What I Learned
I spent the past four weeks in Solola, Guatemala interning with Manna Project International. I worked with six other amazing interns and we were supervised by four long-term program directors. My time in Guatemala definitely ranks high as one of the best months of my life. Despite the lack of running water and clean meat to eat, I made some amazing friends and learned a lot about the world and about myself.
First, I learned that my body can handle a lot more than I thought it could. Over the past month, I grew accustomed to showering twice a week, squeezing three to a seat in a chicken bus, and sleeping without air-conditioning. I even climbed Volcan Tajumulco, the tallest peak in Central America, in the wind and rain with a fever.
I also learned to be grateful. Of course, my time served as a reminder to be appreciative of the material luxuries that I have, especially knowing that most people in the world do not live as I do. But, even more than that, I learned to value cooperation and friendship. As the only foreigners in an indigenous region of Guatemala, the other volunteers and I really stuck out. We really did rely on each other to get through the month. My friends took care of me when I was delirious on the summit of Tajumulco. Together, we planned a women’s computer class. We cooked dinner as a group every night. I was great at chopping vegetables, but I really needed someone with knowledge of spices and seasonings. I generally like to work alone, but after my month in Solola, I have finally realized the importance of allowing others to help.
Finally, I learned that it is ok to deviate from the plan. I went into my trip with big plans to save the world. As it turns out, I probably did not make too much of a change in the world, but I am confident that I did help improve the community of Cooperativa, as well as Manna Project International. I quickly learned that when you rely on public transportation and you teach classes in your second language, things hardly ever go according to plan. I learned to adjust and enjoy the time that I had in the community and at the Manna house.
