Reading Village

I'm traveling to Guatemala a week from Sunday, and I can't wait to interview the teen reading promoter candidates for 2013 and to see the space the teens in Concepción have acquired to convert to the community's first-ever public library. 

Julio César (a promoter who graduated from our program and high school last year) wrote to tell me he thought the space was beautiful. His comment touched me because the space is, quite frankly, hideous. It needs much work, but he already sees it through the lens of his vision. It's already a library in his mind's eye. His ability to envision and create a new future like that is an ability he acquired through his experience and training in our program. 

I'll be posting photos and stories during my trip. If you'd like to stay up-to-date on all the inspiring tidbits, "like" Reading Village on our Facebook page. 

And consider coming to see the work and meet these amazing teens yourself! Larry and I will be leading a service-learning trip to our communities in Guatemala November 3-10, and we'd love to have you along.

November is an amazing time to be in Guatemala -- especially if you enjoy sunny weather and spectacular sunsets over Lake Atitlán. These trips are a wonderful combination of cultural exchange, sightseeing and service. You'll develop friendships with our teen reading promoters and their families, experience daily life in rural Mayan villages and help our promoters put on a "reading fiesta" for the children in one of our communities. The registration deadline is October 1st. If you are interested, you can find more details on our website and feel free to contact me.