A La Montaña, A Xela y A la Vuelta

My last few weeks in Guatemala were far more focussed and profound than my first few weeks. My relationship with my host madre, Maria Teresa, deepened into a life-long friendship, I spent a week in the Mountain School - a language school affiliate outside of Xela - where I had the opportunity to reflect on some of the harsh realities of rural poverty in Guatemala and the reason why I came to this country in the first place, upon my return home to the D.C. area, I continue to process the meaning of this experience as I move forward towards my future as a social worker and, above all, as a member of our global community. 

A LA MONTAÑA...

The Mountain School - A beautiful community of maestros (teachers), staff and students.  Just over an hour from the city of Xela, this language school affiliate of PLQ introduced me to a completely different side of life and allowed me ample time to reflect on my reasons for coming to Guatemala. 

Sra. Teresa and two of her five children, Luis and Roxanne. During my week at the Mountain School, I shared all my meals with this beautiful family, whose strength in the face of adversity was, for me, a true privilege to witness. They are not unlike many of the families who live in their community, making ends meet despite limited employment opportunities. For many families, hosting international students from the Mountain School (usually every four weeks, as they receive this work on a rotating basis) is one of their principal, if not their only, sources of income. Other income sources are less reliable and less justly compensated. For example, every morning at 4 AM, many of the men in the village go seek work as day laborers on neighboring coffee fincas, but work isn't guaranteed and, when found, is compensated with the equivalent of $3/day.  More about the communities surrounding the Mountain School and the programs the Mountain School has started to support these communities can be found by clicking here.

Luis and Roxanne, full of joy, friendship and affection. 

 A XELA...

Back in Xela - my first Maestra - Rosario.

Mi Maestra favorita, Vilma (center), along with two of her other former students - Cheryl (left) and Anna (right). She generously had all of us over for dinner at her apartment during my last week. Vilma has been teaching at PLQ since the school's founding and, over 20 years later at 64 years of age, continues to be exceedingly passionate and energized about her work. Her lessons, both in life and in Spanish, will stick with me.  

Lili, una Maestra, and Dennis, un amigo. Lili is the youngest of the maestros and one of the sweetest individuals I have ever met. She is hoping to visit the USA in the near future and will have eager hosts in many former students, myself included! 

My second Maestra, Paty (left), and her sister, another Maestra, Teresa.  

Sonia, my Maestra during my last week in Xela, one of the most elegant woman I have ever encountered.  Like Vilma, she also has been with the school since it's founding. We had a great deal in common due to her previous career in social work and spoke at length regarding her prior job with an initiative to bring an adapted education program to the children who work in the streets of Xela.

Three of the greatest women in the world. Mi madre, Maria Teresa, (center) and two of her best friends, Rosi (left) and Auri (right) in Parque Central on my final day in Xela.  

Maria Teresa y yo. The following morning was one of the most tearful good byes of my life. But we have already spoken over the phone and will be keeping in touch on a regular basis until my next journey South.

A LA VUELTA...

So now I am back in D.C. with my amazing parents who have supported me so much throughout this experience and throughout my life.  I already prepared a typical Guatemalan meal for them.   

Memories and stories keep surfacing from these past 9 weeks, and I hope to eventually share them with you in person as I dig my roots back into U.S. soil. 

My next steps? I am currently working on social work grad school applications, determined now more than ever to work in partnership with la gente inmigratoria. In the meantime, I am scouting out work/volunteer opportunities in the D.C. area to continue my engagement with the movement for immigrant rights. 

Also in the meantime, I would love to hear from you - updates on your life, how you have been and any words of wisdom you may have. Thank you for keeping up in touch with me, for your support and for your friendship. 

Un abrazo fuerte, Julita