As I sit here in the airport, waiting for a plane to take me home, I feel happy. Over the past 16 days, I got to meet some of the most amazing,
driven people I have ever known, including the School the World staff, who work tirelessly to improve conditions here; the many village parents I talked to, who despite having so little for themselves are sacrificing to better educate their children; and the students, who have a burning desire to learn and grow
In a community where families have next to nothing in terms of material wealth, any possession has a big effect. An extra shirt could mean getting to go to school in clean clothes. An extra chicken could combat malnutrition. An extra toy—maybe some bubbles or a doll—could bring hours upon hours of fun.
I have visited fifteen schools in the past week and a half. Each one is certainly unique, but schools in rural Guatemala are bound to share some characteristics. For example, students are fascinated by us Americans (I am pretty exotic), and are curious about our visiting their village. The more outgoing children follow us around. Some ask questions. Others lean over our shoulders to see what we’re photographing. Our visit to Rio Mactzul today initially included these aspects, but the moment someone whipped out a soccer ball, visitors were no longer the most intriguing option for the students.
