Gracias a Guatemala!

To start off your day, here is a picture of me hanging out with the Santa Catalina  Arch.
I'm gonna miss this lovely landmark. 

Only 120 hours left in until we depart the Land of Eternal Spring. Wow, 4 months abroad will teach you invaluable life lessons. Like always bring toilet paper with you wherever you go. Or Crocs will save you from breaking an ankle on cobblestone streets.

But in all seriousness, the culture and people of Guatemala have taught me so much about humanity and my respective place in the contemporary world (the SAU concept would be proud). I have learned that people in poverty are some the most talented, resourceful, and joyful people I have ever met. I have learned that it gets easier and easier to engage with a culture the longer you are there. I have learned that every place in the world, while scared by tragedy or atrocity, is marked by natural beauty too.

While I am ready to embrace this next chapter of my life, I am having a tough time letting go of this one. This experience was so rich and beautiful, that I know that resulting reverse culture shock will be just a little difficult.

If I could encourage every college student to study abroad, I would. It is an invaluable experience that allows for personal growth and development, stretching, bending, and breaking comfort zones, and making you all that more knowledgeable, open minded, and marketable. You cannot really put a price tag on a cross cultural experience, but ignorance can become quite expensive and keep you stuck in a cycle of poverty.

Thank you Guatemala for literally changing my life!

Hasta Luego!

I’ll Have a Volcanic Crater with Water, Thanks!

Hanging out with the ladies.

My sincere apologies to the few faithful readers I have! After my last post, my computer battery conveniently stopped charging. Not to mention the massive amount of hours involved in finding a job, planning for graduate school, wrapping up your final semester of undergrad, and brainstorming how you can make your dreams of becoming a bestselling author come true. Ergo (I have always wanted to use that word) it has been a tad difficult to blog. 

• So let me tell you a little about my life as of late. 
• Aaron and I have been visiting other nonprofits and NGOs in the Antigua area. Including Namaste Guatemaya, Common Hope, and Open Windows.
• We have about 65 hours remaining in our internships (out of 400 hours). 
• I worked for a solid day straight to get an A- on my resume according to http://rezscore.com/.
• I’ve applied for about 10 jobs in the Metro Detroit Area (fingers crossed). 
• I could eat Subway Chipotle sauce on a daily basis. Which is no good for my health or budget. 
• I have learned to tolerate black coffee thanks to Aaron daring me to take a small sip every day. 
• Zip lining. Check. 
• We went to Lake Atitlan and the Highlands last weekend!

For those of you who are unaware, Lake Atitlan is located in Guatemala and brags to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Well… it is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen

:). Created hundreds of years ago, the lake is actually a volcanic crater, beautifully positioned between 3 enormous volcanoes. We were able to tour Santiago Atitlan, Panajachel, and San Marcos, 3 tourist hotspots but super interesting nonetheless. Aside from 3 or 4 spiders I would deem “too big for comfort” sleeping in our room, the trip was beautiful. Aaron and I kayaked in the morning and he went for a swim. We explored little villages and artisans markets. 

Aaron in the hot springs. 

View of the sky in the hot springs.

Then…the hot springs. Natural pools of hot water located a good half hour drive up a foggy mountain. Seriously one of the coolest experiences! We made hand woven scarves too. 

Weaving, like a boss.

Well we leave in 20 days and I must admit I am ready for the next phase of my life to begin. Don’t get me wrong, I love Guatemala and all of my experiences here. I am just ready.

View in Panajachel.

This is Not the Ancient Civilization You Are Looking For...

Did you know that 50% of the Guatemalan population is indigenous Maya? Considering that about only 1% of the American population is American Indian, the number is quite astounding. First, a brief history lesson.

• Spanish conquistadors discovered Guatemalan Maya in the early 1500s.
• Mayas are estimated to have inhabited Guatemala since before Christ. 
• The Maya had ear gauges (true story). See below.

• The Maya had a system of hieroglyphic writing.
• Mayan religion featured numerous deities (polytheism).
• There are 21 Mayan languages in Guatemala.
• The Maya used a highly advanced system of mathematics, astronomy, and astrology. 
• Their culture used hundreds of different calendars for all purposes (the 2013 calendar had something to do with very advanced astrology). See below.

• Quichés and Cakchiquels are the dominate Maya groups near Antigua.
• A majority of victims during the 1960 – 1996 genocide were indigenous Maya. 
• The Maya are HIGHLY discriminated against in modern society. See below.

Due to discrimination today many Maya lack opportunities. These opportunities include quality education, understanding of nutrition, health, and wellness, jobs, and socioeconomic advancement. For example, many Maya will feed their children a harsh diet of beans, rice, tortillas, and coffee. This poor diet negatively affects physical and mental development in children. But how can this people group know? They are in poverty, lacking education, and trying to survive on what little means they have. These starchy foods are cheap and sustain life. Lack of opportunities continues to perpetuate the poverty cycle that exists amongst a majority of Mayan families.

