Chacula Partnership

During the 1980's, thousands of Guatemalans fled their homes in the wake of genocidal attacks by the Guatemalan Army. Many of them crossed the border into southern Mexico, where they remained living in refugee camps for some 12 years. In 1994, after the signing of an agreement with the government of Guatemala, a group of these refugees returned to northwest Guatemala, to establish a new community called "Nueva Esperanza" (New Hope).

CMSA's January delegation to Guatemala was once again a journey of solidarity, learning, and challenge. We visited several different parts of the country, met with returned refugees, Mayan leaders, and migrants on their way to "el Norte," and everywhere we went we sought to deepen our understanding of this beautiful and complex country. Below are some highlights of our trip - we hope you will join us at a program in late March to learn more!