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 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......