It takes only one idea, progressing from the mind, through the mouth, to the masses, and into reality, to bring about a revolution. The realization of just one idea can usher in the dawn of a world-wide change.

In the year of 1660 the Museo del Libro de Antigua harbored in its walls the first printing press in all of Central America. In a time of archaic thinking, when evils preyed more than ever on the ignorance of the public, the printing press lent itself to the masses as a foundation of enlightenment. Through this one machine, the rapid transference of progressive ideas led to a movement of change. Here and around the world, the spread of impassioned and inventive thinking evolved into action. the opportunity the printing press provided, for knowledge, for equity, for progress, fueled a desire for social improvement- and from this weapon against ignorance, an imprint upon history was made, and the world was ever-changed.

Now, 449 years later, Guatemala may bear witness to the beginnings of a new revolution. On November 13th, within the very same walls of the Museo del Libro, where stands the first machine brought to facilitate a new sense of awareness, Los Patojos hosted its first benefit, with the very same objective.

What a beautiful, bright moment the event made for.

Surrounded by the results of Juan Pablos inspiration, the craftwork of engaged hands, both from the Women’ s cooperative, and the children enrolled in Los Patojos, we shared the night amongst the treasures of fostered gifts. We came together to appreciate the result of three and a half years of steadfast work, and to support the continued success of such unique and noble efforts.

It was a night to celebrate the fruition of ideals- the young minds that have expanded, empowered, emboldened themselves to be proud to be an individual, the hope for nourishing a need for peace in a torn community, the recognition of potential, of spirit, of passion within every person that crosses the threshold of Los Patojos. It was a night to pay tribute to the humble beginnings of a growing movement, to thank those who have had faith in the organizations power to create a difference in the lives of those for whom it provides a space of security and free-thinking. And more, a night to make the presence of Los Patojos known, to put forth an invitation to join with the organization in its action against violence, oppression and social-rupture, that the movement may not end with Los Patojos, but rather has just begun.

Juan Pablo addressed his guests to reaffirm the hopes and goals of Los Patojos, to inspire support of the vision he’s created. For the purpose of instilling in the children of Guatemala a hope for a future of peace, Los Patojos is built on a foundation of encouraging the individual to recognize their ability to change the world. From this solid basis, the organization only needs the support of the public to flourish, to recognize as he has, the strength and passion that lies in the hands of youth, who are wanting and willing to build together a future of the very brightest prospects. And so we gathered on Friday to admire, appreciate and reinforce the strength of one idea, fighting to elevate the lives of youth, and reinvent their reality into something smarter, stronger, better- building ever upwards the hope and love for a new world for you, me, and everyone between.

It takes only one idea, progressing from the mind, through the mouth, to the masses, and into reality, to bring about a revolution. The realization of just one idea can usher in the dawn of a world-wide change.

In the year of 1660 the Museo del Libro de Antigua harbored in its walls the first printing press in all of Central America. In a time of archaic thinking, when evils preyed more than ever on the ignorance of the public, the printing press lent itself to the masses as a foundation of enlightenment. Through this one machine, the rapid transference of progressive ideas led to a movement of change. Here and around the world, the spread of impassioned and inventive thinking evolved into action. the opportunity the printing press provided, for knowledge, for equity, for progress, fueled a desire for social improvement- and from this weapon against ignorance, an imprint upon history was made, and the world was ever-changed.

Now, 449 years later, Guatemala may bear witness to the beginnings of a new revolution. On November 13th, within the very same walls of the Museo del Libro, where stands the first machine brought to facilitate a new sense of awareness, Los Patojos hosted its first benefit, with the very same objective.

What a beautiful, bright moment the event made for.

Surrounded by the results of Juan Pablos inspiration, the craftwork of engaged hands, both from the Women’ s cooperative, and the children enrolled in Los Patojos, we shared the night amongst the treasures of fostered gifts. We came together to appreciate the result of three and a half years of steadfast work, and to support the continued success of such unique and noble efforts.

It was a night to celebrate the fruition of ideals- the young minds that have expanded, empowered, emboldened themselves to be proud to be an individual, the hope for nourishing a need for peace in a torn community, the recognition of potential, of spirit, of passion within every person that crosses the threshold of Los Patojos. It was a night to pay tribute to the humble beginnings of a growing movement, to thank those who have had faith in the organizations power to create a difference in the lives of those for whom it provides a space of security and free-thinking. And more, a night to make the presence of Los Patojos known, to put forth an invitation to join with the organization in its action against violence, oppression and social-rupture, that the movement may not end with Los Patojos, but rather has just begun.

Juan Pablo addressed his guests to reaffirm the hopes and goals of Los Patojos, to inspire support of the vision he’s created. For the purpose of instilling in the children of Guatemala a hope for a future of peace, Los Patojos is built on a foundation of encouraging the individual to recognize their ability to change the world. From this solid basis, the organization only needs the support of the public to flourish, to recognize as he has, the strength and passion that lies in the hands of youth, who are wanting and willing to build together a future of the very brightest prospects. And so we gathered on Friday to admire, appreciate and reinforce the strength of one idea, fighting to elevate the lives of youth, and reinvent their reality into something smarter, stronger, better- building ever upwards the hope and love for a new world for you, me, and everyone between.

oh heavens -

Inevitably my life is changing, and with it so must I.

