Polochic Perfection

I just spent 12 amazing days in Guatemala. The majority of the time was spent in the Polochic Valley, 8 hours northeast of Guatemala City. There we spent time with the locals; serving them, building their community, and teaching them skills that they could use to better their lives, families, and community. Words can't describe what I felt there and what I experienced.

The people there are so humble, so eager to help, so full of love, so full of optimism for their future. It was I that gained so much from these individuals. Technically it was I that served them, and though I know I did help, I honestly feel like I learned more from them than the other way around. So similar to a mission, right?

I took over 500 pictures. This is just a start of some of the highlights from the trip, in total random order. Just remember, if you live in the USA, you are blessed beyond measure.

The beauty of the Polochic. Honestly, pictures just don't do it justice.

The teacher crew with the secondary education teachers. These men are so incredibly dedicated. They haven't gotten paid since January and they faithfully teach.

Kids followed us around everywhere and you will see a lot of kids and I in pictures, just like this one!

The Church is strong there and it's the only ward that speaks the Q'eqchi language.

Charity and I became BFF's and we bonded as we worked on construction. I know what you're thinking: Susie? Construction? Usually those two don't mix! Well, in Guatemala they did!

Teaching the kids English.

The kids smothered me as I taught them English using flash cards. I have never seen such eagerness for learning.

Me and more kids...love them.

Dancing with Carlos, dentist in training.

This is incredible.

We loved going to "La Tienda" to buy soda. So refreshing on a hot, humid day.

We spent a few hours with this lady and did a "Day in the Life." It was definitely a humbling experience.
Winter, my construction partner. I have never, ever seen an 8 year old work so hard. He totally kicked my trash.

Ever, the history teacher that I helped. I taught him some skills for teaching history and he wants to skype with me. Not sure how that will happen, considering I speak very little Spanish and he speaks very little English.

Corn grows on the mountain side. They are so resourceful!

We often rode in the cattle bus to go from one village to another. It literally felt like a roller coaster every time.

My first picture in the Polochic.

Squished in the bus for our last 2 hours up the mountains.

Teaching ESL.

More flashcard fun.

Teaching classroom management to teachers. We did a lot of professional development. No hablo espanol, so we had translators. I prayed for the gift of tongues though on countless ocassions!

Dancing with Adam. Just wanted to show you the sweat on my back. I have never been that dirty and sweaty and nasty for a dance. But hey, it's the Polochic and you just look frumpy.

They had a local band come and play for us for 3 hours while we all danced it up.

Some of the teachers we taught.

Working construction. I got good at twisting and cutting wire. This is the hospital that we worked on.

Go, Fight, Win. I played some soccer with the girls.

More kids. They loved to welcome us and they called me "eSusie"

Loved this little girl.

Making tortillas. We ate A LOT of those...I think I'm tortilla-ed out!

Grinding corn. The mom made fun of me because I was so bad at it!

Shucking some beans...another staple in the Guatemalan food pyramid.

Cute. Especially that little boy.

More kiddos...

These little girls are literally like 2nd moms.

Dancing, again!

Some of the group members with Santi. He was wonderful in helping us with the expedition. He sang to us and supported all of our projects.

More pictures to come, but it truly was a perfect setting. Though I could do without all of the bug bites.