03/07/25 – Guatemala 2025

We started our day off at 4:30 a.m. with a hike up the side of a volcano to see the sunrise, where only one of us got hurt. After that amazing start, we went back to the mission for the breakfast of champions, pancakes and black beans. 

Next, a quick trip to the Women’s Center taught us to weave and we made our own bracelets. Some of the women made us an orange flavored cake with fresh lemonade, which was Gordon Ramsay worthy. A quick stop back at the hotel gave us time to pack and soak in a bit more sun before lunch. 

Our last meal at the San Lucas Mission was “fire,” as always. The goodbyes were extra special from the long-term volunteers we shared our week with. Then we hopped in the van for our two-hour drive to Antigua. In Antigua, we shopped around and ate dinner at Frida’s. I can easily say that it was my favorite meal of the trip. Once our time at Antigua was finished, we did karaoke in the van, our favorite song being ‘Che Che.’ This started our elongated travel day. The Guatemala airport was first, and we had plenty of time there to explore while we waited for our flight. 

Our trip to San Lucas Toliman was such a special experience, whether we were with the construction crew, at the women’s center with the women, enjoying coffee during the coffee presentation, learning about reforestation or playing with the kids at la escuela, everyone at the mission was so welcoming. We also adored the scenic view that both driving, boating and walking offered us. But most importantly, we learned so much through working with this community.