It is weird to think that I have been home for about 4 months now. It has been 4 months since we traveled to Guatemala. It has been 4 months since I met those people and had those amazing experiences. It is odd to think how my life has changed. Sometimes I wonder, has it? Have I changed because of this experience beyond just being in a new place? Have I grown or has anything become clearer or less clear? When I went to start this blog, I did not think that I had changed much. I felt that I was the same person I was when I went on this trip, and in many ways I still am. I am still who I was. I still hold many of the same ideals, I still have mostly the same interests, and essentially I am who I was. But then, putting this blog together and looking at the pictures and reading my journals through the trip and thinking back I realize that even though I am mostly who I was before, something changed.
For one, I thought a lot more about this election then I ever thought about any other election. The biggest change was that I really took foreign policy into consideration as I was determining who would get my vote. Also, human rights were a huge part of this election for me. I realized that there were many prejudices still around today; many that I thought were nearly gone. So, I focused on who would stand up for human rights in this election because I've seen that they are still out there and because I've seen what oppression looks like in the faces of the Guatemalan people. I don't want anyone to go through that, not here, not anywhere, and that influenced my decision.
Another way that I have changed is that I realize that my life has been in many ways re-prioritized. Things that used to matter don’t matter so much anymore and things that were never a big deal mean so much more to me. Possessions do not matter nearly as much to me as before. It’s hard to want things you don’t need when you’ve seen people with nothing. Also, relationships mean more to me than they ever did. I always knew relationships were important, but I never knew they were all you really have.
Another thing that has changed is my appreciation for what I have. I have been so blessed in my life. I have always had everything I needed and tons more. I have people who love me, food, shelter, and I live in a place that guarantees that I will have the rights that I deserve. How could I ask for more?
I want to touch a little more on the last part. I really am so blessed to live in the United States of America. Sometimes I get really down on this country, especially the government, but really this is one of the best countries in which one could ask to live. I must explain, because it may even seem in my blog that I get down on the US. One of the things that struck me most in Guatemala was how the Mayan people have such large numbers, but almost no power. One of the hardest things for me to see and hear through our trip was how many of the Mayan sacred places are gone. When the Spanish were moving into Guatemala they brought Christianity and they built churches on many of the Mayan sacred places, mostly on purpose. Then, they would not let the Mayan people worship in the church because it wasn’t Christian. This was very difficult for me to hear because my religion means so much to me and I know how hard it would be for me if I did not have the right to worship in a place I considered sacred. Another reason this was difficult for me was because I realized that people from my religion had done this. Something I considered so horrible was done by people I have a faith in common with and done in the name of that faith. I was glad to hear that some of the churches have started letting the people worship within their spaces. I was also given a better appreciation for living in a place that protects my right to worship and that I will hopefully never have to worry about something like that happening.
So, yes, I have changed from this experience. More than I probably realize.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Speeches
On Friday November 21, 2008, the group members from this trip reflected on their experiences. Here are two of the speeches from Jennifer and Jeanine.
Jennifer Hipple
Good morning, my name is Jennifer Hipple and I am a student in the weekend college program. It was an honor to represent the Augsburg community on this life-impacting trip to Guatemala and we are so pleased to have this opportunity to share our experiences and reflections with you.
I’d like to begin by posing a few questions as we reflect on peace, social justice and our own place in the world.
· How can we as individuals, impact the cause for peace and justice either thousands of miles from home or right here in our community?
· How does God call us to look beyond ourselves in Christian faith?
· What gifts might we receive when we open ourselves up to learning about and understanding other cultures and peoples?
· How can we use our gifts to be the hands, feet, heart and voice of God in the world?
There are many ways to serve and to live out our values in Christian love. We can take action or we can listen; each is powerful in its own way.
In August, 10 women from the Augsburg community, representing students, faculty and staff packed our bags and traveled to Guatemala on a 10-day experiential learning adventure. Our objective was to learn about Guatemala’s peace and reconciliation efforts following a 36-year-long civil war that wiped out entire communities and left more than a quarter million dead. We would learn about the racism, division, and fear that the country’s Ladino and indigenous people into conflict and the painful residues that remain today 11 years after the peace accords were signed.
Our challenge? To listen and to learn…ultimately, what would we do with this knowledge upon our return? How might we share the stories of Guatemala here in our own community?
Our estrogen- powered team..…remember this was 10 women traveling together…… didn’t know each other well upon embarking on this trip, but we shared a common interest in learning about the ancient Mayan culture of Guatemala, along with the history, traditions and struggles of the indigenous people. Could we have known we would come away learning as much about ourselves as we would the people of Guatemala?
