River to Volcano - January 24th

   Semuc Champey was a dream: from the day we woke up, to the swim down the bright emerald cascades, the tropical forest looked identical to a scene pulled out of The Jungle Book. From the relaxing float down the deep blue river, to the massive 50 foot jump off a suspension bridge looming over the water, our trip was filled with calm warm moments and adventurously daring moments alike.

   We ventured far into a pitch black cave; Up to our eyes with water, we dodged stalactites that dripped small droplets echoing through the cavern, building the suspense with every step we took. The shiny walls gave some perspective of dimension, but every advancing movement was a risk in itself. Walking and swimming through the river inside the mountain with candles had an uncanny affect on me. A personal scary moment was the climb up a rope, upstream a waterfall within the damp atramentous cave. The only thing illuminating my side expedition was a candle dangling from my mouth. When all of a sudden, my only source of light was extinguished by surges of falling water, I was left with the navigation of the sounds of my partners.

  Semuc Champey aside, yesterday we arrived in Antigua for today's volcanic climb. I got up early and made pancakes with Brenden for those who survived yesterday's lunch. The climb up and down the active volcano was a total of 10k. There were sites where the ground was cracked open and high levels off heat gave out. These holes have been giving off heat since the 2010 eruption (not uncommon for Guatemala's active volcanoes to erupt). It was so hot we literally pulled out marshmellows and cooked them over the vents. The scenery was covered in solid ash and formations decorated the landscape scarring the volcano's base with red tint. So yeah, I'd have to say that today was pretty heated.

- Will Stonehouse Salinas

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Photography by Will Stonehouse Salinas

Semuc Champey - January 21st & 22nd

          Waking up early sure isn't easy! Even though everybody struggled to get out bed we all had a sense of excitement in our eyes. As we all slept on the long bus ride, waking up every few hours to use the restroom and eat, we arrived at a small town were we got off the bus and got on a large truck and traveled up and down a rocky mountain till we got to our hotel. Once we hopped out the back of the truck we went to go check out our huts we were going to stay in. Half stayed in the top room and the other half stayed in the lower room. Since we got to the the hotel late in the day and there was so much we wanted to do, but we could only swim in the river just under the hotel. As everybody headed to bed we all couldn't wait for the next day.

          The next day is when the fun began. It started after breakfast when the those on the lower level were going back to their room and found a tarantula crawling out from under one of the beds. After a few minutes of screaming we finally got it out of the room and lets just say not a lot of us got very much sleep that night. After that we took a hike up 800 steps to get to a place where the view was unbelievable. Then we hiked down a little ways to a river where we jumped, slid, and swam to different beautiful spots in the river where we had great time. After we hiked back to the hotel where we had lunch everybody got even more excited for the our activity: hiking through a cave filled with water and only candles for light. As we made our way through the cave we were joined by two other groups, one couple from France and the other from Australia. Going up an down ladders, over rocks, swimming through water and even climbing up a small waterfall. Once the tour was over and our candles almost burnt out we were told to grab our inner tubes for a relaxing float down the river. When we reached the end we walked back to our hotel where we jumped off rocks and a small bridge into cool river to add to a fun filled day. To top the day off we had a great dinner and a nice reflection where everybody agreed that it was sure a good day.

Norman Tipton

First Day In Antigua - January 20th

Hi everyone! Decided to give the boys the night off from the blog. We left San Lucas early this morning and are now relaxing at hostel Villa Estella in the beautiful city of Antigua. The city is very different in comparison to the village we became so accustomed to, and everyone seems to be in shocked that a city like this exists in such close proximity to the indigenous little village. The city is surrounded by volcanoes and filled with shops and restaurants. One volcano that is visible from our hostel has been erupting all day, and now into the night! Tomorrow we leave bright and early for Semuc Champey (5am) - so far I think everyone is just excited to finally wear shorts.. but hopefully that won't remain the highlight for long. These guys are in for a great adventure!

No wifi in Semuc Champey - next blog will be Saturday night.

Group photo for the "Friends of San Lucas" facebook page- taken in front of the Mission in San Lucas Toliman

Pizza for dinner tonight in Antigua

Thanks for reading:)
Ms. Julia Mekrut

Saints in Guatemala - January 19th

Crazy how time flies. I still remember the afternoon we arrived in San Lucas Toliman, a sunny hot day. It hit me last night that I am in Guatemala. If you would have asked me two years ago if I would be here right now I would have most likely started laughing.

