Guatemala Day 1 and 2
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After a long day of travel, including 5 hours in the Mission van, we arrived at Hotel Iquiti , and walked to Hotel Toliman for a delicious meal. We’re a fun group of folks and will be a great team!
Sunday morning at San Lucas comes with the roosters crowing in the day and the Mission bells calling people to mass. Breakfast was at 8 and we are currently the only group here. That means we are also responsible for meal set up and clean up. After introductions and reflection, we had a hearty Mission breakfast before our orientation. The Mission has always prioritized fostering respectful relationships between visitors and the San Lucas culture. The orientation is a good reminder of how to build and nurture those relationships.
Beatriz didn’t know that her bestie Sarah was going to be at the mission, so when Sarah stopped at the office to exchange money they had an exciting bestie’s meetup.
Off we all went to be tourists on a boat on Lake Atitlan. First stop was San Juan, a textile village. Like all villages on the lake, San Juan’s main road is a steep uphill walk. Colorful umbrellas hang over the street that is lined with shops and vendors. Miles really enjoyed chatting with venders, especially the painter he purchased a piece from. Pam and Winnie found the Women’s Weaving Collective and learned about natural dyes from Candida, the women that are in the collective, and got to try spinning cotton.
Next stop was Casa del Mundo for lunch. Another beautiful view of the lake, volcanoes and gardens of tropical blooms.
After supper and kitchen chores, we gathered on the hotel roof patio to play games and chat. Sarah actually brought homemade cookies!! Miriam shared that she initially felt a little uncomfortable about getting the day off before we had done any work, but after such a long exhausting travel day, was grateful for the day off. Miles was happy to get Emily’s text, “I’ll be there!” when he couldn’t find the mission Emily enjoyed having a tuk-tuk ride. Sarah is really happy to be back at the place that she loves so much, in a new and different role. Winnie’s excited to be a part of the program and meeting the people. Yazmin is really excited for tomorrow! I’m so happy to be back here and a part of this awesome project
