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I flew out from Costa Rica after visiting the most active volcano in the world to meet up with the team of 15 others from the states. We loaded up the bus and worked our way across the country of Guatemala. The buses are the pride and joy of the driver and as you can see it has a ton of personality, much like this incredible place. Coming from Costa Rica, I was expecting the same kind of akward looks and stares, instead these people just burst with joy. I flash a smile and the camera and they respond. Enjoy a peek of the first 24 hours of our trek to our worksites along Lake Atitlan....much more to come! Andrew

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We are three days into our work here in Guatemala. I met up with the work team perfectly at the airport and it was a refreshing change to have an entire week planned out for me. The first night the mothers of the families for which we will be constructing the homes for cooked up a specail traditional meal as a form of welcome. They are all so surprised and excited that a group from the states would come all the way here to help them and build for them a shelter.

Work began on the homes today, I have never sweated so much in my life. I had to keep telling myself that this is all out of love and service....a wonderful challenge. I hurt all over, but have not fallen sick. Photos will come shortly as soon as I find a faster internet connection.

Andrew

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I had an option when I landed to head West to the built up touristic hub and surfing hot spots along the Pacific, or take the road much less traveled to the culture rich, laid back Carribean Coast. Come on, I am a photographer so what do you think I chose?

Driving for four hours with some insanely stupid drivers I was ready to settle in for the evening. Just as I was pulling into Puerto Limon, my shocks started making noise but with the last 5 minutes of daylight, I found my hotel destination. That night, there was a mechanic convention nearby, and as I made friends at the poolside bar that evening, they offered to help me fix my car in the morning. Seriously, what are the odds?

Upon getting my car fixed for the hefty price of a $20 tip, I made it into the Jamaican infused town of Puerto Viejo. Everyone has raved about this backpacker´s mecca and now I see why. The colors, the people, and especially the food were all so flavorful and made for a cozy first night along the beach. Upon exploring the coastline for photo opportunities, I discovered a place that brings out the boy in me. Picture a hotel burried in the Rain Forest with its hallways as boardwalks across the canopy´s floor. All rooms are built on stilts and hover about ten feet above ground like a tree house and an incredible restaurant and spa near the sound of the waves were all astounding. This morning I awoke to howler monkeys outside my treehouse jumping from tree to tree and sat and stared up at the canopy and wondering where else in the world you could get this experience. Only in Costa Rica. Pura vida.

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To all my friends and family, I am here safe! To keep everyone´s peace of mind I will leave out the details of just how crazy driving in Central America can be. Needless to say, I rented a nice 4-wheel drive stick shift for the week and will be heading for the colorful Carribean Coast in the morning. My Spanish is so rusty, but living in Minnesota I can´t be faulted for not using it more. This morning, after a very large black cup of some of the freshest coffee from a local coffee plantation, I am off to find the ocean.

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"Today begins another chapter in my adventures and understanding of cultures around the world. I will be departing in a few hours for my first trip to Central America: the colorful countries of Costa Rica and Guatemala. To be honest, the nerves have got me...I haven't been sleeping much at night in anticipation and there has been so much going on with the new studio opening up just weeks ago. I pray that I can be fully present with the families that we will be serving and staying with. This first week is my photo outlet; traveling the vibrant Carribean Coast of Costa Rica and working my way up to Arenal, the most active volcano in all Central America. Along the way, I hope to capture some of the amazing coffee plantations, cloud forests, and lush green canopies crawling with critters. Keep up with the adventure!

Following Costa Rica, many of you have partnered with us in helping raise funds for 4 homes that will be built just south of Antigua, Guatemala for families in dire need. I will be meeting up with a team of 16 in the heart of Guatemala City and volunteering with this work crew from Solomon´s Porch for almost two weeks as we come alongside the families and build them a safe place to raise their children. We have hired a team of local masons, and as we speak, they are getting a head start on the foundation of the homes. Extreme Home Makeover, Central America edition, if you will. Please keep my safety and those traveling to meet us in your thoughts and daily prayers. Much more to come!

Hasta Luego!
Andrew