This morning we split up into two groups, one went to the brick house and one to the wood house.
I got split into the group at the brick house. For about the first two hours we moved one big pile of dirt to one side of the house to the other. During the last hour we mixed concrete and helped the locals pour it into the footings. Also got to speak and work with Oscar, a young boy who only spoke Kaqchikel, one of the many Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala.

During the afternoon we surprisingly had no work. We were fortunate enough to listen to a lady speak about personal accounts during Guatemala's recent civil war. Really hit me when she spoke all of the tragic that occurred. After we went to play a game of soccer with some of the workers from the mission. Overall very successful day. Going to miss many of the friendly faces especially the dogs.

Brenden Legaspi

Lady speaking about her experience from recent civil war.

One of the dogs from the mission.

Trabajamos Mucho, January 18th

Unfortunately today we all had to wake up a little bit early. We set our alarms to 7:25, and were inside the cafeteria by 7:45 to start the dishes for breakfast. For breakfast we were given a feast of oatmeal, black beans, and rolls. After consuming breakfast we then washed all the dirty dishes and prepared for the long day of work ahead of us.
              For the first activity today we all climbed into the back of a truck and headed over to a construction site for a new house. This house was being built in a completely new area to us. As soon as we hopped out of the truck we were met with many kind greetings as well as an occasional, "gringo" shout. The work at the construction site consisted of moving dirt for concrete, placing rocks around trenches, and placing metal re-barb. This work was both humbling and tiring at the same time. Because we have been working with the same contractors for the whole time I have created many great friendships. After we completed this activity we got in the back of the truck and headed over to the mission for lunch.
             For lunch we had a delicious meal which consisted of fried rice and pineapple. After lunch we were given a choice of  going to the Women's Center or helping build walls at a different house. I was assigned to the construction cite were I  was given the opportunity to raise walls. This activity gave me a new outlook on what I was doing in Guatemala, because I felt as if I was actually making a difference. The group that went to the Women's Center ended up doing yard work, and eventually started a pick up game of soccer with the locals. As we headed back to the hotel Ms. Mekrut took a small group with her to have a water balloon with the kids who didn't live to far away. After the water balloon fight we all decided to get some rest for the hard day of working which is in store for us tomorrow.

Jungle Pools Sunday, January 17

          Today was the most relaxing day of the trip thus far, we woke up a little later than usual for an 8:30 breakfast consisting of french toast ( a nice reminder of home). Then we hopped into the pickup truck and headed about twenty minutes outside of town to some "pools in the jungle".  We had no idea what to expect because we are the first group from Saints to take the excursion.
          The truck pulled to the side of the road and we all hopped out, the driver pointed to a path through the jungle.  With no other directions we headed out, after fifteen minutes or so of confusion and back tracking we came to the pools.  They were man made and filled with moving water from the river not more than twenty feet away.
          It was a refreshing break from the work week and we took advantage of every moment.  Ms. Mekrut packed us a lunch of fresh fruit, cheese, tortillas and avocados from the market and an added treat of fresh guacamole made by Brenden and Will.
         We headed back to San Lucas with yet another great adventure behind us.  Hopefully we sleep well tonight because tomorrow will be another fun day of work.

Aidan Dougherty

1/16/16 A Day of Relaxation

Today we reached the halfway point in our Guatemalan trip, and Ms. Mekrut and Dr. Rey gave us a day to sleep in, giving us the opportunity to sleep in past the early 8 o'clock dinner, giving us the chance to sleep in till 12:30 lunch.  While most of us did not sleep in till that time, it set the tone for the rest of the day, and gave us all a chance to relax after a hard week of service work.

After Lunch, we all went on a hike up one of the several mountains surrounding the town.  At 2 o'clock we set out in foggy weather, making it a cool and relaxing journey.  Our hiking guide led us through a poorer neighborhood to get to the trail.  When even recognized some children in the area from working there earlier in the week, and one even decided to join us on our hike.  The trail was extremely narrow, forcing us to walk in a single-file line.  The trail had many leaves and lose sand, causing many of us to lose our balance.  The trip up the mountain took nearly an hour, and by the end everyone was winded.  At the top of the mountain, there was a small store set up for tourists like us.  After some gift shopping, admiring the view, and some picture taking, we started back down.  the trip down was much easier, and only took a half hour.