This trip afforded us an up close and personal look at the root causes of poverty and oppression, the dynamics of social, economic and political development, and the tenacious spirit of hope embodied by people working for social change. Each day we encountered heartbreaking stories of loss, grinding poverty and desperate living conditions. Each day we met ordinary people doing extraordinary things to sustain themselves economically, improve health and education and move the country forward. We were blessed to look inside their life stories and to connect with them. Although there was a language barrier there also was an incredible connection between us and many times a level of communication that transcended words.
Personally, one of the most meaningful experiences of the trip was observing a Mayan spiritual ceremony. Our group traveled to a beautiful, remote mountain area to a sacred place where we were invited to join two Mayan spiritual guides in a ceremony dedicated to honoring their ancestors. They were careful to explain this was not meant to interfere with our own religious practices and beliefs. As they explained the importance of this ritual, they prepared a small fire and gave each of us three candles. In their native language they remembered all the indigenous tribes of the Americas. They prayed for their ancestors and asked us to remember ours. They prayed for the earth, acknowledging that we are connected to all living things. Our guides then prayed for each of us and our families. We added our candles to the growing fire, remembering those we love and reflecting on all the blessings in our lives.
We sat in that circle for quite some time, watching the flames ebb and flow. They danced in unpredictable patterns, first swirling in one direction and then, just as quickly, reversing and swirling in another direction. Later we would remark on the spiritual warmth and energy we felt during that experience. In that time alone, we gained such great insight into the culture of the indigenous people and the values they hold dear; connection to family and the earth.
Those moments in front of the fire would have a profound effect on me as I realized that like that fire, my life will swirl in many directions; some I will direct, others I will have no control over. Life is a wild and wondrous adventure and I must have faith that God is there to guide and comfort me when the flames are seemingly out of control. Thinking about the centuries-long struggles of the indigenous people of Guatemala humbles me and puts my problems into better perspective. It also inspires me to continue learning and growing in my faith, my vocation and how I reach out to others in service. Jeanine?
Jeanine Gregoire
Margaret Meade, the famous antropologist once wrote: “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” My travel to Guatamala and meetings with Guatamalan working toward peace and reconciliation, rebuilding and preserving indigenous communities and confronting issues surrounding poverty, classism and sexism reminded me of the power of a small group of individuals to make change.
Let me share with you one such story with a group of former compasinos, or Guatamaln rebel fighters who exemplify “power of purpose” under great odds. During our trip we visited the Santa Anita coffee plantation in the province of San Miquel near the Mexico Guatamalan, In the late 90’s, 11 Compasino families, from a number of different indigenous Mayan tribes were allowed to farm this old, abandoned coffee plantation. As you can see on many of the slides of our trip showing the dense lush environment near the coast of Guatamala, this coffee plantation had been abandoned and the jungle had grown up around the coffee shrubs. One of the members of this cooperative, Vilma, a former campasino herself, took us on a tour of the coffee plantation, telling us about the struggle to revive the plantation in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner. She spoke of
· struggles with major storms like 1995 Hurricane Stan that blew down shade trees for the coffee shrubs;
· of invasive leaf borers and blights that threatened young plants
· and threats from the neighboring commercial coffee plantation in their spraying of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides to grow their coffee on nearby fields.
Vilma, spoke of the hard work in rebuilding, developing and harvesting a organically sustainable coffee crop but also the
· joy of the coffee harvest (taking place as we speak);
· the comraderie of the community, in solving problems of access to clean water, to education for their children and health care for members of their community,
· of creating a collective purpose out of many different families; Their inspiration was hope for the future…for their families, their people their country and an abiding faith in their purpose.
During our tour, Vilma shared with us her story as a rebel fighter, moving through the jungles and mountains for many years, losing family members, homes and personal freedom. Since our trip I have often asked myself..
· how much would I sacrifice to protect my family, my home my beliefs. I am thankful that I live in a democratic society that allows free speech and debate, and a carefully delivered count of each and every vote
· This morning and every morning I am thankful I don’t need to hide in the groves along the Mississippi River with my family although I realize there are others there on the banks of the Mississippi due to homeless, poverty, joblessness, mental illness
· I am reminded of how fragile peace, prosperity, community, democracy and health are…how important it is to be an active participant in the political process in my community, my country and across the world.
· How each and every person can have a tremendous effect on changes in the world and in our back out. I encourage you do do something to help others within our community who are less fortunate.
· If you would like to join us in contributing to the Santa Anita School and a special school for K-12 students who are working the Guatamalan municipal dump to support themselves and their family we will have a box at our table as you go out of the chapel.
Another participant, Amy Sonquist , a WEC student had similar thoughts to share. Amy shared that
“The overwhelming thing that I took away from the trip was the culture of happiness and contentment in the places we visited. Whether meeting ex-guerrillas, widows, or people working in a dump, the spirit of contentment was always there. There was true appreciation for our presence, but these people were not looking for handouts or looking to be saved by us. They were merely happy to be alive and helping others in any way they could.
