I'm Going to Guatemala
On March 5th, I begin my journey to Guatemala. I will be spending my spring break working at Mission Guatemala to develop and plan an art therapy program for recovering drug and alcohol addicts. The journey really began last semester when I was told of the possibility and now it has lead to me actually going to Panajachel, Guatemala and doing some work.
The trip is through my school as part of the GAP program, the global assistance project. Last semester I worked with my university in the GAP program to help develop a cultural district and now I'm using my art therapy to help those suffering in Guatemala. Not only do I get to go and develop this program I'll get to see the work of so many others to build up a support system in the central highlands of Guatemala. We'll look at their nutrition program, medical clinic, and a part of my class team will be working on a micro-finance project. There's so much that can be done and needs to happen because of the political turmoil that has happened and continues to happen.
Amidst all of this planning and the journey a little bug came up, quite literally, the zika virus. Before this even became an epidemic the only worry was maybe to get pick-pocketed or not drinking unclean water, and now I've been briefed so many times on the dangers of zika and what could happen. The thing I've learned that help me know I'll more than likely be fine is that only 1 in 5 people show symptoms, the main issue is for pregnant women, and the symptoms, if they show, are usually only mild. It's not going to happen right? So I'm just being prepared, bug spray with about 25% deet and spraying a product on my clothes that will help, also avoiding shorts and short sleeves. Which makes it a little sad since it's spring break and I want to enjoy the nice weather but for the sake of my sanity, and others I'll be super protected as much as possible.
Mainly I'm excited because of all the things I will learn and experience. I'll admit to not knowing what to expect. I come from a slightly upper-middle class family. I attend a private university where we complain when they don't serve the right french fries or the wifi spazes out, but I know that seeing how so many people live will forever change the way I live. I've taken a lot for granted and what I seek the most out of this trip is a greater appreciation of what I have and what I can do to help others. Our journey to Guatemala will be a service trip to help others but that does include going to different cities and seeing all the many ways this area needs help. So I'll kind of be a tourist some of the time and on the way to the airport on our way home we'll get to see some Mayan ruins; history, art, and service all in one. How bout that?
I can't wait to begin this journey to this small country with so much history and culture. I'm looking forward to learning a little Spanish and trying out as many new things as I can. I'd appreciate advice, thoughts, prayers, and for those who see me to ask me about it at any time. I really like talking about this trip and am sure I'll talk about it for the rest of my life.
Bise Bise,
Patilyn
The trip is through my school as part of the GAP program, the global assistance project. Last semester I worked with my university in the GAP program to help develop a cultural district and now I'm using my art therapy to help those suffering in Guatemala. Not only do I get to go and develop this program I'll get to see the work of so many others to build up a support system in the central highlands of Guatemala. We'll look at their nutrition program, medical clinic, and a part of my class team will be working on a micro-finance project. There's so much that can be done and needs to happen because of the political turmoil that has happened and continues to happen.
Amidst all of this planning and the journey a little bug came up, quite literally, the zika virus. Before this even became an epidemic the only worry was maybe to get pick-pocketed or not drinking unclean water, and now I've been briefed so many times on the dangers of zika and what could happen. The thing I've learned that help me know I'll more than likely be fine is that only 1 in 5 people show symptoms, the main issue is for pregnant women, and the symptoms, if they show, are usually only mild. It's not going to happen right? So I'm just being prepared, bug spray with about 25% deet and spraying a product on my clothes that will help, also avoiding shorts and short sleeves. Which makes it a little sad since it's spring break and I want to enjoy the nice weather but for the sake of my sanity, and others I'll be super protected as much as possible.
Mainly I'm excited because of all the things I will learn and experience. I'll admit to not knowing what to expect. I come from a slightly upper-middle class family. I attend a private university where we complain when they don't serve the right french fries or the wifi spazes out, but I know that seeing how so many people live will forever change the way I live. I've taken a lot for granted and what I seek the most out of this trip is a greater appreciation of what I have and what I can do to help others. Our journey to Guatemala will be a service trip to help others but that does include going to different cities and seeing all the many ways this area needs help. So I'll kind of be a tourist some of the time and on the way to the airport on our way home we'll get to see some Mayan ruins; history, art, and service all in one. How bout that?
I can't wait to begin this journey to this small country with so much history and culture. I'm looking forward to learning a little Spanish and trying out as many new things as I can. I'd appreciate advice, thoughts, prayers, and for those who see me to ask me about it at any time. I really like talking about this trip and am sure I'll talk about it for the rest of my life.
Bise Bise,
Patilyn
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