A few months ago I embarked on a week long service trip to San Lucas with a group of 14 other women from Rockhurst University. I was hesitant and didn't know what to expect (no one really did because we had no itinerary other than our flight times). Before leaving Kansas City, I was in the midst of applying for a variety of volunteering opportunities. Little did I know, that the people of San Lucas and the Mission itself would capture my heart and eventually redirect my post-grad plans. After a week's worth of soaking up the vibrant culture and making incredible friendships, we were having our last group reflection before our departure. It was that night that I allowed myself to consider the possibility of applying to be a long-term volunteer with the Mission after graduation. With encouragement from my group, I applied the night I got back to Kansas City.
After being accepted to two of the programs I had applied to prior to our mission trip, I was also accepted to work with the San Lucas Mission. I had weighed my options even before I was accepted. I knew that if given the opportunity to return to Guatemala, it was a chance I could not pass up. The morning of my acceptance to San Lucas, I responded to the director Katie's email immediately and said I would absolutely accept my position as a long-term volunteer with the Mission.
It's hard to fathom that I will be leaving 44 days from today. I will be arriving in Guatemala City on August 9th, starting language school on August 11th in a city called Xela, and then beginning my time as a volunteer in San Lucas on September 15th. I'm no stranger to traveling, and I'm all too aware of how quickly time passes when you're anxiously awaiting for something. That being said, I made this blog as a way to keep everyone from home updated with stories and pictures. So far I'm playing most of this by ear, I don't know my internet situation or if I'm even taking my computer. I'll keep you posted as I figure it out. Planning is not my strong suit and if you know me well, you probably are shaking your head as you read this. It'll all work out though, no worries. That's just how it goes, so have some patience with me please and I'll do my best to keep everyone in the loop. Thank you for all the love and support.
Peace
Alex
Alex