This reminded me to be happy with the things that I have. The expression "Money can't buy you happiness" is easy to say, but is life changing to see. For me, the trip did not stir in me a desire or conviction to travel to other countries, rather it renewed a passion in me to support and become more involved in North Minneapolis, my neighborhood.
We are thankful to the Hoversten Committee for supporting us on this trip and encourage students, staff and faculty to apply to participate in the 2010 Hoversten Trip to Cueranvaca Mexico.
The opportunity to “learn through experiencing” the unique cultures, history, issues and opportunities of our global education center is a life-changing experience in helping us see the larger world that we are connected to or even our own neighborhood for the first time. Watch from application announcements in Spring, 2010. Information concerning this trip can be found at the Center for Global Education or in the back of the chapel.
Also at the back of the chapel after services is Guatamalan Coffee sponsored by Peace Coffee, the distributor of Santa Anita Coffee, Guatamalan music and our own Emiliano Chagil, Director, Hispanic & Latino Student Services from (where in Guatamala and Gloria Elizabeth Xinico-Morales, Majoring in International Relations, from Sacotepequez, Guatamala. Hoversten Participants and Emilian and Gloria will be able to answer questions you may have about Guatamala.
Jennifer Hipple
Good morning, my name is Jennifer Hipple and I am a student in the weekend college program. It was an honor to represent the Augsburg community on this life-impacting trip to Guatemala and we are so pleased to have this opportunity to share our experiences and reflections with you.
I’d like to begin by posing a few questions as we reflect on peace, social justice and our own place in the world.
· How can we as individuals, impact the cause for peace and justice either thousands of miles from home or right here in our community?
· How does God call us to look beyond ourselves in Christian faith?
· What gifts might we receive when we open ourselves up to learning about and understanding other cultures and peoples?
· How can we use our gifts to be the hands, feet, heart and voice of God in the world?
There are many ways to serve and to live out our values in Christian love. We can take action or we can listen; each is powerful in its own way.
In August, 10 women from the Augsburg community, representing students, faculty and staff packed our bags and traveled to Guatemala on a 10-day experiential learning adventure. Our objective was to learn about Guatemala’s peace and reconciliation efforts following a 36-year-long civil war that wiped out entire communities and left more than a quarter million dead. We would learn about the racism, division, and fear that the country’s Ladino and indigenous people into conflict and the painful residues that remain today 11 years after the peace accords were signed.
Our challenge? To listen and to learn…ultimately, what would we do with this knowledge upon our return? How might we share the stories of Guatemala here in our own community?
Our estrogen- powered team..…remember this was 10 women traveling together…… didn’t know each other well upon embarking on this trip, but we shared a common interest in learning about the ancient Mayan culture of Guatemala, along with the history, traditions and struggles of the indigenous people. Could we have known we would come away learning as much about ourselves as we would the people of Guatemala?
This trip afforded us an up close and personal look at the root causes of poverty and oppression, the dynamics of social, economic and political development, and the tenacious spirit of hope embodied by people working for social change. Each day we encountered heartbreaking stories of loss, grinding poverty and desperate living conditions. Each day we met ordinary people doing extraordinary things to sustain themselves economically, improve health and education and move the country forward. We were blessed to look inside their life stories and to connect with them. Although there was a language barrier there also was an incredible connection between us and many times a level of communication that transcended words.
Personally, one of the most meaningful experiences of the trip was observing a Mayan spiritual ceremony. Our group traveled to a beautiful, remote mountain area to a sacred place where we were invited to join two Mayan spiritual guides in a ceremony dedicated to honoring their ancestors. They were careful to explain this was not meant to interfere with our own religious practices and beliefs. As they explained the importance of this ritual, they prepared a small fire and gave each of us three candles. In their native language they remembered all the indigenous tribes of the Americas. They prayed for their ancestors and asked us to remember ours. They prayed for the earth, acknowledging that we are connected to all living things. Our guides then prayed for each of us and our families. We added our candles to the growing fire, remembering those we love and reflecting on all the blessings in our lives.
We sat in that circle for quite some time, watching the flames ebb and flow. They danced in unpredictable patterns, first swirling in one direction and then, just as quickly, reversing and swirling in another direction. Later we would remark on the spiritual warmth and energy we felt during that experience. In that time alone, we gained such great insight into the culture of the indigenous people and the values they hold dear; connection to family and the earth.
Those moments in front of the fire would have a profound effect on me as I realized that like that fire, my life will swirl in many directions; some I will direct, others I will have no control over. Life is a wild and wondrous adventure and I must have faith that God is there to guide and comfort me when the flames are seemingly out of control. Thinking about the centuries-long struggles of the indigenous people of Guatemala humbles me and puts my problems into better perspective. It also inspires me to continue learning and growing in my faith, my vocation and how I reach out to others in service. Jeanine?
