(Jodi) About Last Night

Last night our Vision Team got together to start brainstorming ideas for our team led activities in Guatemala. There were so many great ideas and creative ways to introduce the students to us and our lives in Minnesota. We wanted the activities to be fun, interesting and a new experience for student aged kids. We're focusing on 3 ideas: Letters from a Minnesota 3rd Grade Class, a Scavenger Hunt that involves beads and making really cool jewelry and finally a highly spirited wiffle ball game. We're really excited and hope these ideas will come to life as we have envisioned.

We were recently introduced again to the daily activities that we will be involved in. Each day will include 2, 4 hour sessions. We'll sign up for those activities when we get there but to give an idea: construction, warehouse work, a day in the life activities, our team led activities and much more. I personally can't wait to sign up for the day in the life because that involves shadowing a local person and doing what they do! It's a great way to totally immerse oneself in the culture and understand what life is like.

I have been thinking a lot about what it might be like to be a woman in Guatemala. Obviously I know what my role is in American society, and I'm betting the role my female counterpart plays in Guatemala won't be that much different. Women represent many things and play many roles in society but we are mostly gatherers (not hunters) and nurturers for the family unit. I can't wait to put my theory to the test and make a real-life connection with one of my Guatemalan sisters.

(Jodi) Book'em Danno

Confirmed our flight reservations for the trip. This step has solidified our trip and I couldn't be more thrilled! On Sunday, March 25, the vision team will be boarding our plane at 5:55am. Our first stop will be Miami and then it's on to Guatemala City. We'll be landing at 1:35pm. We'll be greeted by Common Hope and our work will begin. How is it that I am so fortunate?

(Sara) The Heart of the Hope

This morning, I was tasked with heading over to the Common Hope offices to pick up textiles, artifacts and pictures that our team can use to stage our educational lounge area at the Best Buy Hidden Talents Art Show & Auction. We're lucky enough to be included in one of the most iconic events at Best Buy's headquarters; auction winners have the option to choose that their donation go toward our Common Hope trip.

The Common Hope offices are located in one of the warehouse districts of St. Paul; not exactly what I was expecting! Situated behind a large warehouse, up three flights of wooden steps and through a beige hallway, I entered their headquarters. It doesn't necessarily look like much...tan cubicles, just like any other office. But it practically radiates with warmth - due entirely to the fantastic people who work there. The receptionist greeted me enthusiastically by name. Our team coordinator, Brianna, introduced me to everyone who walked by us in the storage room - and each of them shook my hand, again enthusiastically.

I walked out of the Common Hope offices with two armloads of beautiful items direct from Guatemala; pieces that I know will help inspire the Hidden Talents Art Show winners to consider Common Hope as the recipient of their donations. Even more, I walked out with an appreciation of all the people who work tirelessly on behalf of this organization, day in and day out all year long. They really are the heart of the hope that is fueling change in Guatemala.