Buenos tardes amigos y familia,
I sit underneath the Aola on Mystical Yoga Farm in, Lake Atitlan, bundled up in a hammock looking out across the sun slowly setting. Thanks to Easten, I am joined by the company of the book, Confessions of an Economic Hit-Man, for the past hour, and although I have only finished the preface, )Which I was later told you are not actually supposed to read) and am only a good thirty pages into the prologue, my brain is allready rambling with millions of questions, predictions and ideas.
Our entire group, Damian, Drew, Lucy, Jordan, Natty, Amelia, Easten, Caroline and myself, alone one flavor of chocolate, together make up an excentric mix of mouthwatering, thought provoking cholcolate-macadamia-rasberry-almond-peanutbutter-marshmellow chip cookie. Each individual bringing out the different flavors in every one of us. Just like the book, through the course of this trip we have tought eachother to challenge ourselves and others, and take nothing for what it is.
In the words of the entire group, CAROLINE has been described as-A sence of calmness when shes near, is able to open up others minds. Silent but deadly. When we get back were throwing the wine and cheese party of the century. Healing blood, thir eye peaking, neon rising sun, heart speaking. Is an old soul who brings a subtle warmth and love to the group, and her intelligence and experience fills out our conversation. She feels like home and has changed my life, I love you! The best listener ever, being able to open up and talk to her about anything is truly amazing. Down to earth, a free spirit with a whole lot of insight on broad topics. Has such a beautifully open mind to new ideas, feelings and ways of life, has a true empathetic nature.Thoughtful. Radiates compassion and is the grandmother energy in the group.
NATTY-Beautiful and eager to learn, always with a smile on her face. You give the best hugs, you little shart. Riding to redemption, wind in face, heart full of wisdom, space, young grasshopper, space. Lives with excitement, hapiness and care, and takes us along for the ride. A hug from Natty always brings me back to reality and reminds me that everything is going to be alright. Is not afraid to explore unchartered waters, she is guided by her courage, philosophy, and fierce loving spirit. Walking around with her pimp walk and Gandalf stick. Even when you twist your foot every other week, your atitude remains positive, Keep it up! Empowered. Enthusiastic, commited to growth, heart-centered, un mujer de fuerte!
JORDAN-A passionate energizer bunny with a sly fox side. Love you always, but definitely a bit more with the mustache. Grounded like a tree, on path of inspiration, not constipation. Is having fun, but that doesnt mean he cant break out an in-depth econ presentation or deep conversation when the time calls for it. Playful and caring. Makes me laugh like no one else can. The smiling jokester is a ball of a good time, but beyond that he has a sensitive and passionate side that never ceases to amaze with the depth of love felt. The old man of the group, but with age comes wisdom, he is also pretty funny. Radiates passion in everything he talks about, truly wise and experienced beyond years yet keeps the group young-hearted. Passionate. Down to earth, sporting a classy mustache.
LUCY-Fiesty booty shaking rap goddess geek with a brain full of inspiring ideas. Flower Power, Boo Ya! In yo face. Creativity flowing, grace inspiring. Is such an interesting mix of the progmatic deer and the beautiful artist, the fire and the dark, the boisterous and the quiet. With such paradox she lights up the group with so much life wisdom and joy. Strong, sexy and smart-shes a bad a## mama. Spirit, passion, intellect and wit. A balance of intelligence and comedic and always spices up the conversation. One of the two people in the group that says corny jokes that makes me laugh. Is fully strong-heart, soul and body! Girl can work a machete and fully engages with people she talks to. Fearless. A gentle warrior, supportive and a natural leader.
AMELIA-The comforting sound of her voice and soft touch can heal any wound. I wanna punch you in the face I love you so much.)Worst Assasin ever, wink). Smile, all around, bounty of love to give, learning to Bee, discovering life fully lived. Is such a light, bright presence but brings such substance and warmth to the group. A great big bundle of love, caring and courage personified. The sweetest person I have ever met and brings joy to me through everything she does. A kind hearted, competitive person. Has an old soul-a mothers nurturing touch and deeply cares about the world and the people in it. Kind-Hearted. Intuitive and nurturing.