Jeanine Gregoire
Margaret Meade, the famous antropologist once wrote: “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” My travel to Guatamala and meetings with Guatamalan working toward peace and reconciliation, rebuilding and preserving indigenous communities and confronting issues surrounding poverty, classism and sexism reminded me of the power of a small group of individuals to make change.
Let me share with you one such story with a group of former compasinos, or Guatamaln rebel fighters who exemplify “power of purpose” under great odds. During our trip we visited the Santa Anita coffee plantation in the province of San Miquel near the Mexico Guatamalan, In the late 90’s, 11 Compasino families, from a number of different indigenous Mayan tribes were allowed to farm this old, abandoned coffee plantation. As you can see on many of the slides of our trip showing the dense lush environment near the coast of Guatamala, this coffee plantation had been abandoned and the jungle had grown up around the coffee shrubs. One of the members of this cooperative, Vilma, a former campasino herself, took us on a tour of the coffee plantation, telling us about the struggle to revive the plantation in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner. She spoke of
· struggles with major storms like 1995 Hurricane Stan that blew down shade trees for the coffee shrubs;
· of invasive leaf borers and blights that threatened young plants
· and threats from the neighboring commercial coffee plantation in their spraying of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides to grow their coffee on nearby fields.
Vilma, spoke of the hard work in rebuilding, developing and harvesting a organically sustainable coffee crop but also the
· joy of the coffee harvest (taking place as we speak);
· the comraderie of the community, in solving problems of access to clean water, to education for their children and health care for members of their community,
· of creating a collective purpose out of many different families; Their inspiration was hope for the future…for their families, their people their country and an abiding faith in their purpose.
During our tour, Vilma shared with us her story as a rebel fighter, moving through the jungles and mountains for many years, losing family members, homes and personal freedom. Since our trip I have often asked myself..
· how much would I sacrifice to protect my family, my home my beliefs. I am thankful that I live in a democratic society that allows free speech and debate, and a carefully delivered count of each and every vote
· This morning and every morning I am thankful I don’t need to hide in the groves along the Mississippi River with my family although I realize there are others there on the banks of the Mississippi due to homeless, poverty, joblessness, mental illness
· I am reminded of how fragile peace, prosperity, community, democracy and health are…how important it is to be an active participant in the political process in my community, my country and across the world.
· How each and every person can have a tremendous effect on changes in the world and in our back out. I encourage you do do something to help others within our community who are less fortunate.
· If you would like to join us in contributing to the Santa Anita School and a special school for K-12 students who are working the Guatamalan municipal dump to support themselves and their family we will have a box at our table as you go out of the chapel.
Another participant, Amy Sonquist , a WEC student had similar thoughts to share. Amy shared that
“The overwhelming thing that I took away from the trip was the culture of happiness and contentment in the places we visited. Whether meeting ex-guerrillas, widows, or people working in a dump, the spirit of contentment was always there. There was true appreciation for our presence, but these people were not looking for handouts or looking to be saved by us. They were merely happy to be alive and helping others in any way they could.
This reminded me to be happy with the things that I have. The expression "Money can't buy you happiness" is easy to say, but is life changing to see. For me, the trip did not stir in me a desire or conviction to travel to other countries, rather it renewed a passion in me to support and become more involved in North Minneapolis, my neighborhood.
We are thankful to the Hoversten Committee for supporting us on this trip and encourage students, staff and faculty to apply to participate in the 2010 Hoversten Trip to Cueranvaca Mexico.
The opportunity to “learn through experiencing” the unique cultures, history, issues and opportunities of our global education center is a life-changing experience in helping us see the larger world that we are connected to or even our own neighborhood for the first time. Watch from application announcements in Spring, 2010. Information concerning this trip can be found at the Center for Global Education or in the back of the chapel.
Also at the back of the chapel after services is Guatamalan Coffee sponsored by Peace Coffee, the distributor of Santa Anita Coffee, Guatamalan music and our own Emiliano Chagil, Director, Hispanic & Latino Student Services from (where in Guatamala and Gloria Elizabeth Xinico-Morales, Majoring in International Relations, from Sacotepequez, Guatamala. Hoversten Participants and Emilian and Gloria will be able to answer questions you may have about Guatamala.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Comments
Here is a comment Jennifer made on this blog a while back. I thought it was very insightful and well written, so I decided to post it for everyone to see.
