some time in the mountains, and some time to relax

so it's only been about a week since I last blogged, but so much as occurred in those 7 days! On Sunday we left Xela for the small mountain community of Chuitizibral (I think I definitely butchered that spelling) which is only about 40 minutes away. For being so close to the second to largest city in Guatemala, it is so incredibly far in terms of living situations. For one, we had to get off our bus and into the back of pick ups just in order to get up the windy dirt road to the community. The little town is made up of about 30 indigenous families, many of whom are lucky to have electricity and concrete floors. Snuggled in square miles of milpa (the Spanish word for corn stalk), our schooling was housed in the only church, with the scenery inviting morning strolls in place of sitting at a desk for class. Our teachers from our Spanish school in Xela were bused out to us every morning, with informal class in the morning, and then an activity around noon. We had a traditional cooking lesson, visited a glass-blowing co-op, bathed in natural hot springs (definitely a highlight), and went on some hikes through in beautiful mountains surrounding our homes.

Most importantly, however, were the families that we had the opportunity of staying with in the village. Rachel and I were placed in a house that was the farthest from the school, but I was never irriated as our walk to and from through corn stalks and greeted by dogs and puppies along the way. Our family was mama Corlina, papa Jose, and the dos hermanos, Josue who is 9, and Eduardo who is 5. Their house was a modest, four-room abode, yet they were so abundant in hospitality and warmth. It was a completely different experience from our home stays in Xela, where much of the time it seemed as if we were just boarding in a guest house; but here the families welcome students into their homes only twice a year, and are so quick to include them into the daily routines of life in the campo of Guatemala. Running water did not exist, so there was a latrine for a bathroom, and warmed pots of water for a shower. However waking up and walking outside to be greeted by the parting morning fog amidst the mountains and rows of corn was a sight that I'll never forget. Although our stay was just four days, I am definitely leaving Guatemala with a new appreciation of the privileges I am given in my own home, and how although we can fill our houses with so much, sometimes what we really lack are the close and fulfilling relationships that a community produces.


We're ending our last couple days here back in Antigua, so that we can relax, clear our minds, and be fresh when we enter the next chapter of our trip in El Salvador. The group is so excited to all be living together in a guest house (jokingly calling it The Real World: San Salvador), and to be changing up the course work and learning about another country's history and struggles. I leave Guatemala with proficient -- somewhat-- Spanish, and an itch in my body for more traveling.


Adios Guatemala, buenes dias El Salvador!
Becca


I'll attempt to post pictures when I have better internet and a functioning computer!