Eight months ago we intentionally ventured into the world of ‘humanitarian work,’ not knowing how our family would take to it. With our experience at Rising Star Outreach in India, we were ‘sold’ that this was the new way to travel with our family. It opened our eyes to how the majority of people live in 3rd world countries, with a sense of really coming to ‘know’ the country in its true self, not as it is portrayed within the tourist attractions.
Guatemalan Shoppers’ Street
In our future travels, why couldn’t we continue to choose to help others along the way?! With some additional research under our belt, we connected with CHOICE Humanitarian to discover they had a number of countries they worked with, connecting resources and tools with villagers to help change lives. With some input from the kids about their goals, which included Spanish language immersion, we chose to participate in projects going on in Guatemala.
Guatemalan Village Women
As a bonus, we were able to reconnect with friends from our Reno days, Colin & Jen Kelly, who now live in Guatemala, with their 6 children. Thus, we flew down a week early to spend Christmas with them, before meeting up with CHOICE.
On our Way
London to Guatemala City involved two long flights so we broke them up into two days, staying the night in Newark. We arrived in Guatemala City late in the afternoon, driving another three hours to Panajachel, where the Kelly’s live. They were amazing hosts – having dinner and additional friends to greet us . . . as well as organizing a rental home for us to stay in right next door to their own home.
Hidden Front Door of Rental
Rental’s Living Room
Our jet lag wasn’t too bad, but we did get up really early a few days. What’s another few hours to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful scenery?! Pure heaven!
Early Morning Photos
Sunglasses?! We’re not in London anymore!
Cami Getting in Some Warm Reading Time
Being with the Kelly’s for the week was a great introduction to Guatemalan life, culture, and, yes, service opportunities. We dove right into the activities they had planned for the week and never looked back.
Monday
There are a number of ways to get around in Guatemala . . .
Tuk-Tuks
“Chicken Buses” (souped-up old US school buses)
Open-backed Pick-up Trucks
As the Kelly’s have a small pick-up truck with bars on the back, that became our main mode of transportation for the week. We quickly learned how to hold on, when to duck, and how to squeeze when more bodies were needed to fit.
Hannah Along for the Ride
Our main goal for the day was to put together / deliver baskets for women who work for Jen’s non-profit organization, Mayan Treasure. These women are single moms who Jen has taught how to make macrame jewelry in order for them to create a business. Jen helps them sell their jewelry and gives the women their profit, helping them create a better environment for their families.
As we made our way down to the market area of the town, we stopped in to a cute “Mexican” restaurant for lunch.
“Mexican” Restaurant
A quick stroll to the dock area of Lake Atitlan and we could see the three volcanoes this area is well-known for: Volcan Atitlan, Volcan San Pedro, and Volcan Toliman.
Lake Atitlan
Our market experience reminded us of others in different parts of the world, like Mongolia or Morocco. However, the colors and products were specific to this region of the world.
Toys & Sweets
Curb-side Vendors
Produce Stalls
We stocked up on main-staples for the baskets, such as rice, beans, and fruits.
Market Day Woman
The kids were very helpful, especially as they discovered they could carry the heavy loads on their heads, just like the natives.
Loaded Up
As soon as each basket was packed and loaded (along with a bed the Kelly’s were donating), we again piled into the pickup to begin our deliveries.
Loaded & Ready for Deliveries
It was fun to visit with some of the women and their children who work for Mayan Treasure. They were so touched by the thoughtfulness and love – and I’m sure a little overwhelmed by the large group of ‘gringos’ stopping in to see them.
Food Deliveries
More Food Deliveries
Many of the women live in far reaches of the town, in little villages. In order to reach some of the homes, we had to climb small mountains.
Following the Leader
Passing Other Village Children
Christmas Food Preps in Progress
More Christmas Prep
Hiking with a Bed
After we had reached the highest home, pausing for breath, we turned around to take in the view. It truly was amazing!
View of Volcano from Village Hut
More Scenic Views
During one of our last visits, this little boy sidled up to Caleb and asked him what his name was (in Spanish). Caleb froze in a panic – still feeling out of his comfort zone. Even teenagers take awhile to break out of their shells!
Innocence of Children
Guatemalan Family
Piling Back into the Truck
Truly one of the most amazing parts of the day was watching Jen’s assistant, Claudia, go up and down all the hills with her 3 month old baby attached to her. She never flinched or worried about going on the skinny trails. This made a lot of sense when we stopped at her home last, which we all struggled to climb up to. I still do not know how she got up with a baby in her arms! Truly amazing!