Tiffany, thanks for getting this off the ground. What a great way to share our thoughts about our life-impacting trip to Guatemala. I'm still "processing" all that we experienced but remain tremendously inspired by all the wonderful people we met and the stories we were introduced to.I'm remembering the stark images and smells of desperate poverty in the city, the seeming hopelessness of the thousands of men, women and children, who daily pick through the city dump for items they can sell to recyclers. I'm thinking of the strong souls who comprise the widows' community and how they empowered themselves to build a sustainable life creating and marketing beautiful crafts. I think of the woman doctor who works four jobs in the hope that she can save childrens' lives. I think about the struggles of the indigenous people and how they strive to hang on to their customs and traditions in a rapidly changing world. These are but a few heart wrenching yet incredibly inspiring memories that linger. What can I do with these images and impressions? How can I help raise awareness to the lives of people in Central America, seemingly far removed from us? What are the lessons we can apply to our daily lives?
Tiffany, thanks for getting this off the ground. What a great way to share our thoughts about our life-impacting trip to Guatemala. I'm still "processing" all that we experienced but remain tremendously inspired by all the wonderful people we met and the stories we were introduced to.I'm remembering the stark images and smells of desperate poverty in the city, the seeming hopelessness of the thousands of men, women and children, who daily pick through the city dump for items they can sell to recyclers. I'm thinking of the strong souls who comprise the widows' community and how they empowered themselves to build a sustainable life creating and marketing beautiful crafts. I think of the woman doctor who works four jobs in the hope that she can save childrens' lives. I think about the struggles of the indigenous people and how they strive to hang on to their customs and traditions in a rapidly changing world. These are but a few heart wrenching yet incredibly inspiring memories that linger. What can I do with these images and impressions? How can I help raise awareness to the lives of people in Central America, seemingly far removed from us? What are the lessons we can apply to our daily lives?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Monday August 4, 2008 2:46pm
Dear Journal,I am on the plane home from Dallas. And, as much fun as I had on this trip and as awesome and amazing as it was, I am really glad to be going back! And what a trip it has been! I can't even begin to count everything that I gained from this experience, but I will try to hit the major parts... One of the things I gained from this experience was an understanding of how little I know about politics, how ignorant I am and always have been about the things my own country is doing in the world and the influence it has in the global market. I always knew the U.S. was powerful, but I never realized just how powerful it really is, and what an influence it has. I will definately make it an issue to actually look at when I vote, and keep up on it in the coming years, because I am part of my country and sometimes my country doesn't do the right thing-at least what I feel is right. Like with Guatemala, we are totally exploiting them and taking advantage of them and many other countries in Central America, and in my mind that's not okay. Another thing I gained from this experience was a global perspective. I really got to see how another culture lives. And, though they are different from us in many ways, they are very similar to us. They are still people, wonderful people, who deserve respect and deserve a chance. Another thing I gained was the realization that we don't have a lot of control over our lives and that things do-and should-change. But, these changes have a purpose. Life is not random; things happen for a reason. We are meant to learn and grow through these changes. And, sometimes, we can affect changes; sometimes we have to take control of our lives. But, through these changes, we need to have hope. Hope guides us, it is the only thing that can get us through anything. The Guatemalans had hope for 36 years through a war, one where people were dying left and right, one that looked hopeless. But, they pulled through with hope, and even though things have a long way to go, they continue to have hope for the future. Hope gets you through anything. Another thing I gained was an appreciation and pride in being a woman. I've never been terribly excited to be a woman. For me, it hasn't exactly been a burden, but it's mostly been bothersome. But, this trip showed me how strong women are and can be. We met so many women that have done amazing things, without the help of men. Also, being a group of all women turned out to be a real blessing. It was amazing and I met some fantastic women. One last thing I will touch on was what I gained in my personal life. I changed and grew through this trip, mostly from being away from my everyday life. Another thing that changed in my personal life is I gained a better appreciation of what I have. I truly have been so blessed in my own life. Seeing the Guatemalans, I realized just how blessed I have been. I really do have a great life. I don't need things to make me happy, I have everything I need to be happy. And I am happy and satisfied, very satisfied. I have love in my life, and hope. I am complete. It's going to be challenging going back to my everyday life for many reasons. I have grown and changed from this experience, not significantly, but enough that it will be challenging. But, I'm glad to be going home. And I look forward, with hope, to the future. So, that was my trip to Guatemala. What a journey it was! ¡Adios!
Sunday August 3, 2008 11:25pm
Dear Journal,
Today was our last day in Guatemala! I still can't believe it. At first I thought it would never be over, but it flew by! Part of me doesn't want to leave, but most of me is ready to go home. All of us are a little home sick-okay most of us are a lot homesick-me included. Tomorrow we have to have our bags outside at 4:45am! So, in like a little over 5 hours! That's insane! Well, today was kind of an odd day, for me at least. We had breakfast in Panajachel.
