PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
TIME CAPSULE LETTER
Written by Adela & the Guatemala Team
From Adela:
Hey honorary Chapines! A lot of time has passed since we were all in Guatemala together, but for me it feels like we were JUST experiencing so many new and exciting adventures. I know that you all had a lot of plans for when you got back from Guatemala, applying for college, more traveling, soaking up the last bit of summer, I hope those all went so well, but also that Guatemala holds a special place for you.
The clinics that we did at the school in Guatemala were influential, we did find quite a few cases of children with malnutrition, luckily we were able to start the process of growth with the oatmeal and vitamins, and the doctor will continue with the work we started. I was inspired by your willingness to help and connect with other people in Guatemala. While you contributed so much to these children and schools, I know they left an impact on you as well. I hope your experiences here have influenced you to inspire change in your own communities, and to pursue goals in your own life that will create a difference.
Along with service, we experienced so many great adventures. From the coffee farm, to hiking a volcano, dancing, to chocolate, weaving, ziplining, and more! We even had a marriage! Even though by the end we faced some challenges with sickness, I believe that it was a bonding and growth experience! You all have lived an experience that is unique, and I hope you look back on it with a smile and positivity.
Finally, we have our group’s OMG! One meaningful goal. We all decided to use resources and things we’ve learned to benefit ourselves and those around us. I hope you can come back to this goal and let it inspire you. Every one of you has an abundance of potential and I hope it leads you to beautiful and great things.
Thank you for creating such a unique and fun experience, and thank you so much for making these wonderful memories in such a beautiful and adventurous place! Good luck with your personal and group goals, and I hope that your lives blossom with what we asked for during our Mayan ceremony: vision, wisdom and abundance. Much love to you all!
From Jossy:
To the group:
Hey everyone, now that you went back home and you are getting to your regular routine. I just want you to receive these words and that they bring good memories of the things you learned and you enjoyed while you were in Guatemala, I’m glad I had the opportunity to get to know you. I’m impressed with the impact and good relationships you formed with the whole group but also the amazing work you did in the service with the kids and teachers. It was really good for me to see how engaged you were with your work at the school, and also how you overcome difficulties that normally happen while you travel. My best wishes for you, I’m sure amazing things are waiting in your future.
To my mentor group:
Thank you for taking the time and commitment to have deep conversations in our group, I’m glad I had the chance to get to know you a little bit better, the things that you love, your pets, the nice places that you love, part of your work.
Sharing your thoughts sometimes is difficult while you are with people that you don’t know but is a really good opportunity for you to get to know people as well and it shows how brave and open-minded you are.
Thank you for your commitment and the amazing impact you showed during service.
I’m glad I shared this experience with you and I know you are going to have amazing futures where you can put in practice the things you learned during this trip.
I hope you keep traveling and open your minds to learn more about different cultures, that you appreciate and use your privileges for good causes.
Lots of love and good luck in everything you do in the future.
From Will:
Hey guys,
I am sure it is hard to imagine that so much time has already gone by since you were in Guatemala, but I hope everyone is having a great school year so far! Whether you are applying to college or navigating the challenges of another year of high school, I believe it is important to keep in mind the experience that you had in Guatemala. I really enjoyed the time we spent together, and I hope the feeling was mutual for everyone. Your group was special for me because you guys fully embraced the clinic we set up at the school and it was amazing for me to see so many of you guys form special bonds with the students. I know we had some difficult times during the program when everyone got sick, but I hope you guys focus on the positive moments when thinking of your time in Guatemala. Lastly, I want to encourage everyone to keep seeking challenges outside of their comfort zone because I have found that this is the key to learning and growing as a person. This can be done through small daily goals or making choices that scare us. A great way to do this is through traveling because life outside the United States can be very different than what we are used to. Good luck with everything and I hope our paths cross again someday through GLA or somewhere else in this crazy world!
Best,
William
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
Here are a few things to know and expect:
- Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
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Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
Click here to jump down to the most recent post!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 6
Welcome to Guatemala! Bienvenidos! It was a long day of arrivals from 6am to midnight, but happily everyone arrived and we had our whole group together by the end of the day. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, each arrival group took an hour long drive to the old, beautiful, colonial city of Antigua. At the end of the day, we were all able to meet roommates and head to bed excited for new adventures and for the exciting day tomorrow of Mayan culture and coffee!
Buenas noches!
– Adela (International Director)
BLOG POST FOR JULY 7
Today we woke up in the beautiful Antigua, had breakfast and went right to a Mayan wedding ceremony. Here we got the opportunity to learn how to weave traditional textiles, and also got to role play a Mayan wedding. Soon after we headed to a coffee farm, where we took a tour and learned the process of coffee history, growing, harvesting, roasting, brewing, and drinking! As we exited we were able to try some samples of delicious cafe, and even try coffee jam. We then had a delicious lunch at the coffee farm and made the long journey to our home base in Xela. Here we were able to start orientation, officially meet our roommates, take a home base tour, and have dinner! Afterwards, we finished a bit more of orientation and headed to bed!
