Hello blog readers, Whitney and Lillie checking in on our last night in Xela. Today was our final day of classes and we had a party and a lovely goodbye ceremony with our teachers and staff of Casa Xelaju. It was also JaimeĀ“s, one of the office workers, birthday so we had cake (!!!) and tostadas. They were both delicious and many of us went back for thirds (weĀ“ll admit it-fourths). It was a sad goodbye, as many of us formed good connections with our teachers, but weĀ“re all ready to move onto the next adventure. Hannah made a poster with photos of all of us and our teachers as a goodbye gift to the school, and they gave us all letters with our names and decorations. All of us learned so much with the three weeks of school here, and are really appreciative towards what the school has provided. We leave with improved Spanish and high hopes of returning one day. We wonĀ“t say ĀØadiosĀØ to the city, but ĀØhasta luegoĀØ(see you later).
This afternoon we had our group transitions meeting at Adam and Allisons apartment. Every time we move onto new destinations, we discuss how our time was spent, what we expect for what lies ahead, how weĀ“re feeling in the present, and our dynamics as a whole. We call these meetings ĀØfour point compassĀØ and they always relieve us of our nerves, make us concentrate on how weĀ“re feeling, and pump us up for the upcoming destinations.
Yesterday was the half way mark of the trip-41 days has never gone by so fast. WeĀ“ve officially entered the second semester of the trip, which is crazy to think about. Tomorrow at 6:00 AM we head off on our three day TREK through the jungle to Lake Atkilan, San Marcos. WEĀ“RE SO EXCITED!!! There are some avid backpackers and some newbies within the group so its going to be an enjoyed experience by all. We will arrive in San Marcos to endulge ourselves in a spiritual retreat where we will studying mind body and soul excersises such as yoga and meditation.
WeĀ“re very grateful for being in such a comfortable setting as our longest time without moving but are also excited to move on.
Let the countdown begin.
GO GIANTS!!!!!!!
Your CA girls,
Lillie and Whitney
