Guatemala: Dia Tres

On our third glorious day in Guatemala we had the opportunity to get a tour of the mission and all of its projects.  Katie, the mission's director, and a local tour guide showed us the mission's medical clinic, reforestation project, women's center, coffee bean plants, elementary school and Montessori school for the little ones.  While stopping at each site spread throughout the town, we were also able to meet the members of the community in charge of the projects. It was so cool to see the projects and people in action after watching the movie the night before on Fr. Greg's life and all the project he implemented in San Lucas.

Truvio
Photo credit: Alex Meyers

In the afternoon on Monday our project assignment was at the reforestation project with a man named Truvio. Truvio has been working on and now managing the reforestation project since he was a young man. We learned from Truvio that one of the main things that the reforestation project seeks to do is plant cypress trees. Cypress trees were chosen in particular because they have deep roots that grow quickly.  These trees are important in maintaining soil that can grow crops and they help protect from landslides bringing as much devastation to communities in Guatemala.

As cool as it was to learn the logistics about reforestation the part that really stood out to me about Truvio was his overwhelming joy and passion for his work.  I feel that I was fortunate enough to have seen him in action spreading his joy.  I have so much to learn from Truvio.  To always, each and every day, put forth all that I have into my vocation.  Maybe my vocation does not involve planting trees and developing the Earth through reforestation like Truvio's, and God has given me different gifts, but I can always use those gifts to make to the world a little more beautiful and a little more joyful.  Truvio, is a perfect example of this and he definitely is an example to aspire to imitate.

Our group and Truvio

So here's to Truvio and spreading a little joy in our work.
cheers.

AL.