Today we traveled up the Pan American highway through the cloud-topped Sierra Madre mountains of the western highlands of Guatemala. We were meeting an amazing group of women and would witness a defining moment for the Association of the Mam Christian Women. What started many years ago was coming to fruition. Women with years of experience, those who had been mentored, and a second generation of daughters were empowered and working together to lead a robust array of successful projects. Read more
Tag: latrine
Affirming Relationships to Enable Sustainable Development
All eight travelers arrived safely in Guatemala City last evening. The sun is shining and the weather is glorious—unlike at home right now! Seven travelers are representing New Castle Presbytery (Tracy, Rachel, Karen, Arun, Denison, Jamie, and Carrie) and we are delighted to also be joined by Mary Jane from Presbytery of the James in Richmond, Virginia.
Continuing Our Youth Partnership
This past Sunday, Cathy and Carrie paid a visit to our partner church, El Verbo Divino. The church is absolutely breathtaking and has the most scenic view from its balcony. If that name sounds a tad familiar, this is the same church whose youth group graciously hosted Westminster youth this past summer for the inaugural youth partnership trip to Guatemala.
Reconnecting with CEDEPCA
After much planning, packing, and flying, Westminster Presbyterian Church members, Carrie and Cathy, arrived safely in Guatemala City Wednesday afternoon. Upon their arrival, they immediately connected with Emerson Morales of CEDEPCA. As CEDEPCA’s Program Coordinator in its Intercultural Encounters program, Emerson is a vital figure throughout all trips to Guatemala. Beyond his amazing translation skills, he acts as the perfect liaison between the visiting group or church and the local community with whom the group or church is partnering. In this case, Emerson helps Westminster and its efforts to assist the Association, so that partnership projects are helpful to the Association and local communities and not hurtful.
Emerson, Carrie, and Cathy discussed two upcoming trips in 2019. Though the dates are not finalized, we plan to take two groups to Guatemala in 2019. Read more