YES WE CAN!!!

I had been waiting for the moment to write this final blog about my service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala, yet until just recently while listening to Barack Obama I realized that what I had been waiting for was an inspiration. On this day that has changed the history of our country and the world I find it necessary to express how amazing my journey over the last two years has been. This experience signifies so much to me and doubt I can fully explain it through writing…but here goes nothing.

VIEWING THE WORLD THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES

Leaving in August of 2006 the truth is that I had never experienced difficulty in my life. I had always been blessed with a great family that provided so much for me. Unfortunately, it took a significant period of time away from them and the US to completely understand it. One of the true blessings of the journey was that it allowed me to see not only the US differently, but also the entire world. In Guatemala I saw poverty that before could not have imagined existed, and yet I saw those same people offer so much to me for just being there.
We as Americans must understand that in the world today at this very moment there are people struggling just to survive. With that in mind as we face this financial crisis and difficulties let us unite and believe that…YES WE CAN

EXPERIENCING RACISM

Never before in my life prior to Peace Corps had I understood the struggle of being someone different. During my first several months many people in my community would refuse service to me in the grocery stores because I could not properly speak the language and was a foreigner. Fortunately, through my hard work and the ability of people in that same community learning my character and not concentrating on the color of my skin I was able to develop the most amazing friendships.

This is Eva the Banana lady who became one of my best friends in the market giving me an excellent price on bananas everyday.

These are the leaders of the community where I lived presenting me with a plaque thanking me for my service and friendship in the community.

We as a nation are a melting pot of different races, cultures, backgrounds, sexual orientations, political beliefs, and religions to name a few. It is most important during these difficult moments that we end discrimination and hate towards others and unify for one common goal to work together…YES WE CAN


SACRIFICE

Leaving for two years was a sacrifice that was rewarding and challenging at the same time. It was heartbreaking to miss weddings, reunions, holidays, funerals, and other events that would have likely been more pleasant then being in Guatemala. However, during these difficult moments of sacrifice and struggle is when I learned the most about myself and developed the most character. Not to mention an understanding and appreciation of men and women who do it everyday serving our country around the world. It is imperative that we as a nation understand that the road to prosperity will definitely be met by struggle and it will take sacrifices to succeed…YES WE CAN

LIVING WITHIN YOUR MEANS

My stipend for being a volunteer was a little over 300 dollars a month. In the beginning I found this nearly impossible to pay for my rent, utilities, food, water, and enough left over for entertainment. Thankfully, the experience taught me how to value what I could afford and the difference between what I needed and wanted. We as a nation tend to get a bit materialistic and sometimes concentrate on what we don’t have. During these moments we need to value most what we do have and never judge anyone based on their economic status…YES WE CAN

These are just a few of the lessons that have changed my life over the last two years. The truth is that I would have never been able to accomplish this without the support and love of my family, friends, fellow PCV’s, and the so many Guatemalans that accepted me and gave me the most wonderful gift of all FRIENDSHIP. This blog may be over but the lessons learned through this journey will last for the rest of my life. Anyone who ever considers joining the Peace Corps, volunteering, or simply just traveling I encourage you because sometimes it takes putting ourselves in unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations to grow and learn the most about the world.

Barack Obama is different than any leader we have ever had in our country and many people may not agree with this change. My advice for this is to reach out, try to be understanding, and most of all patient because great changes and achievements take time.


Sincerely,



Drewski