This trip has been one of a kind so far. Although I haven’t been
out of the country many times, I already know this is a trip to remember.
Guatemala is culturally such a different place; it’s awesome, interesting, and
confusing all at the same time. The people are probably the best part for me. I
love how the indigenous people are dressed in the traditional trajes, and they
are incredibly friendly for the most part. It reminds me a lot of growing up in
the South, because everyone smiles whenever they pass by. I also really
appreciate how open most people are. However, there have been some instances
when, especially older women, seem a little distant and shy from us. I
attribute this a lot to the trust factor that we talked about a lot this
semester. Maybe the women simply don’t feel comfortable with us, because they
don’t know us or speak the same language as us, therefore, the trust is
lacking. I see a lot of the things we discussed in class (Culture,
Health, and Development in Guatemala) come through in the society around us.
The customs and traditions here are also very different to those that I am used
to, and it has been a great experience going outside my comfort zone to learn
how people here live, what foods they eat, and practicing their language. I
like some of the customs a lot, and love most of the food, but there have been
some things that I don’t love, but I’m sure there are also things that the
people here don’t like about me as well.
It was really awesome getting to teach for the first time today! The first
graders were very interested in learning, and they loved to color! I loved
seeing their reactions when I told them they were right, or said “perfecto”
when they brought a colorful paper up to me to check. I really do think that we
taught the kids a lot about oral health, and how and when to brush their teeth.
Although it was hard for some of the kids to understand, I think for the most
part they get that sugar is bad for your teeth!
One of my favorite moments today was after we finished teaching when the
teacher asked us to go over the alphabet and pronunciation of letters in
English with her. It was so encouraging to see her motivation in learning
English. Overall it was a great morning in Central, and I can’t wait to go back
with our new and improved lesson plan on Tuesday.
Recess at Central |
- Lucy, Visage Student
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