Traveling with 30 strangers
I spent a month in Guatemala, traveling between Chimaltenango and San Antonio Aguas Clients doing ministry with local organizations. I was up with the sun every morning, traveling 40 minutes through the mountains to small towns to be an extra set of helping hands with preexisting outreach programs. I was on this trip with about 30 other people, most of whom were from the south or the east coast. I showed up with a backpack full of clothes and about 12 rolls of 35mm film to work through.
New friends, new experiences
I quickly made friends in this environment- learning to lean on these people for emotional and spiritual support in such a novel experience. We would work for hours every day, with our hearts full and our spirits lifted despite being physically exhausted.
On the weekends, we were granted some free time. This was often spent catching a bus to Antigua, sitting in cafes with a cup of espresso or strolling through local markets. I met countless people through tuktuk rides and interactions on the cobblestone streets, most of whom were willing to chat and share their story.
A universal language
I was able to communicate for the most part through broken Spanish, although I was laughed at (or rather, laughed with) for my incorrect grammar and pronunciation. By far, though, the easiest way to connect with the people I was exposed to was through soccer. Pickup soccer, chamusca (or scrimmages, as I later found out), and organized practices bridged the gap between me and the community's youth I worked with each day. There's no room for shyness or formality from kids when you're running drills with them.
I learned so much about myself and others- how to approach every situation with a humble heart and an open ear. I met priests on planes, chatted with farmers on the busses, prayed over single mothers in their homes. I learned that there is always work to be done and there are always ways to help. I've always loved being involved in the community and giving back, but this opened my eyes to the endless possibilities to do even that.
