This last week, our FINAL week, we traveled out of Guatemala city and into the old, colonial capital of Antigua for Semana Santa festivities. During the week we stayed in the beautiful Lutheran Retreat Center … Continue Reading ››

A break from the city, time to relax in a tranquil little town, and all the coffee we ever wanted to drink.  What a wonderful ten days our group spent in the coffee growing community of Salvador Urbina, … Continue Reading ››

After 8 weeks of Spanish classes and living with host families here in Guatemala City, we had a week of free travel where we could go anywhere we wanted (within reason, of course). Our group of 20 students split … Continue Reading ››

I am tired of not being allowed to study where I wish And yet studying anywhere is a privilege I am tired of not being able to decide what I eat And yet having food is a privilege I am tired … Continue Reading ››

Coming into the last 2 weeks of our time here with our host families and Spanish classes it seems that some of us are starting to get anxious for the end. For others it seems sad because they are just getting to really know … Continue Reading ››

Throughout our stay here in Guatemala, we've been learning about Guatemala's violent history. This week we had a lecture about human rights in present-day Guatemala, and we're learning how the past is affecting present-day Guatemala. I have had a hard time comprehending the extent … Continue Reading ››

This weekend was a second one in a shoreline Paradise, as our group descended upon the mostly undeveloped rainforest region of Tikal in the northernmost part of Guatemala.  This past week we finished our first section of intensive Spanish and we will all be … Continue Reading ››

I can’t believe it has been seven weeks since our trip began. It has been exciting. Every day there is something new to learn to and to see. Right now I am learning a lot of Spanish, a lot about Guatemala, and am getting to … Continue Reading ››

This week our theme was Mayan spirituality and culture. We started out by hearing some of the history of the Mayans and how they’ve been influenced by Western ideas and practices. Even the people who do still practice Mayan spirituality have incorporated other doctrines … Continue Reading ››

This past week has been a nice chance to settle into the routine of our lives here in Guatemala for the next while.  Returning to the houses of our host families every night finally feels a little bit more like home, using the camionetas … Continue Reading ››