While some LRCA students spent their J-terms scuba diving or learning to drive, a few decided to travel south for a trip to Guatemala.
Partnering with Leiva’s Coffee, the group traveled with Alana and Axel Leiva, parents of sophomore Elijah Leiva, to Guatemala City and the surrounding areas. “Our idea was to take a group of kids to experience Guatemala’s rich culture of Spanish architecture, deep religious roots and coffee culture,” Mrs. Leiva said.
The group visited La Esperanza, the Leiva family’s coffee farm, while also spending time at the Los Rhinos Soccer Academy. While spending time at La Esperanza, the group put on three days of Vacation Bible School for the children living in the community. “[The goal was] to create fun experiences with opportunities to share the love of Jesus with [the kids],” Mrs. Leiva said. At the end of the three days, 41 people had given their lives to Christ.
The group also spent time enjoying the hills and sights of Guatemala, taking on a 45 mile hike to Honduras and assisting the workers on the farm in picking coffee cherries. While there was no internet connection at the farm, the group connected with each other rather than a satellite with nightly devotionals and hours of card games.
The Leivas family plans to sponsor more trips to the country. “We are looking forward to the next [trip] and are hoping to take a father and son trip,” Mr. Leiva said, referring to his son, Elijah.
This story was originally published in the Warrior Times Volume 13, Issue 7.