With our hike over, most of us went back to the hostel to kill time waiting for dinner.  After dinner, we went to 7 o'clock mass in the mission church.  Even we could understand very little, we all gained from the experience.  All of the Guatemalans sang in unison, despite their lack of song books in the church.  It was also interesting to see the small differences between an American and a Guatemalan mass.  One of the more noticeable examples was the way they received communion.  In Guatemala, there is no option to receive the host in your hand, the Eucharistic Minister delivers the host directly to your mouth. When mass ended, we all went back to the hostel.

Being in Guatemala did not stop us from keeping up with sports going on in America.  Back at the hostel, everyone got together and watched the duration of the playoff game that was on this night.  We were all delighted by a good game with many nail biting moments.  This capped off the day nicely, with everyone having fun cheering for their team.  It was the end of a nice day free from work, and a great start to the second half of our trip.

-Sean Whitty

15/1/16

7:45 was the beginning of a new and bright day. Even though I was awoken violently by Teddy Medina, I managed to get changed by 7:50 and began making my way to the mission for breakfast. Today was a relaxing day because we didn't do any physical labor. But we did do some walking with our friend Turibo, director of the reforestation project, who most humbly invited us to his private Mayan altar where he explained to us the many uses. Beside the Mayan altar, he has his own piece of land where he grows fruit and vegetables. When the products are ready, he gives it to the less fortunate.

We finished lunch early because we wanted to go hangout at the hostel for two hours before we had to go separate good coffee beans from bad coffee beans. After about two hours a having a great time separating the coffee beans, we went back to the hostel to go change for a soccer match against the locals. There were three teams and the rules was in order to stay on the pitch, you had to win. After about two hours of playing soccer with the locals, we head back to the mission at 6:00 for dinner. When dinner was over, it was my squads turn to clean the dishes. It took a solid 15 minutes to complete the task. After that, we arrived tired at the hostel so that we can have  "spiritual reflection". It could not be carried out because the locals were shooting fire works because today was the election of a new mayor.

Since the beginning of this beautiful trip, I have had a blast with basically everything. The experience of there being a group of high school students going to a different country not only to give their God-given talents to the need, but also learn about the Mayan culture and to hang out with friends. I recommend  this trip to every one because this is a once and a life time experience.

Jorge Ahuage

Coffee, house building, and more - January 14th

This past week alone has been life changing. I was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch yesterday to watch two surgeries at the local hospital.  Today we split up in two groups; one went to work on the cinder block house and the wooden house.

Yesterday I went to watch two very interesting surgeries. Without Dr. Rey and my endeavor to become a pediatrician one day this opportunity would have never crossed  any of our paths. In both of the surgeries that I watched the surgeons removed the fallopian tubes and the cervix. The surgeons were very kind and helpful with describing what they were doing at the time. In total each surgery was about an hour and forty five minutes in length.

Today we went to the wooden house to and helped finish building it. We hammered the thin strips into the house and sawed a lot of wood.  I got to speak with the children of the house they were very playful and showed me there chickens.

In the afternoon we went to the coffee processing plant to watch how coffee is produced and made into a bean from a little fruit. We sorted non roasted beans for about an hour. Then we watched the locals who worked at the plant turn fruit into small peeled fruits.

-Brenden Legaspi

Two surgeons that I got to shadow. Zach and Rita.

Almost done with the house!

Coffee beans drying

Another Day of Service in San Lucas Toliman- 1/13/16

I would like to begin by saying what an amazing and greatly humbling service opportunity this has been for me and what an amazing experience this has been for the group as well. We have been greatly humbled by working alongside the locals in the various mission projects around the village. In addition to the great cultural teachings that we have received from being around the village.

Today, our group started off with repairs to a steep road leading up to a mountain side coffee using readily mixed concrete to fix holes that had become numerous in the road. We worked for several hours on the steep terrain before heading back to the Mission for a lunch consisting of beef chili.

In the afternoon we spit into two groups with one working at the Montessori Pre-School and the other working at a wood house that was being built for a local family.

The group at the school helped the staff to move school supplies into a storage area in preparation for the new school year. The also helped to clean up the landscaping around the school.

