The People
Bold and unafraid to say what they think. Kind, genuine friends to anyone they meet. Generous with their time, resources, and money. Willing to give anything to even a stranger. Funny, the type of people to have you rolling around on the ground, gasping for air.
Warm Days & Cold Nights
When we arrived in Guatemala during our country introduction class we were told that Guatemala is called the Land of Eternal Spring. Days were warm & sticky & evenings that were perfect for pickup soccer in sweatshirts.
Tortillas
Made in small rooms with colorful walls. Bought in packs of 13 for less than a 1 USD. A food that will forever remind me of a season in time. Rice & chicken & tortillas for every meal.
Hupils
Traditional bright, patterned shirts & skirts that Guatemalan women wear. An easy conversation starter for beginner Spanish speakers.
Chicken Buses
8 people in a row. Painted outsides. Kind drivers, ANTIGUA, ANTIGUA, ANTIGUA, babies, drunks, smiling old ladies, and just a couple gringos. Speeding around curvy Guatemalan roads through the mountains.
Tiendas
Little stores in the most random spots of every Guatemalan village, full of Coke & Pepsi & snacks & a kind women behind the counter.
House Visits
The warmness of walking into the gardens of strangers and being welcomed by stools & Pepsi and cookies to snack on while having conversations through broken Spanish and sweet translators.
Cobblestone Streets
The intentionality of each brick placed on the street to make it easier for weary feet, Toyota trucks, horses, and plenty of bikes.
Never-ending Noise
The open window of our room at base that allowed the echos of cars from the highway in. Bombas & street dogs & people yelling in Sumpango. Honking cars on the streets of Chimal. The laughs of kids running around with little toys.
Street Dogs
Dogs that fill the streets of Guatemala in every corner, constantly barking and begging for food, always down to be loved on.
Community
A community unlike I’ve ever known. Friends that became family on my squad. Base staff that loved us their own. A ministry that took my team in and made us apart of them. People that mean everything to me.
Volcanoes & Mountains & all the in Between
Towering in the distance, visible from anywhere you were, always steep, usually muddy, and definitely beautiful. The only way we could work off the constant tortilla intake.
I could write 100 more things that I love about Guatemala, I’m unable to comprehend the abundance of that season. I’m homesick for a place I spent a mere 3 months in. There is nothing better than waking up to 40 other people laughing outside your window at the base of an erupting volcano in the middle of so much color & light & love. Words can’t explain my love but I’m always willing to try, reach out and let me tell ya a little bit about why home is all about the place & the people.
Love ‘seeing’ Guatemala & all of its beauty through your vivid descriptions❤️
How sweet! We love and miss you Gracie!
Reading your blog is beyond imagination! You take us on a ride thru it all & this blog reader is very appreciative of that!! I too feel like I’m there with you Grace 😊. I so enjoy taking this journey through your descriptions as well! Continue your fabulous journey & I’ll be waiting for more updates! My love & prayers are always with you💜🙏. Aunt Joyce
PaPa and I are so proud of you for taking this journey. Also proud for your choice to serve in places where the need is so great. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. We love you so much.
Nana
What a wonderful expression of your time and the people. Isn’t it funny how YOU are the one that received the blessing while trying to be a blessing to the people of Guatemala? God is amazing!
Grace it was the BESTEST to get to spend a little time with you in a country you obviously came to just love! YOU are a light. Keep smiling and sharing your joy!
Gace it was the BEST to get to spend a little time with you in a country that you obviously came to just love! YOU are a a light. Keep smiling and sharing your joy!