Continuing form my last post, after going to Guatemala in May of 2016 I knew I wanted to go back. After 18 months of convincing I was able to go back but this time with my mom, my best friend Isabelle and her mom Shannon. We went in October of 2019… this was my last trip before Covid. This was probably one of the best trips I have ever taken, all four of us knew Spanish, my mom and Shannon are good friends, and I got to spend a week with my best friend. One day when we were in the village, there was a wedding, this was a pleasant surprise for us. Isabelle and I had the opportunity to read scripture at this wedding. I was scared the entire time because my Spanish is decent but when it comes to Biblical vocabulary, well you do not learn that in school. Although I mispronounced a few words it was still an amazing experience that I would not change for the world. Not only was there a wedding but also a baptism. A week before we arrived a new baby was born and we were able to experience the baptismal service. My mom was very hesitant on going to Guatemala with me, it took a lot of convincing, but now looking back on it she would not change it for the world. She fell in love with this place just like I did the first time I went.
After spending some time in the village we get to do one touristy activity. This time we decided to go to Lake Atitlán; a lake surrounded by volcanoes. On our way to this destination, we also were able to stop at Iximche Mayan Ruins. This was an awesome history lesson, it is truly amazing how the Mayans built all their buildings before any sort of modern technology. We got to stay at Lake Atitlán for 2 nights, while there I went ziplining, learned how to make coffee, learned how to weave and make yarn, and made memories.
I truly value this trip because it was one of the last times I got to adventure with my mom before going to college. I also learned so much and grew as a person, a Spanish speaker, and an ally. Seriously, go take a trip with your mom over break, even if it is just a day trip to a place you have never explored in your state
Shannon, my mom, me, and Isabelle
The wedding
The newborn baby 
Isabelle and I leading a Bible lesson
Ziplining 
Me learning how to create yarn
Isabelle and I drinking the coffee we just made… aka me pretending I like coffee
Now go take a trip with your mom!!
This was such a great blog! It sounds like you had a really great trip with your mom and your best friend as well! I love seeing all the pictures, it really helps to understand what your trip looked like! Also, props to you for reading at the wedding! That is a great accomplishment that no many can say! Lastly, the lake you visited sounds amazing!
Aww I love that you continued this portion of your blog into this week. And the pictures are so lively and fun, it makes me miss traveling… The wedding sounds so cool and like a really amazing experience. I hope you can go back one day!
I love reading about your Guatemala trip, it seemed like the best experience. The wedding and baptism sound so cute and all your pictures are super cool! It’s such a different world experience I’m definitely adding to my bucket list.