We can’t believe it has already been so long since our Guatemala trip ended! It seems like
yesterday that we were playing with our new young Guatemalan friends, taking them for piggy back
rides, playing soccer, teaching them simple English phrases and numbers, and painting lively murals
and giving classrooms a much-needed cleaning throughout the school. You’re probably back in
school (or starting college!) but we wanted you to know that those of us that worked alongside you in
Guatemala are still thinking of you and the impact we made this summer together.

Our time spent together in Guatemala truly did make an impact. You should all know you left
Guatemala a better place than when you came. The elementary school in Pacaja will continue to be
a place of education and community for the children you met during our first days here. The colorful
murals you created will remain long after our time there is just a memory, allowing teachers to use
the maps to bring lessons to life and help students imagine a wider world. More importantly, we hope
the personal connections at the school, the exposure and appreciation of indigenous Mayan
customs, religious practices and craftsmanship, as well as the causes and effects of the Guatemalan
civil war, will serve you and the communities you become a part of in your life! We are all more
aware and empathetic of the complexities of Guatemalan politics and their economic impacts on the
citizens.

Another thing we can’t forget is how much fun we had together in Guatemala! You were a huge part
of making this trip so much fun by bonding as a group. We experienced Guatemalan culture by
dancing the salsa, learning how coffee and chocolate are grown, harvested and produced for
consumption, not to mention the tastings! Visiting local artisan workshops and bargaining at markets
of colorful gave us a surge of adrenaline when we felt we’d gotten the best price and an appreciation
of the workmanship involved in the souvenirs we brought home. We also explored Xela, San Andres
Xecul, Lake Atitlan, Lake Chicabal, Chichicastenango, the hot springs, and views from the road of
the beautiful Guatemalan highlands. The exhilaration of the zip line canopy tour and our dance party
with a group of unforgettable friends will forever be etched into our hearts!

We all worked really hard and had a blast together. Whether it was chatting together at night, joking
with our community members, singing songs on the bus, or exploring new places together- it was
that much fun because we got to share it with all you — the 2018 GLA Guatemala group! Thanks for
helping to make these special memories in an amazing place.

Some special moments from our trip:
-Our service projects and learning (sometimes the hard way!) some good techniques for teaching
-English in classrooms.
-Lots of laughs and awkward moments while doing our best to learn how to dance the salsa.
-The scavenger hunt through the cemetery in Xela and writing the names of our “beloveds” on
-Vanushka’s legendary grave followed by a tasty café treat.
-Dipping into the deliciously hot springs surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
-The chocolate fondue tower with fresh fruit pieces and delicious hot chocolate at the chocolate
factory in Xela.
-Learning about Mayan wedding ceremonies and watching Conley and Trevor get married followed
by making our own tortillas outside of Antigua.
-Zipping across beautiful Lake Atitlan in the speed boats surrounded by volcanoes.
-Driving hard bargains for our souvenir purchases in Chichicastenango.
-Summoning our Mayan Nahual spirits with the Mayan shaman at Lake Chicabal while watching the
clouds roll in over the lake after our challenging hike.

May your Nahual continue to watch over you and keep the spirit of Guatemala in your heart!

Saludos,
Patrick and the Guatemala Team

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.

We can’t believe it has already been so long since our Guatemala trip ended! It seems like
yesterday that we were playing with our new young Guatemalan friends, taking them for piggy back
rides, playing soccer, teaching them simple English phrases and numbers, and painting lively murals
and maps throughout the school. You’re probably back in school (or starting college!) but we wanted
you to know that those of us that worked alongside you in Guatemala are still thinking of you and the
impact we made this summer together.

Our time spent together in Guatemala truly did make an impact. You should all know you left
Guatemala a better place than when you came. The elementary school in Pacaja will continue to be
a place of education and community for the children you met during our first days here.  The colorful
murals and maps you created will remain long after our time there is just a memory, allowing
teachers to use the maps to bring lessons to life and help students imagine a wider world. More
importantly, we hope the personal connections at the school, the exposure and appreciation of
indigenous Mayan customs, religious practices and craftsmanship, as well as the causes and effects
of the Guatemalan civil war, will serve you and the communities you become a part of in your life!
We are all more aware and empathetic of the complexities of Guatemalan politics and their
economic impacts on the citizens.

