Every Road is Rocky
Most of the places we went during our travels to Quiché and within the departamento had unpaved roads, rocky and unleveled terrain, and rivers to pass over (well more like through because there weren’t always bridges). Today I hit my head a lot, shifted in the backseat and this may be TMI (too much information) but I wished I’d worn a bra that offered more support.
Despite the bumps along the way, the trip was enjoyable. There were beautiful views, good vibes and we were all excited about visiting existing classrooms and delivering supplies for new ones. What came to mind for me is that doing what has never been done and traveling a road that has yet to be paved is hard. There are rarely directions and occasionally you may encounter a lone traveler who can give you a nod confirming you’re headed in the right direction.
When embarking on new endeavors in uncharted territory, sharing the work along the way helps. I noticed that this trip was a success because many people worked together. Because various individuals operated in their gifts and were intentional about contributing according to their talents and resources this remarkably fundamental work in the mountains of Guatemala is being done.
You never know who you may encounter along the way
On our ride to a community named Aldea la Conquista, we encountered a very capable boy of 13 with a small frame. He was carrying 50 lbs of frijoles (beans) on his back and walking uphill along the same rocky road we were traveling (typical work for a young male of his age). We stopped to ask if we were going in the right direction in order to reach our destination. He motioned which way we needed to go and we thanked him. He was headed home which was in the same direction we were traveling. We offered him a ride and made space in el camion (truck) for him to come along once he'd accepted. He was reserved yet cheerful and smiled when asked about school and how he sometimes played with friends once his work was done. Soon he reached his destination and we said our thank you’s and goodbyes and I reveled in the moment, thinking of how we were on separate journeys but had a shared experience that was equally beneficial.
By the afternoon, we'd made it to five different towns in the mountains leaving supplies for the Aulas Magicas (Magical Classrooms). We'd met the director where new classes for children ages 4-6 would be held and enjoyed moments with new facilitators, their families, local children playing and even a few shop owners within the various pueblos (towns). The day was a success!
You will arrive!
Journeys are wonderfully unpredictable. They offer an opportunity to be present in the moment and learn along the way. If you stay the course and have an open mind about how you arrive and who may be of assistance, you’ll reach the destination.
What journey are you on? In what ways can you intentionally be aware of others and how you may be able to offer or receive a helping had along the way?
Let’s Be Ready is a non-profit organization that prepares at-risk Guatemalan children for first grade by establishing pre-schools (Aulas Magicas) and providing resources for the students and training to teachers and facilitators.
Click here to learn more about Let’s Be Ready.