Back in Montana

The change from being in Guatemala for almost two weeks and coming back to the states has not been easy. I am still adjusting to life here in Montana. Since I have departed from other members of the group, I have totally felt alone and on my own. There is no one else around me who has experienced and seen the things that I did. I almost feel scared, but at the same time, I feel such a beautiful peace within me that I cannot really explain. I am not sure why I feel this way, but I think it would be safe to attribute it to the wonderful people of Guatemala. I think that they showed me such a beautiful way of life; a life of simplicity and holding a high importance on God, even when there is no reason to be joyful. Before this trip, I thought I had a good idea of what was important in life, but now that I have had the experience of immersing into the Guatemalan culture and living so simply, I think I have a much better understanding. From this understanding, I believe that I am becoming a much better person in more ways than one.

Although I experienced culture shock going to Guatemala, I am experiencing just as much here in Montana. Whether it is walking through the mall in Bozeman, sitting through my little sister’s high school graduation, or just relaxing on my bed, I can’t stop pondering about Guatemala and how much difference there is between the two cultures. My mind keeps drifting back to the people in Guatemala and their living condtions. I cannot stop thinking about what they are all doing at any given moment and what is going on at the clinic and school. I fall asleep thinking about my brothers and sisters there. I will always have a special place in my heart for everyone that I saw or met. Not a day will go by that I will not think about Guatemala and everything that the people down there need and what they have taught me. I really hope to return to the Mission in Guatemala someday and continue on with the foundations of the relationships which I have began. In addition, I hope this amazing group and I can go spread the word about how important it is to work towards social justice.