Joy – Pure and Simple (part two)

The second part of the week-long Utz Pan bakery youth retreat focused on nature, reflection and relaxation. On Wednesday, we hiked up Chicabal Volcano, and then down into the crater which holds a sacred lagoon. I was struck by the immense joy these kids had when seeing simple things like a butterfly, a fish jumping, an inchworm, or a beautiful flower. Especially the boys!

We took our time walking around the lagoon and then gathered for a meaningful reflection given by Pastor Emerson, a silent prayer to soak up the sounds of nature, and a picnic lunch on the lakeshore. We were delighted that Jenny, Yohana and Edy from the Association could join us for the day!

In the afternoon, we visited a group of Association women who received revolving funds for their weaving business. The kids were amazed at the intricacy of the work and asked so many questions. The women were very generous hosts and seemed proud to show their work.

For dinner we hit XelaPan, a famous bakery and restaurant in this area, followed by a celebratory ice cream at Pop’s – Cathy Higgins’ favorite place in Guatemala! She treated the kiddos to ice cream because she was so impressed that they all completed the volcano hike – which was not easy! We called Cathy on FaceTime so she could meet each kid and hear what their favorite flavor was.

Thursday, we headed to the other side of Xela to visit Copavic, a cooperative that recycles glass beer and soda bottles – often tossed on the side of the road – into beautiful and useful works of art. On the bus before we entered, Emerson gave a heartfelt reflection impressing upon the kids that no one should ever feel “less than” or forgotten, and that just like these discarded glass bottles, God intends for us all to transform into works of art.

After visiting this workshop, we headed to the famous volcanic hot springs of Fuentes Georginas for a hike and a soak. It is the end of the rainy season here now, so in the afternoon, the clouds descend into the mountains and the fog is thick. But it also means that the rain forest is lush and gorgeous (although the views at the mirador were nearly non-existent). The hike was a scramble straight up, muddy and loads of fun!

Then the kids swam and played in the hot spring for hours – and enjoyed a hot chocolate before heading into downtown Xela for a pizza dinner.

Friday morning we headed to a park that overlooks Xela to burn off some energy and say our goodbyes before the group headed back home. Each youth presented me (and all of you) with a handmade and heartfelt thank you card and shared what the week-long experience meant to them (cue tears!)

Without a doubt, this week would not have been possible without the leadership of Emerson and Mardoqueo, the expert driving of Kevin, the energy and curiosity of the youth, the generosity of members of Westminster Presbyterian church who underwrote the trip, and all of YOU – our readers – who continue to support the work of the Guatemala Partnership of New Castle Presbytery. GRACIAS!

This trip was 100% a success and we already have plans to make it a tradition and do it again next year with eight more youth. Thank you!