Hi to everyone back at home.
I know it has been a while since we have last blogged but we have a good reason for it. Today is the first day that we have been able to access the internet. For the last week we have done a fair amount of interesting things. We all realized that we were tanks, by vigorously climbing up a mountain, I have to admit then when i reached the top of that mountain it was the most joyous moment of my life (and i feel that other people thought the same way). We have learnt to eat a lot of new foods, most of which none of us like to eat, but somehow manage to get it down. We have seen the true beauty that Guatemala is comprised with and we have learned that with some sweat and tears we can build a green house. OH ya and how can I forget the sickness that lots of us have had to deal with, let me tell you...not the funnest times we could have been having.
But seriously, this week was a week of learning and getting the opportunity to experince so many new things. Our week started off with a lot of hanging out and guitar playing, which was a good thing because it allowed for us to connect to the people we were staying with and begin building relationships. Every chance we could get the guitar would come out. The next couple of days was focused on constructing a green house. We moved a heck of a lot of dirt and learned how to use a machety (the boys especially loved every minute of the machety using). It rained everyday we worked on it, but that was part of the reason why building the green house was so amazing. We learned a lot about work etiquette, and how with multiple hands working together something amazing can be built. We unfortuantely, do to the weather, were not able to complete the construction. We got the structure up, but the plastic covering needed to go on when the sun was shinning, and that didnt happen once.
Besides the joy of building and connecting with people we got to experience a lot of other interesting things. Don Pedro (one of our host fathers) shared his story about La Violencia with us. We were all pretty shocked about how open he was with us and how comfortable he was. The moment was probably one of the best for most of us. Not only because we learned a lot from him but because halfway through his story, it started to pour rain and we had to quickly move to a sheltered place where he continued. What he told us, most of us already knew, but it was interesting to hear someones personal story. He was extremely passionate about it and was so happy that he could share his memories with us. Upon his story ending, it started raining even harder and seeing as most of us are risk takers we decided to run back to our house it the rain. I need to add in though, that Don Pedro told his story at the cemetary in Acul which is on the oposite side of town from our houses. So this run back was not a short one. I do not think that we have ever laughed so hard, and been so happy. We were all giggling and did not care that we were drenched from head to toe. It was a memory that most of us won´t forget.
We took a day trip to Chemal, towards the end of our time there, and got to learn more about the Ixil culture. Keenan and I were sick that day so we spent the day sleeping in the van but from what we heard on the van ride home was that it was an amazing day. David (our MCC`er) had us plant three small pine trees. We were not sure what the point of planting three trees were, but he continued to tell us that by planting three tress we would help families in the future build homes and support their familes. He also told us how important and cherished family is in Guatemala compared to that of north america. For a lot of us, this comment hit home. The rest of that day was spent playing soccer and getting to learn more about that locals that lived in that community.
As for the rest of our trip, there are defintely things that i have not added in, but for the most part we all had an amazing time and enjoyed oursleves through all the thick and thin. I wish i could write more but i have 2 minutes left before this internet cafe closes. Just know that we are all missing out families at home, and we send our love. We are keeping safe and trying our best to stay emotinally and physically stable.
San Marcos is our next destination, which will bring more excitment and interesting things. We are all excited to venture into the next part of our trip.

With all the love i can give from the crew,
Emma Horvatis.


ps. mamma, dad and sweet willy styles...i love you and miss you guys like crazy!