Thursday Aug 13th

I awoke to the sound of roosters and someone chopping wood. Erica lay asleep next to me and i thought about all that i had just experienced. I had never been happier than to spend a day as a part of a Mayan family, and i am so greatful for that opportunity. I know that all of us feel this way, because the reflections I heard on the bus the next morning were exciting and positive. We were fed by our families and then we walked to the church to take the bus to the hot springs for the day. We fit all of our native friends on two buses and we took our bus up the mountain to the hot springs resort.

There were three different pools of hot sulfer water, each less hot than the previous. We were sad that most of our Mayan families didn´t get in the water, but we understood that it is part of their culture that they don´t. They were all so happy to get a day off of work and spend it with us in this beautiful place that it made up for the fact that they weren´t swimming with us. I was really touched when my family came up to me while I was in the water and told me to come with them. I followed them up to where the food was, and they got out a bowl and filled it with a delicious rice and carrot lunch. Even though they knew that I had already eaten, they made sure that they packed food for me and i greatfully ate it (it was delicious). These families took care of us, and it felt great to know that I was part of their family for a day. I know that this is how many of us feel, based on the incredible stories I have heard from my peers.

The rest of the day was returning on the bus and saying our goodbyes, then finally checking into the hotel in Xela. Devotions was really nice because we talked a lot about how lucky we are to have all that we do, and how humbled we were by these experiences. I can´t speak for everyone, but i hope to keep in touch with the family I stayed with. I will definitely remember this forever, it has been a life changing day.
Nora Bland