I was both excited and a bit intimated when Matt asked me if it would be possible to start a Blog around the Guatemala Mentors Workshop. I thought `what a great idea!'-- but where would I get the time?
I'm not a very fluid writer and teaching a workshop has always been such a totally immersive experience for me. So here I sit on the plane, leaving Guatemala, writing my first contribution to the blog.
Saying goodbye to the Guatemalan Students as they expressed their appreciation was a very emotional experience for me. It brought me back to my adolescence and memories of a few individuals that went out of their way to guide and inspire during a very turbulent time in my life -- Individuals I forgot to thank.
So least I make the mistake again. Let me thank all of you who have continued to guide and inspire me.
Nancy who has made such a commitment to disadvantage youth in Central America. What a portfolio of success stories!! Cindy for having the strength at her age to step outside her culture and return to give back to her contemporaries. Keith and Geoff who have put their talent, success and connections in the service of building much needed cross cultural understanding. Jeff who is listening to that still small voice that's guiding him to support children who have been dealt less than an ideal hand. Margaret, Matt and Eileen for seeking out creative ways to make corporate giving an effective win-win proposition.
Eric for taking the initiative to build Bridges in Holland and selflessly contribute to Bridges abroad.
Kate for constantly looking to implement more creative and effective ways to inspire youth—and enlisting her brilliant daughter Eilen in the task. Anne for cutting her roots in search of a new path with even more personal meaning. Marty for turning kids on to nature and making sure all our I's were dotted and T's crossed. Sara for implanting her spirit and smile on all she touched . Lee for turning me on to "The 4-Hour Work Week" Jennifer, Tania and Owen for giving their talent and time to make the dream of Bridges a reality. It was such a treat to see how well everyone worked and played with the Students.
I'm reminded once again that one of the best things about being involved with Bridges is getting to spend time with the type of people it attracts.
- Phil
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