~Albert Einstein
Real good,
Real bad;
Real happy,
Real sad;
Real magical,
Was it real what we had?
It doesn’t matter now.
THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting"
~ Charles Kingsley
Brad Pitt and Angelina, Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Gosling,
Katie Perry, George Clooney – they ain’t got nothing…I want to tell you the
story of the real beautiful people.
Enter Julio, Roberto, Carlitos and Byron; the troublesome
bunch that I was fortunate enough to have lunch with not so long ago. They live
together at a care facility called Hermano Pedro in Antigua , Guatemala
It is always a special experience to visit our friends at Hermano
Pedro, so recently when Lisa, Jessalyn and I (co-founders and full-time
volunteers at smallchange4bigchange*) had the opportunity to take these
darling young men out for lunch we didn’t hesitate.
Pollo Campero was the destination (similar to KFC – and yes,
not the most nutritious lunch, but they love it!). So, with wheelchair
seatbelts fastened and bibs at the ready we made our way through the streets of
Antigua to Pollo Campero – no mean feat given
that the streets are all cobblestone and our young men are getting heavy from
all the love they get at Hermano Pedro. It is hard to describe the emotion that
these guys have just getting to spend some time outside but when they know they
are on their way to Pollo Campero they are outrageous. Shrieks and squeals, and
shouts and screams we were seated and ordered our meals.
Chicken nuggets, fries and an ice cream sundae later it is
hard to know whether more food went into Roberto’s mouth or all over he and I,
but he’s happy; grinning from ear to ear as we head towards the playground –
the slide is beckoning him. With Lisa as catcher at the bottom we send him down
the slide to great laughter and giggling. This is the most pure moment of
happiness you are likely to experience on this earth.
These are the real beautiful people. Four young men stuck in
bodies that they can’t get out of; and two beautiful women – Lisa and Jessalyn,
whom I am fortunate to experience these moments with. Beauty isn’t botox and a
bikini body, beauty is the natural aurora that all of these people boast. I am
blessed to have them in my life.
You can see a few photo’s of our outing at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.508297569181551.121199.421391797872129&type=1
*Sidenote: smallchange4bigchange is a small non-profit co-founded
by Lisa, Jessalyn and I (we are all full-time volunteers). Our focus is
sustainable development of rural communities in Guatemala but we also spend some of
our ‘free-time’ volunteering at various other ministries. To find out more
please check out our website www.smallchange4bigchange.org
or facebook page at www.facebook.com/smallchange4bigchange
A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
"Don’t be a tourist. Plan less. Go slowly. I travelled in the most inefficient way possible and it took me exactly where I wanted to go."
-National Geographic’s Andrew Evans
-National Geographic’s Andrew Evans
Sure, you will be dealt your fair share of Lonely Planet
lemons and stinky toilets. You will likely contract various tropical diseases
and lose more socks in the wash than ever before. But really, if that is the
worst that could happen, then what’s keeping you?
It is the pursuit of new cultures, the pursuit of new
people, the pursuit of new beliefs, the pursuit of new experiences. Travel is
the pursuit of everything and nothing.
Herein is a recipe proven for success:
Ingredients
5 Pairs of Underwear
5 Pairs of Socks
5 T Shirts (or similar)
2 Pair Trousers
2 Sweaters
2 Pair Shorts
1 Sun Hat
1 Wolly Hat
1 Waterproof Jacket
1 Swimsuit
1 Pair Jandals
1 Pair Sturdy Shoes
1 Bottle Sunscreen
1 Bottle Insect Repellent
1 Backpack (or similar)
1 Good Sense of Humour
A whole bunch of time
Step 1: Collect all items on ingredients list and pack into
backpack (or similar).
Step 2: Realise that everything you really need is packed
into your backpack. Proceed to throw out, give away and donate nearly all of
your other possessions except the sentimental Christmas jersey from your Nana
and love letter from your first boyfriend/girlfriend. Put these sentimental
items in a box in your parents’ attic.
Step 3: Start dreaming. Let your thoughts run. Jot down
ideas. Talk to other travellers. Determine a starting destination.
Step 4: Buy transport ticket to predetermined starting
destination.
Step 5: Follow your nose, follow the road, follow whatever you
like; but for best results try not to follow other travellers too often.
Step 6: Maintain an open mind and heart, take only pictures,
leave only footprints.
