Tuesday, 12 January 2010 13:46

My Journey to Guatemala

John Marh
Volunteer to Guatemala, GN USA
 

As I stepped out of the car, the unfamiliar atmosphere overtook me, as would a sudden heat wave. I stood without motion as the foreign extremities of poverty flashed before my eyes. For a moment, I struggled to take it in this unbelievable scenario: the old and beaten buildings, the uneven pavement, the stray dogs, and the wandering children in ragged and dirtied clothing. It seemed that the world was filled with God’s misfortunate children.

On August 9, 2009, I boarded my first plane out of the United States. In California, I lived a most comfortable life. Never did I question the fact that I would have an adequate supply of food, water, clothing, or shelter. In addition, beyond my basic necessities, I indulged in extra and unnecessary comforts. Never satisfied with my current lifestyle, I lived ignorant of the suffering of those less fortunate than me. My seven hour plane ride into Guatemala would bring me into an entirely new realm, as I would visit the depths of poverty.

My journey to Guatemala was reality’s wake-up call. Never venturing past the borders of the prosperous areas of the United States, I was never exposed to the hardship of a developing country. Though I had seen the homeless scattered here and there even in California, never had I truly absorbed myself into a poverty-stricken environment. The drastic change was as clear as day and night, white and black, darkness and light. Throughout the entire trip and even so now, I continue to question myself over how people in such difficult circumstances could live through such a life. It was unbelievable to see how children, from a premature age, held mutual responsibilities to support the family and how each sacrificed so much: health, education, and self pleasures to economically secure the family and even more so, how each individual continued to fight the daily struggles, looking towards a brighter future. The Guatemalan struggles became my motivation to fight against the unjustified poverty. Each day as I looked deeper and deeper into their struggling lives and heard more clearly the cries for help, I felt a yearning desire to serve.

Through Good Neighbors, I was able to join in the effort to eliminate poverty and illiteracy. The Good Neighbors team in Guatemala has profoundly affected the impoverished Guatemalan situation. The children have been invited to a safe educational center, where they can engage in friendly interactions with fellow students and teachers. After one-on-one interviews with each student, a statement was made of their current life situation. After documenting each child, Good Neighbors asks international individuals to sponsor each child. Though I am uncertain of the macro effect Good Neighbors has upon the world, I find their impact in Guatemala to be positive and progressive. With a team of determined volunteers and staff, the good work of Good Neighbors in Guatemala seems limitless.

I left America fearful and uncertain about my decision. At the end of my journey, I left Guatemala with only one regret: that I could not stay longer. I cherished every moment and I hope to add more memories to my Good Neighbors experience. I was so surprised to see that a small group of people could have such a monumental effect in the nearly hopeless situation of the suffering.

Good Neighbors has inspired me to work not only in the extremities of poverty, but to help fight even the minor sufferings of each day. Good Neighbors has introduced me to a place that has opened my eyes to the truth of this world and with it, I had found within myself a new set of values and expectations.