Hope

So, on another note about Guatemala... I found it in this list of the world's happiest places.

In Pictures: World's Happiest Places Money really can't buy happiness. But can democracy? By Hana R. Alberts

http://www.forbes.com/opinions/2008/04/23/happiest-places-world-oped-cx_ewe_0423happiest_slide_10.html?partner=email

You may find this contradictory, in light of my last post. But, I can believe it in terms of my personal experience (which is, admitttedly, limited). On all three of the visits I have had to Guatemala, I have come back impressed with the positive attitudes/countenance I have observed and received from the people I interacted with. Albeit, my interactions could be considered superficial in some terms- my first 2 visits were made through a mission organization, called Students International. On my first visit I helped care for malnourished and disabled children in a Catholic hospital. On the second I helped to teach English to elementary school students in a private school for children of mostly low-income families. On my third and most recent visit I stayed in a 5 star hotel in the safest zone of Guatemala city and only left the city with the care of a paid tour guide. Suffice to say, all my visits have been very sheltered. Nonetheless, I have observed in many Guatemalans a lightness of spirit in spite of circumstances.

When you return to the US from a place like Guatemala, it is difficult to shake the feeling that we have alot to learn about what true happiness is, in the lap of wealth and freedom. In spite of the extreme tragedies, there are really good things happening. Take this small but meaningful example: http://www.pottershouse.org.gt/. I am happy that I have a couple of friends traveling to Guate in a few weeks to partner with this organization for a week. Chasity and Molly have taken this journey before. On their return the told me of the deplorable environment they worked in and the indomitable spirits of the people they worked with. People who have hope, even though they live, quite literally, in a dump. If that doesn't give you a jolt of perspective, nothing will.