by Robert Aspinwall, 2007 IHSM Volunteer
Sam Fortin, 2007 IHSM Volunteer
|
by Robert Aspinwall, 2007 IHSM Volunteer
|
Sam Fortin, 2007 IHSM Volunteer
|
|
Curious children. Run down buildings. The church. Extreme poverty. Luscious rainforest stretching
for miles up the mountains. These were the images that bombarded us as our vans rolled down the dilapidated
streets welcoming us to Tamahú, Guatemala. What truly shocked me and forced me to change my views of the
world was seeing the people living in severe poverty, and yet, at the same time, I saw that they still
smiled and had hope in their hearts.
The description of the trip that my group members and I were given was that we were going
to build a house and a water collecting well for some of the poorer families in the village of Tamahú. I
realize now how simple that statement was. We were not merely building houses and wells for
these people, but we were giving them a new outlook on life. They had been living in houses built with two
rooms, but attempting to fit in eight to ten people and drinking terrible water. While working on the projects,
we worked alongside the families. They were always smiling, and I could feel how much they appreciated us
being there and helping them put together a new life. It was something that I had never felt before; the
love they felt toward us was infectious, and we wanted to give these people our absolute best; we did.
What struck me most about this town and its people was that the lives they lead
completely contrast the American way of life. They exist for the present and try to enjoy what their
situations will allow them to enjoy. They do not work in jobs so they can save up to buy an expensive
60-inch plasma television. No, they work to live. They work to put food on the table. I had never seen
anything like this first hand in my life, and through all of my interactions with the people, I realized
how much they cherished being on earth and were thankful for what God has given them. Even with what little
they had, they were generous with their food. I can't ever imagine seeing the good will, love, and
generosity these people had anywhere in America.
My trip to Tamahú did truly change my outlook on life. I do not think that anything I
have seen on television or anything that I could read could actually paint the picture as well as traveling
there did. Before this trip I was hesitant to get myself out there, meet new people and do things that make
a difference. Because of what I experienced, I broke out of my shell, got to know complete strangers, who
by the end of the trip were life-long friends, learned of a completely alien culture, and saw that I can
truly make changes in the world. |
This year’s trip to Guatemala was one that I will never forget. Every time I see the people in Tamahú I smile. Though they have very little they are happy. Our presence makes them so ecstatic and the people are extremely grateful. When I come to Guatemala I feel like I am in another world, one that is so ideal. Their culture and life, though it seems unpleasant, is really the total opposite. The people of Tamahú, I feel, should be idolized. They are so thankful for the little they have. Their personal possessions do not matter to them; it is God, their family and friends that are put first. In the end, that is all that matters. When I watched people walk up the mountain every day, as I struggled up, I realized how different our two cultures are. We are very used to having things handed to us, not even knowing how we received them. The people of Tamahú earn everything themselves and work extremely hard for them. Every person in the family contributes and helps each other. I feel blessed to have been able to see this way of life and I strive to live the same way, very simply. After I travel to Tamahú, I always feel so grateful for
every little opportunity and aspect in my life. I met so many amazing people on this trip, in Tamahú and
those from Massachusetts and Vermont. It could not have been any better. These kids were so fun and
enthusiastic. Everyone worked so hard and in the end we all felt that we accomplished a lot. Though we came
to assist the town in Guatemala, I feel that I received much more than I brought to Tamahú. I gained so much
from this trip, a new perspective on life, and friendships and memories that will last me a lifetime. There
is no other way I would have liked to spend my vacation.
My experience was amazing. I enjoyed getting to know the culture and people of Tamahú.
Every day there was a blessing, and I owe it to everyone that made it possible for my dad and I
(and others) to take part on such a memorable trip. To tell you the truth, I wish I was still there now!
It was so much fun and changed my outlook on life as I used to see it. I was really touched by the kindness
of the Guatemalans and how easy it was, even with the language barrier, to connect in our hearts.
|
Team Tamahú, April 2007 We at Mir Pace extend our heartfelt thanks to Adam, Allie, Andrew, Austin, Aviva, Conor, Doug, Evan, Hannah, Jack, Jessie, Justin, Owen, Robert, Robyn, Rosie, Ryan, Sam, Walker, Wayne, Annette, Gary, Lexa, Jack, and John, for "being the change we wish to see in the world!" |
 |
Hannah Schy, 2007 IHSM Volunteer