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.