The night before I left for Guatemala, I was a bundle of nerves. I had signed up with IVHQ to volunteer on a coffee farm in Antigua, and in true last-minute fashion, I googled “safety in Guatemala.” Big mistake. By the time I crawled into bed, I was convinced I would either get lost, robbed, or worse. My imagination had turned into a full-blown thriller straight out of Taken, but the reality waiting for me was nothing like that.
From the moment I arrived, Antigua wrapped me in a kind of peace I hadn’t anticipated. The city’s cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and volcano-studded horizon felt almost dreamlike. And the people oh, the people welcomed me in a way that instantly melted away my paranoia. Smiles, laughter, and gentle curiosity became my daily companions, and I quickly realized that life in Antigua moves at a pace that allows you to notice the small, beautiful details. In fact, by time I left I was almost embarrassed I thought I was in that much danger. Now understand, there are true safety concerns in Guatemala and definitely do your research but I don’t want you to think you will be in constant danger.
I stayed in a local homestay, which became one of the highlights of the trip. The family was warm and welcoming, and their household had one very unexpected character: a parrot with a big personality. On my first night, I was unpacking when I suddenly heard a voice say, “Hola, baby!” I froze. I was alone in my room, the house was quiet, and my heart dropped into my stomach. I was about two seconds from calling someone when I heard it again “Hola, baby!” followed by a loud squawk. So I peeked out of my room and that is when I saw him, the parrot. That’s when I met the parrot. It became our nightly ritual him calling out “Hola, baby!” and me laughing every single time. It was that moment that my fears started to melt away and I fell absolutely in love with Guatemala.
The food. Oh my god the food. Every meal was homemade, simple, and absolutely delicious. I still dream about Guatemalan food the warm tortillas, black beans, plantains, and fresh fruit that tasted divine. There’s something special about eating food prepared by someone who truly loves what they’re making. Meals at the homestay weren’t just about eating; they were about connection. We’d sit around the table and share stories, laughter, and sometimes silence that felt just as meaningful. I sadly spoke barely any Spanish and my home stay didn’t speak much English but we managed. It was this moment that I told myself from now on I would learn at least some of the language no matter where I was going.
My days were spent volunteering on the coffee farm, the coffee company was called as Green as It Gets, they have since changed their name but learning hands on how beans are grown, harvested, and processed was an experience. It wasn’t glamorous work it was honest, hard, and refreshing. It made me realize just how grateful I should be for what I have and it definitely gave me a new perspective. In fact, I teach my kids about Guatemala extensively when we learn about Central America still today. I remember hiking up a volcano, learning to pick beans at just the right ripeness, and feeling an unexpected sense of pride. I don’t even drink coffee that is the hilarious part. It was more than volunteering; it was participating in a cultural experience and broadening my horizons. It gave me perspective and would absolutely confirm that seeing the world was all I wanted in life.
When I wasn’t on the farm, I wandered. I walked everywhere, and considering I am from Texas that says something. I walked through colorful markets bursting with vibrant textiles and fresh produce, past crumbling ruins that whispered stories of the ancient Mayan civilization, and along streets lined with cafés that smelled of cinnamon, coffee, and warm bread. Each day was a new adventure, each experience broadening my horizons and giving me experiences I only dreamed or read about.
I came to Guatemala on a tight budget, with only $80 set aside for fun activities. I was shocked by how far that $80 went. One of my favorite memories was visiting the Mayan ruins of Iximché. The tour, transportation, and entrance fees came to about $25 at the time, a small price for something so extraordinary. Standing among the ruins, surrounded by the quiet of history and the faint sound of wind through the trees, I felt humbled. That moment made me realize that travel isn’t about spending a fortune it’s about being present and open to every experience, big or small. Today I have a slightly bigger budget but every time I see something from the past I am amazed that this is my life. I am always grateful that I get to see the history I teach about. In fact it can make me so emotional just thinking about it. ha!
One afternoon, we had just stopped picking the coffee cherries and Fuego (a volcano) was doing it’s thing standing tall in the distance spilling light ash into the sky. In that moment, all the fear and worry I had felt melted completely. I was sitting there looking at volcano and I felt peace. I knew when I got home things were going to change. I was going to build the life of my dreams piece by piece. I realized that being in a place so full of life, kindness, and quiet beauty was exactly what I needed to push beyond my own anxieties.
Looking back, I laugh at my naivety and boy was I naive but I’m also grateful for it. It gave me the courage to go, to experience, and to fully immerse myself in a world so different from my own. Antigua wasn’t just a destination; it was a teacher. It taught me patience, openness, and the kind of quiet courage that comes from stepping into the unknown. Something that before this moment, if I am going to be honest I didn’t have. I wasn’t as aware as I am now about other cultures and experiences. Not to be the most cliche person but Guatemala changed my life. Okay, maybe that is the most cliche thing ever but it is still true.
By the end of my trip, I wasn’t the same person who had nervously booked a flight and worried herself sick the night before. I had discovered a version of myself that was curious, brave, and capable of finding peace even in the unfamiliar. Guatemala left me with memories, friendships, and a sense of clarity I carry with me to this day and a gentle reminder that sometimes, the world is far kinder than our fears.