A group of travelers of all ages journeyed to the central highlands of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala to visit our partner, Community Cloud Forest Conservation (CCFC) this past June. From June 12-23, they met indigenous Q'eqchi' Maya young women who are transforming their communities through agroecology education. 

The trip was led by Pastor May Beeken, an ELCA pastor in Peoria, Illinois and former LPGM board member, current committee member, and LPGM traveler.  

Much of the trip was spent participating in experiential learning at CCFC and in surrounding villages. Travelers took walking tours of campus, learned about CCFC's programs, interacted with local students attending the Kids & Birds program, planted trees, visited local villages, and attended worship. 

One traveler noted, "Rob was very happy to share his knowledge at all times, especially during long car trips. Both Tara and Rob were very easy to approach with questions and concerns. The Women in Agroecology for Leadership Conservation (WALC) interns were always happy and willing to share their stories. You could see they truly cared about educating people."   

Most meals were vegetarian and prepared by Advanced WALC interns, who are alumni of the WALC program and now work for CCFC while they attend college. Travelers dined on locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, fresh-baked bread, local coffee, and plenty of black beans, tortillas, and salsa! 

A traveler shared, "I was really surprised I liked the food as much as I did since I'm not a big vegetable eater." 

Throughout the trip, the group unraveled unravel complex issues related to climate change and the environment, spirituality and religion, education, empowering girls and women, and building community.   

The group especially appreciated hearing personal stories and learning directly from those serving within the community.   

"[I enjoyed] getting to hear the origin stories of the WALC interns [and spending] quiet time in nature," noted a traveler.  

Travelers described the trip as eye-opening, educational, and personally meaningful. Many travelers left the experience with a deeper awareness of poverty, inequality, and the daily realities faced by Guatemalan families and communities. Travelers also reported gaining new perspectives and experiencing significant personal reflection.  

One traveler reflected, "It opened my eyes up to the struggles of the people to just survive. I was also shocked at how far people walk to get to work or school.”