| Tim Kenworthy - Guatemala 2008 | | A letter to the community from volunteer Tim Kenworthy | | I felt compelled to say a few words so that you could all know what an amazing experience you have given me. From the moment I arrived here I felt welcomed and at-home. Everyone here is just so friendly. It inspired me and I wanted to begin work straight away. But I am glad now that we weren’t able to start immediately, because it allowed me to meet all of you wonderful people first and find out exactly what the community needed and wanted. Now I know that loving, learning from, understanding and living with you all has been much more important than simply painting the hotel. I have been inspired by your pride in your beautiful countryside and the measures you are taking to protect it further, and inspired by your motivation and incredible work ethic. I have received from this community so much more than I could ever have given. I was eager to begin and you taught me patience. I was worried about the language barrier and you taught me friendliness that transcends all languages. I’ve learned how to use a machete, an axe, how to make bread and how to build a bathroom. But most important of all: I’ve learned that happiness comes not from wealth but from feeling part of a community and feeling connected with other people. I hope that as this beautiful country and this community continues to develop in terms of material wealth, the culture of friendliness, community, humility and hospitality is not lost. You’ve inspired me to improve myself. My dream now is to return to Nueva Alianza as an engineer, a builder and a Spanish speaker to participate in more projects. So you really have changed who I am and what I want from life and I thank you all deeply for it. I will come back one day and see your smiling faces again. Thank you. |
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