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 how to salsa dance, the smell of platanos frying in the kitchen, and the satisfaction after understanding a whole conversation in Spanish. But perhaps one....
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....
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 in one land but through relationships and experiences. Being removed from homes I love brings sadness and fear,....
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....
Mount Sinai and St. Catharine’s Monastery
Mount Sinai and St. Catharine’s Monastery After our experiences in Egypt, we took the bus eight hours into the desert, following the path of the Israelites out of Egypt. Once over the Suez Canal (or under, as we traveled through a tunnel underneath) we were in Asia! Egypt technically controls the Sinai after Israel withdrew....
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....
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 experiences, delicious foods, and the start of some great friendships. Since arriving in Egypt, my time here has been what I had hoped it would be and more. I have....
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! It is a warm, spring day. Every day. I survived my first flight, which was good. It was incredible looking out the window and seeing....
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....
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. ....