Three Months in Thirty Minutes

Last Video :-) 

Take 30 min. to open your eyes to the world outside of our walls. To a culture and experience that changed my life forever. 

Over my journey and time in Guatemala, I put together this video to share my story with people. I will never forget my time, memories, the people, or the children. This video will always be a reminder of my amazing experience. Filled with pictures, music, interviews, and personal stories. I hope you enjoy, and feel free to share with others! My only hope is that this inspires you to live your life a little differently, or this video will inspire you to do something similar. There is nothing like finding happiness in the process of serving others. 

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One Moment Can Change Your Life

Friday was the most emotional and hardest day of my life. Saying goodbye to the little ones in the school was very hard. I was able to pass out my gifts, and say a few words to them. Each of them got a picture with me, new socks, and a beanie baby. Oh were they excited! As I gave them each a goodbye hug individually, my heart was breaking. To have these little micro sized children squeeze me with all their might, I just didn’t want to let go. They are so special to me, and I love each and every one of them. I know I will see them again, and we have accomplished so much. I know I wont be forgotten and my presence will be missed. 

         I did a home visit to see a very special family that has really touched my heart. I wanted to say goodbye, and thank you. I had not seen their house before. They live in a one room home, for 4 people. It is about the size of my kitchen back home. No electricity. ONE bed. When I saw the house my mouth literally dropped open. I am so grateful this is what I experienced on my last day. I looked at that home, and just immediately appreciated my life and my home so much differently. The mother told me this as I said my goodbyes, "Maren you have impacted the lives of so many children. They will never forget your love and everything you taught them. They are so lucky to be learning English, and Emerson knows all of his colors already! All of the moms talk about your good work here. May god bless you and your life. You are such a special person, and you deserve a beautiful life. I hope you return soon to these children and to Guatemala. Your heart and presence will always be here. God bless." I will NEVER forget these words. I was crying from the absolute core of my heart. Today has literally been the hardest day of my life. I feel like I am leaving my children, my family....who desperately need me in their life.

         When I said goodbye to my group of preteen girls, I experienced the best moment of my life. I knew without a doubt saying goodbye to these girls was going to be hard for me, but I really didn’t expect the same reaction from them. I expressed my feelings and love to these girls, and as I did so every single one of them began to cry. Not just a little tear or two, balling. I told them to never settle. I told them to follow their dreams and not let anything get in the way. I told them to study hard, and continue their education. I told them to be careful and protect their heart and find true love. I told them that the world isn’t always butterflies and rainbows, there is some bad, and some hurt in the world. But I told them to be strong, I told them to fight and never give up. I told them I truly love them, and feel like I have 11 younger sisters. I explained to them that at the beginning of my trip…I did not like this class. But wow have things changed! I ended by telling them I will return, but I don’t know when. And when I return I want to see them continuing their education, fighting for their dreams. I want to meet their first boyfriends, and I hope they are respectable and loving men that they each deserve. Each one of them has a special place in my heart, and I will never forget them. My Spanish was so good, and I was able to say everything I wanted to say. We all cried, and cried hard. But then, they shared their feelings with me. They told me I am like family, and I am a big sister. Some of them told me they have sisters, but they are closer with me. They told me they have never been so honest and confided in anyone like they do me. They trust me. They thanked me for everything I have taught them. They begged me not to leave them, begged. One girl told me I am the best friend she has ever had. Their faces were literally priceless, it broke my heart but also filled it with so much joy. It was like their world was ending, I was leaving a big gap. Never have I ever made such an impact in my life. I have truly changed these girl's lives. I know without a doubt that these women will never forget me. It was the most sincere experience I have ever witnessed. It was by far the best experience of my entire life. Hands down.

         And goodbye to Jackeline, now that was just flat out depressing. Jackeline is now family. She is more than a friend. She will be part of my life forever, I am certain of it. The best part is, it is not goodbye. There is much talk about her visiting me in the United States to share a similar experience like I did in Guatemala. I know the transition will be so hard for her. Returning to live with her parents, returning to a lifestyle with no friend, no adventures. I hope she learning something from me, and has more confidence to make some changes in her life. She is such an amazing person, and I feel so lucky to have shared three months with her. She taught me so much about life. I can’t imagine this experience without her. We will stay in touch, and I will see her again. I will be sure of it.

