the volunteer work I shared with the Team, I also was able to “give back” by performing as my alter ego, “Farfel the Clown” at a barbecue for children of The Backyard School. It will remain one the proudest and happiest memories of my life.