This is my final post on my experience in Guatemala but it won’t soon be forgotten by any of my friends and colleagues that just went through an amazing week of transformation.  Not only for Guatemala but within ourselves as well.

When I last left you, we had finished up our training and were headed to an indoor arena to celebrate what had just taken place.  When I walked into the arena, I was amazed to see thousands of people already inside. Two marching bands played at the bottom of the stands as we walked into the arena to take our seats front stage.

Several spoke but it was John Maxwell and Manuel Espina (President of Guatemala Prospera) that were the focus.  Recognition and appreciation were conveyed and the team was honored by being invited to the stage to receive a standing ovation from the attendees.

John told the Guatemalan audience that their Country was chosen to be the first to experience this transformation not only because they wanted and needed it, but because they were ready for it.  I wounder who else is ready.

From there, we traveled to Antigua for a private celebration that included our team along with our translators.  It was very rewarding to me personally that our translators were included in this as they were so much a part of the success and experience of the week.

The venue for this final chapter “in Country” was incredible.  Convento Santa Clara, a five hundred year old structure in the heart of Antigua, was something I have never experienced before.  This was my first time out of North America and it was probably twice as old as anything I had seen before.

The events of the evening included an amazing meal, music, more acknowledgement of the efforts that went into the events of the week and a slideshow that once again brought everyone to tears.  So much happened this week and it will no doubt be weeks, or months before it all sinks in.

Chances are very good that we will return to Guatemala but as the night came to a close, we all understood that there were some goodbyes that would be forever.  That being said, the people we met and the Country of Guatemala will be in hearts forever.

I received an email from Anai, my translator for the first two days, on Sunday wishing me a Happy Father’s Day.  A week ago, I didn’t even know she existed and now, she will be a part of my thoughts every time I look back on the incredible change that took place in my life this week.  Anai is just one of many that impacted me this week and helped me to realize how much more I have to give.

That giving starts today.  My family, my friends and my colleagues will all notice a difference.  John Maxwell once told us “You cannot give what you do not have.”  This week I realized that “you don’t know how much you have until you start to give.”

I am back home now and find it hard to focus at times as even the smallest of things take me right back to Guatemala.  My life changed this week along with thousands in Guatemala.  What we did this week was significant and I am grateful for everyone that made this possible and experienced it with me.

“Feliz Nuevo Dia” or Happy New Day, was an expression that was used often last week. A new day it is, and with that I wish you all happiness and gratitude for being part of this journey with me.

• Click here to read Day 1
• Click here to read Day 2
• Click here to read Day 3
• Click here to read Day 4
• Click here to read Day 5
• Click here to read Day 6
• Click here to read Day 7

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Barry Smith    6/18/13   photo by author  © Building What Matters 2013