71: The Heart of The Mayan World with Jessica Marshall and Suhan Badalamenti

71: The Heart of The Mayan World with Jessica Marshall and Suhan Badalamenti

Imagine a place where ancient traditions meet modern efforts to uplift communities. In this episode of 'Project Circle Up', host Jonathan Andrews sits down with Jessica Marshall from the Goddess Temple in San Marcos, Guatemala, and Suhan Badalamenti from the Forest Family Foundation. Together, they paint a vivid picture of what makes Guatemala the heart of the Mayan world. Jessica and Suhan dive into their work in San Marcos and around Lake Atitlan.

They share how the Forest Family Foundation supports education through the Pedro Molino Public School and empowers women via the Luna K’aqchikel women’s weaving collective. But that's not all—they also discuss initiatives like the local fisherman organization RUKUX CHUPUP and Heart of Tul, which promotes lake health awareness by planting Tul around Lake Atitlan's shores. The episode is a rich tapestry of stories, from preserving Mayan ancestral heritage to battling the challenges posed by colonization and government issues in Guatemala.

Suhan shares his journey and the foundation's strategic plans, offering listeners a glimpse into the tireless efforts to keep ancient customs alive while fostering community growth. Whether you're interested in cultural preservation, community empowerment, or simply love hearing about impactful initiatives, this episode has something for you. Jessica and Suhan's passion for their work is contagious, making this conversation both enlightening and inspiring.

Tune in to discover how these leaders are making a difference in Guatemala, one project at a time.