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ALEC Abroad

The Ties That Bind

June 22, 2012 by o4valenzuela 1 Comment

by Landry Lockett

Everyone in our group has experienced culture shock in varying degrees since arriving in Guatemala.  Sometimes it has felt like we’ve stepped back in time, with dirt-floor homes full of smoke from open-fire stoves; to farmers completing tasks with the original horse power.

Other times it feels like we’re on a different planet; complete with languages we have never heard, plants we have never seen, and food we have never tasted.

Many differences have been drastic; however, it has been interesting to observe facets of life that are the same both in the U.S.A. and Guatemala.  Just a few examples are as follows:

The power of a smile

The force of thunder and lightning

Momma’s fried chicken

Giggling girls

Boys throwing rocks and playing ball

The song from the ice cream truck that can be heard throughout town

Running to beat the rain

Young lovers and private conversations

The sweet sounds of birds singing

Pride in country

The carrying on of traditions

Flowers in bloom

The universal language of laughter

Mischievous students

Weeds in the garden

Fussy babies

Curious babies

Hard work and stinky bodies

Holding hands

Little girls modeling mom’s behavior

Little boys building things

Parents providing as best they can

Church bells ringing

The desire to be successful

The desire to be happy

Faith, Hope, and Love

These things remind me that there are universal, unifying themes found in the hearts of mankind scattered around the world.  Our differences add spice and tell amazing stories.  Our similarities bind our hearts together.

I am forever, positively changed by the differences and similarities discovered on this trip.

Filed Under: COALS Study Abroad, Guatemala Tagged With: Guatemala, Limitless Horizons Ixil, Philanthropiece

Comments

  1. Jack Elliot says

    June 23, 2012 at 8:47 am

    I can imagine Landry’s smile transcends any language barriers. I love the similarity list especially about Momma’s fried chicken. Keep making me smile. Sincerely, Dr. E.

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