Last Adventures in Guatemala!

Wednesday and Thursday were amazing with my mom. We spent time shopping and looking around Panajachel. The weather was so warm both days, we got to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful weather. Wednesday we spent the night in a hotel on the lake. This hotel is just drop dead gorgeous. It is built on a cliff, and literally right over the water. You have to really hike to get up to the office, and hotel rooms. There is no town or anything, just the hotel by itself on this cliff/side of the mountain. Our room was so pretty, and our bed faced the lake. We literally woke up to the view, and with the sun in the morning. For dinner at the hotel, it was family style. This was the first time I have experienced something like this. Everyone at the hotel ate dinner together. All the tables were pushed together, and we all ate the same food. There was a soup, salad, main dish (fish/potato), and dessert. It was a very special dinner and we were able to meet some very interesting people. It was a very romantic hotel, but I was content to share the experience with my mom! We then went back to Panajachel on Thursday, and bummed around awhile. Pana is my favorite place, maybe in the world. It was my last day in Pana, I wanted to really take it all in one last time. But then, the real surprise. My mom thought I was crazy when she heard about my zip lining experience. Well, my mom went zip lining in Panajachel too! I convinced her and Jackeline! Jackeline is petrified of heights…and was very nervous for this. My mom as well. But I told Jackeline, if you don’t do this now with me…you will never do this. And she agreed with me 100%, and went with us! She ended up loving it!!! She was only scared a little the first run! My mom enjoyed the experience as well. To stop on the zip line, at the end, is a little difficult. For my mom, she really was struggling with this part. She wasn’t scared or having a hard time with anything else, just the stopping part. After the first two runs, she ended up going with the instructor. Then that way, he was the one responsible for the stopping. She loved it so much better this way! It was an experience none of us will every forget. But I must say, I like the EXTREME cables better. The longer ones, that are also higher! But these girls insisted on doing the basic cables! Maybe next time they will graduate to the extreme!

Surprise Goodbye

A Bittersweet Goodbye Party

After school yesterday, little did I know that Will, Diane and Jackeline had planned a surprise goodbye party for me. With the Tuesday afternoon class. I was busy spending time with my mom, soaking up some sun, and working on my video I really had no idea all the decorating was taking place. It wasn't until right before class, I walked to my room to grab something and I saw the patio all decorated. I was like..hmmm what is going on!?!? 

We start every afternoon class in the chapel singing songs, and praying. Will started the class by saying, "Today is Maren's last day with us (for the Tue class) and we are going to celebrate her today!" We then continued with the usual songs, and I just broke down. Being in the chapel, with the presence of God and the children, and the music, AND my mom. I just lost it. I couldn't contain my emotions. I put one of the little girls on my lap and I just held her. Before I knew it, Jackeline was crying, and my mom! It was rather an emotional disaster, but so special. It was a moment I will never forget. It was just a taste of what Friday and Saturday goodbyes will be like. DREADING THIS....

We then went out to the patio and played relay races, obstacle courses, and a piñata!! It really was special, and SO much fun. The crying stopped right away! My favorite part was the water balloon toss. I was with Jackeline, and first she got me pretty good all over my dress. BUT, then I was able to get her back, the balloon popped right on her face!! She was soaked. Then I played a round with my mom as well. We all got wet, and it was a beautiful warm day. 

We enjoyed a delicious chocolate cake, and remember the tradition? They tried to make me put my face in the cake...but we decided just my nose was sufficient! I am so grateful they all planned this and put in all the work and time to make this day special for me. It was special, and it was so memorable. 

