By Samantha Hansen
While El Volcán de Fuego brought into question the possibility of our trip, I am beyond excited to say our trip was completely unaffected. While in Chichicastenango, we visited markets, practiced haggling, and met many people making a living selling their handiwork, or more accurately, art.
Our mission was to teach English to the children of the John Wesley School in Santa Cruz del Quiché. We ran our English Camp in Lemoa where 4th through 9th graders came and practiced with us every day for a week. Between classes, we visited the Mayan Ruins, the John Wesley School, the nutrition center, and two American women, Sister Connie and Sister Helen, who had served in Guatemala for many years.
During class, we taught the kids through immersion, meaning we spoke almost exclusively in English around them. The kids plowed through units faster than we could've imagined. We taught a wide range of things, including colors, family members, weather, and foods.
This was important because education is not something these kids can, or ever would, take for granted. Education is a privilege, not a right, yet in America we fail to comprehend that. Giving these kids an opportunity at an education in a second language is extremely important, and a significant add on to a limited education system.
We all felt blessed to be there, and many of us are already making plans to go back again next summer. It feels good to make a difference, especially if it means serving the Lord as well.
While El Volcán de Fuego brought into question the possibility of our trip, I am beyond excited to say our trip was completely unaffected. While in Chichicastenango, we visited markets, practiced haggling, and met many people making a living selling their handiwork, or more accurately, art.
Our mission was to teach English to the children of the John Wesley School in Santa Cruz del Quiché. We ran our English Camp in Lemoa where 4th through 9th graders came and practiced with us every day for a week. Between classes, we visited the Mayan Ruins, the John Wesley School, the nutrition center, and two American women, Sister Connie and Sister Helen, who had served in Guatemala for many years.
During class, we taught the kids through immersion, meaning we spoke almost exclusively in English around them. The kids plowed through units faster than we could've imagined. We taught a wide range of things, including colors, family members, weather, and foods.
This was important because education is not something these kids can, or ever would, take for granted. Education is a privilege, not a right, yet in America we fail to comprehend that. Giving these kids an opportunity at an education in a second language is extremely important, and a significant add on to a limited education system.
We all felt blessed to be there, and many of us are already making plans to go back again next summer. It feels good to make a difference, especially if it means serving the Lord as well.
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