As I bailed water out of my bedroom at one in the morning, I couldn’t help but stop and think, “You know, this really isn’t what I signed up for.” Initially attracted to the Newman Guatemala Study and Serve program by thoughts of exotic places and 13 credit hours in seven weeks, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. Things like bailing a foot of water out of my bedroom in the middle of the night or avoiding Storm Agatha mudslides weren’t exactly in the plan, but I have learned that this trip is not about “the plan.” Sometimes it is the most unexpected events and adventures that teach us the most, and this journey has certainly been filled with them. I am proud to say with all certainty that Newman University study abroad has more to offer than summer classes and some amazing pictures. The lessons I have learned concerning service, love, patience, and a world view are far more important to me than what I originally wanted from this trip, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be here. Truly Newman University operates with its core mission statement close at hand.

I decided to make this voyage to Guatemala in December of last year. Although I had plans to go to Michigan, my sister decided to get married in July and those plans had to be cancelled. My parents were somewhat distraught over the fact that I instead asked to go to Guatemala and therefore be back in time for the date, especially when my sister then moved her wedding to November. I know it was all the work of the Holy Spirit, and I know I am supposed to be here.

I spent the spring semester reading and preparing through the Pre-Departure class. The things I began to learn and discover set my critical mind to work, and I began to delve deeper into the history of Guatemala. As the date grew near, I became rather emotional. A combination of excitement, fear, curiosity, and a bit of panic filled me. When the date was actually upon me, I admit it was mostly panic on my mind. Why did I not spend more time reviewing my Spanish?!

Luckily, it turns out I remembered a lot more Spanish than I originally thought. As I stepped off the plane in Guatemala City, everything seemed surreal. For so long I had dreamed of that moment. Knowing I was in a different country was a thrill in itself.

As we progressed through our trip, I began to see more clearly why I was sent here and the true purpose of the program. We began our journey in La Labor, a little pueblo outside of Guatemala City, working and learning from the ASC mission there. The people we met were inspirational, the lessons we learned invaluable. The men and women in La Labor, while maybe not as well off in material goods as ourselves, have hearts so full of love and humility that they are a gift to the world. Working beside them for a week not only taught me how to build a latrine or stove, but the lesson of true gift of self. Truly, the ASC mission in La Labor is something we should all support in prayers and thoughts. The work they do there is so true and so good for the people.

Next we were off to Santiago Atitlan to spend a weekend at the lake and learn about Father Stanley Rother, a martyr from Oklahoma. What we expected to be a relaxing weekend turned into one of natural disasters. First, the volcano we passed on the road (I took a picture because it was my first sighting) erupted about an hour after we passed it. Apparently saying a rosary is now a required part of every bus ride. We were in Santiago Atitlan for only a few hours when the rain hit; Storm Agatha had found us.

Our first reaction to the rain was annoyance. I definitely wanted to spend time by the pool while I had the chance, and the famous marketplaces simply aren’t as much fun in a torrential downpour. However, we soon learned the true seriousness of the storm and took a walk through the areas of town destroyed by mudslides. Hundreds of people lost their homes that weekend, and many lost their lives. God had blessed us yet again, and taught us another lesson. To say that I am filled with gratitude is an understatement; I’m thankful not only for my life and safety, but also for the opportunity to learn from the people in this country.

We made our way to Xela, often times driving on the wrong side of the road due to giant boulders that have fallen off of mountains. There we began our classes, the academic reason for coming to Guatemala. The atmosphere is perfect for learning and even the students who struggle the most have come so far in comprehension and skill. Full cultural immersion certainly the fastest way to learn a language, and Xela is the perfect place for international students. Not only does PLQ teach Spanish, but it also teaches students about the cultural history and struggles of the country. Films, personal interviews, and many conversations have set my mind on fire. I want to know the truth of the United States history of interference, and I want to educate others on what I have learned. I have questioned everything I believed before getting on that plane, and believe I have come a long way in developing skills for my future career in communications.

While I am thankful for the academic education, I know the reason I am here is to learn greater things. Bailing water last night is only one example of how I have come to live and learn from the people of Guatemala. Did I want to be sweeping water out from under my bed at that hour? Absolutely not, yet somehow I had so much fun with my host family that I didn’t even notice the time. We bonded and laughed and worked together to get the job done. Connecting with my family here shows me how many opportunities there are for growth and connection to the world. It also made me realize that I wanted to help as soon as I knew there was a problem; I wanted to do anything I could to ease the difficulty of my family. I suppose I have learned that gift of self is something beautiful, and something very different than what I supposed it to be in Kansas. I hope that my service hours will no longer be just that, but experiences of shared moments with unique individuals. I believe this is the true lesson that the Newman mission statement intended for students to encounter.

Guatemala Study and Serve is not for the weak; if you are not willing to go to the bathroom in places worse than a port-a-potty, you should probably stay home. If you are not willing to be challenged mentally, emotionally, and physically on a daily basis, the trip is not for you. However, if you truly want to experience the Newman mission, if you want to learn that there is love and hope in all parts of the world no matter how dark, take the chance. Take a leap of faith and get on the plane; you won’t regret it. I know I never shall.

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This entry was posted in Career, Dreams, Faculty, Family, Friends, Life, People, Students and tagged ASC Sisters, Father Stanley Rother, Guatemala Study and Serve, La Labor, PLQ, Santiago Atitlan, service, Spanish, Storm Agatha, Xela. Bookmark the permalink.