Blog - Page 3 of 24 - Guatemala Partnership

Souls Fulfilled

July 15, 2026July 16, 2026Guatemala Partnership

By Jessica Williams, Kennett Middle and High School Orchestra teacher, and Sylvia Cintora, English Language Learner Counselor at Kennett High School

Sylvia dancing merengue with Amiee, a former Utz Pan bakery student

Hello! We are part of a group of 14 teachers and social workers from the Kennett Square area traveling to Guatemala this week on an intercultural encounters trip focusing on the themes of education and migration. At home, we work primarily with Guatemalan immigrants who have come to the U.S. to work in the mushroom houses. Sponsored by New Castle Presbytery, this trip is designed to give us a deeper understanding of the economic hardships, political instability, and social pressures hard-working Guatemalan families face, while also showcasing the rich history, natural beauty and unique culture of the country. The hope was that when we got home, we would be better equipped to approach our work with immigrants in Southern Chester County with renewed compassion and competence, and become beacons of cultural humility and understanding. And we can say that after just the first day…mission accomplished!

Women United Can Never Be Defeated

February 9, 2026February 26, 2026Guatemala Partnership

By Valery Nodem, International Coordinator for the Presbyterian Hunger Program PC(USA)

This week, I traveled with Carrie Saathoff, co-chair of the Guatemala Partnership of New Castle Presbytery to the Western Highlands of Guatemala to witness the work of the Association of Mam Christian Women for Development (Association) in person. New Castle Presbytery has worked in formal partnership with the Association for more than a decade and the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) has recently begun supporting the Association as well. I was excited to see the projects that I have heard so much about in the last two years. Accompanying us were Andrea Ramirez, our expert interpreter, and Kevin de León, our trusted driver. The four of us had a lot of laughs and good conversation on the road.

Two Histories

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026Guatemala Partnership

By Cathy Higgins and Carrie Saathoff, Co-Chairs, Guatemala Partnership of New Castle Presbytery

Visiting La Merced, a famous church in Antigua

This post shares two histories – one of our partnership and one of Guatemala’s most well-known cities.

As we left the mountains of Totonicapán on our way to Antigua, Cathy was reflecting on all of the progress these faithful, hardworking women and men have made. She had a watershed moment during our visit with AJPU. There are currently 59 women of the Association who are on the waiting list to receive water filters. WHAT?? This was our first project with AJPU that began 15 years ago and now it is being resurrected.

Winding Down Guatemala Style

January 26, 2026January 26, 2026Guatemala Partnership

By Carol Shumway, Trinity Presbyterian Church

After our high altitude hike yesterday to visit a remote group of the Association (28 members) and a visit to the mountainous forest where we saw scores of seedlings having lovingly been planted by each woman of the group, we wound down figuratively and literally as we descended from Xela to Antigua. We stopped en route at AJPU to visit the workshop where the fuel-efficient stoves are manufactured.