Project Showcase and Guided Tours

The highlight of this week was the opportunity to host guided tours in both English and Spanish, utilizing the script we co-created with the volunteers. I had the special privilege of training one of the volunteers, helping him become familiar with the script. This experience reconnected me with my past leadership roles where I encouraged people to gain confidence when performing publicly. Witnessing the volunteer's growth and seeing him conduct the tour confidently was immensely rewarding.

Following the tours, we conducted a 30-minute focused group session with the participants. This discussion was not only fun but also insightful, as it revealed a collective appreciation for Huerto Roma Verde's philosophy that nothing is insignificant and all waste can be transformed into something useful. The positive feedback and the participants' intentions to recommend the experience to others were affirming for us all. Both Martin and Atilio from Huerto expressed their pride in our accomplishments, noting that we had exceeded their expectations—a testament to the hard work and passion invested by our team.

Cultural Connections and Reflections

The week also allowed me time for personal reflection. I delved into "The Wind Knows My Name," by Isabel Allende, a poignant novel about children displaced by geographical violence in Central America. This reading resonated deeply with my experiences here, particularly as the foods and cultural references like Horchata and chicharrón, which were described in the book, have become familiar to me. My visits to the museum, where I learned about the struggles faced by the Mayan community in Guatemala, made the narratives even more impactful and relevant.

Lessons Learned and Forward Path

Reflecting on the entire experience, I am taking away several key lessons:

1. Resilience Amid Hardship: This journey has reinforced the importance of staying resilient even when faced with challenges.
2. Deep Appreciation for Culture: Living and working with people from diverse backgrounds has taught me to truly value and immerse myself in different cultures.
3. Curiosity and Engagement: I've learned that the more questions you ask and the more you engage, the richer your experiences will be.

These lessons are not just academic but life skills that will influence my personal and professional growth going forward.

Conclusion

Ending this trip, I am grateful for the myriad of experiences and the knowledge I have gained. The time spent at Huerto Roma Verde with fellow scholars and the local community has not only been educational but transformative. As I move forward, I carry with me not just memories but a renewed commitment to cultural understanding and community engagement.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Your insights, friendship, and collaboration have enriched this experience beyond words.