The group at the charity house helped to finish up a small room of the house by assembling and nailing in the walls. In addition to helping the villagers cut wood for future parts of the house.

After both groups had finished a portion of the group along with Ms. Mekrut went down to have a massive water balloon fight with a group of local children. We then played tag with them before heading off to dinner.

-Hayden Ball

The Morning Work

Work at the Charity House

Playing with the Children 

Another Humbling Day in Guatemala 1-12-16

   It's funny, back home in the US we often judge a day on what we did. If we do normal or mundane activities, we often consider that day a waste and try to make other days as exciting as possible. Today, as well as throughout the week, I have learned that even a day full of ordinary and "boring" activities can be a VERY great day. To start things off, our group was split into 3, 5 going to a house to build a stove, 2 going to a schoolyard to help clean, and 7 going to the house we were at yesterday to continue helping with building the new home.

   

   I found myself very fortunate to go with the group to continue to help build the house. Yesterday we worked on the foundation of the home. Today we worked on as what we all described as a boring job. For most of the morning, our only job was to transfer cinder blocks from one place to another. Very soon, however, we soon found three children in our company. The children, named Julio, Olga, and Jennie, lived the house next door to the house building site. It wasn't long before I was able to start having simple conversations with them. After awhile I along with the other Saintsmen in my group began to teach them words in English and they taught us some words in Spanish. Even though they were simple nouns and verbs, the children were filled with joy and laughter, a truly amazing thing to watch. It just goes to show how such a simple act can go a long way to make someone happy. 

   I cannot steak for the other groups, but during our reflection time tonight everyone seemed to have a great time and they also met some amazing children. The group consensus tonight was that everyone was very humbled.

   After lunch we all had the pleasure of visiting the Women's Center again to learn how to do some the daily activities of the women there. Such activities included laundry, making tortillas, balancing laundry baskets on our heads, and how to carry large bundles of wood. Everyone had a great time as many laughs and smiles were shared. We learned so much and are all grateful to the women there for helping us.

    To wrap us the day we had another group reflection. Everyone agrees that is so shocking here in Guatemala how close poverty is to wealth. We have all seen some of the best, such as the huge mansions by the lake, as well as the worst, such as the houses with dirt floors. We are all so humbled by our experiences here, and we all look forward to see what God has planned for us next.

   -Joseph Mikolaycik

Olga, Julio, and Jennie

A demonstration on how to carry the wood bundles

An open flamed stove on which we cooked the tortillas

    

  

San Lucas house building and reforestation - January 11th

Today was another extraordinary day here in Guatemala. Instead of touring like the last two days, we
spent the day working with the locals, giving them an extra hand in a project they were working on. I am starting to get used to the truck rides and all of the dogs following me. Jack, Evan, and I woke up extra early today to hike the nearby mountain before the sunrise. Halfway back down, Jack got sick and is the first to be affected by the dreaded amoeba (not confirmed). I would feel really  bad if I didn't have to share a room with him. Once we got Jack settled in to bed, we headed down to a nearby city to help the locals build a home for a less fortunate family. It was extremely hot today and i wasn't extremely thrilled with the work ahead. We ended up mixing gravel for the cement and helped poured it to set a foundation for the house. We got a ton done in one day and the locals were thrilled with the help as well. During one of our breaks, I met some of the local kids and they were a blast. There were all so full of energy and life and it was such a joy talking to them. We then visited the reforestation clinic and learned about the different trees and plants there. Some of us sanded utensils as the others chopped wood. Teddy and I took a "tut tut" to the panedaria. We got so many pan dulces and they were delicious. The food is almost the same here as it is back home in the sense that there are really no traditional meals in San Lucas Toliman. Besides the incident with Jack, today was another great day in Guatemala.

- Carson Spivey

More pics

Our first view of San Juan.

These little three wheel taxis are called tuk-tuks.

