I find it hard to explain what happen today. I am not going to say it was great, incredible or unbelievable even though those words probably describe what took place.
The truth is I don’t know how to explain it. How do you explain something that you have never done that made you feel like you’ve never felt in a place you’ve never been with people you’ve never met?
Today I realized what significance really means. Lives were changed today, including mine.
For about three and a half hours, I trained on laws of growth and personal values with the objective of training about 35 leaders that have committed to bring these ideas and skills to hundreds more.
My only worry going into this first session was that I would be able to connect with these people that did not understand the language I speak. I could not have asked for a more capable and passionate translator. When I met Anai this morning, I immediately was put to ease.
Anai, a twenty one year old college student who lives just outside of Guatemala City, told me she wants to get her masters degree in language translation in Chicago and then return home so that she can help support her family. That was all I really needed to hear.
She was amazing. Somehow, we moved through the material like we had been practicing together for a long time. I found it interesting how much different communication is when you have to depend so much more on body language to connect with your audience.
Have you ever had the complete attention of someone you are speaking to even though you know they don’t understand a word you are saying? Let me tell you, it is extremely powerful!
Our preparation time paid off and I know that those future agents of change not only understand the responsibility they have as leaders now, but also that the hope, or ESPERANZA, of transformation in Guatemala is now reality. I heard so many amazing stories from my colleagues, many of them describing adversity that was overcome during the process.
Failure was not an option for us today, and I honestly believe this Country will refuse to fail as well. The outside world has showed up and believed in them and they now believe in themselves. They will do this.
We finished up with cheers of “La Transformación está en mí.” Everyone in that room left a different person than when they arrived. I believe this is the beginning of something much bigger than what will be accomplished this week.
Upon returning back to the hotel, we found ourselves in the company of several of the orphans that we had brought gifts for. No words can describe the light in the faces of these kids as they took turns selecting from the mountains of crayons, stuffed animals and coloring books.
The picture is of me with some of my new friends. These boys were some that traveled four hours to be here today. How was your day?
We finished up the day with a team review of the events of the day. More amazing stories shared by some of my teammates. Then John Maxwell stepped to the podium. You could see and feel the emotion within him as he told us that today was one of his finest moments. The feedback already received included a request by President Pérez Molina asking John to train his entire cabinet.
This was the one, however, that brought everyone to their feet. “Once you get a taste of significance, you will never settle for success.” Today we were significant. Today, Hope or “Esperanza” is no longer what might change this country. It is what WILL change it. Tomorrow, we do it again. Can’t wait!
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Barry Smith 6/13/13 photo by author © Building What Matters 2013
Barry, when you give from the heart, you receive far more than you could have imagined! This is what leadership is all about… walking up ahead to set the pace for those that follow you. Keep up the good work…
Thanks Kimunya. Your words are greatly appreciated!