Guatemala is considered a third world country and when I declared that I was going there for 16 days on a volunteer mission, many expressed concern. WHY? Why there? Why now?
It has been a rough couple of years running a business in a depressed economy. A roller coaster ride of wins, losses, frustrations and lessons learned. In the midst of this challenge, I realized how lucky I am. I work with a great team of talented people who I can also call my friends. I have a supportive and loving husband and a smart and snuggly 6 year old who thinks I am the coolest person on earth (for now). I love my house, I love my City and I have it pretty good.
At Studio Graphique, when we embark on a new project, we start by writing a Purpose Statement. This helps us clarify and stay focused on the project goals… it reminds us of WHY we are doing the work we do. Here is my Purpose Statement:
Rachel needs a mindset shift. She also has a desire to give back to the world in a way that is individual and profound. In this journey, she will challenge herself in new ways, and will come back with a broadened perspective and a deeper appreciation for what she has and what she can do.
To summarize the experience, I have written four short stories that share some moments along my journey that have altered me forever. They are titled as follows:
Story 1, Heaven on Earth – the experience of a lifetime climbing an active volcano
Story 2, Ascension – a challenging day of adventure in middle Guatemala
Story 3, Revelation – reflecting on the ancient Mayan civilization and their so-called 2012 predictions
Story 4, Grounding – building stoves for indigenous Mayan living in extreme poverty
If you’d like to see the photos, go here.
If you’d like to see the videos, go here.
I sincerely hope you enjoy these stories and welcome your feedback and questions.
-Rachel
Thanks so much for posting the blog on your adventure in Guatemala. Yes I have time to kill on reading a blog but I’m an adventure junkie and I love reading about other people’s adventures abroad. Congrats on the volunteer work!
If you ever need to “get your fix” of the sounds of the jungle pick up the CD called “natural sounds of Costa Rica” (www.zonatropical.net). I picked up the CD on our honeymoon in Costa Rica and it features sounds from the rainforests of Central America (howler monkeys included). It’s a cool CD for the exception of the “dong” noises between each segment.
Take care,
Christine
I am saddened by the news of disasters affecting Guatemala. Pacaya, the volcano I climbed, erupted on Friday, May 28, killing at least 3 people, closing the airport and destroying homes. Worse still, on Saturday morning, May 29, Tropical Storm Agatha blew over the country, dropping 3-4 FEET of rain in less than 24 hours. They are facing mudslides, flooding, lost homes and dozens of lost lives. The area where I did my work – Itzapa – was affected, as was GVI’s other school location, Santa Maria.
GVI is collecting donations to provide water, food, shelter, clothes and support to help rebuild lives. Please give if you can.
http://www.justgiving.com/agathaappeal
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