I know there haven’t been any postings thusfar and I promise to catch you up soon, but figured this would be a start. Just know that this is incredible, challenging and SO amazing! By day two we were digging deep into who we are and what defining moments have changed our lives…something that we don’t often get to experience with young people. I consider myself blessed….
Today, Friday, we left Antigua and headed to the highlands of Nebaj. Tomorrow will be our first day in Chajul where we will begin our work on the library, and more importantly, we will begin to understand ourselves, as well as our place and impact on the world as a whole.
The outskirts of Nebaj…
The temperature is so cool, the air so thick with a moisture that has collected into fog so dense, we are unable to view the town upon which we will soon enter. Like the beginning scene from Gorillas in the Mist, it is as if we are entering a true rainforest…so lush with various colors of green everywhere.
Everyone in the bus is quiet. Some in awe; some silent with intimidation of the curvy mountain roads; and some tired and overwhelmed by missing home.
Tomas, our driver, has the spiky haircut of a boy, the smile of a loving man, and the eyes of an individual who knows the importance of soulful generosity. At one of our few stops on the 6 hour ride from Antigua to Nebaj, he bought us bananas. The kindness of people who don’t typically “have”, amazes me. This generosity was replicated soon after our edible treat, by Tomas inviting us to his mother’s home tomorrow for a traditional treat of boxbol (maza wrapped inside the leaves of a squash, steamed and served with salsa and pepian). DELICIOSO!!!!
I am unsure if these acts of kindness are being completely understood by our boys, but I know they undoubtedly are laying a foundation that without this experience could not exist.