Another thing we can’t forget is how much fun we had together in Guatemala! You were a huge part
of making this trip so much fun by bonding as a group.  We experienced Guatemalan culture by
dancing the salsa, learning how coffee and chocolate are grown, harvested and produced for
consumption, not to mention the tastings! Visiting local artisan workshops and bargaining at markets
of colorful gave us a surge of adrenaline when we felt we’d gotten the best price and an appreciation
of the workmanship involved in the souvenirs we brought home. We also explored Xela, San Andres
Xecul, Lake Atitlan, Lake Chicabal, Chichicastenango, the hot springs, and views from the road of
the beautiful Guatemalan highlands. The exhilaration of the zip line canopy tour and our dance party
with a group of unforgettable friends will forever be etched into our hearts!

We all worked really hard and had a blast together. Whether it was playing card games at night,
joking with our community members, singing songs on the bus, or exploring new places together- it
was that much fun because we got to share it with all you — the 2018 GLA Guatemala group!
Thanks for helping to make these special memories in an amazing place.

Some special moments from our trip:
-Our service project was amazing as we struggled through the map grid process to see the incredible
final results!
-Lots of laughs and awkward moments while doing our best to learn how to dance the salsa.
-The scavenger hunt through the cemetery in Xela and writing the names of our “beloveds” on
-Vanushka’s legendary grave followed by a tasty café treat.
-Dipping into the deliciously hot springs surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
-The chocolate fondue tower with fresh fruit pieces and delicious hot chocolate at the chocolate
factory in Xela.
-Learning about Mayan wedding ceremonies and watching Carol and Zeke get married followed by
making our own tortillas outside of Antigua.
-Zipping across beautiful Lake Atitlan in the speed boats surrounded by volcanoes.
-Driving hard bargains for our souvenir purchases in Chichicastenango.
-Summoning our Mayan Nahual spirits with the Mayan shaman at Lake Chicabal while watching the
clouds roll in over the lake after our challenging hike.

May your Nahual continue to watch over you and keep the spirit of Guatemala in your heart!

Saludos,
Patrick and the Guatemala Team

 

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Zoom Zoom!

Guat’s up yall?!

I believe enough time has past that the time has come for a trip down memory lane! For
starters, car bops of reggaeton, Disney, 90’s boy bands and everything in between, (not to
mention, the perfect harmonization of all of your lovely voices). Next, we move on to crazy
adventures down winding roads to hot springs, zip lines, Mayan villages, and huge markets! Of
course, we can not forget the beauty of Pana, the sunset over the lake, or the quaint little town
of San Juan. Last but certainly not least, the adorable children and the school that we beautified
together as a team. That’s how we worked as a team, laughing together, crying together,
playing together, and growing as leaders together.

So, where are you today? Are you looking up from your phone and taking in the world. I
hope you are diving deep into soul searching conversations and sharing your rich thoughts with
those around you. I hope you are still carrying the magic that we found in Guatemala.

Remembering the warm love we shared and putting it into your neighborhoods, schools,
families, and friends. Taking action in small ways like saying thank you and in huge ways like
being your true selves. Most of all, I hope that at this time you are still keeping in touch with
each other, using each other as a support system for advice and laughs. If ever in doubt of just
how amazing you are reach out for a quick reminder. The universe works in your favor; give to
the world what you´d like to receive in return.

Looking forward to your future, may you continue to nourish your curiosity for different
ways of living, seeing, understanding, and influencing the world around you. May your
passions, confidence, and relationships grow stronger. And may you continue to lead others
with integrity, compassion, vision, and unyielding commitment to social impact. You are bold,
creative, and capable and we hope you lead your life with purpose. Takle calculated risks often.
Sing and dance without restraint. And always balance your Chikis and Chokis with a nourishing
meal, perhaps some suero. Go fearlessly into your future. We will think of you often and
perhaps run into you again one day as future mentors in GLA.

Here is Nayo with a few words: ¨Estaba muy feliz en trabajar con su grupo. Hicimos algo
muy importante para la casa de niños. Todo va muy bien. Espero que los esten pasandolo bien.
Gracias por visitar mi país.¨

Much love from us all,
Eunice, Jordan, Tiffany, and Nayo

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.

