We have been home for a few days now, and I continue to constantly process the trip. Not only do thoughts flood my mind as I describe the fun memories to my friends and family, but also when I go through my daily life here: when I turn on the tap and the water is clear; when I turn on the shower and it is hot for as long as I’d like; when I need to pick something up from the store and I simply hop in my car.
Life is Guatemala is different, and we were able to hear stories of that from the people themselves through the interviews conducted each day on the trip. When I walk to the sink to fill up my water from the tap, I remember the woman that told us she has to walk 4-5 hours each direction to obtain water for her family everyday. When I take a shower, I remember the families that told us they use their pila for everything, including bathing because they do not have access to a shower. The pila is their lifeline, while my family is fortunate to have 3 sinks, 2 showers, and a washer and dryer for these chores. When I drive around town to do errands in my car, I think of the family that told us they have to get several rides into town in order to make it to a hospital to be treated for stomach illnesses. Method of transportation is never an area of concern for me. This experience put in perspective that activities I do everyday are barely a thought in my mind, while in other areas of the world, they are a daily source of physical and emotional strain.
I will be the first to say that I am genuinely enjoying the luxuries I didn’t have while abroad; they are comfortable and familiar. While I go through life now, I don’t need to constantly feel guilty for what I do have. Rather, I believe having these thoughts are a good reminder that while I am living my life in America, these realities still exist in Guatemala and other parts of the world. It reminds me that I shouldn’t use more than I need simply because I can, and that the world needs more selfless people to do so. Throughout my life, I hope to take trips for extended periods of time because I know giving up “comfortable and familiar” is more than worth it.
These thoughts can become dangerous if I look at these communities and only remember what they don’t have and forget what they do. The people of Guatemala have beautiful landscapes, with volcanos towering overhead and glimmering lakes that reflect the flora and fauna of the mountainside. They have the sweetest fruits that are better than anything you can pick up at your local Kroger. And most importantly, they have rich people; people that will give you more than they have and treat you to more than you deserve. They have a culture deeply rooted in their past that should not be changed by outsiders who think we have it all figured out. They love their children, with their deep brown eyes and gentle touch, and they teach their children to love you back just the same. I feel more than fortunate to have had the opportunity to interact with the Mayan people, and I hope that experience was not my last. Hasta pronto, Guatemala.
-Tara