The first of my 40 adventures is well underway and one word to sum it up is exhausting! ...exhilarating, amazing, beautiful, challenging, eye-opening... It can't be described in one word. Until about a year ago, I knew next to nothing about Guatemala and even where it's located. Guatemala is an amazingly beautiful country with vast diverse landscapes, people, and culture. Also, Guatemala is a very poor country where most kids don't go to school beyond 6th grade. The landscapes and the colors are amazing but at the same time, there is trash everywhere you look. This was a little shocking at first but where they lack in refuse management, they more than make up for in their warmth. While the country is poor, they are rich in culture, scenery, and personality. Everywhere I saw poor conditions and trash, I also saw beautiful people with big smiles. Siblings running around the dust covered streets hand in hand, smiling and laughing. Everywhere I walked I was met with smiles, "holas!" and laughter.
I'm less than a week into my 40 adventures and already I can say this experience has changed me and I've learned a ton already. I've learned about the history, culture, politics, social economics, education systems, government policies, agriculture, customs, sports...and on and on...hell, I even learned how to do arithmetic using Mayan number system!
The best part of all is I've had the opportunity to experience all of this side by side with my brother Chadd. His organization (Teachers to Teachers, International) that he envisioned and built from the ground up is doing amazing work and making a difference. T2T has an awesome team of people both here and back in the US. Their knowledge and passion is epic and a little humbling. Not only are they great people but also are a great example of teamwork and partnership. They are passionate in what they do, their cause, each other, and those they support.
I am so proud of my brother, the team he's built and what they've been able to and will accomplish. I know our Dad is looking down with pride also. I'm thankful for this time we've been able to spend together and for my family being understanding & supporting me on this adventure.
Transcending. That's the word I'll use.
#40forturning40