Boat Ride on Lake Atitlan - January 10th, 2016

Guatemala
     Today was the first day I actually woke up energized and ready to go, despite the fact that the time difference causing us to wake up two hours ahead of normal time. Today we went on a boat trip to Santiago and Panajachel. The sights from the lake were extraordinary, so many beautiful mansions. I can't really comprehend how all of these beautiful homes are so close to such poverty. We also ate at a very amazing restaurant with an amazing view of the lake. We visited many different shops with such beautiful things such as bags, clothes, wooden carvings, blankets, etc. Once we came back to the mission we ate a wonderful dinner. After the dinner was finished, my group was selected to do clean the tables and do the dishes. After my group finished cleaning we met again to go watch a movie about Fr. Greg Shaffer who dedicated his life to San Lucas to help the people who he considered family. Seeing his dedication and nobility really goes to show how much we can actually help, many of us don't think that we can do much because we aren't here to do something, but even just a small donation could help a family go from having nothing to having a roof over there head. I truly believe that we are making a huge impact over here even if we just might have to move wood from one house to another house across the street, because by doing this it gives a chance for another family to have a sustainable place to live. After the movie we headed to around town and finally are back in the hostel. I really can't wait to do more for this town in any way possible even if it is putting a smile on the locals faces, that would truly make my trip worth while.

- Jack A. Browning

Pics

On the way from Guatemala City to San Lucas our driver stopped for us to see this bridge built by engineering students from Marquette University several years ago.

View upstream from the bridge.

The entrance and common area and breakfast area of our first night hostel in Guatemala City.

Saturday 1/9/16 - Pics of last 3 days

Waiting... and waiting... for our plane at Tijuana International Airport

San Lucas Day 2 - January 9 2016

Guatemala
     Most of us had lots of trouble waking up this morning, due to the late night of cards, chips, and salsa but sure enough after many tries we were finally woken. After rushing to get ready for the day the group gathered at the mission for a simple breakfast of plain oatmeal. After our bowls of oatmeal the whole group proceeded to go on a tour of San Lucas. while on the tour we saw the women's center, the towns hospital, and the coffee center. At the women's center we learned about the origins of the center and all of the importance that the women's center holds in the community. A local facility coordinator gave us an in depth tour of the towns hospital. The hospital contains 30 beds with limited supplies and staff but manages to save countless lives everyday and provide healthcare to thousands of people each year. We arrived at the coffee plant and got a brief overview of its importance and its purpose. later on  in the day all of us chicos hopped in the back of a pick up truck and rode 20 minutes to a village outside of San Lucas to attend a mass. this village was in a very high altitude and didnt contain many people but the mass was very lively and special. we ended the day with the same meal as lunch and doing hundreds of dishes for it was a packed night in the mission.
- Theodore Medina

First Day in San Lucas -January 8th 2016

Waking up today was a struggle after a long day of traveling and little sleep, but we powered through knowing we had a great day ahead of us. Leaving our hostel in Guatemala City around 8 o'clock, we left for our current hostel in San Lucas. We all forced ourselves into a new level of brotherhood as we fitted into one van for our three hour journey, and on the way here we saw beautiful scenery and the local town structures as we drove by.

We were presently surprised when we arrived at our destination because the hostel we are staying in has an amazing and comfortable set up, with beds for all and an amazing view from the balcony of the third floor.

However, we were unable to enjoy our initial excitement of our new accommodations because after our lunch we went strait to our first day of work. We drove up the side of a local mountain and ended up moving construction wood that would later be used for build housing for locals. Afterward, we came back and played a pick up soccer game were local children ended up joining in and playing with us. These local 5-10 year-olds all outran us and were still playing long after we all were ready to quit.

After dinner, we took a little self tour to familiarize ourselves with the town we're in and had our first experience buying items in the local currency called the "Quetzal." I'm sure I speak for us all when I say we are so excited to see where the rest of journey brings us.

Picture taken of the view on the car ride to our hostel in San Lucas

View from the third floor balcony of the hostel

Lake Atitlan

"On the job"

After the soccer game with the local children

- Evan Khalil (EvBear)

Hostel Surprise - January 7, 2016

We have arrived in Guatemala City safe and sound! I am typing this from the hostel dining room. Quiet hours just began at 10pm, although most of our guys have been relaxing/asleep for awhile after the long travel.

Our adventure took off to a rocky start (as all great adventures do). We stepped outside the airport to find out there was no shuttle in sight. International phone to the rescue! We eventually got a hold of our hostel.. only to find out the hostel did not inform us they were under construction. But not to worry, they escorted us to their "sister" hostel (Hostal Los Volcanes - Address: 16 Street 8-00 Zone 13, Aurora 1, Guatemala City 01013, Guatemala Phone:+502 2261 3040), and after a long Spanglish conversation and what felt like a drawn-out game of charades, we came to an agreement with rooms, wifi, and hot showers for everyone.

