Today was the first full day in Guatemala, and for me, there could not have been a better introduction to such a beautiful country and her loving people. Our task today was to build wood-burning stoves for an orphanage near the convent in which we are staying in San Andres Itzapa. Having the drive to accomplish our goal, however, in no way hindered our ability to enjoy a fantastic day with some of the most wonderful children I have ever met. The orphanage, which houses roughly 400 kids in a large compound comprised of many buildings, was used as a home, school, and safe haven for children who were either completely orphaned or whose mothers were the sole providers for their respective families and had to work throughout the day. Sponsored by an Italian benefactor, the orphanage took care of and provided for children as young as a few weeks old to those who were in their mid teens. Not only were the children of many different ages, but each showcased to us their own unique personality. Kati, a bright, boisterous little girl who pulled me to the basketball court single-handedly, was strong-willed and quick on her feet (metaphorically and quite literally as well--she took a well-deserved notch in the win column over me in soccer). As she explained the rules of a game to one of her friends, she spoke fast and eloquently, accepting no interruptions. On the other hand, a younger girl named Evelyn was equally as shy as she was playful. At first unwilling to join in the fun with all of the other children, she slowly embraced the atmosphere and lost her inhibitions. As she warmed up to the large crowd, we played a little game together that involved her patito--or little toy duck--which she would throw on the ground and have me pick up. By the end of the day, she was clinging tight to my neck while sitting atop my shoulders and refusing to let any other children take their turn. One feature ubiquitous to all the children, however, was the infectious smile that spread over each and every child's face when they greeted us at the door. These smiles persisted, whether it was while playing soccer with us during our work breaks or while helping us lay the bricks that would form the stove that we were constructing. It was actually rather interesting how willing the children were to engage in work with an equal intensity as they did with play. It was very evident from the first moment that a 6 year old stumbled around with a brick in each hand, trying to hand them off to someone a bit taller, that these children really valued being engaged in the construction process. They wanted to feel included, to make sure that they had contributed to the effort in at least some small way. | That often rises up As a kind love it overpowers And overspills my cup It’s such a lovely kind of power That I cannot explain It bubbles deep within my soul It could be, I’m insane It seems that no one else around Has got this magic thing Cause if they had I'd surely know They would laugh, and dance, and sing Everyone would think them mad Cause they’d not understand How anyone could be like this And feel so very grand. I don’t know how it got here But I love it, so I do It bubbles like a gentle stream And thrills me through and through Nothing seems to worry me My life it is a dance It’s there, it’s there, it’s always there Each day it does enhance. - Peter Duggan |
In fact, this very sentiment that the kids exhibited was one of the day's biggest learning lessons. Because children nearly always show and tell us their emotions in ways that are much harder for adults to do, I have found that they often provide some of the most meaningful insight, and that their actions can serve as a microcosmic example of the world around them. In this case, the engagement which the children exhibited reflected an attitude which has so far permeated my experience in Guatemala: the value of trying. With every Guatemalan I have met so far, old and young, effort has been a mainstay. Even if they are not obligated to, or if, as in the children's case, they do not have the skills too, a Guatemalan will make the extra effort to contribute to a goal that they believe is worthwhile. The sisters at the convent, for example, host numerous student groups from around the US on a nearly constant basis and serve them wonderful food while being incredibly gracious. Why? Because they believe in the mission of these students. They believe in the importance of promoting an understanding of their homeland and they believe in serving others selflessly. Our interpreter's son, David, similarly gave up his winter break from school to be with us, to learn more about us, even if he has not yet mastered his English. He takes the extra effort to do so because he wants to make a difference. He wants to learn more about how our cultures differ and to teach us more about himself so that he can one day take his father's place and facilitate the coming together of people and the promotion of service. This aspect of Guatemalan culture is both honorable and admirable. The fact that it is so heavily weighted also underscores its importance, especially when enacting community engagement efforts. In the coming days, I hope to demonstrate my own effort and work ethic as I try to partake in a reciprocal and equally beneficial relationship with the people with whom I am working.