Cuando en Guatemala

It has been almost two weeks since arriving back in the States from Guatemala.  I was there on a trip with Pine Cove Christian camps and we were partnering with locals to do some sessions of camp. 

The Capital building, Guatemala City

     We arrived in Guatemala City on January 3rd, so we just missed New Years but it was all still decorated for the holidays-- lots of lights, Christmas trees, and tool.  The downtown area reminded me of the feel of Little Italy or Chinatown in NYC. It was smaller than Manhatten but still very city-like. There were parks and historical buildings strewn through the city as well which were like a fun little surprise of scenery every once in a while. We got to see the capital building and a church in the central square. Both were beautiful architecturally.   And the fact that all this was surrounded by mountains and even volcanoes in the distance made it seem so surreal. Nature met civilization so abruptly and they became one. 

The market in Antigua



 In Antigua the streets were cobblestone and there are stict regulations for building codes and so forth because they want to preserve the town and the culture. Here there were also parks and churches along the way. We also went to the markets and it was so fun to see all the stunning pieces of craftsmanship. I bought several vibrant headbands, a nativity scene for my mom, and a woven journal. There was so much more there though. from blankets, jewelry and backpacks to Messi soccer jerseys and machetes. That's not even the half  of it either. 

     One more place that we got to see was the black sand beach near the Sipacate Naranjo National Park. As you drive from Guatemala City our ears popped because of the difference in elevation. We got to the beach and watched the sunrise and rode the waves. It was absolutely breath-taking. 

There was a lot we didn't get to do while I'm Guatemala like hike a volcano or waterfalls but our reason for being there was to spread the gospel at a camp for kids. But I will most definitely be returning though to this gorgeous and diverse country with some of the most hospitable people I know. 

Hoping you get to visit as well!

Karsyn Penelope 

For more on the trip check out Oh Life at lifeisaknocking.blogspot.com