DREW-Balanced and Beautiful, with a voice the combination of Fergie and Jesus. A magnificent stag with a heart so big its no wonder he needs so much food to fuel it. Camera on quick draw, singing the blues, eyes open wide discovering clues. Full of joy and appreciation for life. In an astronaught of the mind, his dedication the thorough pursuit of thought always brings an enlightening perspective. Magic nerd who is intelligent beyond his years and always willing to burst out an Oprah tune. A good listener, though soft spoken at times, he can project his voice loudly during his singing. Always has the right words and knows how to connect on such a deep level. Selfless. A story teller, a perpetuator of fun!
RYAN-Beauty that shines from within, driven by her passion for life and the love she values for those closest to her. One look at the fire in those eyes and you know you gon learn tonight. Unsuspecting tree blooming psycadelic leaves of mischiveous makings, chocolate eating monster inspiring beauty from perpetual cravings. Along with clever blog ideas, has so much perspective and experience, and always boldly rounds out the group. Along with her opinions, shes never afraid to share her smile and her quiet joy. Is so much sweater than her sweat tooth. Her internal beauty, her generosity, stability and grace, astound in their shining brilliance. Love. The third sister I never wanted, we bicker with one another but at the end of the day we love eachother, I guess… Kind, corageous and generous person. So intelligent with everything she says, and isnt afraid of her own opinion. True chick to learn from. Determined. Generous, passionate, creative and strong minded chica.
DAMIAN-Wise beyond his years, always an open book with a huge sence of humor. The universally loved comic relief of the group. Glad we speak the same language (not referring to english or spanish here). Deep soul, sounds of care, silly little turtoise leaping and bounding like hare. Is the funniest of the funny, and his serious side blows me away, he asks so many illuminating questions and trys to always be aware of how others feel. The most humble and genuinly gratefull person I know. Is the strongest person I have ever met, and the funniest. His relatability makes him a friend to all. Always creating jokes as he searches for Tacos and hot sauce. Has a great perspective on life-very easy to relate and connect with. Aware. A coyote spirit, exemplory spanish speaker, with a contagious smile.
EASTEN-A loving and thoughtfull, intelligent tall, dark and handsome man. In 50 years you will still be the same old man, sitting on your rockign chair, eating nothing but peanut butter )after a successful gypsy hunting career). Lion heart of a Grandpa rocking his chair to dream land. Has such fast humor, and an easy and happy spirit, but at the same time has a deep, grandfather side. Loving and always aware of the people around him. Is a kindred spirit, cut out of the same cloth as the stars. He is made of equal parts light and depth. He is the best thing to have happened since PB and Bananas. The best southern dad I could ever ask for. The second person in this group who cracks me up! He does this hilarious story telling voice and a hill-billy accent at random times. Always has a effectious smile and personality that inhabits everyones well beings. FUN! Impeccable with his words, like the grandpa who gives you a hug when you need it the most and candy when no one else will.
BROOKE-Our own personal desert goddess, we love you more than Jon does. Warrior ninja queen, on a path, long life love and mountains in Nepal. Gemelo babies in between. Is very spiritual and expresses her thoughtfull ideas very well, at the same time shes a bit of a goofball, in the best way. The strongest person I know. Stands out as a source of bouyancy and wisdom-filled guidance. She is a beaken of warmth and light. The Mom for the past two months, or at least shes bought enough childrens clothes to be considered a Mom. A 27 year old who looks 19 and acts like a mother to us all. Has an amazing go get em attitude, and can motivate everyone in a positive direction. Always laughing.
JEREMY-I will always admire your dancing style, even if I wont admit to knowing you in public. The kind of guy to have a conversation with a goat and get a hair cut at a bus stop, he is also the wisest little kid I have ever met. A jokester, with a smile that brightens anyones day. Goofball, raven, sea creature and warrior all come together seamlessly to form an intuitive, compassionate and deeply truthfull person. Playful and senseless leader who always makes for a great time. Cracks me up with his wise guy comments, hes an essential part of our group. Has such a positive attitude about life and is so open and free-spirited. Fun loving. A Big ball of energy-a zest master.
Here in Pasac we are participating in various volunteer and culture exchange activities, while living with host families and attempting to learn a bit of the Mayan language. While we have only been here for two days we have allready learned about their water system, spoken Mayan language and hiked to a beautiful river. Much more to come in the following days. However, please excuse any mispellings and key board malfunctions, but aint nobody got time for that when I got to get to painting sweet somethings for Semana Santa here in Pasac.
Until next time and XOXOX for all.
-Ryan