Holding Claudia’s Baby
Emma Enjoying the Empty Back of the Pick-up
Tuesday
Panajachel is home to the Atitlan Nature Reserve, with a highly ranked zip-line course. While the moms stayed with the younger kids on solid ground, the dads took the teens on a 3-hour zip-lining adventure.
Emily, Hannah, Emma, Caleb, Devon
Skeptical about a 3-hour zip-lining course? The course actually consisted of 7 separate zip-lines as well as an obstacle course at the end. Before all of that, the group had to hike up to the first one, crossing a few suspension footbridges on the way.
Deeper into the Jungle
The views on the ‘hike’ were breathtaking!
Lake Atitlan
Not usually big thrill seekers, I think our kids were a little nervous as they started out. The biggest worry – having to stop themselves at the end of the zip-line with one of their gloved hands. The guides gave them all a trial run on a short wire before heading up, but being so far above the canopy of trees adds a whole new level of apprehension.
Caleb’s 1st Go
Braking at the End
Emma
Hannah is All Business
Chris Strapped In
The kids came back all smiles, with stories of the view and experience. Definitely worth the 3 hours!
Mission Accomplished!
While the older kids were having a fun adventure, the four younger kids (all 9 years old) were having their own adventure.
Cami
Just beyond the entrance to the reserve lies a playground of sorts, with two zip-lines for younger kids. Jen and I sat there and watched them for, literally, hours.
Tameeka
Tiffany
Tyrese
After zip-lining, we continued on to Eagle’s Nest Orphanage, a local orphanage where the Kelly’s have spent a great deal of time.
Rolling the Ball with Santiago
When we arrived, many of the children were outside playing before dinner so we got to play with the younger ones that were inside. As everyone gravitated to the babies, I found myself drawn to a little boy in the corner, who was clutching a red car. We quickly started up a ball game.
Before I knew it, Santiago was my buddy. He wanted to be right in my lap as we played – and wasn’t bothered when I was also handed one of the babies.
The Youngest Ones – Just Months Old
Right now the orphanage has 43 children, ranging from 2 months to 17 years old, some with handicaps.
One-on-One Attention
Hannah with Andres
One of the girls, Ingrid, was in a wheelchair. All she wanted was for someone to push her up and down the hall with someone else holding her hand. Such simple gestures, but put a huge smile on her face!
Caleb Playing with Angel
Time literally flew and before we knew it, it had been 2 hours – time for us to leave so the kids could eat dinner. It was such a fun time for us and the kids.
“Room of Hope”
In our limited experience with humanitarian work, it truly is the time spent with children that has been the most rewarding for me. Their unconditional love towards us truly demonstrates why Christ would have us become ‘as little children.’
Wednesday
When we first started researching our trip to Guatemala, hiking one of the volcanoes was high on the list. The only way to do that is to hire a guide. The Kelly’s have a good friend, Greg Jensen, who we got to know really well during our week-stay, who is a guide so . . . that was easily ticked off.
Dawn at the Docks
Greg brought his older two boys (Josh & Sam), we had our gang of 6, and Devon & Emily Kelly joined as well. We were quite the group headed to the docks before dawn.
Destination: Volcan San Pedro
The boat ride across the lake was pretty chilly but the view was amazing as we got to watch the sun rise over the water.
Sunrise from the Boat
Having hiked as a family before, Chris and I weren’t too concerned about the kids’ abilities . . . or our own. But, we’ve never hiked a volcano before, changing the elevation by more than one mile as we hiked up. Greg assured us that he had never given up on a hiker yet, but we probably gave him a run for his money with a couple of our kids.
Hiking through Coffee Bean Plants
Cami and Emma really struggled and almost stayed behind at a shelter on the trail, where they would have had to wait hours for us to come back down. We finally convinced them to continue – Josh taking a faster group (the teens) and Greg staying back with the slower group (the adults + Cami and Emma). If there is any problem concerning Cami, food is usually the answer. True to that statement, after a granola bar snack, Cami basically ran the rest of the way up the volcano. Truly a case of mental stamina!
Greg Pushing Emma On
There were still moments where Emma struggled, but Greg was great – giving pep talks, distracting Emma with stories while giving her gentle pointers . . . and, yes, did resort to pushing her along for a bit!
And . . . 3 hours and 15 minutes later, Emma was convinced she really could do hard things as we broke into the clearing at the top of the volcano!
