Day one with the eight Utz Pan youth was a success! They are super sweet, mature beyond their years, kind, inquisitive, giggly and overall just wonderful. They range in age from 14 to 17 and have impressive career aspirations: doctor, lawyer, pastry baker, systems engineer, computer engineer, motorcycle mechanic and accountant. The idea for this trip is to inspire them to work towards their goals and dreams, and, of course, have a blast.
We got on the road at a decent hour and spent several hours at the Mayan ruins of Iximche, which was a thriving Pre-Colombian capital in 1470.
I’ve asked the teens to help with the blogs and they are excited to share this adventure with you from their perspective. So here is the first installment brought to you by David and Harvy (who just turned 15 today!)
Hola! It’s Harvy and David.
Today was a very special day for all of us! Today we were all invited to Xela to encourage us to be part of the “Utz Pan” program. We give thanks to God first and foremost, since without Him none of this would have been possible. On the way to Xela, we made a few stops, like the one in Iximche, which means “Corn Tree.” They explained to us that the Spanish arrived in Iximche in 1524 and unfortunately burned the city of Iximche, of which only ruins remain today. It was wonderful to experience this interesting story.
After that, we had lunch at Pollo Campero, and everything was delicious.
We continued on our way to the retreat center and stopped to buy some food at La Despensa Familiar. We continued on and finally arrived.
Our arrival was very comfortable, but also tiring. But finally, we’re here and having a great time!
Thanks David and Harvy! We have a big day tomorrow so hoping we get some sleep, but since the excitement and energy is running so high I’m not convinced it will happen. See you tomorrow!
– Carrie
Happy Birthday Harvin, this looks like an exciting trip. I will meet each of you this evening when we eat Pops ice cream together. Make it a great day!!!