After Words

I have little words to describe the emotions that are being thrust through me.
It has been a bit over a week since I got back from Guatemala and I can't stop thinking about it. I was planning on waiting longer and having more time here, in Canada, before I write this in order to do a "proper" reflection on the trip but I couldn't help myself.
I have become addicted to blogging.

As I sit here are reflect upon my time down there I can't help but wonder why I was down there. What is the greater purpose of this trip? Am I meant to go down there again and help out? Should I be packing my bags to move? Or maybe is it just to change my entire view of society and my life here...
It is amazing to me, as I spend more time here I feel like I am watching life go by from a by-standers point of view, I notice much more. I see the girls rushing around worrying about if they have the "right" dress for a party, I am just thinking about the woman all over the world rushing around worrying if their child is going to starve, if they have enough rice for the next meal. What am I suppose to do with this new experience, these new feelings?

This trip has thoroughly changed my life. It made me re think my life, question my thoughts, and judge my inner self. All things that I think needed to happen long ago. 



Albertine - Brooke Fraser


Now that I have seen, I am responsible
Faith without deeds is dead
now that I have held you in my own arms, I cannot let go till you are

I am on a plane across a distant sea
But I carry you in me
and the dust on, the dust on, the dust on my feet

The ladies and friends that changed my life

The End... But Only A Beginning.

Well I am sitting in my hotel in Miami as I write this. I have many feelings about being here... Some good, some sad... but all amazed. I have had an amazing trip that I am sure will change my life forever. Being in Guatemala for 5 weeks has really opened my eyes to many things such as people, the many different types and the interactions with others. Work, you don't know what work is until you see 1 woman trying to care for 11 babies and clean and cook at the same time or seeing an old man carrying what seems like a million pounds of sticks down the road on his back. Compassion, seeing all the teams work with the kids. Most of all, Love and friendship. The friends I have made these weeks are great and will be everlasting, I love them all so much and cannot wait to see them again.

Tomorrow I will meet the next team going to work in Guatemala, but they will leave without me. That thought is bitter sweet. I am sad that I will not get to be there for them and the kids and that  will not get to meet them and interact with them, but I am happy because I know that the children will get more of the love and attention they desperately need even without me there. I know that the next teams will do a wonderful job!

On Sunday night I head back to Canada and to my family and friends. I am truly excited to see them! I can't wait to be able to do some "summer" stuff with them before this summer is over.

Our wonderful translators and amazing friends, Alejandra and Olivia

Me with Madeline, Odilia and Sonia Mendosa

Sandra getting her hair done

My precious baby Ofelia and I

Lots of Love,
Ella

I thought I would share a couple of the sweetest pictures.

Ofelia

Ofelia

The three girlos! L to R: Madeline, Maria and Lesdy