Vanagon Journey

Today was a day full of connections and nature's surprises. I've been fortunate to connect with the local fire chief here in Guatemala. He's been an invaluable resource, helping me navigate the maze of rules and regulations we’ll need to follow as we set up our nonprofit. His deep understanding of the local community, coupled with his network, is going to be a tremendous help as we move forward. In the afternoon, I took a hike up to Cerro de la Cruz with a friend. The climb was worth every step—the views from the top were absolutely breathtaking. Antigua lay stretched out beneath us, with its colorful rooftops and cobblestone streets weaving a picturesque landscape against the backdrop of towering volcanoes. On our way back down, we got caught in one of those sudden Guatemalan rainstorms—a torrential downpour that soaked us to the bone. But instead of being a nuisance, the warm rain felt almost magical. There's something incredibly freeing about getting drenched in a pl...

Last night was nothing short of magical. I had the privilege of spending time with a local woman who allowed me to record her making Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan dish that's rich with history and flavor. It was a beautiful moment—capturing the essence of this culture through food. We sat down to enjoy the Pepian with some of the workers here, and it was nothing short of fantastic. After the meal, we gathered around a fire under the glow of a massive blue moon. The sky was clear, and the moon was breathtakingly large and bright—a sight that truly captivates the soul. As we watched the flames flicker, we howled at the moon like wolves, feeling connected to something bigger, something primal. I took some incredible pictures of the moon that night, and I’ve built a page to share them with you. Click here to check them out. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this! Adelante!

 As I’ve spent more time getting to know the people at the campground, I’ve noticed that some real honesty is finally coming out. One man I’m becoming good friends with has been upfront with me, and I’m grateful for it. It turns out that my rice and beans—something I’ve been cooking for myself and happily sharing—haven’t exactly been a hit. Apparently, my beans are too hard, and while I love the simplicity of rice and beans, they see it differently. To them, it's just another meal they already eat every day. I get it now—the “great white savior” feeding them the same thing they’re used to doesn’t feel special. That said, I’m still going to keep making my rice and beans for myself. I love it, and it’s a good way to stay grounded and keep things simple for my own meals. But I want to switch things up for the people around me, so I’m diving into some classic American dishes that might offer them something different. I’m thinking of cooking up some mac and cheese, sloppy joes, grilled ...

After a few days of battling what everyone told me was Dengue Fever, which they said would keep me down for weeks and only get worse, I can’t even begin to explain how grateful I am to have bounced back so quickly. There were moments when I could barely walk to refill my water bottles, holed up in my van without the energy to eat. But somehow, I made it through. I’m fully back to health now, ready to hit the ground running again—though I can’t help but keep in mind that Dengue might still be lurking in the future. Back in action, I’m working on an exciting new project with a good friend of mine in the States. He runs a tutorial site where people subscribe to learn all kinds of things, from quick guitar lessons to practical skills. Together, we’re going to highlight an entire section dedicated to classic Guatemalan cooking. I’m planning to work with some of the amazing local women here, filming them as they teach how to make traditional meals. It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to...

 Today, I had the honor of visiting Moniqua’s house in Jocotenango, where we finished preparing bags of food for five local families in desperate need. Each of these families has been facing incredibly difficult circumstances. One woman shared with me that her son hadn’t eaten in three days, but because of our efforts, she now has enough food to feed him for a week. The gratitude and emotions that filled the room were overwhelming. I was called an "angel" several times today, which touched my heart deeply. In return, I received a beautiful handmade Guatemalan necklace, a symbol of the connection and appreciation shared between us. Today also marked another significant moment— I was given the Guatemalan name "Santiago de los Cabarreros," which I will carry with honor. We captured the essence of the day in photos and videos, which you can find on our social media pages. With five more bags to deliver, we are far from done. The work continues, and I am energized by the...

 Today was a day full of purpose and connection. We went to a local market and bought dry food—beans, rice, sugar, and salt—for ten families who are in need. It was a powerful experience to gather these essential items, knowing that they will make a real difference in the lives of those who receive them. Tomorrow, we will be delivering these bolsas de comida to the families, and we plan to record videos of them receiving the food. This isn’t just about giving; it’s about compartir —sharing a moment of hope and support with people who are going through tough times. I’m feeling a deep sense of alegría as we prepare for tomorrow. It’s incredible to think that something as simple as a bag of food can bring so much happiness and relief to a family. I’m excited to share these moments with all of you through the videos. I hope they inspire you to see the impact we can have when we come together to help others.

Today was a day full of meaningful experiences. I had the privilege of learning how to make tortillas by hand— tortillando —from an amazing woman who has mastered the art. It’s incredible to see the care and skill that goes into something so simple yet essential. There’s something special about connecting with others through their traditions and learning a bit of their craft. Tomorrow, I’ll be putting what I’ve learned into action in a different way. Along with some new friends, we’ll be preparing bags of dry food—beans, rice, sugar, and salt—to deliver to 10 families in need. This is more than just giving food; it’s about compartir —sharing something from the heart. I plan to make videos of the entire process, from packing the bags to delivering them. My goal is to show not just the need that exists but also the beneficios —the benefits—of coming together to help those who are less fortunate. It’s a small effort, but I believe it can make a big difference.