The week started with our group on the Pacific black sand beach of Monterrico, where we had 2 nights to enjoy the ocean. We also visited an organization that protects sea turtles. We traveled back to the city on Tuesday and our afternoon visits were focused on migration. We visited Casa del Migrante and learned about services for migrants passing through the city. Then we went to Pop Noj which works with communities in Huehuetenango to help minors who have been deported to reconnect with family.

Guatemala is known as La Tierra de Primavera Eterna, or the Land of Eternal Spring. It is evident that this saying holds true in the natural beauty of this country; from the rainforests in the highlands of Tikal to the Pacific Coast in the lowlands. However, this saying also strongly reflects the attitude of the Guatemalans I have met along this journey. The empathy and sense of welcoming that I have received from countless hospitality is truly inspiring. For example, we have visited numerous organizations in the city and across Guatemala that are non-government organizations (NGO’s) that work for justice in a variety of social issues: abuse/assault, those seeking refuge, migration trauma, domestic violence, poverty, and more. These attitudes of persistence and hope remind me of a spring longing to arrive after an extended, harsh winter.

-Claire Hurst