Author: maynard.285

We have been home for a few days now, and I continue to constantly process the trip. Not only do thoughts flood my mind as I describe the fun memories to my friends and family, but also when I go through my daily life here: when I turn on the tap and the water is clear; when I turn on the shower and it is hot for as long as I’d like; when I need to pick something up from the store and I simply hop in my car.

Life is Guatemala is different, and we were able to hear stories of that from the people themselves through the interviews conducted each day on the trip. When I walk to the sink to fill up my water from the tap, I remember the woman that told us she has to walk 4-5 hours each direction to obtain water for her family everyday. When I take a shower, I remember the families that told us they use their pila for everything, including bathing because they do not have access to a shower. The pila is their lifeline, while my family is fortunate to have 3 sinks, 2 showers, and a washer and dryer for these chores. When I drive around town to do errands in my car, I think of the family that told us they have to get several rides into town in order to make it to a hospital to be treated for stomach illnesses. Method of transportation is never an area of concern for me. This experience put in perspective that activities I do everyday are barely a thought in my mind, while in other areas of the world, they are a daily source of physical and emotional strain.

I will be the first to say that I am genuinely enjoying the luxuries I didn’t have while abroad; they are comfortable and familiar. While I go through life now, I don’t need to constantly feel guilty for what I do have. Rather, I believe having these thoughts are a good reminder that while I am living my life in America, these realities still exist in Guatemala and other parts of the world. It reminds me that I shouldn’t use more than I need simply because I can, and that the world needs more selfless people to do so. Throughout my life, I hope to take trips for extended periods of time because I know giving up “comfortable and familiar” is more than worth it.

These thoughts can become dangerous if I look at these communities and only remember what they don’t have and forget what they do. The people of Guatemala have beautiful landscapes, with volcanos towering overhead and glimmering lakes that reflect the flora and fauna of the mountainside. They have the sweetest fruits that are better than anything you can pick up at your local Kroger. And most importantly, they have rich people; people that will give you more than they have and treat you to more than you deserve. They have a culture deeply rooted in their past that should not be changed by outsiders who think we have it all figured out. They love their children, with their deep brown eyes and gentle touch, and they teach their children to love you back just the same. I feel more than fortunate to have had the opportunity to interact with the Mayan people, and I hope that experience was not my last. Hasta pronto, Guatemala.

-Tara

Phew, as Day 4 winds down it’s amazing to think back at everything we accomplished in a single day here. It started as usual, with breakfast at Hotel Kakchiquel at 8am for a delicious meal featuring eggs, French toast, and of course torn tortillas.

After a few cups of local coffee, we were full of energy to head to Peña Blanca preschool to teach the STEM project. As soon as we arrived, the children immediately melted our hearts as they came running toward us. I never knew it was possible to be surrounded by so much cuteness until I was wrapped in hugs from 3-6 year olds. After the lesson, the children excitedly received their “futbolistas” and were free to unleash their creative side with lots of markers and pom poms. I think this was the best project we had done so far as we were more comfortable speaking Spanish and working with the kids for the second day of STEM.

Sadly, our time at the preschool came to an end for the day, and we headed to a village called Patanatic to install cookstoves and feed the elderly. The view from the mountains was one that I could barely believe was real as the huge mountainsides stretched across our entire field of vision. Upon arriving, our experience at Patanatic started with a ride up the crazy steep mountains in the van. However, it ended with us walking up the mountain instead because they van could not make it all the way up without rolling back down. The family expressed great gratitude after installing the cookstove, and it was difficult not to tear up hearing how much this meant to them. Moments like these remind me why hiking up the hills in the blazing sun is more than worth it. We met up with the rest of the group, where we were greeted by the most adorable puppy. No matter how many times we were told not to pet the dogs, this pup was just too cute to say no.

Finally we ended our time serving soup to the elderly at the library looking over the mountainside. After we had served everyone, we were able to enjoy the meal for ourselves as well. Adithya pointed out the fact that there were so many elderly women and hardly any elderly men, explaining that this was due to the genocide in Guatemala many years prior. Looking at those we were serving, I couldn’t imagine what they had seen in their lifetime. Before leaving, we were treated with an assembly line of hugs and kisses as they elderly thanked us for serving them; little did they realize that I should be the one thanking them for the amazing opportunity and warmth they offered.

Despite being more than exhausted, we changed into nice clothes and headed to a restaurant that involved more than just eating. Here, we were quizzed about the creation of the marimba and challenged to make the best corn tortillas (from North Americans) as possible. The classic Guatemalan dish we were served was incredible to say the least. More importantly, it was touching to see the passion the owner had for the Mayan people as he shared his knowledge, history, and experience of Guatemala. I am thankful to have days like these where we are able to, as said by the owner, “plant seeds of hope” for the people here.

-Tara