Maya Traditions Journal > Meet Volunteer Eli!

Posted by on July 02, 2015 in ,

The success of our work at Maya Traditions is made possible through the constant support of volunteers. Here, we introduce volunteer Eli who is currently supporting our work in Guatemala: 

eli

Hi Folks!

My name is Eli and I am supporting Maya Traditions Foundation’s Community Health Program by volunteering in the Organic Medicinal Herb Garden for two months this summer. I started working on June 17th and am having a blast so far. I study Anthropology of Sustainable Food Systems at Bennington College and am interested in public health. This volunteer opportunity compliments my academic studies by providing me with opportunity to engage with and gain insight into health systems in the Guatemalan context.

When searching for an internship opportunity for this summer, I was especially interested in traveling to Guatemala because I would like to improve my conversational Spanish skills. In just the first week of communicating with the garden staff and living in Panajachel, my Spanish has improved noticeably.

I appreciate the Community Health Program’s dedication to holistic health and traditional Mayan healing techniques. Caring for plants and exchanging knowledge are some of my passions. I am excited to continue learning about the different plants grown in the garden and try them out myself. It is truly a privilege to be volunteering here in scenic Panajachel alongside such knowledgeable and inspiring staff and volunteers.

For more information on volunteering with Maya Traditions, visit: http://www.mayatraditions.org/?page_id=67

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