Guatemala

So, you've all waited long enough. One post really can't do this decency. Of course, neither can pictures from my own camera, which was stolen two days into the trip. As a result, all of the pictures below come from others, and capture things as they actually occurred. I cannot possibly share with you all of the things that meant so much to me, but I can share with you a few (billion) photos that document some of the more meaningful or certainly bigger things that occurred working on the humanitarian project.

1. Teaching budgeting. I'm no artist, but you can find ways to communicate. I think the art was more entertaining than not, but with two translators taking the message from English to Spanish to Queche, it was helpful. I taught the basic budgeting class, using beans as play money. It was in times like this that I'm so thankful for past experiences where I learned skills I could use to benefit others.

We created certificates for the women after completing the course. For many, it is probably the only certificate they will ever receive in their life. For others, including one woman in her 50's, it was her second. The first was received after graduating 8th grade.

2. The assignment I loved most: digging the foundation of the future hospital. This was real manual labor, and while I was unable to do it for the full day due to a little snag with my health, it was definitely the most meaningful. My dad worked in Guatemala as a medical student, and come back with my mom to do additional medical work prior to their mission. It was a significant moment for me to meet and work with the people he had come to love, and build a hospital that would save the lives of many who cannot afford to go so far away to the other hospitals. Hot, sweaty, dirty, and the children were stronger than I was. One of the little gals was so strong she would push a full car with an adult sitting on top. She would insist we sat on it, and in the process stole our hearts.

3. The beautiful souls I came to love. I believe that's the only description that is appropriate.

Merida, my favorite cook and friend.

4. Lessons learned from those with whom I traveled. And sacred, personal experiences that we all shared in.

5. Life is never all work and no play if I'm involved. This trip definitely required some play.

6. The accommodations. May we never complain about our bathroom sinks again. And, may you never forget to wash your toothbrush with bottled water. I forgot, used the tap water, and had to go sanitize my toothbrush. I'm happy to report I didn't die. The only picture missing is the rend tent I stayed in for four of the nights in torrential rain.

7. The friends. Enough said.

Do we look ten pounds skinnier, like Martha Washington, and like a synchronized swim team here? Thought so...

Jungle Barbie. Always looking fabulous. And, she's a true friend to boot.

8. The fashion. That's right. I rocked those knee highs and wellies all week.

9. The view. Breathtaking. Wake up ever morning to jungle paradise, covered in clouds, and you'll find yourself somewhere in between heaven and earth.




10. Love. I think that's what I really saw in my time there: an opportunity to love and care for one another. This love may have been extended more by the people to us than from us to them. While it financially was costly for me, they freely shared a more previous gift--unconditional love. In a small way, this picture opens up that feeling for me again. Perhaps it will for you, too.

The women in my budgeting classes drew an analogy between a Guatemalan belt that my dad brought back from Guatemala--they noted that just as a father ties on his belt to go to work and support his family, so was this organization supporting the community. However, I have concluded that these people also provide support those who went on this trip, sharing with them deeper experiences with humanity that can change a life forever. Thank you so, so, so much to all of you who helped make the trip of a life time possible. I will endeavor to honor the lessons learned and the experiences I've had.