Karla and Avery: Final day in Guatemala
Early Sunday morning we set off to the
local market and to view the church located in Guatemala city. We previously
had visited a church in Antigua and the students as well as myself had felt
very out of place but the church in Guatemala city had a more diverse set of
members within the church.
Later
in the afternoon we got to meet Sylvia who was previously a Gurerilla
activitist. I felt so priveleadged to be
given the opportunity to meet her and discuss the political issues within
Guatemala as well as what it was like to be a Guerilla. Sylvia was very wise
and I admired her courage and strength to be an activist at such dangerous
times in Guatemala. What some of the
most shocking information shared with us by Sylvia was how most people within
Guatemala are not aware of the true facts that happened within the war between
Guerillas and the Army, public information has been skewed. Recent studies have
proven that the official Army was accountable for 97% of the massacres
including rape, murder and “the disappeared”; Where as the Guerillas were only
held accountable for 3% of the massacres that took place. Roughly over 200,000
people were killed during the war.
The
Guatemala field school study has been an opportunity of a lifetime and I am so
thankful for being a participant. Throughout the trip a lot of my thoughts,
ideas and views were often challenged enabling me to think more critically
about things in society. Although it’s the last day and everyone is exhausted I
am sad to be leaving Guatemala and the learning experience. This trip has been a blast and I just want to
thank everyone for participating and the Teachers for making these sort of
opportunities happen for us.
Karla Robinson is one of our visiting students from the College of the Rockies
The People of Guatemala
This trip has been one of the most amazing
experiences of my life. From driving across the country, to sunrise at the top
of Tikal’s tallest temple, EVERYTHING has been fantastic.
One
of the most amazing contributions to this trip has been the people of
Guatemala. They are always willing and happy to help, whether it be with
directions, or with an impromptu Spanish lesson at the market. About 95% of the
time on our bus trip across this amazing country, I have spent hanging out the
window with my camera. Everyone I pass has pointed me out, started smiling,
laughing, and posing for pictures.
The
people are a massive part of what makes this country so great. Although
Guatemala has the 3rd highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the
world, the general happiness and willingness to help seems much higher than
most other places in the world. People are much more appreciative of what they
have, and much less caught up in personal material prosperity. There seems to
be a much greater appreciation for the little things in life, and so much less
is taken for granted.
When
visiting schools in this amazing country you really notice how appreciative
those who have been fortunate to receive an education are. Little things such
as taking picture, and showing them what they look like in it leaves them
staring in awe… Quickly followed by ecstatic smiles, joy, and a the need to
have more photos taken.
Once the ball started rolling, I had a
constant swarm of children surrounding me; all attempting to be front and
center for the next photo.
It has been a really humbling experience to
see all these people appreciative and happy from things which are seen as
meaningless to most people in our society.
This trip has really made me question who the “Fortunate” ones are.
Avery Jones is an Arts and Science student
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