Step 7: Accumulate numerous stories of rabid dog attacks, 70
hour bus rides, jumping out of planes and swimming with piranhas. Caution: Don’t tell these stories to your
mother for the sake of her sanity.
Step 8: Realise that in the course of your travels you have
been actively trying to repel numerous insect creatures but there is one bug
that you have taken quite a likening to – the travel bug.
Step 9: Repeat from step 3.
THIS IS THE STORY OF A GIRL
“In heaven an angel is no one in particular”
-
George Bernard Shaw
Whether or not Glenda was born an angel, I don’t know. But I
do know that by uttering six words to a stranger in the park when she was just
17 years old, she has created a most heart-warming and inspirational story. A
story that overcame the social and cultural barriers that are so clearly
visible in Guatemala .
At 8 years of age Antonio was resigned to a life of shining
shoes. His family had little money to clothe or feed him and school was but a
distant dream. It was a chance encounter with his guardian angel when polishing
her shoes in the Central Park of Antigua, Guatemala that changed the path his
life would take forever.
Hungry and cold Antonio hears the words:
“Do you want something to eat?”
A hesitant but yearning reply of “yes” resonates - unbeknown
to either Glenda or Antonio this was the start of a beautiful story.
Over the coming weeks and months a friendship is cultivated.
“If you need anything Antonio, please, please ask”
So he did. Antonio was supported in various ways but most
importantly he was given the opportunity to begin and then continue his school
education.
Today, Antonio is 19 years old. He finished and excelled at
school and is now part way through a Bachelor of Public Relations at
University. He has a part-time job at a restaurant to help fund his studies. He
has a long-time girlfriend. His life is galaxies away from what might have been
if not for meeting Glenda.
These are the stories that need to be told. And the
importance of such an act must not be underestimated. It is largely uncommon to
find the upper-class people of Guatemala
assisting the lower or even middle classes. For a young upper-class woman to
reject these norms and undertake such an act must be recognised as
revolutionary.
In heaven an angel may be no one in particular. On earth,
true angels are fewer and farther between. The knowledge that one person can
change the path that someone’s life will take in such a beautiful way is
heartening.
This is the story of a girl; of an angel.
THE END?
“Now this is not the end. It is
not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning”
~ Winston Churchill
When people asked me how long I was staying in Guatemala I
would always reply “I’m not sure…I have no plans” but then I would say “But one
day I will wake up and I will know it is time to move on.”
Well, I had that morning recently. My time is up. This is my
last week in Guatemala .
The world is waiting for me, and it can’t wait any longer. In this blog I want
to reflect on the ups and downs of the incredible journey that has been my life
for the last 8 months.
I have volunteered most days for
the duration of my stay and discovered the meaning of a fulfilling job. I can
now speak intermediate Spanish. I have been drugged twice.
I have been mugged once. I have
had two different stomach parasites. I have had incredibly happy days. I have
had incredibly sad days. I have helped build 8 houses
I have changed more nappies than I would care to tell you
about for our blessed little souls at Casa Jackson. I have helped build a
vegetable garden for a family in the jungle and taught them how to grow produce
for themselves. I have helped to fit wheelchairs for children whom have never
had a wheelchair before. I have met some amazing free spirits…and life-long
friends…and soul-mates. I have fallen in love...with the culture, the people –
the whole darned package that is Guatemala . I have found out who I
really am.
I am different.
I have made a difference.
Now this is not the end. It is not
even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. Guatemala has
not seen the last of me. With exciting projects on the horizon such as
co-founding smallchange4bigchange – a non-profit organisation,
this is just good-bye until September 2012. So, thanks for the memories Guatemala , I
will see you again soon! But for now, bring on South
America !!
PS You can check out smallchange4bigchange at:
www.facebook.com/smallchange4bigchange
Even better, like the page to keep-to-date on what is happening. More on this exciting new project in another post.
www.facebook.com/smallchange4bigchange
Even better, like the page to keep-to-date on what is happening. More on this exciting new project in another post.
BLACK OR WHITE?
“Choices are the hinges of destiny.”
- Pythagoras
I had the most interesting encounter a few weeks back with a lady from Australia . A strong woman, a fearless woman – I would imagine. At 47 years of age, she has been travelling solo for the last 12 months after quitting her job and leaving her comfortable Melbourne lifestyle behind. And somewhat of a spiritual journey she has had too; the last 6 months practicing meditation and becoming acquainted with her being – mentally, emotionally, spiritually – under the guidance of Mayan gurus in the Lake Atitlan area, Guatemala .
