Day 2: Unexpected Twists and Turns

 

Franco: We safely landed in Guatemala today at 2:30 in the morning. After an exhausting delay we patiently waited for our luggage. Unfortunately, my luggage was left in Houston, Texas. We arrived to our hotel at 4:30 am and hoped my bag would arrive by 10 am on the following flight so we could head out to Sibinal. It did not. Our unexpected twist has put us one day behind schedule; however, our team's spirit helped push me through the anxiety of not knowing if my bag would arrive today. Thankfully, my bag finally arrived tonight at 11:30 pm. Hence, the super annoying picture of my happy face. What a relief it was to have my work gear and clothes needed to compete our humanitarian efforts. It's important to share that in the last two years I've come out to Guatemala alone. I'm filled with an abundant amount of gratitude I was with a group of supportive teammates who helped keep me motivated and had faith that my bag would arrive tonight. It's amazing how a negative situation brought us together in a positive way. 

Today, we used our unexpected day off to our advantage and bought $500 worth of Christmas gifts for children collected by Olivia Deeken from her Christmas cards sale. Tomorrow, as we make our way up the mountains toward Sibinal, San Marcos, we will make several stops and hand out these gifts to children standing on the side of the road hoping for a Christmas gift. Below, you can see us shopping for cookies, fortified milk and flour, socks, shirts, blankets, toys, candy, play doh, and shoes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emily: Wow!! What an adventure these last few days have been so far. There were multiple complications with the airlines resulting in a lost of luggage for one of our teammates. We are delayed a couple days due to that and are in the city for a little longer. however, that did allow us to have extra rest and preparation for the work that's about to come.

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow we are heading to tecpan for round one to hand these gifts out for the children up in the mountain (thanks to your donations!). I'm excited to share our experiences! More info to come! Besos, Emily!