"Buenos dias, buenos dias," was heard every morning from this or that Guatemalan, known or unknown to us gringos. Women with more mouths to feed than they can afford, laughing harder and longer than I feel I ever have. A twice-widowed elderly woman, struggling to walk, always offering a smile and a handshake. These are the people of Guatemala. They are kind-hearted, they are joyful and they are without much - some struggling to survive. So what is their secret? How can they be so kind in a world that has seemingly dismissed them? Well, I wish I had some magical Guatemalan equation to happiness but I do not. Although I have some ideas: SIMPLICITY. Through my close observations, the Guatemalans I have met have three different aspects of their lives: Catholicism, family , and hard work. All three of these values carry such meaning and worth, unlike that which American society sometimes values. There is no "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," no trying always to have the latest Iphone or car or fashion statement. Catholicism has been around since the time of Jesus Christ, family is family and hard work is a value passed down from generation to generation and taught to even the smallest children, who know just how to get your attention through pokes and big brown eyes so you will buy their bracelets. Their values are timeless for sure. And that is what matters.
These are just all thoughts and the truth is I really cannot comprehend how or why they are so full of life and joy. They simply are. All I know is I will be bringing some of that joy back with me tomorrow to good Ol` Minnesota! - Emma Kind
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Team Members
Catherine Davis, M.D., Team Co-leader and Medical Provider Archives
May 2014
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