Service Learning in Guatemala: Days 4-6
Date posted on August 28, 2025
Blog written by: Christina Mines
Day 4 – Learning Through Play in San Lucas
We began the day in San Lucas at the Planting Seeds Teacher Formation Centre and Model Pre-School, a space overflowing with energy, colour, and love. The morning was spent fully immersed in play-based learning alongside children aged 4 to 6. We danced, built, read, and learned lots of Spanish — all while witnessing the incredible dedication of the educators who pour their hearts into this community.
A quote from Madeli, one of the founders of Planting Seeds, stayed with us all: “Every child should have the right to learn how to play.” This simple truth spoke volumes about dignity, joy, and justice.
In the afternoon, we took part in a hands-on chocolate-making workshop, where we learned the story of the cocoa bean — from its cultural roots to its economic significance. Our delegation even got to craft our own chocolates to take home — a sweet souvenir infused with learning and gratitude.
Day 5 – Learning, Shaking, and Holding onto Hope
Our day began in the beautiful mountainside village of Tioxya, San Martín, where we visited another Planting Seeds Pre-School. Nestled among the hills, this school serves the Indigenous families of the community, and we had the gift of spending time with the mothers, whose stories and strength deeply moved us.
Just minutes after returning to Antigua in the afternoon, Guatemala was hit by a 5.7 magnitude earthquake. Though we were shaken — both literally and emotionally — we were incredibly grateful that everyone in our group, and those we had met, were safe. Amid uncertainty, the resilience of the Guatemalan people shone even brighter.
That evening, we gathered for a debrief and reflection session with Planting Seeds leaders Mac Phillips and Shannon Moyle. We spoke about gratitude, vulnerability, and the beauty of moving forward with hope, even in the presence of aftershocks. It was a day that reminded us how interconnected we are — in fragility, in courage, and in faith.
Day 6 – Honouring the Past and Embracing Humanity
Following the previous day’s earthquake, we took the morning slowly as Guatemala recovered from the aftershocks and returned to a sense of calm. The pause gave us space to reflect and reground ourselves. Our day began by praying a Divine Mercy Chaplet for the people of Guatemala, first responders, and all those dealing with the aftermath of the earthquakes.
In the afternoon, we visited Iximche, a sacred site of ancient Mayan ruins. Walking through these historic grounds, we learned about the devastating impacts of colonization on the Mayan people — including the loss of land, language, and culture. The stories echoed painful similarities to the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and across Turtle Island.
We were humbled to witness a Mayan ritual service at one of the still-standing temples, a moment of reverence, connection, and deep spiritual beauty. As we listened and watched, we were reminded of the sacredness of heritage and the importance of embracing the full diversity of humanity. There is much to learn from the past — and even more to carry forward with humility and care.
Days 7-9
Read the conclusion of their 9-day journey.