Last Week of School

I am so proud of everything I have accomplished over the past 3 months, and I am so proud of my students. They truly are inspiring. As my goodbye is getting closer, I am dreading it more and more. I am feeling very torn. Part of me is SO excited to get home to my family and friends, but part of my is SO sad to leave Opal House. I feel like I am so ready to come home, but after two weeks or so at home, I am going to want to come right back! I had my last two classes of English Monday and Tuesday. It was such an honor to share my class with my mom. And, my students are so proud of themselves. They know what they have accomplished. They should be proud, they really have come so far. It is beautiful to watch the growth of children, more than just academic growth. These children are only 3-6 yrs old but they are so mature, and responsible. 

Today we went walking around with my mom and the students. They were holding her hand, and trying to talk to her. It was so cute! These students love every and anyone. They are just the caring and loving people I have ever known. My mom got to really get a good look at the farm, and explore the beauty. Although it is quite a hike down and back up, she made it!

Celebrating the Passing of Loved Ones

Day One Adventures

Well, I said I was going to ease my mom into the culture...but we only have one week together here! So, her first day here...she went in the Mayan Taxi! And I am so proud of her. She did awesome! The hardest part for her was just getting on and off! She was waving to people, and she agrees with me...it is the best way to soak up the culture and enjoy the views! We took the taxi to a nearby town called San Lucas. There isn't much in San Lucas, but we wanted an adventure after school. Its about a 20-30 min ride there, and then we walked around and enjoyed the town. We went to a restaurant and shared a mini pizza, and then we got coconut ice cream...mmm super healthy I know!

As we were walking around, I showed her the town catholic church, and then the cemetery. I remember when I first saw the cemetery, I was like "What is that!!!". The cemeteries here are so different from what we are used to seeing in the United States. It is like a little village, with tombs the size of little houses! They are SO colorful, and they are decorated beautifully. Every tomb is different. My mom thought this was just the coolest thing, and really, it is! We explored around, and appreciated the differences in cultures. 

On our way back, in the Mayan Taxi again, we came across a procession. The street was completely flooded with people. This is the main road, kind of dangerous to be walking on. At first I was confused, and wasn't sure what was going on. But then I remembered, when someone dies, usually there is a service at the church, and then the people process and walk the streets with the casket, usually to the cemetery. It was very interesting that we visited the cemetery in San Lucas, then immediately after, we drive past a procession! The culture is so different here, and on her first day here in Guatemala, she got to really see a lot! I was so glad we went exploring and took advantage of the little time we have here together. 

Wednesday and Thursday are going to be our big adventure days! Stay posted for more stories. Don't be worried about my mom, she is doing amazing! 

A Special Visitor!

My Mom!

As you remember, I spend my first week here in Guatemala with my dad. Then, about half way through my trip, my best friend was here in Guatemala for a weekend. NOW, my mother is here to spend my last week with me. I couldn't be more grateful to have the opportunity to actually share my trip with three people I love more than anything. This way when I tell stories and they see pictures, it all will be so clear and make sense to them. They are able to actually put themselves into my shoes and understand better everything that I experienced. My dad and Jessie are both very adventurous...my mom on the other hand....is a little more reserved! This will be an eye opening experience for her! Just like it has been for me as well! 

Except now that I am comfortable, I can be like a tour guide!! 

When my dad was here, it was my very first week. I cried to see him leave, and I was scared and timid all week. Also, school hadn't started yet, so my dad didn't experience the children and my teaching. Now that is is the end of my journey, this place is my home. I am so comfortable, I know my way around, and I am proud to show off the beauty of the country and the people. I have so many fun things planned for us this week, it is going to fly by! I am going to make her do things that are right up her alley, but also push her to try new things and things that are a little uncomfortable at first. For example, I will be making her ride in the back of a Mayan Taxi, also known as a pick up truck stuffed with mayans standing in the back! 

I have to keep in mind how I felt at the beginning of my trip. And I remember like it was yesterday. I need to be patient with her, and ease her into the culture. I will also have to do a lot of translating since she does not speak any Spanish! 

Over the past 4-5 years my mom and I have gotten a lot closer. Apparently that is common when you go to college? I am certain that this trip is only going to strengthen our bond, just like it did with my dad and I. 

Antigua