Coban and the K’ekchi

There are many things I have experienced here in Guatemala that I’ll remember for a long time: picking limes off the tree in my backyard, hearing gunshots at night, learning … Continue Reading ››

Making memories and A sojourner’s prayer

One of my favorite parts about being on Cross-cultural in Guatemala is that I am able to stay with a host family. I absolutely love my host family. They have graciously opened their home to me and the parents even call me “mija” (their daughter) while my little host sister calls me her “hermanita” (even … Continue Reading ››

Love and Fear in the shadow of the Wall

I have often observed cultures from the perspective of a foreigner, either as one or from the mind of one. My life has been characterized by movement, both permanent and temporary. My roots grow not from living … Continue Reading ››

Language. Learning. Laughter. Love. Life.

Our past week has been filled with all of these “L” words. Our weekend consisted of an excursion to the highlands of Chichicastenango where we stayed for 2 nights at the Ruth and Naomi Project. We were surrounded by another new language, K’iche, which was spoken by many of the natives of this city. We … Continue Reading ››

Mount Sinai and St. Catharine’s Monastery

Rebekah Maldonado-Nofziger and Taylor Gray Harrison put their arms up in victory after hiking all of Mt. Sinai

Contrasts and challenges

Buenas Días! It is our second week here in Guatemala City and I think I’m finally starting to become accustomed to Guatemalan life. The Frijoles (beans) and eggs at least once a day, the crazy packed buses and their routes, the men with firearms that you can find on every street and the coffee at every … Continue Reading ››

First insights from Egypt

I think I can speak for most of the group when I say this past week has been a whirl-wind of once in a lifetime … Continue Reading ››

New in Guatemala City

January 16, 2012 What a crazy week! It's Monday, and I'm in Guatemala, which is still kind of surreal. Some things are different; others are not. The weather is amazing! … Continue Reading ››

Saying good-bye

South Africa is beautiful. This is not beauty that is thrown around every day to describe people and scenery. This beauty is a deep, awe inspiring, starts in your chest, makes-you-feel-in-love beauty. We have traveled far and wide across South Africa and Lesotho, each stop offering a new inimitable take on beauty. Soweto presented a … Continue Reading ››

Sharing Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a well known, important holiday in America. Who would have thought families in Cape Town, South Africa would want to experience it with us. I live with Justin Hershey, two retired parents and an older brother. The first day we arrived in our home-stay we were showered with love and questions about Thanksgiving. … Continue Reading ››

EMU Intercultural Learning