Yesterday, during my Spanish lesson, other students and myself hiked to Cella de la Cruz with our instructors. During the hike my instructor, Lucky and I discussed everything from ex-boyfriends to politics to faith. The hike ended on a summit where a cross had been erected to look over the city of Antigua. It was breathtaking.
Today, we drove to Santa Maria de Jesus and began the construction of our stoves. I was taken to the home of the family I would be building for (Kelly was taken to her family's home). I was escorted to the part of the house where the stove was to be built. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely was this. We started by banging up the floor for a foundation. Then Felix (my mason) unloaded his backpack of the 5 or 6 tools we would be using for construction. We mixed cement, carried bricks, and sawed through steel bars. It was by far the hardest work I have ever done, but I only complained when it came time to stop. Here's why, the family we're building this for looks at the beginnings of this stove with such gratitude and excitement. They're lives will be made so much healthier and safer and easier because of this and my blisters and aching feet are such a small price to pay for that families joy.
Anywho, point of the story is this: I never would not be having this incredible experience if I didn't take risks, and push myself to achieve lofty ideas. I wouldn't be having the some of the best days of my life if I had been content to look at a powerpoint of whiteboard for the majority of my college career.
Students and professionals alike, please grow discontent with the mundane and strive for the lofty!
I love reading your journal. I can't begin to tell you how happy you make me. (& a little proud) Don't look now but your Puerto Rican has taken over....
ReplyDeleteCon todo mi carino,
Como Siempre