Fact: life is better in good company -- company that “offers ease and thought and companionship as opposed to neatness, order, and properness” – John Steinbeck and Dwight Schrute. Perhaps I am merely reiterating a truism, but at least it’s a meaningful one.
Fresh off the plane from Guatemala, as I reflect on my trip, what stands out the most are the people: Dana. Kat, Carlos, Isabél, Machi and Bernardo. We got a lot of work done, but it would all be meaningless without the inherent “interconnectedness of humans with others” – Steinbeck again, Cannery Row, my entertainment for the return flight.
Carlos is just one of those individuals you like to be around. He’s courteous, thoughtful, smart, cooperative, a true humanitarian. At just 21, Carlos is a leader in his community, a hero. This past week he helped us find a home, quite literally. His uncle is building a beautiful home right in Chaquijyá, and Carlos helped convince him to let six random gringos (that’s us) who he has never met before, rent it for half the price that it is worth. Sincere solidarity.
Isabél, another Chaquijyá community member, dedicated her entire Sunday to ushering us around the well-known market in Chichicastenango. It was a long trip in the pouring rain, but she was genuinely eager to help. Without her, we would have undoubtedly gotten lost in the complex maze of fruits, meats, reggaeton CDs, and artesanía.
Machi is a young gentleman we encountered selling handmade jewelry on the main street in Panajachel. His hair, shoes, and thick accent screamed Argentina and we became fast friends. Kat and I mustered up the courage to invite him for drinks with us later (nearby locals were thoroughly amused as noted by excessive giggles) and he actually came! He brought his friend Bernardo along, adorned with a braided beard hehe. Although we were quite the unlikely matchup, coming from completely different backgrounds, the five of us had a blast chatting about life, liberties, and la incómoda.
Which brings me to Dana and Kat: true rock stars. The goals they have set out to accomplish over the coming year will touch the lives of many. Their selflessness and dedication will serve as role model behavior to hundreds of indigenous children. They are a shining example of compassion, benevolence, and joy, in a place and time of great need. We could all use an extra dosage of Dana and Kat in our lives.
Even the little things count, like being picked up from the airport by a loving mother and taken out for a much-needed American cheeseburger.
Although I believe in the strength of the individual, I would be nothing without all of you; we would be little without each other :)
Fresh off the plane from Guatemala, as I reflect on my trip, what stands out the most are the people: Dana. Kat, Carlos, Isabél, Machi and Bernardo. We got a lot of work done, but it would all be meaningless without the inherent “interconnectedness of humans with others” – Steinbeck again, Cannery Row, my entertainment for the return flight.
Carlos is just one of those individuals you like to be around. He’s courteous, thoughtful, smart, cooperative, a true humanitarian. At just 21, Carlos is a leader in his community, a hero. This past week he helped us find a home, quite literally. His uncle is building a beautiful home right in Chaquijyá, and Carlos helped convince him to let six random gringos (that’s us) who he has never met before, rent it for half the price that it is worth. Sincere solidarity.
Isabél, another Chaquijyá community member, dedicated her entire Sunday to ushering us around the well-known market in Chichicastenango. It was a long trip in the pouring rain, but she was genuinely eager to help. Without her, we would have undoubtedly gotten lost in the complex maze of fruits, meats, reggaeton CDs, and artesanía.
Machi is a young gentleman we encountered selling handmade jewelry on the main street in Panajachel. His hair, shoes, and thick accent screamed Argentina and we became fast friends. Kat and I mustered up the courage to invite him for drinks with us later (nearby locals were thoroughly amused as noted by excessive giggles) and he actually came! He brought his friend Bernardo along, adorned with a braided beard hehe. Although we were quite the unlikely matchup, coming from completely different backgrounds, the five of us had a blast chatting about life, liberties, and la incómoda.
Which brings me to Dana and Kat: true rock stars. The goals they have set out to accomplish over the coming year will touch the lives of many. Their selflessness and dedication will serve as role model behavior to hundreds of indigenous children. They are a shining example of compassion, benevolence, and joy, in a place and time of great need. We could all use an extra dosage of Dana and Kat in our lives.
Even the little things count, like being picked up from the airport by a loving mother and taken out for a much-needed American cheeseburger.
Although I believe in the strength of the individual, I would be nothing without all of you; we would be little without each other :)
A la seguridad!
ReplyDeleteYou are so adorable. I miss you already! I cannot thank you enough for coming and helping us, we are forever indebted to you! Also, let's talk soon because you would not believe what la incomoda and la kat did tonight to avoid guilt.
ReplyDelete