“It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves." ~Andre Gide

I hope this will be a record for family, friends and my own memories of my trip to Guatemala, Summer 2011. While down here I am working on my Spanish and looking forward to the immersion in the language!

I'm excited about the adventures that await! July 10, 2011-August 8, 2011



Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Horizons Beyond Seeing

I was reading my sister's "Welcome Forward: a Field Guide for Global Travelers" that the ELCA has put out and I found one of the first sections kind of interesting to think about:

Horizons Beyond Seeing

"Imagine this: You're looking at the horizon of your life and spot your future self coming back toward your present self. Strangely, that as-yet-unfamiliar person gives you only a slight smile and heads to the opposite horizon. There, the "future you" meets your past persona, gives you a hug and a weeping "Thanks." The future you now retraces steps and comes back here, back to now. This time, the hug and "Thanks!" are for you, with one addition: The future you extends a hand and says softly, "Come on ahead with me." You grasp your own hand and stride toward the horizon.

"That's what's going to be happening to you, now that you've decided to embark on global travel. You know this, don't you? Nothing's ever going to be the same. What you'll experience in your coming travel--including getting ready--will forever change your ways of seeing, eating, "helping" and conversing. Your sense and conscience will be sharpened, your sense of life purpose will unravel and become more certain, both at the same time. Your new weepings will come from both deep joy and deep sorrow.

"Welcome forward, friend!..."

I think in some ways that is how all new experiences are for us. I know that in my life some of the things I have feared the most have been the best experiences, if I have let myself get past being scared of it! 2 weeks from today I will be all settled in... I'm hoping that when my future-self looks back at my present-self I would be able to look back with a smile, a thanks, and a comforting hand to do it all over again!

Alright enough cheesiness for now! But it is my prayer!
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2 comments:

  1. CaraJuly 10, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Good luck, Raquelita! You're going to have an amazing time. Parts you won't want to leave and parts will have to tell yourself: this is temporary.

    Being home after my trip is when I realized how much personal growth I had made. You will be so proud that you stepped outside your box.

    I will be sending positive vibes your way. Take time to enjoy the country and let the homework and other stuff fall aside sometimes.

    abrazos,

    Cara

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  2. PKJuly 11, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    Rachel I am looking forward to reading about your first day. I am praying for you! Love, Mom

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