I particularly enjoy talking to these fascinating people I encounter in my travels. I am intrigued by their outlook on life and also wish to uncover the gems of counsel they possess.
Well, we had a lot of time to talk. We met one Sunday morning early, with the hope of catching numerous modes of transport from Belize to Mexico , then spent a further 3 days in the same hostel. During one of these trips we got into a rather philosophical conversation around decision-making and consequences. We all have decisions to make, but it is the handling of these decisions and the choices we make that determine the path before us – our destiny.
“So, who are you going to feed Mateo? The white wolf, or the black?”
This took me by surprise. I have never had it put to me so plainly. The white wolf, or the black wolf; it is about how you handle any situation put in front of you. You have a decision to make – the choices lay distinctly different paths. Do you feed the black wolf, or the white?
Oftentimes, feeding the white wolf means the illogical choice, the choice with the most risk, the choice that puts you out of your comfort zone, the choice that renders you vulnerable to lose the great things you already have. And it is not to say that feeding the black wolf won’t allow you to feel content. But don’t you want more than that?
The reward for feeding the white wolf is greater than anything you have ever had. Life – it is the constant struggle of the head and the heart, but throw the white wolf a bone now and again, and something truly magical awaits you – your destiny.
Sidenote: It seems this is an important theme in my thoughts at the moment. Uncovering this wealth of wise counsel has allowed me to better understand how to more regularly achieve THOSE MOMENTS I wrote about at the start of this year (refer: EVERYONE LIVES, NOT EVERYONE IS TRULY ALIVE – Meditaciones del Momento, Jan. 2012). Always reaching, always seeking, always looking and always dreaming, but now a little more aware of how to go about it.
THE PROJECT
"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it"
- Confucius (551 - 479 BC)
On a recent trip through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico, I had a photography project. Capture the beauty in my life each and everyday – the things that otherwise go unnoticed, unseen, unadmired.
- Confucius (551 - 479 BC)
On a recent trip through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico, I had a photography project. Capture the beauty in my life each and everyday – the things that otherwise go unnoticed, unseen, unadmired.
So here they are – 21 days, 21 photos…all beautiful for different reasons. Some for the photo itself and others for the memories remembered or the emotions felt in that moment.
And here is the kicker, this was a joint photography project. Simultaneously, the Mona Lisa Lucia - (volunteer, colleague, life changer, amazing friend and more!) was capturing the beauty in her life in Guatemala - heartfelt moments, emotions and beautiful scenes.
Two lives, physically miles apart, but emotionally so close - both full of those incredibly special flashes of beauty each and every day.
Please, enjoy THE PROJECT
Day by Beautiful Day - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3467859385058.2154333.1528287661&type=3
God Is In The Details - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150606320881540.374272.537341539&type=1
STRANGERS ARE FRIENDS YOU HAVE YET TO MEET
"Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own heart"
-Albert Einstein
Curiously, it seems that most people – myself included – are habitual stereotypers. We take preconceived ideas into nearly all situations we encounter. As a matter of fact I think it is hard for many of us to free these thoughts even after our perceptions of someone or something have been challenged. Until recently I was a terrible culprit, but I have been enlightened over the last few weeks.
If I asked you to assemble a group of strangers to spend one week with, what would it look like?
Would you have an octogenarian? A pastor? A farmer? A father and his 16 year old daughter? A dentist? A recovering drug addict? The school football team captain?
My group of choice would look nothing like this. But, recently I did spend a week with this exact group. 17 people from Fort Dodge , United States of America Guatemala
But over the course of that one week, the chance encounter with these 17 people methodically disassembled my preconceptions. The octogenarian was the hardest worker on the team, the pastor cussed like a gypsy (in his own words – and please excuse the stereotype!), the 16 year old girl had a head on her shoulders that belied her age, the recovering drug addict was one of the most disciplined and driven people I have ever met, the school football team captain hadn’t lived the all-American dream. In fact, I don’t think I could have been farther from the truth with any of my perceptions of this group.
No one fits the box that you hold for them. We have to take the time to discover who someone is, not judge them with a closed mind. For me and this group; we are no longer strangers, but instead friends that know each others closest-held secrets. And for that we are richer people.
So, take your time; see with your eyes; listen with your ears; feel with your heart – there is a bounty of riches waiting for you inside of every person you meet.