– Adela
BLOG POST FOR JULY 8
Day 2 in Guatemala! Woke up to the church bells of Quetzaltenango, we began the morning by indulging in delectable homemade sausage & eggs. We then made our way to the Meeting room where intelligent doctors taught us about malnutrition in children and adults. We learned the intricate process of taking vitals, including blood pressure, blood sugar, blood oxygen, etc. We then walked down to the comedor to eat Arroz con Pollo. Then we had some free time to have disconnected fun and play UNO as well as other card games! The group then got CPR certified after an intense training period of over 600 chest compressions in total!!! Then we had some delicious Tamales with a Tostado and beans on the side. We then played a deep game of “Social Sync” where we had some realizations that maybe 2 weeks without phones could be OK! And then we all said goodnight, and caught some Z’s!
From Ethan and Nadia!!!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 9
Today marked a very special day for us: our first day of community service! We woke up bright and early to travel to a local school where we provided health services to first grade children. Despite the originally daunting impression of the large group of students to aid, teamwork and our enthusiasm made today fun and memorable experience. Along with the various medical skill we applied such as calculating BMI and evaluating malnutrition, we collectively agree that the best part of service was the connection that were fostered with the children accompanied with the several letters and drawing they gifted to us.
Following service, we visited the Trama Textiles—a women’s group that promotes healing and community through the intricate art of weaving. This visit taught us about the generational trauma following the civil war and the power of community for overcoming emotional barriers. Additionally, we were shown the three stages of weaving and even has the opportunity to try it ourselves! After a filling day of service and education, we applied our leadership skills through debating the topic of traditional and modern healthcare in Guatemala, which deepened our understanding the value of tradition along with the need for advancement in an underdeveloped country. After the experiences of the day, we are all looking forward to continuing to develop our leadership skills through interaction with not only our group, but the children and healthcare professionals that we have the opportunity to work with.
Leela and Kesar
BLOG POST FOR JULY 10
It was our second day of service today! We got to spend even more time at the school and interact with more of the kids. Since we knew what we were doing everything went a lot smoother.
After a delicious lunch at home base we left for salsa class. Everyone learned a lot of dance moves and had a great time. Straight after salsa class we got to go to a place that makes and sells chocolate. Everyone was hungry after salsa and ate lots of fruit with chocolate. We even got to taste different types of chocolate drinks.
Once back at base we played with a soccer ball together; later we all watched the soccer game between Columbia and Uruguay. Then we had an amazing dinner where most people went back for seconds.
Lots of love,
Bill and Elizabeth
BLOG POST FOR JULY 11
7:30 breakfast as usual.
We left at around 8:00 am to return to the school. This time we switched roles. It was a challenge since we had gotten used to the stations we had for the past two days yet this was a great opportunity to expand our knowledge and enhance our experience. In order to grow, we had to step outside our comfort zone. It was also a great teaching opportunity as well as a learning opportunity. We got to exchange information from those who did the stations previously to the ones who would be taking over today. We got to utilize teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.
During recess, we played with the kids. Interaction between those who provide care and those who receive it is very important. Building an understanding in these circumstances are very beneficial for both parties and we got to experience it firsthand. We practiced Spanish for example while playing soccer or basketball with the kids. And just like us, they weren’t attached to a mobile device so we all were living in the moment.
After recess at around 10:30 we opened up the clinic again.
12:00 was lunch. At 1:30 we left for Momostenango.
Then at around 2:30 we arrived in Momostenango. After many days in the heart of the cities, going to Momostenango, a city within the mountains and forests, was a good change of pace. It was beautiful. We witnessed the process of making yarn and clothing. We each got a chance to try our hand at the spinning wheel. Everything was natural, even the dyes which we learned came from plants, bugs, and even out of the country! We got to try weaving and designing as well. Afterwards we were treated to homemade cooking: tortillas with beans, guacamole, and salsa. We drank tortilla tea as well. Afterwards we hiked back up to our bus since we had to hike down part of the mountain since the house was along the edges of the beautiful hilltops.
7:00 dinner. After dinner we watched two videos on the importance of getting rid of stereotypes and not dehumanizing people. We learned and agreed that social media can create unrealistic expectations and can cause harm when people only want to help others for the attention or likes. We were reminded on what we had been doing for the last few days: we go to service with no phones and social media, so we get to be in the moment and do work for the benefit of others. We thrive in genuine in person interactions, like the ones we had with the kids, not the exaggerated or belittling story/life/reality that is shown online. Overall the day ended with a good reminder of why we joined GLA: we seek to learn and to serve, like how GLA seeks to teach and serve. In the end, we all gain something valuable.
