This past week was the Spring Break at many universities, so we were able to host a group of students taking a Tri-S trip from AU. The group dynamic was very strong and encouraging. They were able to participate in some great service opportunities, such as installing stoves in impoverished homes and handing out goodies at pre-schools, but upon themselves they really took it to the next level. I mean, they were constantly conscious of the needs around them and thinking of ways to connect themselves to the community. This group was all about being 'in' the community, rather than spectators of it.
This stove was installed in a dirt floored home where 9 people lived (who previously just cooked on an open flame). A group of 6 of us carried sender-blocks up into the mountain side for about a 15 minute hike...it was exhausting. Us boys carried 3 at a time, then on my way down the mountain I saw a woman carrying 4 on her head (with a small padding resting in between on her head)...I know that sounds impossible, but it indeed happened. Culturally, everyone has strong necks, which is way smarter than relying on arm strength. The women walk with stuff on their heads, while the men strap something on their back with the 'band' around their foreheads'.
It was an honor to be able to get to know the students and leaders (one of which was Esther!), and they've helped us to refocus our own attitudes as we seek to engage in service opportunities and authentically connect to the community in our remaining time living here. Their time here has helped us to renew our senses to 'cherish each moment', because seeing how difficult it was for them to leave after only being here one week reminded us how blessed we are to be living here.
I am fully confident that this group of young leaders will be able to continue strong in their experiences stemming from this trip. They recognized ways to serve in their own, back-home, communities rather than just seeing Guatemala as a place of 'great need'. If you're passionate about passing out candy to children in schools or on the streets here in Guatemala, what is preventing you from doing it in the States (other than most kids are told not to take candy from strangers)? If you volunteer to provide basic necessities to families in need here in Guatemala, what's to prevent you from initiating those opportunities elsewhere?
I am fully confident that this group also has what to takes to learn more about the tragic history of violence in Guatemala. Their interest to understand the culture and history during tours and meetings while here gave them a good start, but it's just as important to take it a step further and realize how the mere fact of being a US citizen plays a role in that history.
Additionally, I'm proud to report that one of the members was a never-met distant relative (second cousin), Mark Sipka, who along with his counterparts, displayed spectacular character and praised God through actions and faith.
This stove was installed in a dirt floored home where 9 people lived (who previously just cooked on an open flame). A group of 6 of us carried sender-blocks up into the mountain side for about a 15 minute hike...it was exhausting. Us boys carried 3 at a time, then on my way down the mountain I saw a woman carrying 4 on her head (with a small padding resting in between on her head)...I know that sounds impossible, but it indeed happened. Culturally, everyone has strong necks, which is way smarter than relying on arm strength. The women walk with stuff on their heads, while the men strap something on their back with the 'band' around their foreheads'.
I am fully confident that this group also has what to takes to learn more about the tragic history of violence in Guatemala. Their interest to understand the culture and history during tours and meetings while here gave them a good start, but it's just as important to take it a step further and realize how the mere fact of being a US citizen plays a role in that history.
Additionally, I'm proud to report that one of the members was a never-met distant relative (second cousin), Mark Sipka, who along with his counterparts, displayed spectacular character and praised God through actions and faith.
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