Guatemala Day 10 / 11: Oasis

The past two days have been spent doing construction on the La Arquilla house. We got to lay bricks, bend and cut steel, mix mortar and cement and sift sand. It was pretty hard work but different and time went by quickly. What time we have spent with the girls ihas been amazing! One of the girls drew a duck or dove or swan or some kind of other bird on my arm and spelt my name wrong underneath but regardless, it's so cute!! They're so much fun and very talented and amazing to spend time with.

 

Guatemala Day 8: Antigua

Today we left on our way to the oasis orphanage in San Lucas. Saying good bye to our friends at the Guatemalan church kind of sucked. We didn't get to see them as often as I would've liked. 

 After settling in at the orphanage for a bit, we headed out to Antigua to go souvenir shopping! The artesian markets there were pretty cool and has a variety of different goods like bags, bracelets, scarves and machetes. And yes we had to bargain which happens to be something that I really suck at. And yes I blew quite a bit of money! For lunch we went to mono loco which is this place known for their nachos. They're probably the best nachos I've ever had in my life!! 

Guatemala Day 6

Today was the day we left Zaragoza. Some of the kids sang for us after their music class before we left. It was absolutely beautiful. As we left the town, I felt overwhelmed. I wish I could offer these kids the love and attention they need all the time and knowing that I can't give them that absolutely breaks my heart. 

We spent the rest of the day with the koinonia youth group from Guatemala Chinese alliance church. We went to Panajachel to kayak in this beautiful lake that was surrounded by 3 volcanoes. It was absolutely breathtaking! After that we went to eat together. And we a lot of war. Like I kid you not, A LOT OF MEAT. 

We spent the evening playing games and just blessing one a other the light prayer. So stoked for church service tomorrow! The girls from oasis orphanage will be leading worship!! 

Guatemala day 7: Guatemala City

Today we were lucky enough to have some of the oasis girls lead us in worship this morning! 

After lunch we all headed out to the central market to buy some

Souvenirs, but unfortunately it was closed. I still managed to snag 4 keychains. After that we headed to a supermarket to load up on groceries (aka dulce de leche and junk food). I also got a good old Guatemala coffee frap. It was freaking amazing. Guatemalan coffee is definately some of the best coffee I've ever had. We had a pizza dinner which was awesome cause I've been having a huge pizza craving lately! Today was the last day we had to spend with koinonia. The friendships I've made over the past few years have never died so it's always sad to say goodbye for now. They are some of the most selfless people I have ever met. 

Guatemala Day 5: Zaragoza

Today was our last day with the kids at Educando Para La Vida, the school we were volunteering at. We managed to finish our mural on the wall in time. The kids at the school prepared a little ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the mural. They also prepared a few songs for us. 

We finishs off our VBS program with the kids today. They made each of us little thank you bookmarks and thanked us by giving little speeches. It was sweet and genuine and that was what made it so touching. We also visited one of the kids houses and were able to buy him new shoes, ice cream and food for his family since they barely has enough to scrape by. Each of these kids is so beautiful and unique. Yet what makes them all even more special is their ability to laugh and smile, despite their circumstances. I will never forget these kids. Let's say the tears flowed very freely today. Even though they are just children, they have taught me a life lesson I'll never forget. And now, off to Guatemala City for the weekend! 

Guatemala Day 3: Zaragoza

Today we began painting a mural at a local elementary school. After a few solid hours of pro painting we were able to spend some time playing with the grade 1 and 2s during their recess break. Talk about insanely fun, joyful kids with a ton of energy. 

This afternoon we led a lesson session, games and crafts for the kids. After what we had planned we helped with their homework... Which was actually pretty challenging.. Maybe because it was math.... We spent the evening with a teenagers who were in local high schools. They made traditional Guatemalan food for us to eat like tortillas, beans, corn and lots and lots of plantain. In turn we made them good old Canadian poutine!! 

Guatemala Day 2

This is officially my 3rd time visiting Guatemala and so far it has been amazing. I'm currently in a town called Zaragoza, which is an hour and a half drive from Guatemala City. I totally have forgotten how carb loaded traditional Guatemalan food is.... Tortillas for dayysssss......