W. Edgett Hilimire

Remembering Andres, Upavim, the Volcano, and Coffee Beans

I enjoyed our group’s chat with Andres, a Guatemalan whom we met at San Lucas. We met Andres at his house in San Lucas and sat in his living room while he told us about the civil war [1960-1996] and his life on a finca [plantation]. Andres opened my eyes to the suffering of the people of Guatemala and to how much the work we do there helps them. Another heart-warming moment was our visit to Upavim [a women’s self-help cooperative], where the women leaders said that volunteer helpers from the United States had motivated her to do better for her people.

Our first activity as a group was climbing a volcano. This was a very difficult hike up a very steep mountain. When we reached the top, we had a Mayan ceremony with fire and candles. We had a chance to learn about and take part in traditional Mayan customs. It was also our first activity as a group, and we felt a sense of group accomplishment when we reached the top.

Sorting coffee beans at San Lucas was fun. We all sat around a table, listened to music, and chatted, while sorting beans. It was amazing how the group’s companionship and the knowledge that we were helping people made the otherwise boring and mindless task of sorting beans really fun and enjoyable.

Memories of Guatemala

Leah Spalding

Allie Grady

Samantha Pitkin

W. Edgett Hilimire

Sam Morse

Patrick Hawkins

Wyatt Good

Photo Gallery

Lasting images from the 2008 trip to the Guatemalan Highlands by St. Martin’s teen and adult parishioners.