Emma Taking ‘Alone Time’ at the Top
Our peanut butter and honey sandwiches at the top truly tasted like the best lunch we had ever had . . . and it was only 10:30 a.m.!
On Top of Volcan San Pedro
Many believe that Lake Atitlan is what is referred to as the ‘Waters of Mormon’ from the Book of Mormon. Even if they aren’t, just looking at the many mountainous areas with their outcroppings, you can picture and understand more when you read some of the accounts of the prophets during that time.
An Amazing View of Lake Atitlan
After a good breather, lunch, and pictures, we headed back down. Going that direction, it only took 2 hours!
A Favorite Past-time: Trampolining
Somehow after 5 1/2 hours of hiking, the kids still had plenty of energy to spend hours on the trampoline.
Thursday / Christmas Eve
Panajachel was so different from London on Christmas Eve – the town was not closed down, but was a ‘happening place.’ The market was open as normal and the vendors were still out selling their wares in preparation for the evening’s festivities.
Guatemalan Peddler
We spied this beautiful Guatemalan woman selling her wares on the street. She was absolutely stunning. Of course, we had to buy a few things from her!
True Height Comparisons
We began to circuit the market as we had before – gathering basket supplies of fruits, small gifts, and other food, to deliver to local families. We also spent some time looking for souvenirs while the kids bought small gifts for their ‘secret santa’ person.
Woman at Market
Banana Leaves for Sale for Traditional Tamales
Back at home, the girls kept busy making cards for the baskets as we divided the food and gifts for each family.
Card Making
Baskets to Be Delivered
We didn’t get out to make the deliveries until it was already getting dark. But, we had fun delivering the baskets and caroling.
Side Streets of Pana
We will all forever remember riding in the back of the pick-up, driving around Pana, singing English Christmas carols, and spreading Christmas cheer. Too bad it is not something we can replicate in London!
Christmas Eve Tamales
As we drove home from our deliveries, we passed one of the Kelly’s friends on the sidewalk. She was on her way to their home to deliver homemade tamales, as is the traditional Christmas Eve dinner. It was a wonderful gift for all of us!
“Guys in Red”
Colin made his family’s traditional Christmas Eve soup to eat alongside our tamales. After many card games, the time crept up on midnight . . . when all Guatemala celebrates with fireworks.
Fireworks from Panajachel
We only needed to cross the street from the Kelly’s complex to reach the river, where we could see all firework shows going on in Panajachel. Once those died down, Devon started his own show.
Firework Silhouettes
Our kids were very entranced as we’ve mostly lived in places where fireworks are illegal to set off on your own. Then we moved to London and our kids still have parents who are still a little skittish to try.
Friday / Christmas
After a late night, we had a relaxing Christmas morning. No traditional Christmas tree, stockings, or cinnamon rolls, but we had one gift for each of the kids.
Christmas Morning Gifts
The kids also exchanged their ‘secret santa’ gifts they had found at the market, ranging from scarves to hacky sacks to pencil cases. Then we each wrote down one gift we wanted to give the Savior this year. It was a different Christmas morning, but one we will really remember.
Christmas day is just another day for Guatemalans – the market was back open and people were out and about, not hibernating at home. We all drove out to the Jensen’s place, 45 minutes outside of Pana, where they have started their own non-profit organization, Mayan Eco Homestead, teaching square-foot gardening. We definitely learned a lot and wish we had a spot in our garden to put in some garden boxes on the south side of our house.
Jensen, Stephenson, and Kelly Families
Saturday
Our last day together and we were off early for breakfast at La Casa del Mundo on El Jaibalito.
Cami’s ‘Front of Boat’ Experience
It really was quite the journey – pick-up to docks, private boat to El Jaibalito, small hike through a village and up into the hills, then many stairs as we reached the resort.
Lake Atitlan from La Casa del Mundo
The breakfast was delicious and we had a great time wrapping up our stay with the Kelly’s. They were amazing hosts and we felt tremendously bad for monopolizing their week . . . but we had so much fun reconnecting and getting to see why they love where they live . . . as well as what they do.
Kelly / Stephenson Farewell Breakfast
This is so cool! I love it. I served my mission in Guatemala and went to Pana several times. I actually spent New Years in San Lucas Toliman across the lake from Panajachel one year, and I lived in Tecpan (just an hour away) for 6 months.
Thanks for serving these amazing people! 🙂