Hola readers,
The first week and half here in Guatemala has been both a blessing and a test. A blessing because we get to be in such a beautiful country with such beautiful people, both part of our group and those we meet along the way. It has been a challenge due to my lack of Español understanding, but I am learning lots with each new day. Another challenge is getting used to moving around as well as getting back into the rhythm of the Outtatown schedule.
For our first week after stepping off the plane and onto Guatemalan soil late Monday night, all 41 of us stayed at a beautiful house in the small town of San Pedro, Guatemala. This week consisted of orientation sessions about what to expect while we are here, what to eat or not to eat, some history about the country and more. One day we took an afternoon trip into Antigua, Guatemala where we split off into our small groups. Some of us went to the markets while others toured around the downtown area wandering the beautiful streets of Antigua and checking out shops along the way. My small group went to el mercado (the market) and wandered around this huge market looking at various vendors’ merchandise and produce. There were souvenir booths, clothing booths, and a large middle building that housed some tools and goods but mostly consisted of vendors selling different foods. There were fruits and vegetables of every kind imaginable, meats, breads and baked goods. Some smells were mouth watering while others were not so much.
On Friday, we packed up and headed to Guatemala City where we stayed at Semilla, a spanish school that also houses groups to do contrast tours of the city. There we had a variety of guest speakers who told us of the complex and heart wrenching history of Guatemala. We had three gentlemen tell us their views on the topic and told us about their ministries and some struggles they face; a Mennonite pastor, a catholic priest, and a Mayan leader. After a great session with them we went into the heart of the city to explore. We went to el mercado central (central market), a magnificent Catholic Church and had some free time to explore in our groups. On Saturday we did a tour in the afternoon of the cemetery. It is the size of 12 football fields and it also overlooked the infamous dump of Guatemala City. Previously before this excursion we watched a video on how there are thousands of people who make a living sorting garbage at the dump for the past 60 years. It is a dangerous and laborious job and it breaks my heart to know that there a people of all ages working there just to be able to afford a meal. On Sunday we said goodbye to the staff at Semilla and made our journey to Antigua where we attended a beautiful church service and afterward broke off into smaller groups to enjoy lunch at the different restaurants Antigua has to offer.
Then the big moment was upon us.. the moment in which we were to go to San Juan del Obispo to meet our host families!!! My Guatemalan family was very excited to meet me and I am so thankful for their patience and kindness to me even though I struggle to communicate with them. We enjoy our meals together and with their help I’m learning the names of different utensils and foods in the kitchen. I’m also not a big fan of avocado or guacamole but my Guatemala mamá makes the best guacamole!
This week we have our first week of spanish classes. Some of us are finding it a challenge to learn, as there is a lot of information to take in each day and remember, but I know the hard work will pay off!
We are staying with our home stays for next week before we go off for an adventure week with the whole group. The next blog will have more details on this!
Thanks for reading,
Kiera & Noah
P.S. More pictures will be posted once I have access to a computer!!
