Guatemala ABST: Volcano Sunrises and Star-kissed Skies (Team Delaney & Katie)

Hello family and friends,

Today, we went on a morning hike, and after climbing to the top in the dark, we were met with a breathtaking sunrise. The sunrise was beautiful making the hike all worth it in the end. In the morning our group was split in half with some of us going to a wood house and the rest to the school. At the wood house we built the walls of the house using hammers and wood. At the school we moved rocks and dirt to clear the way for a new building. It was fun seeing everyone enjoying their time at each work site and working alongside the locals. In the afternoon we went to the women’s center and learned about the locals’ everyday lifestyle. We saw how they made their food before having stoves, using an open fire. We learned how they wash their clothes in a pila and tried it for ourselves. We also got to try how the women balanced the basket on their head and how men carry a stack of wood on their backs. This whole experience was great and rewarding seeing their life through their eyes. Also, appreciating all the things they do daily for their families and to just get by every day. We ended our day by reflecting on how solidarity has been an important part of our trip. We discussed how we have experienced solidarity with the people of Guatemala, and how we can continue what we have learned when we return home.
- Angelika