We arrived in Panajachel today after a long, windy microbus journey from Chajul. Everyone was happy to get out of the van and into the sunny weather and fresh air on the lake. After lunch and a brief walk we took the boat to our hotel, which thoroughly impressed everyone. After eating so much corn throughout the trip, a delicious dinner that contained no traces of corn was well received by everyone as well!
The last few days in Chajul have been an incredible experience. We made progress on our service projects which included installing organic gardens for 10 families, painting the Limitless Horizons Ixil (LHI) community center and putting together school supply kits for LHI students. The Brown University group got along extremely well with the LHI students and enjoyed an afternoon of board games, sports, and a beautiful hike to a waterfall where we all swam and picnicked. Our farewell ceremony included dancing, singing and a special presentation of gifts of Chajul’s traditional head wear to all the group members.
The group was quickly immersed in Chajul’s culture through home visits with families where they learn to weave, make tortillas, and eat boxbol, the centerpiece of local cuisine. They watched a documentary about the civil war and heard a presentation from a former guerilla fighter from Chajul.
Everyone is good and we will keep you posted again soon!
Hasta luego!
Katie and Jake
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