Wow, what a full day! We just arrived back at Common Hope after spending the entire day on the go. Our group split into two smaller groups for the majority of the day, Sammie and I going to “New Hope” and the rest of the gang going to the weaving cooperative.

Sammie and I started our day at 7:00 as Lys and her driver, Julio, picked us up in their van and got us going on our journey to New Hope. New Hope, or Nueva Esperanza, is a school/clinic/library and more all wrapped into one. It’s north of Guatemala City and it is Common Hope’s second largest site (next to their main site in Antigua). They started this site after Hurricane Mitch in 1998(?) when many people near Guatemala City lost their homes due to mudslides. Since then Common Hope has developed this awesome site including a school that could rival those in many parts of the states.

Our trip to New Hope involved very heavy traffic through Guatemala City, a stop at the Auto Mac (McDonald’s drive thru for those of you who have never been to Central America), and a very precarious mountain road – no pavement, lots of twists and turns, honks around corners to make sure the other drivers knew you were coming, and more. It was great fun and all part of the adventure!

After arriving at New Hope Lys gave us a general tour of the New Hope facilities and introduced us to many of her friends. We got lots of welcomes and hugs from both the children and the staff. Right away we could tell that this was a very special place. The crown jewel of the day was the project we did with the 2nd grade class. It was a simple arts and crafts project involving paper plates and foam sheets, but the kids loved it. Sammie and I dug right in doing our own fish and helping the kids. The children were great. It was obvious that they are smart and well cared for. All of them wanted to know how to say their name in English. It was cute. I wish we could’ve stayed longer or come back multiple days.

Unfortunately our time at New Hope ended too quickly and we were back on our way to Common Hope. Sammie and I both got a little shut eye before meeting the rest of the gang of a super lunch in the back garden of this nice little restaurant. Sammie ordered a mixed meat, cheese and veggie tray while I ordered some typical kind of chicken in a cheesy, creamy sauce. It rocked. For dessert Sammie and I shared a piece of chocolate cake, plum ice cream and a café con leche. As the Wiggles say, Yummy Yummy!

To wrap up a super fun day, we enjoyed a tour back at Common Hope, did some planning for our educational experiences, and chilled out. Sammie and I played some soccer – of course she beat me. The night ended with another terrific meal in Antigua followed by some strolling in the plaza. There was a salsa band playing and many people milling slowly around the plaza. Sammie and I both agree that we could spend a part of each day just sitting in the plaza and watching the city of Antigua pass in front of our eyes.