My 7 Day Family

Our final day was spent in Antigua. We got the entire day to explore the small town and all the beauty it had to offer. We strolled through the ruins of the city that had been there since the 1500’s. The buildings were so detailed and beautiful despite their crumbling pieces. It was amazing to see all the culture and learn about the history of the people we were serving. Later, we walked the cobblestone streets lined with blue, orange, and pink walls and bright little side shops. The people of Guatemala are so talented when it comes to sowing, painting, and constructing. Each store was filled with beautifully crafted goods that were screaming with color. Besides the arts, Guatemala is known for its coffee and chocolate (two things I can totally get behind). We went to a chocolate making store and got to try all their free samples of freshly made choco. I thought nothing would top that, but then we went to a cafe and had some of the best coffee I have ever had.... I bought an entire bag of beans. We finished our day at a rooftop bar called Guatemala Brewing Company. As a lover of craft beers, I had been looking forward to this all day. As we sat on the roof top over looking the mountains and the Antigua volcano, Fuego, I couldn’t help but smile. All my peers and professors were laughing and joking with each other under twinkling patio lights. The whole scene warmed my heart. Here were a bunch of people that barely knew each other who came together with a mission. And now, a short 7 days later, we laughed like a family on our annual vacation. It is amazing what service can do. I know I have spoke of its impact on others and on yourself, but it is also amazing what it can do to a group of people. When everyone comes together with the same goals and same positive attitude, bonding is almost instantaneous. Some of my closest bonds in this life have been formed around service work and the heart for helping others. I cherish my church family in a deep place of my heart for reasons I’m not sure of... But as I sat in that scene, I knew I cherished these folks from the same place. Later that night, we continued to drink and laugh and, eventually, dance. Our professors got up on the stage and sang along to the songs with us. We all made fun of each other’s dance moves and encouraged each other to get involved. The room felt warm and full like a wedding reception. Eventually we were the only ones in the entire bar (it was a Monday after all), and we decided to head home. We continued to dance and sing down the streets of Antigua, and I knew I would remember this moment forever. I’m not sure if watching my professor’s do the sprinkler, dance to “Get Low”, or the actual feeling of the moment will be stronger, but I don’t really care. I have seen the miracles of service work over and over again in my life and this trip was no different. In only 7 days I had opened my heart in a million different ways and even formed a family.