Lovin' Guatemala

Tomorrow marks three weeks here in Guatemala....and a lot has happened.

I am living with two elderly persons named Victoria and Jaime Diaz. They are very active and sometimes crazy(in a good way) people.My dad is a pastor and my mom is a retired elementary school teacher. They have four kids who are all living on their own. I am learning a lot about Spanish language and culture.

This past weekend our group went to Chichicastenango.On our way there, we stopped at Iximche, a mayan ruin! It was amazing! In Chichicastenango, we stayed at a Methodist Church and visited different groups.The first day there, we walked around town, getting to know the area. On Saturday, we visited the Ruth and Naomi Project. These women are widows from the war which began in 1960 and ended in 1996. The women all knew how to weave beautiful tapestries, clothes, belts, and purses. I bought a lot of stuff! They now sell them in markets and even some of the products are sold to Ten Thousand Villages. I recognized some of the materials from work this summer in the warehouse.
~Emily

I'm living with a young couple, their one and a half year old daughter, an 18 year-old house helper, and their black lab puppy. They are fun, energetic, hospitable, and intentional about making me feel a part of their family. They are very involved in church and enjoy music, dancing, and going to the park.

Our time as a group has also been great. We share lots of laughs and also good conversation as we experience a new culture together. Spanish is difficult, but classes are going well. We have also been learning about the history of Guatemala as well as about the Ladino and Mayan cultures.
~Louise

This upcoming weekend, our group plans to climb the volcano Pacaya. Please keep us in your prayers as we hike up an active volcano. Our legs probably won't work anymore after the climb. It is a huge volcano. We are also looking forward to attending Casa de Dios, a mega church here in Guatemala City. Sorry again about the confusion. Bye for now!