We can’t believe it has already been so long since our Guatemala trip ended!   It seems like
yesterday that we were playing with our new young Guatemalan friends, taking them for piggy back
rides, playing soccer, teaching them simple English phrases and numbers, and painting lively murals
in their play areas and cafeteria. You’re probably back in school (or starting college!) but we wanted
you to know that those of us that worked alongside you in Guatemala are still thinking of you and the
impact we made this summer together.

Our time spent together in Guatemala truly did make an impact. You should all know you left
Guatemala a better place than when you came. El Centro de Atención Integral daycare and
preschool will continue to be a place of shelter and community for the children you met during our
first days here.  The colorful murals you created will remain long after our time there is just a
memory, making the school a friendlier and happier place than when we arrived. More importantly,
we hope the personal connections at the school, the exposure and appreciation of indigenous
Mayan customs, religious practices and craftsmanship, as well as the causes and effects of the
Guatemalan civil war, will serve you and the communities you become a part of in your life! We are
all more aware and empathetic of the complexities of Guatemalan politics and their economic
impacts on the citizens.

Another thing we can’t forget is how much fun we had together in Guatemala! You were a huge part
of making this trip so much fun by bonding as a group.  We experienced Guatemalan culture by
dancing the salsa, learning how coffee and chocolate are grown, harvested and produced for
consumption, not to mention the tastings! Visiting local artisan workshops and bargaining at markets
of colorful gave us a surge of adrenaline when we felt we’d gotten the best price and an appreciation
of the workmanship involved in the souvenirs we brought home. We also explored Xela, San Andres
Xecul, Lake Atitlan, Lake Chicabal, Chichicastenango, the hot springs, and views from the road of
the beautiful Guatemalan highlands. The exhilaration of the zip line canopy tour and our dance party
with a group of unforgettable friends will forever be etched into our hearts!

We all worked really hard and had a blast together. Whether it was playing card games at night,
joking with our community members, singing songs on the bus, or exploring new places together- it
was that much fun because we got to share it with all you — the 2018 GLA Guatemala group!
Thanks for helping to make these special memories in an amazing place.

Some special moments from our trip:
-Our service project was amazing as we had the opportunity to engage with and play with the
children of the school as well as paint murals and decorations in the play areas and cafeteria.
-Lots of laughs and awkward moments while doing our best to learn how to dance the salsa.
-The scavenger hunt through the cemetery in Xela and writing the names of our “beloveds” on
-Vanushka’s legendary grave followed by a hot chocolate treat.
-Dipping into the deliciously hot springs surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
-Celebrating Georgia’s birthday with a cake, piñata, and a dance party in the dining room.
-Sharing our “special” talents with each other, especially Patrick’s Nikki Minaj intro!
-The chocolate fondue tower with fresh fruit pieces and delicious hot chocolate at the chocolate
factory in Xela.
-Learning about Mayan wedding ceremonies and watching Erin and Jack get married followed by
making our own tortillas outside of Antigua.
-Zipping across beautiful Lake Atitlan in the speed boats surrounded by volcanoes.
-Driving hard bargains for our souvenir purchases in Chichicastenango.
-Summoning our Mayan Nahual spirits with the Mayan shaman at Lake Chicabal while watching the
clouds roll in over the lake after our challenging hike.

May your Nahual continue to watch over you and keep the spirit of Guatemala in your heart!

Saludos,
Patrick and the Guatemala Team

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.

Dear Bubu & Susu family,

We miss you! Can you believe it has already been several months since we spent three
amazing weeks together in Ghana?! We hope you are all thriving back in school, sharing your
stories and photos of Ghana, playing “Sing My Name” and dancing agbadza for your friends.
You probably didn’t know what to expect when you signed up for this trip, or maybe you read
every single blog and Facebook comment from last year. But once here, we quickly became a
family and forged deep connections with each other. We have all been changed by the
experience and have taken a piece of each other – and of Ghana – back home. We would like to
invite you to take some time to reflect on the experience, the connections you made, and the
ways in which your GLA trip shaped you.

