GCC Guatemala service learning trip rescheduled for December

IRONWOOD - The third annual Gogebic Community College service learning trip to Guatemala, originally scheduled for this week, has been tentatively rescheduled to leave on Dec. 12, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The trip, in conjunction with Pura Vida Ministries, is an opportunity for students and members of the community to experience Mayan culture, while helping to build a cinder-block house for a Guatemalan family in need, according to Janie Williams, GCC's service learning trip coordinator.

"It's kind of a special experience for the team members to be able to do that because it's not your typical tourist kind of activity," said Williams.

In past years, participants have been able to see Mayan ruins, visit Antigua, which is a World Heritage Site, and hike a volcano; but the main purpose of the trip is to interact with the Guatemalan people.

"The real focus of the trip is to build a home and to build relationships with the people while we're there," Williams said.

The trip organizers have held several fundraisers to support their efforts, including the cost of building supplies. According to Williams, the funds that were raised for the May trip have already been sent ahead so that the construction of the home can commence even if the students are unable to make it.

Originally, 15 people were scheduled to go on the May trip, but Williams said it is looking like it will be a smaller group of nine or 10 people because of the date change.

For more information on the December trip, contact Williams via email at [email protected].