Kristen Hanson

San Juan Chamula, a beautiful small town of indigenous Mayan people, praised in travel guides for its stronghold in its indigenous culture.  This was the one place that could not be conquered by Cortez during the conquest.  Picture taking is strictly forbidden in the town and especially in the Church. I think this more deeply allowed me to experience it, as I relied on all my senses to take it in. Following a day of touring most of the churches in San Cristobal, this was unlike anything I had seen. The church was dark and smelt of pine and incense. It was lit by a few dust-covered windows high up on the wall. Sunlight pierced through spaces around the window frames.  There was one row of tungsten lights that perimetered the walls about 3 and a half meters up. This light was overridden by what seemed like thousands of candles burning all  along the edges of the church,  filing tables, stools, the alter and all over the floor where groups were clustered . I could feel the energy of the

Not a day for writing so here are some learning experiences, observations and pics of San Cristobal for your viewing pleasure. (27-01-2011) San Cristobal, Mex. Murals cover the walls of the University of Human Rights, depicting the history of the area. Just something I think we all need to remember. Important values and characteristics of being an International Support Worker and just an all around nice person. Tolerance - No one approaches the world in the same way. That is ok! Neither is better or worst that the other, just different.   Acceptance - Not all views or approaches parallel each other, but we can learn from all of them. Patience- Things may not happen at the pace you want them to. Accept that! Support - No matter the relationship everyone needs to know that someone they trust has their back.  Ability to allow others to grow -Trust them to make their own decisions and let them learn from them. This will help other to take bigger braver steps.   (27-01-11) San Crist

Woke up this morning earlier than I expected after such a long day of travel.  I woke up 5 minutes before the alarm was set to go off, as I usually do when I am excited. I went for a walk at 8 around the zocalo (town square) just a few people were there some younger boys shining shoes, older men just sitting in silence, and other just passing through. The market  was so full of color, fruit of many varieties, clothing and paint. Mexico is so vivid. On the other end of the market was meat where they literally cut whole cows right there in the morning to put out for the day.  We stopped into a bakery and had a delicious Mexican breakfast before catching the bus and heading off  to San Cristobal de las Casas. I rode with Gary, our professor who is quite familiar with the area as he has been coming here for years. I got caught up with the events of San Cristobal, particularly around the death of Bishop Samuel Ruiz.  After getting caught up I fell asleep and when I woke up I was half way u

Toronto to Mexico (25/01/2011) What a magnificent group of people that I am blessed to learn and travel with, share experiences, and this journey. I arrived at the Pearson Airport @ 2:30 am to meet up with the group. After running through all the necessary prep and going out for my last smoke, at 3:30 they called our flight, 7441 to Chicago. We passed through security with no problems. Thanks e, I slept like a baby through the first flight, 2 hours at the Chicago airport and most of the flight to Mexico City :) That was most of the trip just one more flight to Tuxtla. Generally, before I leave for an adventure, I am filled with excitement.  For some reason this excitement feels a little more like anxiety.  Maybe this is a different kind of adventure that I am about to embark on. Its an inner transition more so than an outer one. I feel that after this experience I have a responsibility, whatever that might be to do something with what I experience. How can I personally experi

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (22/01/2011) Student of the International Support Worker Program hosted the Global Gala at the Belleville Club this Saturday. The event was held to raise awareness to the program, which is in its first year of operation. Proceeds of the event will go to support the students in their 5 week trip to Chiapas Mexico and internships that will follow. Photo By Gabriel Krekk  (Top right to left-John Duggan, Kailey Chapman, Michelle Newlands, Heather A. Barker, Janet Smallman, Lacey Guest, Shamsa Hassan, Kate Rogers, Scott Baker, Annie Chan, Charlotte Kuda, Middle- Jodie Schuyler, Caila. Bottom- Kristen Hanson, Gary Warren, Nancy Rheaume) Missing from Photo Sarah Hawkins and Tongkeh Fowale (Joe)