Nature's Dichotomy: Life and Fury in a Single Frame
Nestled merely 16 kilometers from the picturesque city of Antigua in Guatemala, Volcán de Fuego (“Volcano of Fire”) stands as a formidable sentinel in the mesmerizing landscape. A distinguished member of the three large stratovolcanoes that loom over Antigua, this geological marvel is an integral part of the Ring of Fire—an arc of volcanoes and seismic fault lines defining the region's dynamic tectonic canvas. Yet Volcán de Fuego boasts a historical tapestry rich with over 60 eruptions since 1524, claiming the title of Central America's most historically active volcano. The catastrophic eruption of June 3, 2018 etched a recently somber reminder of this volcano’s presence, compelling the evacuation of 3,100 residents and the loss of approximately 165 lives. Volcán de Fuego remains active with daily explosions and ash fall. However, the resilient spirit and cultural heritage of the Guatemalan people are intricately intertwined with these volatile forces of nature. The Mayan culture depicts volcanoes as embodying a dualistic symbolism of powerful entities capable of both destruction and nourishment. This is seen in the rich agriculture and fertile soils that fuel Antigua’s flourishing coffee production. This photograph captures not just the formidable presence of Volcán de Fuego, but also the complex interplay between nature's fury and the unwavering spirit of a community that finds resilience and sustenance amidst the shadows of adversity.
Purpose of the trip: The trip to Guatemala was one taken as a global medical initiative to provide healthcare and education to impoverished regions of Guatemala. Partnering with local programs and clinics in the country, this endeavor was a testament to the commitment to not only broaden healthcare access, but to form enduring connections with the communities served as well. The makeshift clinics each day, set up in school classrooms and community centers, offered a spectrum of services—ranging from physical exams, urinalysis, blood glucose checks, to ultrasounds, steroid injections, pelvic exams, and medication and eyeglasses administration. The majority seeking care at these clinics were women, children, and the elderly, as many of the men were often absent due to daytime work toiling in fields or managing storefronts.
Ashley Piwkiewicz
Nature's Dichotomy: Life and Fury in a Single Frame
Nestled merely 16 kilometers from the picturesque city of Antigua in Guatemala, Volcán de Fuego (“Volcano of Fire”) stands as a formidable sentinel in the mesmerizing landscape. A distinguished member of the three large stratovolcanoes that loom over Antigua, this geological marvel is an integral part of the Ring of Fire—an arc of volcanoes and seismic fault lines defining the region's dynamic tectonic canvas. Yet Volcán de Fuego boasts a historical tapestry rich with over 60 eruptions since 1524, claiming the title of Central America's most historically active volcano. The catastrophic eruption of June 3, 2018 etched a recently somber reminder of this volcano’s presence, compelling the evacuation of 3,100 residents and the loss of approximately 165 lives. Volcán de Fuego remains active with daily explosions and ash fall. However, the resilient spirit and cultural heritage of the Guatemalan people are intricately intertwined with these volatile forces of nature. The Mayan culture depicts volcanoes as embodying a dualistic symbolism of powerful entities capable of both destruction and nourishment. This is seen in the rich agriculture and fertile soils that fuel Antigua’s flourishing coffee production. This photograph captures not just the formidable presence of Volcán de Fuego, but also the complex interplay between nature's fury and the unwavering spirit of a community that finds resilience and sustenance amidst the shadows of adversity.
Purpose of the trip: The trip to Guatemala was one taken as a global medical initiative to provide healthcare and education to impoverished regions of Guatemala. Partnering with local programs and clinics in the country, this endeavor was a testament to the commitment to not only broaden healthcare access, but to form enduring connections with the communities served as well. The makeshift clinics each day, set up in school classrooms and community centers, offered a spectrum of services—ranging from physical exams, urinalysis, blood glucose checks, to ultrasounds, steroid injections, pelvic exams, and medication and eyeglasses administration. The majority seeking care at these clinics were women, children, and the elderly, as many of the men were often absent due to daytime work toiling in fields or managing storefronts.
Ashley Piwkiewicz