Remember when we drove up to the Pin Drop Hotel for the first time and were greeted
by swarms of excited children smiling, waving and yelling yevu? How friendly shouts of yevu
soon became the norm. We would have to pry you away from the kids to come to lunch, even
after long, hot hours of service, you were stuck like glue to their sweetness. Speaking of service,
Y’ALL MADE 2,200 BRICKS for Zico and Avete Basic Schools! AND WE SHAVED ALEX’S
BEARD. Enough said.

Do you remember how nervous you were the first day of teaching
compared to the tears you cried when you had to say good bye on the last day? It was amazing
to see you all gain confidence and incorporate your own creativity in the classrooms. Perhaps
even more inspiring than our own service were the many individuals and organizations we got to
meet. How inspired we were hearing Jeremiah’s story of rescuing Christian and starting Father’s
House. How amazing is it that his efforts also helped spark our dear Fafa’s work to start
Mother’s Heritage. Know that you can contribute towards those efforts and even begin your own
journey, no matter how small, to make a difference in people’s lives.

Remember when the monkeys were jumping all over us for bananas? When we stood in
awe under the strong misty spray from Wli Waterfall? When we sang along to songs countless
times on the bus rides, boat rides, and of course, the Saq Mobile. The countless dance parties
we had, at ANESCO High School or after the talent show, showing the locals the Cha Cha Slide
and Wobble, and learning Akwaaba and Azonto from Jerry and Wiz. We all looked so fabulous
in our handmade Ghanaian clothing on the final day banquet! Looking back on these memories,
we hope you feel immense happiness and pride. Don’t forget what you said you wanted to take
back with you. It’s never too late to reach out to someone— a fellow student or a staff, who you
want to keep in contact with! Don’t hesitate to reach out, it will surely make somebody’s day. We
love you!

Here’s some nuggets of advice from your wise mentors… 🙂

The most important thing I’ve learned from traveling in Ghana is to take it easy. Have patience
with others and with yourself. If you can fix it, then don’t stress about it. And if you can’t fix it,
then don’t stress about it! Life has a way of working itself out the way it was meant to be. I think
it’s impossible to go to Ghana and not feel the chill, welcoming vibe that emanates everywhere,
from the friendly smiles and waves, to the swaying palm trees lining cassava fields, to the
rhythmic sounds of hip life playing everywhere. Remember the simplicity of life, the way a cute
kid crawling on your back and mango for dessert was enough to make your day. The way you
could put up with the mosquitos and sweating and sand, for the sense of community, pride and
satisfaction of making a difference as our rewards. You adapted to a new group of friends, a
new routine, and a new culture, and that experience is one that will prepare you for success in
life like no other. I hope you take the lessons you learned— to be flexible to change, to embrace
discomfort, to look again at the stereotypes you’ve learned, to have a positive mindset, and
apply them when you face challenges at home. Ghana will always be with you in your heart!
And it will always be here for you to come back and visit. You know you are all welcome 🙂

Love, Beca

Having just recently finished the session with you guys, I am humbled by your efforts here and
inspired by how you embraced this experience. We live in a strange time, when technology is
changing faster than our capacity to understand the repercussions of its usage. I too am guilty
of getting lost in the abyss of social media feeds late at night when I should be sleeping, or at
least using my phone for something more meaningful, like calling my mom. I hope that you are
all staying in touch – it is more likely than you think for your paths to cross again, given your
shared interest in travel.

I also hope, though, that you have taken from this experience the
valuable lesson of what it truly means to have a community, and to be present in your daily life.
It is so easy to let that voice inside your head write the script for your life, and to let the
monotony of routine dull your senses to what is important. Sometimes we need a change in
scenery, but more often than not what we really need is a change in perspective. That’s not to
say that you shouldn’t travel or chase more waterfalls – do it! But also remember that after the
waterfall and before the tears, there are all of those in-between moments. Seemingly pointless
homework assignments, awkward conversations, traffic jams, etc. Let your time in Ghana be a
reminder to take none of it for granted. Be present in those idle moments. Remember that just
as you impacted the lives of everyone here, so too can you have a profound impact on other
people wherever you may be. Also, tell your mom you love her.

<3 Alex

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our 2019 programs, or enroll now.