Hola Amigos!!!

Today was our last day in San Lucas. Part of Brandon’s team got up early to hike Volcán de San Pedro. The journey started by waking up at 6am to catch a truck ride to a boat which took us to San Pedro where we got a Tuc-Tuc (took-took) to the Volcano. After carefully selecting our walking sticks our journey began. We started off strong, but very quickly we started to fatigue due to the high altitude. Our group was able to persevere with the help of many rest stops. There was a sort of silent unity felt within our group which kept us going. One of the highlights of our trek up the volcano was a tire swing at the “grand vista.” Here we were able to swing out with the beautiful view stretched out below us. When we reached the top, we were amazed by the view. At 9908 ft. above sea level the view was as if we were flying over Guatemala in an airplane. It was truly breath-taking; almost everyone of us at the top experienced something bigger than ourselves; a moment of serenity.

After enjoying the view, it was time to start our journey back down. There was some slipping and sliding, but we made it back together in one piece. After four hours, up and down the volcano, we walked a total of 22,000 steps and 424 flights of stairs (thanks to Sam’s fitbit). Our legs were shaking and we were exhausted but it didn’t take away for the beauty of the experience.

The other four members from team Brandon, who didn’t hike the volcano, accompanied Juan to help finish the wood houses. Deanna, Maggie, Alicia, and Alyssa mixed the cement substance and laid down the first layer of floor. After letting that dry, we did another layer of concrete on top that was a beautiful red color. The red color reminded us of the blood of Jesus and the love and sacrifice he gave so that we could help    serve others selflessly. While helping build the houses today for the family, there was a little 5-year-old boy who was sent to go get diapers for his little sister. Deanna noticed he was going alone and ended up accompanying him. He was smiling ear to ear and really touched Deanna's heart.

We are proud of the work that we accomplished today. This was what the whole trip was about. We completed a house and saw the process from start to finish. We not only left a physical infrastructure in Guatemala, but everlasting love that will be with us for always.

We were able to come together for dinner and reflection. At reflection we talked about our journey coming to an end, and how we are going to continue to serve back home through self-reflection, perseverance and joy.

Adiós,

Sam & Katie