Rendy Flemire - Optimistic volcano erupting equality - Guatemala 2017

Right now, I am looking up at the open grey sky as a volcano erupts with white, thick smoke. Life in Guatemala is good. The volcano represents all the emotions flowing in Guatemala. Even when the sky is grey, no one complains. In a developing nation like Guatemala, everybody seems upbeat and carries optimism. I see a bright future in the children I’m teaching at San Pedro. Everybody is excited to be learning English. We PHA students are no different from the children in this country. It may seem we are doing a great service as Americans for these “poor, helpless children,” but no. We come here as equals to educate and empower others.  Smiles, laughter, and emotion are universal everywhere we go, which makes us all happy and welcomed. I look up and see there is now a clear, blue sky. This is a sky of love, peace and happiness.