Airport Reflection Time

During this long day of travel I have had plenty of time to reflect on everything I saw and learned in Guatemala. I have realized how lucky I am to live where I do. 

-Our government. Of course every Government has it's faults, but the United States of America has an amazing government. Even though some members might be corrupt, most are working for the people. In most developing countries it's a "me" mentality.  The presidents of Guatemala literally buy presidency. And they do it as an investment so they can make more money. This means that you get no help. Ever. Unless you are wealthy. (Think back to Perla and her family). 

-Another thing I'm thankful for, and this might sound silly, but emission regulation. There is a sort of smog that surrounds countries without rules on pollution. 

-Education. As I mentioned in a previous post, all school(even government run) cost money. Thank god that in our country everyone is given the opperunity to become educated. 

-Food and water. It was shocking to see dogs everywhere looking like this

But it was more shocking to see people starving everywhere. 

-Shelter. I don't think anyone can comprehend true poverty until they've seen a "middle class" family living in a box made from rusted pieces of aluminum sheets and sticks. In Guatemala they have two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. How can one survive during the rainy season when they barely have a roof?

Overall I feel tremendously blessed to live where I do with what I have and the rights I'm given.