Cultivating Gratitude

I'm currently in Guatemala, attending the wedding of our godson's parents.  This is a re-post about why I keep going back to this beautiful, inspiring place.  As it is the week of Thanksgiving here in the USA, I thought it was fitting to share my love for this country and people, and how it fills me with gratitude.

My family's work in Guatemala started out as service with From Houses to Homes, but it has become so much more.  Every time I go, I return rejuvenated and inspired to do more, be more, help more.   And I can't wait to go back.

What inspires me?  Foremost is the love of our adopted family - the joy of my godson - the hope of his parents and their beautiful dedication to giving him a better life.

Then there is the quiet dignity of people who live in extreme poverty, but who repeatedly teach me about gratitude, loyalty, and what really matters. 

There is the joy and beauty over small things, like receiving one simple gift for Christmas; 

the juxtaposition of ruin and rebuilding

the colors and vitality

the humor

the persistence of life, pushing through decay

hope and reward from dedication and perseverance;

smiles, laughter, and clarity about why I am on this planet.




Here's a quick video my family made after our second trip to Guatemala.  I hope it gives you a little jolt of the amazing inspiration I glean from each trip.



You can also watch "A Child Does Community Service in Guatemala" on YouTube here.

Una pregunta:  What makes you say - OK - I know why I'm here?

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