some morning thoughts

As I sat here doing my spanish homework this morning, I watched the night guy from my hotel "mow" the lawn and it certainly had my brain working. Guatemalans don't have fancy lawnmowers. The don't even have the old school metal wheel with blades. He has been "mowing" the lawn for 3 hours using a machete. A MACHETE!! He has been bent over for three hours cutting the grass BY HAND with only a machete and as I write this, he continues. All of this after he had a 12 hour night shift. While I sat here, he would take a break here and there and chat a little bit. I found out he has two children at home; a girl who is 1 and a boy who is 5. He works apx 20 hours a day to provide for his family. It makes me ill to think how I sit here on my Macbook (albeit 6 or 7 years old), with my digital camera planning a two week vacation to Belize. I have no concept of what families all over the world must go through every day to ensure their children have the very basics to survive. But what amazes me the most is how warm and welcoming almost all of them are. Every morning I go for a little walk around the town and Im almost serenaded with "Buenos Dias'". The smiles are infectious and their eyes are innocent. It amazes me how genuinely friendly these people are despite their hardships. It regularly brings me back to all the "1st world problems" we get so caught up in back "home". Maybe this is why I have always struggle to find the place I call home. I've always struggled with the concept of Chasing the Jones'. I was never motivated by how much more money I could make then you. I don't care what my business card or name tag says. And I certainly don't feel any better about myself because of where I shop. I know I have said it before, but life makes sense down here. However, the irony is not lost on me. We live our spoiled little lives, always so quick to judge someone else for their "status". Expectations that go beyond just being gluttonous. All the while there are so many people in the world just happy for friends, family and health. Although none of this was new to my thought process, this trip has been truly special. I didn't grow up requiring a reality check or an eye opening experience to comprehend what poverty means. My parents did an excellent job of ensuring I never lost sight of what truly matters. But I have found a certain calmness in my existence down here. Even an acceptance not easily found back home. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of darkness down here too, but an overwhelmingly large concept that we are one. That everyone is both a true individual, deserving of warmth, respect and happiness, but also a part of something so much bigger and special. The more time I spend in 3rd world latin countries, the more I am reminded that world is not about how much money you make your boss, your hour long commute because the greedy rich have made real estate impossible for the average citizen, or about being so exhausted on Saturday that you hardly have time to truly enjoy your loved ones. This is my challenge to myself. To find that same calm amongst the chaos of corporate North America. To find the the infectious smiles that coexist with innocent eyes. To find a little peace amongst the dog fight. And to spend every day, without fail, to ensure what really matters in our world is what matters in my word. I challenge you to join me!

The tour pt 1

So here is my long awaited blog about the tour.

It definitely started off interesting, as so many travel days to central america do. The airport connections are terrible and if you are lucky enough to get bad information, you will be stuck sleeping on the outside, on linoleum without a single place to get dinner. Thank you Continental and the Houston Airport. But alas, I survived my LONG night, despite the buffer guy at 4:30. The second I stepped out of the airport and smelt the tropical air I knew I was home. To anyone who has travelled down here, you know what I am talking about. Monika, you'll know soon enough. :) I arrived two days before the tour started and I spent them reacquainting myself with Antigua. The warm colours, the cobblestone streets, the ruins from many an earthquake and of course, the smiling faces. It was awesome to see the sun again too. Is it bad that I spent my first night watching the Canucks game?!?

The tour started on tuesday and the group instantly meshed. We all had lots to talk about and a common theme to bond us. As the days progressed, it was really awesome to watch people of all walks of life come together. The group made my transition very easy and am thankful for all your wonderful comments!!

When we left Antigua for Tecpan, the van was full of excitement. We arrived at the job site to prominent volcano's, deep valleys and 360 degree views. I had seen many pictures but this one took my breath away. We had one of the warmest welcomes I think I have ever received from a stranger. Both Heather and Greg, founders, and Antolin, the forman, were wonderful. I can't begin to explain to you the energy on that job site. Im glad I was wearing sunglasses for their welcome speeches because any "tough" exterior I may have had going in was quickly washed away with joyous tears. Prior to my arrival it was obvious the group was going to mesh well, but I think it was this moment that we became a family! After our tour of the job site, we headed back to our adorable hotel for dinner. I'm not sure any of us got much sleep that night. :) 

(to keep you in real time, I just got pooped on while writing.. is it really good luck to be pooped on by a bird, or is the luck just in the fact that it landed on you?!?)

