Humbled

by Jenna M. Howell

Hola! From the high hills of Chajul, Guatemala!

Today, we continued our adventure at the school in Visuchuj. We were able to get the vermiculture compost bed completed and finished.

Huge success! 

All the kids painted their hands and put their hand prints on the side of the structure. This, to me, was a very touching and significant part of our day. The children lit up when we told them about the hand prints. It was a way to keep them involved and have their signature on this project.

We also painted a few A&M logos on it and added our own hand prints.

We learned a lot through this project to prepare us for the other two schools we will visit in the days to come.

Not only did we get emerged into the Guatemalan school system today, but we received new roommates at the Posada (our hotel) all the way from Bolder, Colorado. 

They work with Philanthropiece doing various projects focused on clean water and global youth organizations. It is interesting to hear about where they live and what they have been working on in preparation for this trip.

One thing that I have loved throughout this trip is the relationship with the people, but also I have grow to love the relationships we have developed with each other. It is amazing to see all these Aggies, who did not know each other prior to this trip, come together on this adventure and work as a great team.

I cannot wait to get back to Aggieland to share our experiences with everyone and be an advocate for future study abroad trips to Guatemala. 

I have grown so much through this trip, and my eyes have been opened to things I never thought existed. I have been humbled by this beautiful country and it’s people. I know I am not alone when I say Guatemala now holds a very special place in our hearts and that we will forever be grateful for all it has taught us.

Si Dios Quiere!