We have been to Guatemala 9 years in a row now, often visiting the Mayan Highlands area around Nebaj, where we work with local Mayan families and schools to educate, treat, and examine the community’s children.

We were very sad to cancel our 2020 trip due to the pandemic, and we may have to cancel 2021 as well. While we are getting our vaccines here in the US, many in Guatemala have not received any vaccines yet. There are great disparities in healthcare and wealth in Guatemala, and it is likely that many of the poor communities may not receive the vaccine at all.

As such, our plans are in limbo for this year, but we have been in touch with our local Guatemalan friends, who have been keeping us abreast of the situation on the ground. There have been many curfews and stay-at-home orders in place, and the communities have been through some difficult times. Like many other communities in Central America, the Guatemalan people have been very resilient and strong in times like these, and we can’t wait to return to working with them on the ground soon.