TO MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home"
Rome
- Confucius (BC 551 - BC 479) Chinese Philosopher
Now, I have been living in Guatemala Guatemala
It all started with a group of 10 good keen men from Ohio , USA Guatemala under the Hope Haven banner in the next month and construct new houses for the severely impoverished here in Guatemala
I know with the support of Guatemaltecas de Corazon and Hope Haven these houses will become homes – for the minds and the bodies of these beautiful families. I won’t lumber you with every last detail but what I will do is say that there are not many things more humbling than building a home for a family in desperate need. It is impossible to put into words the feeling of gifting that new home, and to make such a drastic change to a family in one day is truly an emotional thing to be involved with.
…But a new home for the severely impoverished here in San Juan , Sacatepéquez , Guatemala
Side note:
This week of construction left a significant impression on me. I have been asked to help lead 3 more teams over the next four weeks to build another six homes. My belief in this project is so strong in fact, that over the coming weeks I wish to commence a fundraising venture for the construction of more similar homes – one home at a time we can strengthen the future of Guatemala
I have a few ideas, but I am always willing to hear others opinions so please leave a comment or get in touch if you have a fundraising idea or wish to get involved. Stay tuned for more!
EVERYONE LIVES, NOT EVERYONE IS TRULY ALIVE
And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
-Abraham Lincoln
I had one of THOSE moments last week. The moments that some spend their whole lives yearning for, the moments that some experience now and again, the moments that some are lucky enough to experience regularly.
I was on the back of a motorbike, in 35°C heat, wind blowing through my hair, the smell of the ocean lingering in the air; and the expectation of gliding along the face of a wave for the first time in nearly five months. In that moment I was truly alive.
It got me to thinking though. I have made a series of decisions in the last few months and years that lead me to that particular euphoric moment. It seems that the search for new happiness means overlooking a lot of familiar happinesses also; something I believe many people are afraid to do.
Of course, giving up those familiar happinesses is overwhelming at times. For me it meant leaving behind my job, my family, my friends, my girlfriend – all the comforts and safety of Aotearoa.
On Christmas Day I would have given nearly anything to be sitting at the dinner table with a forkful of baked ham and Grandma’s cheesy potatoes in hand, enjoying that familiar family banter. Instead I was nursing stomach parasites and enduring numerous power cuts. When I sit watching the stunning sunset over an erupting volcano Fuego, there is just one young woman with whom I would want to share that moment with. Instead I fetch my camera and record the moment in its physical rather than emotional demonstration.
And for what did I give up those familiar happinesses? The answer is simple – the pursuit of THOSE moments. THOSE moments, those new happinesses when I am truly alive. I don’t know when or where the next one will be, or what form it will take; but I know that by the decisions I have made, its creation is already in motion. And in that I find all the comfort and safety I need.
But most importantly:
Are you expecting one of THOSE moments anytime soon – to be truly alive?
So what are you going to do about it?
-Abraham Lincoln
I had one of THOSE moments last week. The moments that some spend their whole lives yearning for, the moments that some experience now and again, the moments that some are lucky enough to experience regularly.
I was on the back of a motorbike, in 35°C heat, wind blowing through my hair, the smell of the ocean lingering in the air; and the expectation of gliding along the face of a wave for the first time in nearly five months. In that moment I was truly alive.
It got me to thinking though. I have made a series of decisions in the last few months and years that lead me to that particular euphoric moment. It seems that the search for new happiness means overlooking a lot of familiar happinesses also; something I believe many people are afraid to do.
Of course, giving up those familiar happinesses is overwhelming at times. For me it meant leaving behind my job, my family, my friends, my girlfriend – all the comforts and safety of Aotearoa.
On Christmas Day I would have given nearly anything to be sitting at the dinner table with a forkful of baked ham and Grandma’s cheesy potatoes in hand, enjoying that familiar family banter. Instead I was nursing stomach parasites and enduring numerous power cuts. When I sit watching the stunning sunset over an erupting volcano Fuego, there is just one young woman with whom I would want to share that moment with. Instead I fetch my camera and record the moment in its physical rather than emotional demonstration.
And for what did I give up those familiar happinesses? The answer is simple – the pursuit of THOSE moments. THOSE moments, those new happinesses when I am truly alive. I don’t know when or where the next one will be, or what form it will take; but I know that by the decisions I have made, its creation is already in motion. And in that I find all the comfort and safety I need.
But most importantly:
Are you expecting one of THOSE moments anytime soon – to be truly alive?
So what are you going to do about it?
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