Editor’s note: Today we are offering our dear readers a reward for their loyalty – two blog entries for the price of one. The first is from 1/C Olivia Coffren. The second is from 2/C Nicholas Paolini.

Blog Post # 1 – Olivia Coffren

At the start of the day, my group headed back to Santa María de Jesús to continue our work at the school. After hopping off the chicken bus, we walked through the local market toward the site, which might have been one of my favorite parts of the morning. The view of the volcano was absolutely unreal, and there were no clouds blocking it today. Along the way, we saw so many elements of Mayan culture represented throughout the district—from the clothing, to the murals on the walls, to the everyday life unfolding around us.

Once we arrived at the school, we jumped right back into painting the outside of the classrooms. The guys tackled most of the walls and ceilings, while I focused on cutting in all the door frames and windows. It was a lot of detail work, but it felt good knowing everything was coming together and looking cleaner and brighter by the hour.

Later in the day, we got a chance to take a break from painting to play soccer with the ninth graders, which was such a fun change of pace. After that, we helped out in the classrooms with the younger kids. Their energy was contagious and definitely made the workday even better, they were endlessly thankful for the work we have been doing in the school and made the day feel rewarding. 

In the afternoon, we had our final Spanish class.  My teacher and I teamed up with Tyler and his teacher to play a few games, and then we all came together for a group activity that included charades and telephone. It was a great way to wrap everything up. At the end of class, we received our certificates for completing the Spanish course and gave gifts to our instructors.  I now confidently know about five Spanish words (give or take), so I’d call that a win!

To finish off the day, we had a big group dinner with all of our mentors as a thank-you before our final workday. It was really nice to sit down together, reflect on everything we’ve done, and just enjoy each other’s company. Overall, it was a full, meaningful, and really memorable day.

Blog Post # 2 -Nick Paolini

I jumped out of bed to find no one from the group around. At first, I thought Captain Lennon was going to have it out for me, but my nerves calmed once I checked the time. I poured myself a cup of coffee in the hostel kitchen, heated up some pastries I’d bought the night before, and threw on Buffalo Traffic Jam. Stepping outside, I spotted four familiar faces, and, after breakfast, we headed back to San Antonio to finish our painting project.

Over the past week, we’ve been repainting a classroom, doing masonry work, and laying new tile. Tyler, Ivy, and I handled the painting while Andy and Ryan worked upstairs. Around 1000, we took a break and walked down to the town square for a meal at a chicken shop. 

To our surprise, Professor Cadwalader and Captain Lennon showed up in San Antonio later that morning, and we hitched a ride back with them. I threw on my usual folk music and let the wind hit my face as I soaked in the last few days of Guatemala. When we arrived at Violetta’s, I demolished a plate of guacamole, chicken, and mashed potatoes before heading to the rooftop for our usual coffee and tanning session with Pierce.

Our final Spanish class of this trip began at 1330. It was bittersweet. The group walked about 15 minutes to a garden, and I enjoyed a “Spanglish” conversation with my teacher along the way. We spent the first hour playing Spanish Scrabble, then exchanged small gifts we’d prepared for each other. I indulged in a few slices of Domino’s pizza and even joined in some salsa dancing to celebrate the end of the course.

Something I ate during the day did not sit well with me, so I took a nap before our final family dinner at 1900. That meal was when everything truly sank in – the laughter with mentors, a few friendly jabs among the guys, and the trading of more Guatemalan gifts. At the start of this trip, one of our mentors, Tanya, gave each of us a bracelet. In the local tradition, you tie it three times and make a wish with each knot. At first, I thought it was corny, but I made three wishes anyway:

1. A safe trip

2. The chance to enjoy amazing food

3. To grow closer with my shipmates

Looking back, I realized those wishes came true.

I’ve lived by a quote for years: “Pressure is a privilege.” These past few weeks reminded me what that really means, that feeling stressed and challenged is a blessing. It’s an opportunity for growth. This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that changed how I view both myself and the world around me. So, if anyone ever offers you the chance to travel somewhere new… you better take that trip.

Landscape mural near the community center in San Antonio.

Final team dinner at Saberico Cafe.