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.