In Rio Dulce, only a 2 day ride from Honduras, I decided to give the ponies and myself a nice holiday. After all, we just crossed Guatemala in a month, we deserve it.

In a beautiful green pasture the boys rested while I enjoyed the river. Rio Dulce is a wonderful place to rest and enjoy Guatemala’s abundant nature. I swam almost everyday and spent my afternoons writing by the water. It was amazing!

The river which runs from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Izabal, is home to Castillo de San Felipe. Strategically situated at the narrowest point of the river, the castle was built in 1644. Today it is a major tourist attraction for both foreigners and Guatemalans.

During my time in Rio Dulce I had the tremendous opportunity of spending time at Casa Guatemala. This amazing NGO offers a safe home and a great school for over 200 kids in the area. After seeing the sad state in which most of the schools in the country are found, being at the orphanage gave me great hope.

Heather Graham, director of communications and fund development at the casa, was my host. She took me around the orphanage, the different classrooms and their farm.

“We run many projects here at the farm and teach kids the importance of agriculture,” Heather told me as we watched the children work on the land.

Heather arrived as a volunteer in 2001 from Canada and has been working with the NGO ever since.

“I fell in love with Casa Guatemala and the children,” she said.

The orphanage receives volunteers from all over the world. Like heather, many end up staying for long periods and returning to see the children! If you would like to volunteer at an AMAZING place in Guatemala visit – www.casa-guatemala.org – You can donate to help the Orphanage continue their work.

You can also help by simply staying at their hostel that is situated right on the river. All of the  proceeds from the hostel and its restaurant go to Casa Guatemala! It’s a win-win.