By Rachelle

What an amazing Guatemala experience for me! I am quite unsure where to
start. However, I find myself that I enjoy immersing Guatemala’s culture,
food, local handmade crafts, and community. My first impression of this
country was their fresh fruits (pineapple, watermelon, mango, cantaloupe). I
cannot believe how delicious the fruits are compared to America’s fruits!

On Saturday, March 13th, I met all 15 GRO delegates at the airport in
Guatemala City. We all went to Panajachel and the road trip was about 3
hours. We had to travel through the mountains to get there. Panajachel
was filled with Mayan handmade crafts. This is definitely a unique place to
visit! Then we went to Antigua for GRO program for the week.

GRO is a great opportunity for the Deaf American delegates to learn and work
with Deaf Guatemalan about their experience living in Guatemala as deaf
people. I came here as an Evaluator, yet I have learned so much from all
delegates in regard of their experience such as oppression as a deaf person,
their frustrations, value of sign language, resources/services for deaf
people, and different issues related to deaf. We got to discuss and compare
the similarities and difference between the lifestyles in American and
Guatemala. GRO definitely gives young deaf adults a rich experience by
working together and exchange their culture, language, stories, and many
more to name.

For those people who establish GRO has my high respect. I thank those
people to make this happen to give young deaf adults to grow and become
better global citizens. This is something you cannot replace the experience
and knowledge!