Then, we had about an hour and a half to explore the city, or do whatever. I went back to the hotel and took a shower. Then, I started to not feel well. My stomach just felt off. Well, we got in the van at 10am to head to Antigua for our last day. 
I was trying to sleep for most of the 2 1/2 hour drive. My stomach was really bothering me, especially over the bumps! Jeanine gave me some Rolaids and some sort of herbal something that's supposed to help stomach issues, but nothing really helped. We finally arrived in Antigua and went to lunch. I hardly ate, but sipped a Coke. Then, we had the rest of the day free in Antigua. I went back to the room to lay down for a little while. After relaxing for a little and feeling my stomach settle down, I re-packed my bags for tomorrow. I decided I was going crazy in the room, so I went for a walk. 
I didn't get more than a few blocks away when my stomach started feeling sour again. So, I turned around, went back to my room and read. Caren came in and out and we talked a bit. Then it was time for dinner. I had a few small slices of pizza and a coke. I was feeling better, kind of. On the walk back to the hotel, I started feeling sour again. I'm still not feeling great, but I think it's mostly lack of sleep now. We had our final reflection tonight. Ruth asked us what we would bring back with us from this trip. I can't even begin to describe. I have learned so much and gained so much from this experience! I will reflect more on this on the plane tomorrow. I really need to sleep tonight, especially since I have to wake up at 4am! So, this is good night. ¡Buenos noches!
Today was our last day in Guatemala! I still can't believe it. At first I thought it would never be over, but it flew by! Part of me doesn't want to leave, but most of me is ready to go home. All of us are a little home sick-okay most of us are a lot homesick-me included. Tomorrow we have to have our bags outside at 4:45am! So, in like a little over 5 hours! That's insane! Well, today was kind of an odd day, for me at least. We had breakfast in Panajachel.
Then, we had about an hour and a half to explore the city, or do whatever. I went back to the hotel and took a shower. Then, I started to not feel well. My stomach just felt off. Well, we got in the van at 10am to head to Antigua for our last day. 
I was trying to sleep for most of the 2 1/2 hour drive. My stomach was really bothering me, especially over the bumps! Jeanine gave me some Rolaids and some sort of herbal something that's supposed to help stomach issues, but nothing really helped. We finally arrived in Antigua and went to lunch. I hardly ate, but sipped a Coke. Then, we had the rest of the day free in Antigua. I went back to the room to lay down for a little while. After relaxing for a little and feeling my stomach settle down, I re-packed my bags for tomorrow. I decided I was going crazy in the room, so I went for a walk. 
I didn't get more than a few blocks away when my stomach started feeling sour again. So, I turned around, went back to my room and read. Caren came in and out and we talked a bit. Then it was time for dinner. I had a few small slices of pizza and a coke. I was feeling better, kind of. On the walk back to the hotel, I started feeling sour again. I'm still not feeling great, but I think it's mostly lack of sleep now. We had our final reflection tonight. Ruth asked us what we would bring back with us from this trip. I can't even begin to describe. I have learned so much and gained so much from this experience! I will reflect more on this on the plane tomorrow. I really need to sleep tonight, especially since I have to wake up at 4am! So, this is good night. ¡Buenos noches!
Saturday August 2, 2008 9:53pm
Dear Journal,
We are almost done here in Guatemala! We have one more day and then we have one day of travel back to Minnesota. My feelings are very mixed about this. On one hand I am having a great time here and loving the country and learning about this country and getting to know the people, both in this country and in our group. On the other hand, I miss Erik and my bed and a good night's sleep! I am ready to go back. Well, today was a really great day. We got in the van early (bags by 6:30am, breakfast at 7am, leaving at 7:30am) and drove and drove and drove and wound around mountains and finally after about 3 1/2 hours ended up in Santiago. It's a really beautiful city on a gorgeous lake.
We had lunch at a beautiful, but extremely touristy resort. Lunch was delicious. Then, we had a tour of the city. We walked to a place called the Peace Park. 
It was a memorial to 13 people who were killed in a massacre in 1981. The woman giving the tour told us about how the people had gathered in front of the church wondering what was going on and the army thought they were guerilla fighters so they started shooting in the air, with women and children present. After that, we walked to an area that had been devastated by a mudslide in 2005 from Hurricane Stan. We could see the damage. There were some buildings still standing where we could see the mud line. 
The mud was apparently 4 meters deep. We walked in a field that had housed many families and their crops, but we couldn't tell; there was no trace of homes ever being there. It was very sad.
Then, we hopped in a truck and headed to downtown Santiago. Our first stop was in a place that I'm not quite sure what it actually was, but it was a building that housed many of the Mayan gods and goddesses. They were covered in clothing, especially their main one. He had many ties and scarfs on his neck and a cigarette in his mouth. Apparently, he is the god who heals the people. Then, we walked to the church. We learned that there was a Mayan temple there, but the Catholics had come and built their church on top of the site. So, ever since then there has been a struggle between the Mayans and the Catholics. The Mayans want to have their ceremonies there because it is sacred land to them, but the Catholics don't like it because it's their church. Now, Mayans can practice in the church, but there is one room that is exclusively Catholic. We learned about a priest that was here for about 15 years. 
