Here’s To My Friends
A toast to my friends whom I met a year ago yesterday (January 4) and with whom I started my adventure a year ago today (January 5). Here’s to my friends who had no idea what they were getting themselves into but went fearlessly ahead into the unknown. Who put their lives on hold for 27 months, sold their cars, got out of their leases, left good jobs, left even better family, for something — they didn’t yet know what they would be doing just that they they were ready for something more.
from the article "Cuerpo de Paz celebra 50 años" from the Prensa Libre
Along the way, we’ve lost some cool people, gotten robbed or assaulted, been sick, felt mad or angry or lonely, been caught in the rain, been squished in micros, and been taken advantage of in myriad ways. That said, we’ve also met many cool people, formed deep friendships, felt happy and content and part of something bigger, gone to the beach, hiked volcanos, been treated better than we think we should have been, and eaten great street food.
Personally, I have been the recipient of extreme luck down here in Guatemala. My site is really spectacular: great views, really nice people, an active and involved association, and so much natural beauty. My friends are fantastic. And I, very fortunately, have not had the misfortune of being the victim of theft, robbery, or assault. I have only been sick three times. My luck may change in the future but I am grateful for what I have now.
In the year and three months that remain I will try to aprovechar of Guatemala in ways that I haven’t yet. For example, I haven’t yet climbed a single volcano — on my list are Santa María, Tajamulco, Tacaná, and Pacaya. I haven’t gone to Tikal, Río Dulce, Livingston, Tilapita, Todos Santos, Santiago Atitlán, Takalik Abaj, or Semuc Champey (Google those places!). I haven’t crossed the border and experienced Mexico or El Salvador. I haven’t ran a half marathon. Many things I haven’t yet done but many things I wish to accomplish. Friends, if you’re reading this and want to buddy up on any of these things, I will be happy to go with you!
But more than just those I flew on the plane with to Guatemala, I also would like to toast the volunteers who came in the year before me, in the years before me, in the year after me. Here’s to you for giving up an already rewarding life in the States to volunteer your time in whichever country you were sent to armed with only your goodwill and some anti-diarrheals. For putting yourself aside and devoting your blood, sweat, and tears into improving the lives and livelihoods of your counterparts and countrymen. You give me hope for a better world. Here’s to you, my friend!
