River Days

Hello to our TTS21 Extended Family,

It´s hard to believe that we are in Mexico, with the first leg of our trip in Guatemala already over!  We just got off the Lacanja river this week after splashing over waterfalls and paddling for several hours through the jungles of Chiapas, Mexico.  The girls were all shouting and laughing as our guides directed us, "Adelante, fuerte, adelante, fuerte," which means strong, forward!  Each boat of 5 would paddle hard with nervous laughter until we were told, "Abajo!"  Everyone grabbed the side line and dropped to the bottom of the boat fast as lightening as we approached the tip of each mini-waterfall.  After landing on smooth water again, the team would hoist their paddles in the air and then slap them on the river in true whitewater rafting style.  Following several hours on the river and enjoying the view of some Maya ruins tucked deep into the jungle we trudged through, our campsite alongside a waterfall awaited us.  Everyone enjoyed a refreshing swim to cool down, then talked for hours around the campfire.  It truly was a perfect trip.

I better not go into further detail, as each of the TTS21 girls are putting together their own interpretations of our journey thus far.  So, to avoid ruining any surprises, I will simply say that this group of young woman are amazing.  The entire group supports one another, giving hugs, sharing laughs, or lending a needed ear to listen.  The energy is always positive, even when a majority of the girls is ready to fall asleep standing up after a full day of hiking through the ruins of Tikal.  I admire their willingness to use their Spanish and talk with our guides or new friends we meet along the way.  I respect their courage for leaving the comfort of home to explore the world and take a chance, and I thank each of them for sharing their voice with the group and for being willing to show their true selves.  Each day has brought forth new challenges, and the whole group faces each one with wide smiles and determined hearts.  Each of the TTS21 family brings so much to offer the world; we have already learned so much just from each other.

Ava shares her love of music and even taught the group a few marching band moves.  Mikaela wins over any crowd with her smile and taught the group about weaving when we visited one of the local Woman´s co-ops.  Annalise compares photography shots and regularly catches a rare moment on film.  Kathryn´s Spanish-speaking skills have helped the group learn medicinal plants as well as kept us laughing with her witty sense of humor.  Ruth´s enthusiastic curiosity and love for science have taught us to keep our eyes open and pay attention to even the littlest plants around us.  Simone is always ready to talk about records, and her unbreakable spirit keeps everyone positive even in a hot humid jungle.  Abby´s love for travel and experiencing everything to the fullest has helped several girls in a moment of homesickness.  Emelia´s desire to speak Spanish with anyone has opened up doors to the world of Salsa dancing and Maya ghost stories around the campfire.  Anna´s ability to speak from her heart and take chances has helped many of the girls find their courage as well.  Eliza´s humor and desire to get to know everyone as individuals has encouraged the entire group to take more time getting to know each other on a more personal level.  Maggie´s energy and warmth make each and every girl feel welcome and important. 

This group of woman are all unbelievable travelers, willing to make the most of each and every day.  Be sure to visit the blog throughout next week, as tales from the road are all headed your way!

Que le vaya bien,

Jen