3 TMC Students Visit TEN FE in Guatemala
/In May, 2014, I was blessed to take 3 wonderful TMC students (and my daughter) to Santiago, Guatemala to visit the students of TEN FE and don Romeo and his family. It was an amazing trip with lots of laughs, hugs, pictures with bunny ears, heartfelt moments, quality time with the students, and some hard goodbyes. The TEN FE students, who often are desperate for love and attention, made us feel beyond welcomed and special. While we were there to help these underprivileged students by bringing them clothes and supplies, helping them with homework, visiting their homes and school, and spending quality time with them, it was they who helped us. We, the gringos, walked away feeling rewarded, blessed, and with a true sense of gratitude for what we have in this world. There is something unique about spending time with people who literally have nothing, yet feel as if the world is theirs. The kids of TEN FE live in the moment of 'here and now' because that is the place where their situations have brought them to--they often have no idea what tomorrow will bring or where there next meal might come from...yet, they embrace life with a present simpleness. A simpleness that includes joy and peace (which would surprise many Americans). There are many lessons to be learned from these impoverished children, and the millions of others just like them around the world. Every time I return from Guatemala, I feel humbled. I feel motivated to rid my life of the complications, the excess, and the busyness that we, in the USA, tend to know all too well. Yet more than that, the key is to find their same sense of joy, peace, and contentment. There's a lot to be learned from these children (and their families)...it's an experience I hope to share with many more of my friends, family and TMC students in the years to come. I feel blessed.
(left to right)
Oscar, Ingrid, Drew, Kelsey, Michael, Carlos, Rut and Monica
(left to right)
Jaquelyn, Julie, Jose Juis, Alex, Michael and Ingrid