sonrisas en Guatemala

I´ve really only been in Antigua since I´ve been in Guatemala. Other than the short trip to Volcan de Pacaya, I haven´t seen much of the country yet. Antigua is an attractive little city. There´s not much poverty and suffering here on the surface.

But occasionally I hear stories and see things that change my perspective on the true story behind Guatemala... like about the hundreds of children who live off of the scraps of food they´re able to find in the Guatemala City garbage dump. I´ve met people who have given up everything in their lives at home to come here to help make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering. I´m enjoying my time here in Antigua because of all the interesting people here studying Spanish. Most of whom came here to learn Spanish for such altruistic reasons. I´ve been feeling really inspired to do good in the world. I´m looking into volunteer opportunities around the area. Yesterday, I visited a local orphanage filled with kids in really difficult circumstances both mentally and physically disabled. It was truly heartbreaking. It´s amazing how much difference it makes to them when you spend even just a few minutes playing or just holding their hands.

Yes, I feel so appreciative of my life, and will never let myself take what I´ve been given for granted, especially when there are those with so little who can still find it in themselves to smile and laugh.

I´m leaving Antigua today. I plan to spend the weekend in a little beach town on the Pacific Coast (sounds a bit familiar, eh?). The town is Monterrico, and it´s apparently one of the places the sea turtles come to lay their eggs. This isn´t really the season, but who knows, maybe I´ll be lucky and spot a sea turtle while I´m there.

I´ll return to Antigua Saturday evening for a chance to say adios to mi familia, and then I´m heading to Panajachel on Lago Atitlan Sunday morning. Just checkin´ in here... love to you, mi familia de mi corazon.