“What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.”

-Pedro Arrupe

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Guatemala Day Two

Dear Family and Friends,
Today has been a very full day; a very good day. This morning we had the opportunity to take a boat ride across the lake to two different towns. The ride was beautiful. I learned that the lake actually used to be a volcano, but after it exploded it collapsed and turned into a lake. It is amazing to imagine a volcano that large. All of the towns water comes from the lake, but that is also where all of the towns waste goes. Clean water surely is blessing.
The first town we stopped by was Santiago and the second was Panahachel. All the towns we have been in have been very similar but very different. We did shopping at both places. That was an interesting experience. Multiple people came up to us with their goods asking us to buy, they can be very persistent. It is hard to say "no gracias" and walk away especially to the little kids. When we were eating lunch a little boy came up to our table and wanted to sell some match boxes. He was probably when of the cutest little boys I have ever seen. I had the thought that what he was doing, is probably what he has to do everyday. Why have I been so blessed. I have everything I could ask for and more but there are so many people in this world who don't and back home I never even have to think about it.
I need to finish up because the parish is especially letting our group use the internet for blog and it is getting time to close up. I love everyone and you will be hearing more from me tomorrow.
Posted by at

10 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 14, 2011 at 1:06 AM

    Sounds like you had a busy schedule :)
    Im glad that you and your classmates are having a blast and i cant wait to hear more about your trip. We miss you and cant wait to see you again!
    Luv ya so much,
    Makenna Francis :]
    PS what's the weather like there?

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMarch 14, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    Hey Echo it's your bestest friend Seychelle:) I bet you're having the time of your life over there! I'm so jealous that you get to be in Guatemala for your spring break while I'm stuck here on this rock. Take lots of photos and I'll see you when you come home:D
    Love <3, Seychelle
    p.s. Seen any EBFA candidates over there?

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMarch 14, 2011 at 1:20 AM

    Echo,
    Your mom told me what you were doing. I am so impressed! What a wonderful opportunity for you and how lucky Guatemala is to have you there. I am glad that you are learning so much. Sometimes it takes seeing others in their situation to truly appreciate our own. I think that you had an appreciation for your life already and are just gaining a greater appreciation. You have a wonderful heart and I am sure that it goes out to those who have less. They will benefit from your kind words and your smiles. I know you will come back with a greater desire to help others in lesser situations. I truly hope that my children will have such an opportunity some day.
    We are praying for your safe return and know that this is an experience of a lifetime.
    Love,
    Sister Heather Francis

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMarch 14, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    Echo,
    Seth says, "how are you? and "I hope that you have a good time in Guatemala"
    Love,
    Seth

    ReplyDelete
  5. LauraineMarch 14, 2011 at 2:24 AM

    Echo,
    I'm so glad you're having such a wonderful time. These experiences will stay with you forever and will shape your life as you move forward. What a fabulous opportunity. Soak it in, immerse yourself in why you are there, and focus on being able to see more of the people of the world; more of God's children. I hope you are also keeping a journal besides the blog so you can look back in years to come. We miss you and look forward to hearing all about your trip when you get home. Be safe!

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownMarch 14, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Hey Echo-

    Sounds like you guys are having a great experience. I remember seeing many similar things when I would travel throughout Mexico with my family...such poverty and difficulty but, also great simplicity and kindness. In fact, many of the people I met (not all of course), seemed less stressed than many of us are!! It's almost like the less you have (to a point of course), the less stress you have in your life. Unfortunately, lacking good food, clean water, etc. causes so much illness/physical problems that that causes other major problems :(

    Please say "hi" to everyone for me.

    Much love from Kona,
    Mr. Huitt

    ReplyDelete
  7. JennMarch 14, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    I'm so glad you guys are getting this great expereience!! and totally jealous...I love you so much! have a blast!!!
    Love,
    Aunty Jenn

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mrs BiermanMarch 14, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    Echo,
    It's great to hear about your experiences, and how much you are getting out of them! I can definitely empathize with the feeling of how blessed we are compared to the daily trials that many others face.

    ReplyDelete
  9. HeatherMarch 15, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Echo! Love and miss you so so very much. I am so proud of you and all you do! What an exciting thing you are doing! I am 100% positive you will touch all the lives you come in contact with. Keep smiling your beautiful smile. Love ya!
    ~~Auntie Heather

    ReplyDelete
  10. Truma EchoMarch 15, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Echo.....so excited for, and proud of you! Looks like your having such a good experience. Love you Auntie Daphne

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)