The tiniest plane ever. I am sitting in the back.

Last Sunday we flew to Tikal in the tiniest flying bus, er, I mean plane. It was brilliant to witness the ruins of Tikal and understand the level of advancement and development the Maya had achieved prior to colonization. Only 20% of the entire complex of Mayan ruins have been excavated and restored in Tikal. The jungle surrounding Tikal literally is covering the remaining ruins.

The more I learn about Guatemala, the more I love the Land of Eternal Spring. I am (once again), very thankful to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program for funding my semester abroad. Please click on the scholarship link on the left of the page to learn more about how Gilman can help you experience studying abroad.

Muchas Gracias!

A Mayan Temple. Abandoned around 900 A.D.

The Jaguar Temple up close and personal.

Me searching for droids, battleships, and Luke Skywalker.
A scene from Star Wars was filmed in this very spot!  

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)

'Twas the Night Before Departure

“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”

–Shel Silverstein

World history trivia. Maps. National Geographic. These things that may appear boring to an average child, provided endless imaginary playgrounds, adventures, and fairytales for me. A magic carpet ride through the Taj Mahal. A tea party under the Eiffel Tower. A stroll through Machu Picchu.

As high school approached these far off fictional lands became a reality. How could I get to the Great Wall of China? When could I see the pyramids of Egypt?

Soon enough I began applying for college. At this point I was sure of only two college criteria. First, I wanted to stay in Michigan. Second, I wanted to work with diverse cultures. I quickly discovered Spring Arbor University (SAU). This liberal arts university fit both of my criteria and even aligned with my spiritual beliefs. I continued to learn more about SAU and loved the Cross Cultural Studies (CCS) program. CCS is a required study abroad cultural immersion experience. So I applied to SAU and was accepted. My freshmen year at SAU I got a job at the CCS office and my passion for international education has since blossomed.

Here I am 3 years later and embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. I will be spending January – May of 2013 studying in La Antigua, Guatemala. A mere 8 hours separate me from the Land of Eternal Spring and I couldn't be more excited!

Please continue to check back for more updates, photos, and videos. I appreciate all the support and prayers from my family, friends, SAU, the CCS office, and the Gilman scholarship.

For those who worry because you love me, here is mine and Aaron’s flight schedule.

AMERICAN AIRLINES     31DEC DETROIT MI     MIAMI FL       630A    945A
AA 873               MONDAY DETROIT METRO  MIAMI INTL
G ECONOMY                   TERMINAL N
           NON SMOKING      FOOD FOR PURCHASE             NON STOP
                            RESERVATION CONFIRMED         3:10 DURATION
                  AIRCRAFT: BOEING 737-800
                            SEATS 25F/25E/26F NO SMOKING CONFIRMED


AMERICAN AIRLINES     31DEC MIAMI FL       GUATEMALA CITY 1245P   225P
AA 983               MONDAY MIAMI INTL     LA AURORA
L ECONOMY
           NON SMOKING      FOOD FOR PURCHASE             NON STOP
                            RESERVATION CONFIRMED         2:40 DURATION
                  AIRCRAFT: BOEING 737-800
                            SEATS 25A/25B/26A NO SMOKING CONFIRMED

Buenos noches!

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)

25

25 days! This is surreal.

Considering final exams, lengthy papers, and preparing to move out of our first apartment (home as it is affectionately been called), the thought of living overseas for four months is far from my mind. However, am truly looking forward to celebrating a culture that is much less hustle and bustle and much more ebb and flow.

On a very bright note, last week Aaron and I received wonderful news! We were awarded a total of $7,000 in scholarship to study abroad in Guatemala next semester!

We would like to thank the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program for supporting international education and assisting low-income students pursue studying abroad. Read more about this scholarship at ww.iie.org/GILMAN.

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)

50

50 days and counting!

As I continue to prepare my heart and mind for living abroad for 4 months, I am both plagued by fear and teaming with excitement. One important aspect of being a social worker is understanding oneself. Of course social workers must equip themselves with knowledge of internal and external workings of a human being, but can one truly understand another if he/she has not yet taken the precious time to self-actualize?

I am worried about the language barrier.
I am sad about separating from my family and friends for an extended period of time.
I am concerned about how my internship will develop and progress.
I am excited to connect and build friendships with the natives and other students in Guatemala.
I am thrilled for salsa lessons and salsa dance clubs.
I am delighted to grow and learn as a professional from my internship experience.
I am blessed to have this experience with my husband.
I am looking forward to learning about the culture and trying new things.

