Climbing to New Heights

Every day in Guatemala is filled with new adventures and surprises, but nothing has compared to my past weekend. Climbing Volcan Tajumulco, the highest peak in Central America, takes the cake thus far as one my most challenging conquests, and I know my fellow interns would agree. As if 14,000 feet wasn’t intimidating enough, the weather turned out to be our biggest enemy. Fighting to hike up and down Tajumulco inside of a cold, rainy cloud was challenging, at times never-ending, but most importantly, the most rewarding experience of my life. It taught me that I could push myself further physically and emotionally than I ever thought possible. Also, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the most relaxing part of my weekend was sitting on a chicken bus. What I will remember the most from this weekend in Guatemala is the endless laughter and consistent motivation from some of the best girls I have ever met.

I was also very excited about helping to plan this week’s art lesson for our students in Chaquijyá!  I chose the project, and Sarah helped me to implement it. The students created their own bouquet of flowers, inspired by the Picasso painting “Hand with Flowers.” It felt very rewarding to see my project being successfully executed in the classroom, and I think all of the students had fun creating their bouquets!

-Cheryl 

Santa Cruzin'

I still can’t wrap my mind around that fact that I am spending my summer working in Guatemala!  I am currently a summer intern volunteer, working with six other summer volunteers, and four program directors.  One of my first significant experiences was at the school in Central, Chaquijyá, on my first day on the job. As I was waiting outside to teach my first art class, a group of 5 year old students swarmed me and the other volunteers while smiling, laughing, and chanting “Gringo, Gringo,” a term meaning “white people.”  The children immediately hugged all the volunteers and engaged us into playful activities.  The kids were beyond excited to see all of us at their school and they could not have given us a warmer welcome. 

Kathryn, Cheryl, and Nicole after art class 

My favorite experience, thus far, is from our weekend trip to Santa Cruz. The trip was an enjoyable treat that allowed the vols to relax after an eventful week working in Chaquijyá.  Our hostel was a tourist spot located right on the lake and was a “hippie” paradise. We spent most of our day relaxing in a secluded area that contained swings, hammocks, and couches.  After the tranquil day, we were able to finish off the night with a hike and a hot tub soak.  During our trip, I could not help but think that although this paradise was located only 40 minutes away from Chaquijyá, the lifestyles are so different that the two locations may as well have been millions of miles away.   

 

Relaxing area at Isla Verde 

I have already learned so much from being here in Guatemala.  Not only has my Spanish improved, but  more importantly I better appreciate simple luxuries offered in the states, such as constant access to filtered water.  I am excited for what I still have to learn and experience in the next two and half weeks, but I know that even though Guatemala is so different from home, I will not want to leave this place. 

- Jackie