So I was going to go to Guatemala

I didn't realize how excited I was about the trip until it was cancelled.  I suppose I have been willing hopes not to get too lofty while trying to get a plan in order for my life.

Our destination was Patzún.  

Because the women generally use wood to heat their homes and to prepare their meals, they spend much time searching for wood.  The land is described as barren.  Clean water is scarce and we had hoped to construct a purification system as well as educate the people how to best utilize and conserve their liquid gold.  The women and children were going to be the primary ones learning about their new technology and I was very much looking forward to being around the kids. 

The maternal language in Patzún is not Spanish, but Kaqchikel.  There are 53 living languages within Guatemala and where we were going Spanish is usually the second language of the people. 

There are many different organizations whose primary goal is to aid promote clean water and education. As one of the members of our derailed group pointed out You can't board an airplane heading to Guatemala without seeing those intrusive, matching neon shirts up and down the isles.  I don't know if they have a dress code, but Living Waters for the World is an organization that works world wide to provide clean water to those without.  

I find that, aside from the original objective of each individual group, the interaction between people during the project is as important as the purified water or new building.  Despite language differences, a connection can be made and friendships can be forged.  Through mutual second languages and impromptu games of charades more can be understood than just the words that tumble off of foreign tongues.  For what is the point of speaking if the words fall upon restrictive ears? By living for a time in the same circumstances as the people receiving the aid, it is possible to learn from them.  Their fears, their humor, their desires; just because they don't speak our language doesn't make them uncouth.  We appear just as unlearned as they do when trying to mime Where is the bathroom?

Unfortunately, this trip didn't work out.  The poor economy affects us all but the opportunities are endless and help is never misplaced when well planned.  If you are interested in volunteering, which many are thinking about now due to the earthquake in Haiti, reflect on that which matters most to you.  Then research the aid group that most achieves your goal.  They have said over and over on the news not to go alone, without being part of an organization that is well learned in their aid and rescue missions.  Despite the best of intentions, someone without a defined purpose in a state of emergency can be in the way and do more harm than good.

The evil that is in the world almost always comes 

of ignorance, and good intentions may do as much 

harm as malevolence if they lack understanding.

- Albert Camus