He was from Oklahoma, but came down here in I think 1968. His name was Stanley. He came to Guatemala and decided that he wanted to help the people of Santiago. He helped the poor and started many programs. He was the one who let the Mayans come into the church for their ceremonies. He was really an advocate for the people, so much so that he was murdered in 1981 by the army. We visited the room where he was killed, which has now been turned into a chapel. It was sad because the woman giving the tour had known Stanley personally. After the tour of Santiago, we got on a boat and headed across the lake to Panajachel. 
It is a very touristy city and you can really tell. We had about 2 hours to explore the town and do some shopping. I called Erik. It was good to talk to him, but I could hardly hear him; he could hear me. I was a little more than annoyed that I paid for a conversation where half of the time was spent telling him I couldn't hear him or asking him to repeat himself. I'm glad I called him, though. After wandering around, we went to dinner at this cute little family run restaurant on the beach. 
It was good food. We started off with some gorgeous fruit platters, which were a nice treat. After dinner, most of the group (myself included) went to a bar because Donna wanted to try a specific kind of rum from Guatemala. It was so great and just what I needed. They even had a live "band" (a drummer and a guitar/singer) which was pretty good. I had a margarita, which promised to be the best you've ever had, and it was good. I also tried the rum, which I actually liked. It was a very fun night and a great end to the evening. Well, I should probably go to bed-it's getting late and my roommates probably want the light off. ¡Buenos noches!
We are almost done here in Guatemala! We have one more day and then we have one day of travel back to Minnesota. My feelings are very mixed about this. On one hand I am having a great time here and loving the country and learning about this country and getting to know the people, both in this country and in our group. On the other hand, I miss Erik and my bed and a good night's sleep! I am ready to go back. Well, today was a really great day. We got in the van early (bags by 6:30am, breakfast at 7am, leaving at 7:30am) and drove and drove and drove and wound around mountains and finally after about 3 1/2 hours ended up in Santiago. It's a really beautiful city on a gorgeous lake.
We had lunch at a beautiful, but extremely touristy resort. Lunch was delicious. Then, we had a tour of the city. We walked to a place called the Peace Park. 
It was a memorial to 13 people who were killed in a massacre in 1981. The woman giving the tour told us about how the people had gathered in front of the church wondering what was going on and the army thought they were guerilla fighters so they started shooting in the air, with women and children present. After that, we walked to an area that had been devastated by a mudslide in 2005 from Hurricane Stan. We could see the damage. There were some buildings still standing where we could see the mud line. 
The mud was apparently 4 meters deep. We walked in a field that had housed many families and their crops, but we couldn't tell; there was no trace of homes ever being there. It was very sad.
Then, we hopped in a truck and headed to downtown Santiago. Our first stop was in a place that I'm not quite sure what it actually was, but it was a building that housed many of the Mayan gods and goddesses. They were covered in clothing, especially their main one. He had many ties and scarfs on his neck and a cigarette in his mouth. Apparently, he is the god who heals the people. Then, we walked to the church. We learned that there was a Mayan temple there, but the Catholics had come and built their church on top of the site. So, ever since then there has been a struggle between the Mayans and the Catholics. The Mayans want to have their ceremonies there because it is sacred land to them, but the Catholics don't like it because it's their church. Now, Mayans can practice in the church, but there is one room that is exclusively Catholic. We learned about a priest that was here for about 15 years. 
He was from Oklahoma, but came down here in I think 1968. His name was Stanley. He came to Guatemala and decided that he wanted to help the people of Santiago. He helped the poor and started many programs. He was the one who let the Mayans come into the church for their ceremonies. He was really an advocate for the people, so much so that he was murdered in 1981 by the army. We visited the room where he was killed, which has now been turned into a chapel. It was sad because the woman giving the tour had known Stanley personally. After the tour of Santiago, we got on a boat and headed across the lake to Panajachel. 
It is a very touristy city and you can really tell. We had about 2 hours to explore the town and do some shopping. I called Erik. It was good to talk to him, but I could hardly hear him; he could hear me. I was a little more than annoyed that I paid for a conversation where half of the time was spent telling him I couldn't hear him or asking him to repeat himself. I'm glad I called him, though. After wandering around, we went to dinner at this cute little family run restaurant on the beach. 