Aaron and I are in a waiting period. We are waiting for:
-to be notified about the Gilman Scholarship
-to leave for Guatemala
-to be accepted to the University of Michigan, School of Social Work
-to get a response on various jobs we applied for
-& of course, $$$ for all of the above

We have learned that we are genuinely thankful to have the opportunity to WAIT and test our virtue of patience on such wonderful prospects.

Here is to new experiences and opportunities!

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)

Explaining the Title & Subtitle

So what’s up with this blog title and subtitle?

Blog Title: Katie & the Land of Eternal Spring 

Well, since I am so fond of fiction novels, like the Percy Jackson series, I wanted to give my blog a creative title that was intriguing and somewhat clandestine. Like many fiction books that have an edge of mystery, you often have to read the book in order to understand what the title means. Likewise, you will have to read my blog in order to understand what living in the Land of Eternal Spring is truly like. In short, I am attempting to grab your (the reader’s) attention.

Blog Subtitle: Adventure 3 of the Global Sojourner Series

The word “adventure” has always been essential in my vocabulary. I often use this particular word to describe my experiences outside of the United States. Also, a global sojourner is temporary resident in foreign culture or country. So…

2010 Colombia – Adventure 1 of the Global Sojourner Series

2012 Cambodia – Adventure 2 of the Global Sojourner Series

2013 Guatemala – Adventure 3 of the Global Sojourner Series

Me (in blue plaid) building relationship with these beautiful teenagers

in Bogotá, Colombia, July 2010.

Saying goodbye to orphans in Battambang, Cambodia,

January 2012. Her precious smile is unforgettable.

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)

Preface & Pleasantries

I have approximately 10 seconds to make a strong enough impression that you will continue to read my blog; I genuinely hope these next 10 seconds are worth your while. First and foremost, the basics. My full name is Katie Anne Gibson (maiden name – Ledl). I grew up in Lincoln Park, MI, a bustling suburb in the metro Detroit area. I am the daughter of two loving parents, James & Laura Ledl, who just celebrated 33 years of marriage, love, hardships, happiness, and unforgettable journeys. I am also the proud sister of 3 of the most beautiful women on earth: Olivia, Sarah, & Molly. Of course I should mention that Molly is my twin sister and we are the best of friends. Here I must also give a shout out to the Central Michigan Cheerleading squad, of whom Molly is captain, “Fire Up Chips!.”

I graduated from Lincoln Park High School in 2009 and immediately began pursuing a bachelor degree in social work at Spring Arbor University in Jackson, MI. The summer after graduating high school I met a handsome man named Aaron Gibson at the youth group we attended. Needless to say we hit it off! In 2010 we got engaged and we married June 3, 2011. He is a strong, compassionate, and visionary individual and I am delighted to experience life with him. 

Recently, in January of 2012 I traveled on a 3 week cross cultural trip to the lovely nation of Cambodia. It was my first experience in the developing world and completely fell in love with the simplicity and the Khmer people’s values. I captured the essence of Cambodia in the following excerpt from my personal journal: 

“Cambodia is a beautiful country featuring numerous opposites: peace and violence, oppression and acceptance, corruption and justice, beauty and suffering, poverty and wealth, and injustice and hope. I am constantly torn between love for the gentle Khmer people and contempt for the capitalists, corporations, and corrupt Cambodian government that continues to fail them, exploit them, and push these simple people deeper into chaos and perpetual poverty.”

The foreigners we met with were kind, courteous, and genuine. I really felt immersed and integrated into the culture. My experience in Cambodia encouraged me to seek out more international educational opportunities (hence studying abroad in Guatemala)!

In Guatemala, I hope to be be working with Asociacion Nuestros Ahijados (God’s Child Project) participating in an intensive social work internship. God’s Child Project is a holistic humanitarian and educational development organization dedicated to “breaking the chains of poverty through education and formation.” Their services include: assistance for women, education, health, nutrition, outreach, human rights, and shelter. More information on God’s Child Project can be found at http://www.godschild.org/.

I am currently completing my final year of my undergraduate social work degree. On May 11, 2013, a mere 2 days after returning home from Guatemala, both Aaron and I will graduate with generalized Bachelor of Social Work degree. In the future, I plan to specialize in macro social work particularly international or intercultural social work. I hope to be accepted to the University of Michigan, School of Social Work and begin graduate level courses Fall of 2013. Go Blue! :)

Likes: humanity, reading, world maps, exercising with my husband, Death Cab for Cutie, nature, supporting worthy causes, The Civil Wars, biking, Amnesty International, kayaking, Copeland, traveling the world to purposely learn & be immersed in other cultures, National Geographic, blankets, Sevenly, chocolate, autumn, Warby Parker, collecting copper pennies, & planning. 

Dislikes: laziness, meat, all social problems of the world, hopelessness, putrid smells, wastefulness, spiders, arrogance, & extremely loud noises. 

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)