Guatemala, an awesome place to visit and to help !

Guatemala was awesome ! Kerri (my better half) and I went down to Guatemala to build a house for a family in need. We were building a home for 2 boys who were abandoned by their mother and father. We figured we would be going there for a life changing experience. We got the experience and more. We had the pleasure of meeting a family who just could not get over the fact that a stranger would travel such a great distance to help them and build a home ! Yet they worked just as hard if not harder then us. I thought I was working hard by carrying 3 cement blocks in a wheel barrel when the grand mother walks by me with 2 blocks on her head and one in her arms. Did I feel like a spoiled white boy ? You bet ! But she never made me feel any less. In the process of helping a family in need, we also found a great Country to explore. Surrounded by Volcanos and incredible green vegetation, Guatemala was an explore's delight. The history, the scenery, and the open hearted people who just wanted to "Get to know you" was food for all the senses. I never heard an unkind word spoken by any one the whole 17 days. Lake Atitilan with it villages of San Pedro, San Domingo, and others. The beaches at Monterico on the Pacific coast were incredible. But the true amazing places to see were Semuc Champey which even though I took photos they never seem to justify what I was seeing. It was Awesome ! beautiful pools of blue water flowing into one another. This hidden gem is a destination that is required when you go to Guatemala. Another amazing place to rest and place your attack on Guatemala is Antigua. This small hidden town has every thing the travel needs, wants and desires. Cobble stone streets, travels every where to compare notes, culture every where you turn, and history around every corner. Antigua can't be beat for a central location to plan trips, get involved in helping out, and great food too. Exchanging notes with travellers at Sky cafe is heightened by watching the incredible sunset from the roof top cafe. So even though we went to Guatemala to build a home which we did we also build friendships and a love for Guatemala that will probably keep bring me back ..... Oh ! And if you are wondering ..... Yes I performed my Country Music to 2 full house nights in Antigua and they love there music !