CC1632: Cross-cultural Experience in Guatemala January 10-25, 2005

Patricia Lull, Dean of Students

While we are in San Lucas Toliman we will learn and reflect with our hosts in a variety of settings. In addition to addressing questions about culture, church life, economic issues, and political realities in Central America the time in San Lucas offers a rich opportunity for exploring issues of personal spirituality, Christian faith, and mission in the 21^st century.

Times of daily reflection will provide a communal context for sharing the experiences of the day and the fresh understanding that is unfolding in each member of our group. In preparation for this shared experience, please read, “Peace in Guatemala? The Story of San Lucas Toliman” by John Abell. Copies online at: http://faculty.rmwc.edu/jabell/san_lucas_toliman.htm

We will also discuss the essays enclosed with this mailing. While you may read them prior to the trip, please bring them along. There will be time each day for reading and reflection. We will also study portions of the Gospel of St. Matthew together.

In addition, most days there will be formal times of presentation and discussion with the leaders of the mission community and our group leaders. The particular time, date, and sequence of these presentations will be announced once we have arrived in San Lucas.

These presentations will include topics like these:

1. Orientation to life, faith, and work in San Lucas – our hosts

2. The Process of Poverty – Father Greg Schaffer

3. Memoir of a Heroine – Chona, Parroquia Madre

4. The Role of the Catecumenate in Mission – catechists of San Lucas

5. Feminine Culture and Implications for Leadership – Pastor M. Susan Peterson

6. Finding and Following One’s Vocation – Pastor Shauna Hannan

7. 21^st Century Discipleship – Patricia Lull

Together with the experiences of daily life, worship, and service, these presentations will provide the bedrock for your own written reflections. It is recommended that a daily journal be kept throughout the trip. Your written reflection on the experience is due on February 7, 2005.

This paper may include material from your daily journal entries as well as additional reflection at the close of the trip. 8-10 pages are expected from students enrolled for 1.0 course credit; 4-5 pages for those enrolled in .5 course credit.