Ending Retreat in Antigua

We’ve concluded our Guatemalan experience with an overnight in Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala and a lovely, well-preserved colonial town just 45 minutes away from SEMILLA. We left for Antigua yesterday, just after centering prayer, and first went to the Capuchin Convent and learned more about the city and the convent itself. Following that hour-long guided tour, we boarded the buses again and went up to the majestic cross overlooking Antigua to take group and other photos.

We had Thursday afternoon and evening free to wander the quaint streets of Antigua in smaller groups, and to have dinner in various formations. A few students were experiencing stomach discomforts, so some simply stayed back at El Hostal rather than venture out. In the later evening, students enjoyed dancing at the hostel, playing games and talking.

This morning we had another couple of hours to wander Antigua, and then we boarded the buses to head back to the capital. Along the way, we had an excellent barbecue meal. We finished the afternoon back on campus with a bonus session with Isra Ortiz and his friend Jonny, who sang some of his original songs about justice and Guatemala. Isra had students write on the board things they will remember related to his input and facilitation of sessions on “Youth and the Fullness of Humanity.” Goodbyes for Isra were tearful since he has functioned as an important model and mentor for the students. It also made us realize that we were coming to the end of the Study-Service Theology Term experience.

This evening we had worship, with lots of singing and reflections on our learnings from the overall experience. Tomorrow (Saturday) morning we will leave for the airport around 11 a.m., board our plane at 2 p.m., and then head to Panama City and on to Chicago. We won’t get to Chicago until after midnight, and won’t make it back to Goshen until 4 or 5 a.m. Sunday. We’ll have reorientation activities Sunday afternoon and evening and then students will depart for their homes on Monday just after lunch.

This will be the last blog post from Guatemala. It’s been quite the pilgrimage. We look forward to bringing closure to these two weeks when we’re back in Goshen. Thanks for joining us on the journey.