The Four Pillars of an ABST

When one agrees to go on an ABST, Alternative Break Service Trip, one agress to live by the four pillars that are at the foundation of the trip: simplicity, community, service, and reflection.  Before embarking on this amazing experience, each group creates a contract outlining how the members will live by these four pillars during their time abroad.  We wanted to share an over view of the contract we created and signed to give you a look at the type of life we hope to live out during our time in Guatemala.

SIMPLICITY:

During our time in Guatemala, we are striving to live a simple live style and really immerse ourselves into the culture.  To do this, we agreed to limited technology use.  Besides for cameras and the iPad for blogging purposes, we agreed to leave cell phones and iPods for travel use and really focus on the Guatemalan people along with fellow group memebers.  We also encourage others to try new food and appreciate the food that is prepared for us.  Girls agreed to wear limited makeup during our time here and we plan to spend our free time together as a group getting to know each other more deeply.  Finally for this pillar, each membered packed one carry-on suitcase for the week.  As a group, we checked one bag that held our liquids and other necessary items.

COMMUNITY:

We have one assigned photographer for the group while we are here, Heather.  She has graciously brought her awesome camera and has been capturing our Kodak moments.  At the end of the trip, all pictures will be posted to a website so that all group members have access.  We also have two group members who are overseeing this blog, Beth and Char.  They are encouraging all group members to contribute to the blog at least once and are ensuring that at least one post gets out a day.  We are also immerging ourselves into the Guatemalan community.  While the language barrier is challenging for many of our members, we are aware and trying our best to communicate with the locals.  We are here this week to serve them and are doing our best to put them first.

SERVICE:

We have a heart of service for this week and this started on day one.  For meals, groups take turns prepping for the meal and cleanup afterwards.  We had breakfast yesterday, breakfast today and then lunch on Thursday.  This is a great bonding experience as a group and is a small way that we can help the mission that is so graciously hosting us.  We also vowed to keep an open heart and mind during this aspect of our week.  We still aren't quite sure how exactly we will be serving this week but get to find out more about that today!

REFLECTION:

At the end of each day, we reflect as a group.  These reflections are lead by Patice and have been amazing so far! We have also been encouraged to reflect individually as well.  These reflections are key to being able to digest what we are experiencing.  We have an amazing group and have bonded quickly. It is great to be sharing this experience with like minded individuals.  The support we have from each other is already strong and will continue to grow as the week progresses.