04/18/2026
Thank you to all those who donated to make this field trip possible!
As we commented in earlier posts, we try to make at least one group field trip every year to give our kids the chance to see parts of their beautiful country, learn about the cultures, and see the beauty of the Lord's creation!
This year, thanks to our kind-hearted donors, we were able to take them to Lake Atitlan, a large lake surrounded by volcanoes and small towns or villages full of color and culture. It's located west of the capital city, about a 7-8 hour drive from our home.
A few things the kids were able to see and enjoy for the first time:
- The drive through the beautiful western countryside with different crops, landscapes, and active volcano views along the way.
- Seeing Lake Atitlan, a place they had only read about in school.
- Took the boat taxi for two days to explore little towns around the lake; they LOVED the boat rides.
- Visited a textile factory where they showed us how they make rolls of cotton string from scratch (the cotton balls from the trees), how they make dyes to create different colors of material, and showed the whole process from start to finish by hand; the kids were amazed.
- Did a nice hike up to a lookout spot overlooking the lake and the closest town; the scenery was unforgettable.
- Walked the streets of these towns with lots of murals, colors, and local cultural decorations.
- Visited some painters' booths to watch them paint and see their incredible artwork (we have a couple of inspiring artists in the bunch).
- Trinket shopped for souvenirs.
- Visited a honey farm to learn about bees and the whole honey-making process, and the best part, try some delicious fresh honey!
- Visited a pottery factory where they make pottery from start to finish, painting incredible designs and ending with a beautiful product; again, surprising for them to see how much work goes into it!
- Tried on traditional Mayan clothing to get the local experience.
- Had some tuctuc rides around town! Cultural FUN!
- Enjoyed time together at the camp we were blessed to stay at (SPECIAL THANKS TO THE BAPTIST CAMP FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE SERVICE AND HOSTING! 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️ Campamento Bautista y Centro de Conferencias). We were able to enjoy their ball court, playground, use the kitchen for cooking our meals, play board games, use their small pool, and enjoyed edifying devotions together each evening.
- Stopped in Antigua (very quickly) on our way home so they could see this historical city; again, a place in the history books but never experienced. Fed the pigeons, walked through Central Park, visited with local street vendors, saw the famous Arch.
- A friend in Guatemala City received us at his restaurant to treat us all to lunch on our way home! It was delicious, and our aspiring cook got a private tour of the professional kitchen and a peek inside the life of a cook!
All in all, it was a trip to remember for the kids, as well as our staff that were able to go (most had never been to the lake or Antigua themselves). They returned with full hearts, bright memories, having had many edifying conversations, and praising the Lord for the opportunity. In many prayers by the kids during the trip, thanks were given to the Lord for the generous donors who made this opportunity possible!
Thank you! These moments mean more than you know to a child with a difficult past, and it helps them to see a beam of hope and a future for them, despite the struggle! You are changing hearts! God bless you all.