It was good food. We started off with some gorgeous fruit platters, which were a nice treat. After dinner, most of the group (myself included) went to a bar because Donna wanted to try a specific kind of rum from Guatemala. It was so great and just what I needed. They even had a live "band" (a drummer and a guitar/singer) which was pretty good. I had a margarita, which promised to be the best you've ever had, and it was good. I also tried the rum, which I actually liked. It was a very fun night and a great end to the evening. Well, I should probably go to bed-it's getting late and my roommates probably want the light off. ¡Buenos noches!
Friday August 1, 2008 9:53pm
Dear Journal,
Today was a good day. We left Chichicastenango early this morning (7:30am) and drove and drove. We drove for about 4 to 4 1/2 hours and wound up at plantation and community. 
We arrived a little earlier than they were ready for us, so we got some free time to explore the area. We all kind of took off. I went off by myself. I walked around in a basically jungle. It was so awesome to follow tiny dirt paths through lush, green areas with some of the coolest plants I've ever seen. I didn't get very far before I had to turn around, though. We met for lunch, which was delicious (the community fed us) and then we went for a walk with one of the women and her daughter. They took us through the plantation and showed us how the coffee is grown.
They brought us to the overlook that had breath taking views of the mountains and a waterfall. 
There we learned about the woman's story. She was a guerilla member during the war and got a pretty high rank. Sometime during the war she had to flee to Mexico. When she, among some 40,000 other refugees, returned to Guatemala she couldn't go home; the government wouldn't let her. The government threw a bunch of people from several different Mayan cultures- four actually- onto this plantation. The people are still trying to buy the land, but they started growing and harvesting the coffee here. They had to learn how to live in community. They are pretty much self-sufficient here, they even have a school for the kids. After learning from her, we walked back to the main village and talked to another guy whose story was very similar. It really is incredible what these people have been through, and are still so happy and full of life. 
After his talk, we bought coffee from them, and actually wanted more than they had, so a few people got less then they asked for. The guy was so happy, but also a little sad to be giving back money. Then, it was time for dinner, which was also served by the community. It was great food. After dinner we had a reflection. Tonight's question was what we had learned and would bring back with us from Guatemala. Personally, I've learned a lot on this trip. I talked about learning about life. How all life is precious and beautiful and fragile and precise. I have learned, more than ever, that life is not just some random course of action, but is set out, and everything happens for a reason. Things happen the way they are supposed to and we learn and grow from them. I really felt this today. The guy told us that during 2005, Hurricane Stan came through here and wiped out a bunch of the crops. They are still recovering, and are only producing about 65% of what they produced before the hurricane. But, they learned something new about coffee plants 
and are now taking precautions from something like that happening again. I am realizing that my life is not random, that the things that happen are supposed to, that everything has a purpose. Well, I'm tired! ¡Buenos noches! Bon nuit!
We arrived a little earlier than they were ready for us, so we got some free time to explore the area. We all kind of took off. I went off by myself. I walked around in a basically jungle. It was so awesome to follow tiny dirt paths through lush, green areas with some of the coolest plants I've ever seen. I didn't get very far before I had to turn around, though. We met for lunch, which was delicious (the community fed us) and then we went for a walk with one of the women and her daughter. They took us through the plantation and showed us how the coffee is grown.
They brought us to the overlook that had breath taking views of the mountains and a waterfall. 
There we learned about the woman's story. She was a guerilla member during the war and got a pretty high rank. Sometime during the war she had to flee to Mexico. When she, among some 40,000 other refugees, returned to Guatemala she couldn't go home; the government wouldn't let her. The government threw a bunch of people from several different Mayan cultures- four actually- onto this plantation. The people are still trying to buy the land, but they started growing and harvesting the coffee here. They had to learn how to live in community. They are pretty much self-sufficient here, they even have a school for the kids. After learning from her, we walked back to the main village and talked to another guy whose story was very similar. It really is incredible what these people have been through, and are still so happy and full of life. 
After his talk, we bought coffee from them, and actually wanted more than they had, so a few people got less then they asked for. The guy was so happy, but also a little sad to be giving back money. Then, it was time for dinner, which was also served by the community. It was great food. After dinner we had a reflection. Tonight's question was what we had learned and would bring back with us from Guatemala. Personally, I've learned a lot on this trip. I talked about learning about life. How all life is precious and beautiful and fragile and precise. I have learned, more than ever, that life is not just some random course of action, but is set out, and everything happens for a reason. Things happen the way they are supposed to and we learn and grow from them. I really felt this today. The guy told us that during 2005, Hurricane Stan came through here and wiped out a bunch of the crops. They are still recovering, and are only producing about 65% of what they produced before the hurricane. But, they learned something new about coffee plants 
and are now taking precautions from something like that happening again. I am realizing that my life is not random, that the things that happen are supposed to, that everything has a purpose. Well, I'm tired! ¡Buenos noches! Bon nuit!
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