Join Us On This Journey

Since visiting Unión Victoria a few weeks ago we’ve had several long conversations and many emails with friends and family. Through those conversations we have been increasingly made aware that we should make the decision to join the community. It is very exciting and scary at the same time. We really have no idea what lies ahead. Whatever it is, I am sure that we are not prepared. To be honest I don’t know how I feel about that. But that’s just the way it is. What we do know is that we have amazing friends and family that are supporting us. However difficult the next two years we know that we can always count on you for encouragement.

It comes up every time we talk about why we are here that we are not really here to “do” anything. However, the idea is not that we will be just sitting around for two years. But, that we are open to expressed needs from the community after becoming a small part of that community. We will be there as acompañantes living in the community as an encouraging presence while remaining open to possible projects that can help the community as a whole. Some of these projects may include, working with the community in their process to go organic with coffee and help them find a fair trade connection, working to diversify into fruit tree crops and forest, upkeep and repairs of fuel-efficient stoves built about 3 years ago and investigating if the community is interested in Bio-sand water filters for home use. (Instead of boiling as they presently have to do.) Our overall goal is to support this newly formed community as they continue to rebuild following over 30 years of armed conflict in Guatemala.

Finally, I hope that we can learn together about this country, its people and the struggles they face. Support us by searching out news from Central America, reading about its history, and learning how our lives are already very connected with theirs. (We have a few suggestions in the links/ suggested reading sections of this page) As many of you already know there are more than two sides to (and reasons behind) our countries current immigration debate. It’s time for honest perspectives and fresh ideas. It only makes sense that after so many years of profits leaving a county, eventually the people will follow. Contrary to what some would have us believe the vast majority of the people we have met here are working hard within there own communities towards a better future. Our hope is that through solidarity that future can be achieved. We ask you to join us on this pilgrimage of awareness.