Day 9

Today started off (for some of us) bright and early with a walk to the lake to get a clear view of the volcanoes. Then we went to breakfast and had some oatmeal and beans. The first half of our day was spent split up at two construction sites. Five of us went to start the building process of a brand new concrete home. The remaining ten of us went back to the house we worked on during construction on Monday. After two long hard hours of work, we returned to the Mission and ate some lunch. 

 After lunch, we went to new construction sites, again split into two groups. The first group went to a house that hadn’t really even started construction yet; however, they started the process by putting together the rebar. The group of five went to a wood house and assisted in the process of mixing concrete and putting concrete floors in. After another two hard hours of work, the groups went back to the hotel and had a good two hours of rest and shower time. Today we were the set up and clean-up crew at dinner, so we got there around 5:30pm, had some leftovers, and proceeded to go out to dessert to celebrate the departure of our beloved Sr. Dr. Professor Steven Northrup.

-Samantha and Jess

Day 8

The morning began with many of the students getting up early to go for a walk with Dr. Northrup or a jog with Dr. Rust. In the early morning it is much clearer and we have a better view of Lake Atitlan. After this we headed to breakfast a bit earlier than normal because today was a special day for the Mission. Today marks the anniversary of Father Gregorio’s death; he was the priest who founded the Mission. The Mission and the people of the community come together on this day to celebrate his life. The celebration began with a mass and then a procession to his grave. After the ceremony was finished, we had a little bit of time to explore the local market, buy some souvenirs, and of course go to La Paneria (which is a favorite of the group). After this we headed to lunch then left to do projects with the Mission. Four students and Dr. Rust went with the construction group and the rest of us did reforestation. The construction group helped move massive stones that were in the way of building a fence. 

The reforestation group helped prepare bags and sanded some of the wooden products they make there. We all met up at the hotel to make our way to dinner at the Mission. We had dish duty so we got there early to set up. After dinner we all went for some ice cream and headed back for a relaxing evening filled with our favorite pastime: playing cards.

-Kelly and Courtney

Day 7

Today was the first day of the second half of our trip in which we are staying in the city of San Lucas Toliman. The students woke up and went to breakfast at the Mission dining hall and split into two groups. One group of 11 went to work at a construction site and the remaining students went to build a stove for a family in a different part of the city.

The construction group spent the morning moving concrete blocks around the job site and measuring, cutting, and assembling rebar structure supports. The stove group built  half of a concrete block stove for a family to use to cook in the future.

Both groups reconvened at the mission for lunch at 12:30 pm. WNE was on lunch duty. This meant that we were responsible for getting all dishes and food ready for the meal and cleaning the hall and dishes after the meal concluded.

After lunch we were given a tour of all of the projects that the mission is involved in and helps fund/operate. We were able to visit the school where children grades 3-8 attend, the women’s center, the local medical clinic, and the fair trade coffee processing center.

The day ended with the students eating dinner with all of the volunteers in the mission and returning to their rooms exhausted and anxious to get back to work.

-Steve and Samantha