Once we settled in, we were driven to the original hostel for a nice dinner of either fish, chicken, or beef with rice, tortillas, and salad. The car we traveled in was not the most spacious (see picture), luckily the other hostel was just around the corner. After dinner we went around the room and shared one word that described our feelings towards the trip so far - excited, hopeful, fun, anxious, interesting, tired, were among the many words shared. Seems like we are all a mixture of things, but after making it this far, the group consensus is optimistic about what lies ahead.

Packed into two SUVs for dinner time!

Time for bed, we take off for San Lucas Toliman at 8am (6am pacific time).

Thanks for reading!

Hasta luego :)

Ms. Julia Mekrut

Guadalajara Landing - Photo taken by Joseph Mikolaycik

Guatemala Landing - Photo taken by Joseph Mikolaycik

Our First Day

Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 - 9:30 pm - I can't believe that it hasn't even been 24 hours yet.  We just got back to our hostel from dinner.  It all started, of course, late last night in the Tijuana Airport, the first of three airports we would get to know all too well in an 18 hour span.  As we arrived at the Tijuana terminal we ran into our first "issue".  The drivers needed to be paid in pesos, of which we had none.  So while I (Dr. Rey) took the boys into the terminal, Ms. Mekrut took a short ride with the driver to an ATM.  We were reunited in short order, not realizing that that was going to be the easiest part of the day!  Check in took forever... the line... then the tedious time going over (and over...) passports, rosters, tickets, luggage weigh in, tagging luggage... with a clerk who apparently spoke no English, while listening to the racket of construction just several feet away. BTW, Ms. Mekrut did a great job with her Spanish in my humble opinion.  With a couple of assists from our student experts in the language, Jorge and Will S.  While dealing with more "issues" at check in, once again Dr. Rey took most of the students on through security (a breeze compared to US Airports) and waited for Ms. Mekrut and the others to catch up.  We were worried about the departure time approaching, only to find out that there was no plane waiting at our gate.  So we stood, and stood, and stood!!!  Finally getting off the ground almost an hour late.

Once on the plane we quickly realized that Americans have nothing to complain about regarding legroom on a plane!  Sleeping on the flight was frequently interrupted by leg cramps and sore knees from being pressed against the hard plastic of the seats in front of us.  Upon arriving in Guadalajara we were glad to get off the plane, but all wanted to be going to a comfy bed.  Instead, there we were in another airport trying to get comfortable in the waiting area chairs.  Although some of the guys were sound asleep in minutes, most of us weren't sure that this was any better than the seats on the plane. 

Eventually we gave up trying to get some "rest" and we went various ways at the food court for some breakfast.  Then more hours in the confines of the Guadalajara Airport.  After trying to get some more shuteye sitting 30 feet away from a Krispy Kreme donut stand, Ms. Mekrut and I both gave in to temptation and had a wonderful sweet treat!

Finally, after nearly 6 hours, it was time to board the flight to Guatemala City.  Now we began another encounter with red tape as we each filled out immigration forms and an affidavit that we weren't carrying more that $10,000 US currency!  We made sure the boys all answered NO, and checked the box stating they were born in the USA.  The two hour flight to Guatemala City was uneventful (at least the seat in front of me didn't have hard plastic bruising my knees.)  And the terrain was beautiful as we circled in preparation for landing. 

After deplaning and hitting the bathroom, more red tape.  We filled our immigration forms in preparation to go through Customs.  Everything went smoothly through Customs, and even the anxiety that someone's luggage would not arrive for several more days soon dissipated as all bags were safely accounted for at the baggage carrousel.  Our short lived sense of security soon left us when we realized that the van from the hostel was not there awaiting us.  The situation was looking bleak (to Dr. Rey and Ms. Mekrut, as the boys were blissfully unaware that this was a problem.)  After a few frustrating moments, this "situation" turned into just another "issue" handled beautifully by Ms. Mekrut.  With the aid of a couple of very helpful airport personnel we were able to contact the hostel and get the vans to shuttle us to our welcoming rooms with actual beds for sleeping. 

After straightening out a few more "minor details" here at the hostel, we are finally all quieted down for a good night's rest.  Tomorrow we take on the road to San Lucas Toliman and the adventure that still awaits us.