Greetings from Scituate!

We have arrived home safely last Saturday and have been slowly acclimating to life back here in the States. Our journey was smooth, and most of our travelers slept all the way home. Over the last several days, we have been catching up on news here and settling back into our routines. But there's a strong undercurrent from the experience - these students will never look at the world in the same way, and neither will I.

 As a teacher at Scituate High School, I have the distinct pleasure of seeing many Mir Pace volunteers (current and former) in the hallways and classrooms. Those who traveled to Tamahu in the past reminisce with those who have just returned. It's beautiful and inspiring to see everyone's face light up as they exchange stories and talk about how they already can't wait to go back. This year's trip was remarkable, and I consider it a tremendous honor to have been able to work with such wonderful individuals with a passion for helping others.

 On the journey home, those who managed to stay awake spent some time writing reflections on their experiences. Cliff and Jane started a list of lessons from Guatemala, and others added to it. I'd like to share it with you.

 The Things I Learned in Guatemala....
 -how to kill a cockroach and dispose of the body
 -how to enjoy being drenched in sweat and covered in dirt
 -how to wrestle and subdue 10 small children at once
 -ALWAYS start with the 'usted' form (formally addressing strangers)
-hills are brutal
-water = best friend
 -be happy with what you have -break in your hiking boots before!
-I love my family
-Go on a bug raid BEFORE you get into bed. Every night.
 -Sun hats are COOL.
-Chickens love cockroaches.
-Roosters are terrible at telling time.
-TURDUCKENS (ie, they exist)
-how to speak Spanish/effectively fake it
-Asian kids live in Tamahu too
-how to wash clothes
-what a marimba is
-how to make coffee with a water bottle and tea bag
-how to get kids to cooperate (with gum)
-I am pathetically out of shape
-wearing no makeup for a week IS possible
-zip up all of your belongings before someone else makes a home out of them
-dogs wait until I am sleeping to bark.

 While we are grateful, as always, for our own beds and for the comfort of family and friends, our hearts linger in Tamahu. This having been my third trip there with Mir Pace, I can say with sincerity that I look forward to each visit. Many, many thanks to Mir Pace for another remarkable experience with the people of Tamahu. Many thanks to Fr. Philippe for hosting us, making us laugh, and of course always seeking to help the poorest of the poor in Tamahu (you inspire us all). Many thanks to the students, for your hard work, compassion, patience and kindness. And even though it's a distinctly American value, we love that you showed up everywhere on time (especially at the airport). To the parents - we know you took a huge leap of faith in trusting that we would take care of your children. Many thanks from us and the people of Tamahu for your trust and generosity in lending out your children. They inspired us daily and even moved me to tears with their compassion and concern. Many thanks to John, Annette, Samantha, Ryan, and Janice for lending such guidance and experience to the trip. I hope your muscles have recovered from those intense hikes.

 And finally, thank you to Eileen, Mir Pace, and all the others who make this amazing opportunity possible.