Hola from Guatemala! 

We had one of the most interesting and exciting days today that I have ever had.  This morning we left for an Aldea in a Toyota from 1970. It rained the whole way there, which made us all increasingly nervous as we made our way up a "road" leading into the mountains. 

Once we got to the Aldea, we unloaded the water filters and an eager group of people carried them even further up into the misty hills. We followed their lead and began climbing as well. Before long, we could hear the sound of welcoming music and their community church and gathering area came into view. 

The people at the Aldea spoke their own language, but they still showed us so much gratitude for the water filters. I hope that we were able to show them the same gratitude and respect for the hospitality that they showed us. 

After an afternoon of music, laughs, and soup and tortillas for lunch, we were on our way back to Coban.  We all experienced a certain level of anxiety as we piled back into the Toyota in the relentless rain. The drive up was treacherous, and no doubt the way down would be the same. The landscape was so beautiful and foreign to us, but I personally couldn't take my eyes off of the very large and nerve-wracking cliffs that we were hugging by a dangerously close margin. 

Matt did an absolutely incredible job getting us all down safely, and for that I am truly thankful.  It was a beautiful day in Guatemala and I am anxious to see what the next few days will bring.

                                                               - Katie