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| Youth Delegation Prepares for Guatemala Trip ...our 5th delegation to TNII |  |
I am so impressed! I am fortunate to say that I attended one of the many meetings attended by some of St Joan’s greatest assets. These assets are young people who are willing to prepare, learn and share their time and talents with others. This delegation will be traveling to Guatemala to visit not only our sister parish, Terra Nueva Dos but also to areas surrounding it. I am proud to have met them.
For many this will be the first time out of the United States and away from their families. The delegation will move about in a country that they have never visited. Perhaps, that is not quite correct… These folks have been studying about Guatemala for many months now.
First all of these people were willing to apply in writing for the privilege to participate in this journey. They committed themselves to attend bi-monthly classes for five months that ran two hours each. Each participant had a workbook that helped prepare him or her for this trip. Learning information on the belief system, customs, costumes, and diet of the people of Guatemala was imperative. Weather and geography were studied also. Fortunately, one of the leaders has been to Guatemala a few times which helped the others learn the subtle nuances of respect for people different from them. Studying not only at these meetings, but also at home helped each person ready him/herself for the road ahead. Sharing is a big part of these meetings. Different views of what they were learning were talked about, so the base knowledge of all expanded.
All shared their biggest joy and a fear or low point since the previous time of their fellowship. Just the high and the low. Not too much time to shine or complain, but enough time to share a piece of themselves with their newfound traveling companions. I found many differences in them all, yet everyone accepted each other, without judgment. I love it when people are open to new experiences. These people were comfortable just smiling and saying hello to a “stranger” and eventually becoming friends. This group did become friends. That is very important since these folks will be spending 10 days together and in small quarters at times. Oh yeah, they had to get to know one another. I say what fun, others are not so sure they would be willing to travel with people they have never traveled with before.
I am singing the praises of St Joan’s Youth Delegation that will be departing Mpls/St Paul International on Friday June 14 and returning Monday June 24. They will be visiting Tierra Nueva ll on Saturday and Sunday. Monday will take them to ruins, Lake Atitlan(right), and finally a stay in San Lucas for an overnight. Tuesday they will tour San Lucas, ferry to Santiago to visit Fr. Stanley Rother’s grave(Details on Fr. Rother) and visit with others overnight. Wednesday it is back to San Lucas and on to Chichicastengo to visit the Ruth and Naomi Cooperative, Mayan/Catholic churches and the markets.
Thursday is a humdinger of a day. The delegation is scheduled to market at Chichicastengo, visit Compassion International-Yoselin National Palace, the Square, CERG-Human Rights Organization, the Office of Archbishop, museums and stay at Tierra Nueva ll. Friday is a time to reflect and sight see. What an ambitious itinerary! Since the delegation is between the ages of 14 and 18, I think they can do it. Armed with newfound knowledge and openness this trip will be a thunderous success for all.
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