Our first day was exciting and tiring all in the same. You get a true idea of what people's work lives are like down here. In north america we live our lives spoiled and sheltered. Having spent time on construction sites back home, you take for granted modern tools and technology. As each day passed, we were faced with challenges you just aren't used to at home. Older tools, fewer tools, actually having to use blood sweat and tears rather than I battery powered device. My job for the first two days was to rebuild a shed that had been torn down by a multi day wind storm. It felt really good to get my hands dirty again! Others were mudding the gathering circle where we received our very warm welcome. I was in awe watching the local workers mix concrete for hours on end all by hand. The shear strength that would take was incredible but their work ethic was inspiring. Each one of these workers just put their head down and got the job done. Was the motivation the amazing project they have been so lucky to be a part of? Was it a perspective we have lost in the western world? Maybe it was a combination of both. 

After the first day was over, we were all very tired. A long day in the sun, hard work and the calm of knowing you officially became a part of something special. Each one of us became bonded for life!

The next day was just as fulfilling, except this time we had a special invite. A "friendly" match of soccer.  I think that was the most fun I have ever had playing soccer. The uneven terrain, the small field and even being toyed with by the far superior skills of the workers was a blast. You don't realize you are at 7500 ft until you try playing soccer. As everyone watched the game, it was awesome to see the smiles on every single person on that job site. 

Our first few days were amazing. We saw our progress with the children's houses and made new friends we never would have been able to otherwise, but its hard not to be reminded of how difficult life is for so many down here. Its hard to ignore the poverty; whether it be hungry dogs so obviously in pain, roofs that have collapsed in or watching children no older than 3 or 4 having to work long hours trying to sell to the tourists. It truly is heart breaking. I think this is why I find Heather and Greg so inspiring. They were some of the lucky ones born to an easier way of life in North America yet they CHOOSE to dedicate theirs to under privileged children so desperately in need of love. The world truly needs more people like them!

After our first excursion day fell on the Saturday. A day of R and R at the spectacular Lago de Atitlan. We travelled to San Marcos, a little hippy town on the lake where we were finally able eat vegetables. Who would have thought that I would have missed lettuce! Unfortunately our day of quiet was quickly interrupted with the new mayoral inauguration parties. As we sat enjoying a tasty brownie watching a football game, it suddenly sounded like a gun went off 20 ft from the patio. Apparently the guatemalans in San Marcos entertain themselves with firecrackers here too. 

That night I was surprised with a beautiful birthday card full of wonderful well wishes and a celebration by a fire on the lake. It was awesome! Although I have to say I disappointed myself only finishing 1/2 of my tetra pack of wine. Robyn, you did me proud!!!! (side note: not even in guatemala for shits and giggles is drinking cheap wine out of a tetra pack a good idea) After the fire, the few that were still up went to a local hippy bar. What an experience. I have to say I felt a little uncomfortable amongst the bare feet and petchulli.  But it was a pretty cool bar set up like a giant tree house!

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to be continued ( i have to get back to practicing my spanish)

I finally remembered how to get back to my blog lol

Ive been here for 2 weeks now and its still like home. The people here are so friendly and welcoming. In two weeks Ive had more "hello's and good mornings" than a year in Vancouver. The atmosphere is laid back and there is no indication of the daily grind. They know how to work here but they appreciate life and I have to say it's contagious. For some reason, life makes sense down here. I can't say the same for western cities. I had my first official tour and it was amazing!!!! the job site is one of the most amazing sceneries I have ever had the privilege of working in. And for those of you who have seen my pics, you know I've seen a lot! Project somos is such an experience. I can't begin to explain how it will touch your heart. I was really looking forward to my participation but I never anticipated the deeper meaning it brought to my life! The work crew are so helpful, warm and light hearted. Heather and Greg, the founders, are as real as any one I have ever met. Their vision is inspiring!! The foreman is a mayan spiritual leader and there is absolutely no way to articulate the welcome he will give you. I encourage everyone to get involved. Whether it be with a small donation, sponsoring a blanket for a child or coming with me on a voluntour! It has been the most spectacular experience of my life. I will give more details later but Im off to my spanish lessons. Talk soon!

Day 3, Post 1: Official start date of the voluntour!

Well I have been here for 2 days now. It was a rough start, as travelling on international economy flights usually is. But I feel a bit human after two decent nights sleeps. I haven't done much other than walk around Antigua, though there isn't a dull block in the this city. Its absolutely spectacular here. Cobblestone roads, spanish colonial architecture and multiple volcanoes in the background. It is definitely quite the site! The last few remaining guests arrive today and tomorrow we travel to the project somos site. Im very excited. If anyone is interested in finding out more about the the voluntour company El Camino or the children's village we are working on Project Somos, here are their respective websites.

El Camino:    voluntours.ca

Project Somos:   projectsomos.org

I don't have much to share yet, but the adventure is officially starting today.