Izzy and Kiara
BLOG POST FOR JULY 12
After a quick breakfast of fresh fruits and coffee, we made our way to the school for the fourth day. We were greeted with warm smiles and enthusiastic waves from the kids. We spent the morning engaging in various activities—drawing, reading, and playing games as well as continuing our medical check ups with the children.
After a fulfilling morning of volunteering, a trip to the nearby hot springs was the perfect way to unwind. The journey to the springs was scenic, with winding roads and misty mountains offering glimpses of Guatemala’s breathtaking landscape.
The combination of meaningful volunteer work and the natural therapy of the hot springs made for a truly unforgettable experience.
Love,
Lily and Matthew
BLOG POST FOR JULY 13
Today, our group went zip lining! It was a wonderful experience and very beautiful. The friendly guides, the state-of-the-art equipment, and the breathtaking views all contributed to an atmosphere of excitement and adventure. Everyone had so much fun! Then we went to San Andres a beautiful city with amazing culture and traditions. The church we saw was painted with such perfection it was breathtaking. Our Guide also surprised us with bread and hot chocolate. After that we headed to a mall and had a blast there buying snacks and other items. 🙂
-Rosa and Anya
BLOG POST FOR JULY 14
Although we woke up later than usual, we still had a full day ahead of us. We got into the bus a bit behind schedule yet we made it to the Chichanatengo market at around 1:00. We ate lunch at a very beautiful place with parrots hanging out on branches. After we ate we established our meeting place near the birds and left in groups to explore the markets. Some of us went to the ATM first. There were many things to see such as clothing and food. We stayed until around 2:15. Many people got the opportunity to practice their bargaining skills in Spanish. Then we left and returned back to the parrot place.
Soon afterwards, we were back on the road. On the way we stopped at a lookout area where we took pictures of Lake Atitlan. After 10 more minutes of driving, at around 4:20 or so, we arrived at a smaller marketplace. It was the lake Atitlan town, a beautiful area very close to the hotel. We stayed there until 6, before we left. While there, one of our own people helped out a child in need and gave some money to him. That sort of kindness and generosity is valued highly at GLA. After the marketplace we traveled to the hotel for dinner. Some of us already ate but we enjoyed some delicious local food before we celebrated someone’s birthday. We surprised them with a Piñata and treats! We went to bed feeling good, even when a few of us started getting sick. Even with the sickness, we still stay strong and willing to adventure and learn!!
– Izzy
BLOG POST FOR JULY 15
Today we woke up at our hotel by lake Atitlan and got ready to head across the lake to San Juan; one of the many gorgeous towns in the area. The boat trip took around a half an hour and once we arrived we were able to split our separate ways to explore the area! The town was filled with vibrant colors, beautiful sights and numerous shops to get souvenirs and gifts from! Not to mention lots of delicious cafes and restaurants with amazing food and drinks! After about an hour and a half of shopping we traveled back to the hotel to have lunch and get ready for our 4 hour trip back to home base.
Once we arrived back we spent the rest of the day taking time to relax and spend time together before having dinner, mentor groups, and then going to bed to get ready for a fun day of adventure tomorrow!
Autumn, Maddy, and Chase
BLOG POST FOR JULY 16
Today started off, slow and restful with an 8am breakfast and the option to stay at home-base or going on a hike in San Martin Sacatepequez. Those of us who opted for the light hike, went on our way, packing our cameras, bug spray, and snacks, while the rest of us stayed back and slept in. Once we got to Chicabal volcano we rode a small truck called “El toro (the bull)” up the mountain and then hiked down to a beautiful and sacred lake, formed from a natural crater in the volcano. Getting there took a lot of skillful stair climbing, but once we arrived we could all feel the magic of the space. Covered in fog, Chicabal lake truly felt sacred. Before heading back up/down the mountain we ate some yummy chips and peach juice. When we got back everyone gathered to eat out FAVORITO fried chicken lunch and then the rest of the afternoon consisted of more recovering or playing games. For the last part of our day, we did shout-out circle, ate dinner, and played a game of Guatemala-themed jeopardy!
Buenas noches!!
Maddy, Autumn, Chase
BLOG POST FOR JULY 17
After we risen we went to eat our delicious and nutritious breakfast to get us ready for our last day of service as we were all very excited and also sad because we had to say goodbye to the bonds we had created we indulged in a dance that the kids performed for us, and all of us joined in as the kids invited us with excitement we then listened to Will’s horrendous speech and said our goodbyes and came back for lunch that consisted of chicken yet again we had some free time where we laughed and giggled and then settled down for a leadership activity where we reflected on our previous letters that we wrote early on in our journey. We learned how to use our resources for the greater good and really appreciate the things we have. We then had a closing ceremony where we sat in a circle and reminisced about our memories during this wonderful trip we then had dinner followed by a birthday surprise for our dearest Elizabeth who turned 16 today! All in all, we had a great last day at our homebase and are ready to travel to Antigua tomorrow.
Best wishes,
Lola, Daniel and Quinn (the best team leaders of the day)
