Guatemala: Dia Ocho

WOOO! We made it through the whole week and shockingly only the smallest snippets of my experience are being captured here on el blogo (I do not believe that the is accurate Spanish...).

My week in Guatemala was quite possibly the week I laughed more than I ever had in my whole LIFE.

Of the 14 other ladies I was travelling with I knew only a couple very well.  We had a couple a pre-trip meetings (with homework involved!) that happened to go down at 8 AM on two Friday mornings sooo needless to say we weren't exactly chatty, but this was definitely NOT a foreshadow of our week together (thank goodness).

I learned so much from these women.  We became so close, so fast.  I heard from one of my friends (not on the trip) that travelling with others inevitably has the power to make you all incredibly close because you see each other excited, tired, stressed, happy, sad, and a wide variety of other emotions.  You are spending all waking (and non-waking) hours together and in that lies a unique and priceless opportunity for friendship to grow into something beautiful.

the beginning of a beautiful friendship

This was especially the case with my friend, Alex.  We knew of each, you know that situation (particularly prevalent at Rockhurst). Immediately, we were assigned right next to each other on the flights and also shared a room throughout the week.  She was a senior this year, so this was a golden opportunity to get to know her!! And is she incredible :)  One specific way that she impacted me was her ability to laugh.  She laughs at herself, at others, and the simple joy in situations.  It is so cool.  Alex is gifted in making others feel so welcome and comfortable.  Joy trails wherever she goes.  I learned many other things from this awesome lady, but I would be going on and on and on and on (get it? haha).

Anyways, Alex will be returning to Guatemala in August to dedicate her first year post-grad to serving the people in San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala.  Another beautiful quality she possesses is her love and willingness to adventure where ever God leads her.  Since she will be volunteering for a year, she has a fundraiser to help with things such as housing, flights, etc.  If you can help her out in anyway, even if it's just prayers that would be AWESOME.  Click on over to Help send Al to Guatemala!

So here's to laughing, trailing joy all the places you go, and those who dedicate themselves in the service of others, especially my good friend, Alex and all the ladies I traveled with, you all taught me more than you know.
cheers.

AL.