I feel the perpetual momentum of time, always moving, pushing and prodding, propelling me forward.

Days slide through and behind me, passing, approaching with frantic pace to my departure – the pivotal moment.

From this point, for me, nearly everything will be different. I will be wound round through a torrent of  unpredictability. These years spent, compiling elements of comforts to a nest of well known, well loved habits and routines - I will leave them behind. Their significance, carved into the walls of my soul, will remain only in the impact they’ve impressed upon me. These I will allow to wane beneath the magnitude of what is to come.  They will be a casualty to the brooding nature of the unwritten future.

I’ll hug, kiss and hold my old memories, promise to visit them soon – and turn to face what still remains to make itself known to me.

How best to prepare oneself for a tempest of such sorts ?

As I consider my up and coming emergence into the world at large, a personal debut ,  I see how stark and spare my little reservoir of knowledge truly stands – a fledgling intellect – so lacking in exposure and experience.

I strain and stretch my mind to conceive some lucid perception of what my time will be like spent in Guatemala, and  grasp at best towards fleeting images from some Nat Geo Special.

I realize now – what could I truly know of these things?

I am choosing now to dismantle these biased illusions, my gross overgeneralization of the majority of the world. I have made a mistake. I imagine the developing world all entirely too much as one category – I have mentally lumped such a large portion of the population into one stereotyped idea. Reflecting on my perceptions of global poverty, I see now that I have done such a maganaminimous number of people a true injustice – i have denied them in my thinking the unique nature in each and every one of their complexly, deeply, intricately and undeniably different situations.

It is time I acknowledge my naivety, before leaving into the world  with preconcieved notions, baseless assumptions.

oh heavens -

Inevitably my life is changing, and with it so must I.

I feel the perpetual momentum of time, always moving, pushing and prodding, propelling me forward.

Days slide through and behind me, passing, approaching with frantic pace to my departure – the pivotal moment.

From this point, for me, nearly everything will be different. I will be wound round through a torrent of  unpredictability. These years spent, compiling elements of comforts to a nest of well known, well loved habits and routines - I will leave them behind. Their significance, carved into the walls of my soul, will remain only in the impact they’ve impressed upon me. These I will allow to wane beneath the magnitude of what is to come.  They will be a casualty to the brooding nature of the unwritten future.

I’ll hug, kiss and hold my old memories, promise to visit them soon – and turn to face what still remains to make itself known to me.

How best to prepare oneself for a tempest of such sorts ?

As I consider my up and coming emergence into the world at large, a personal debut ,  I see how stark and spare my little reservoir of knowledge truly stands – a fledgling intellect – so lacking in exposure and experience.

I strain and stretch my mind to conceive some lucid perception of what my time will be like spent in Guatemala, and  grasp at best towards fleeting images from some Nat Geo Special.

I realize now – what could I truly know of these things?

I am choosing now to dismantle these biased illusions, my gross overgeneralization of the majority of the world. I have made a mistake. I imagine the developing world all entirely too much as one category – I have mentally lumped such a large portion of the population into one stereotyped idea. Reflecting on my perceptions of global poverty, I see now that I have done such a maganaminimous number of people a true injustice – i have denied them in my thinking the unique nature in each and every one of their complexly, deeply, intricately and undeniably different situations.

It is time I acknowledge my naivety, before leaving into the world  with preconcieved notions, baseless assumptions.

As my senior year came to its finish, I was faced with a most intimidating situation. Like others of my age and my position, it  came time for me to consider how I would move forward with my life, in which of endless options of direction.

I was made to consider what meant most to me. The responsibility of  the choices I was to be making brought the need to evaluate my priorities, to make best guesses as to what would fulfill and nourish my passions. How to create in myself a wealth of life and interest, to evolve my mind and spirit to better experience the journey that lays long and unknown before me?

Prime time for the thinking cap.

With my most magnanimous and critical decision to date upon me,  I’ve had to reflect on my wants, and more clearly identify what I will make of my future as well as what my future will make of me.

And so were my conclusions -

I flourish through learning, exploring and discovering – seeking the hidden intrigue, folded into the infinite layers of the great mystery that is life on this world.

I want to transcend the boundaries of instilled limitations, to recreate my world view into an inclusive, encompassing perspective-

to embrace a sense of unity in a brotherhood of living

to live as a testament to the strength of goodness and kindness

to harken a new movement in the evolution of our relationship to both fellow man and the world, promoting a cross cultural connectivity

I aim to elevate awareness to understanding, and understanding into action

I hope to grow and change, to learn and teach, that mankind may dissolve its hostility and fear, and may revolutionize in its capacity to reach tranquility and harmony with humanity

I want illumunation as to the true interconnection of life spanned all across the globe…

Which may account for the decision I have made, to trek beyond the borders of this life I know so well, and commence my personal odyssey into a vast and complex world as a founding fellow of the Global Citizen Year.

As my senior year came to its finish, I was faced with a most intimidating situation. Like others of my age and my position, it  came time for me to consider how I would move forward with my life, in which of endless options of direction.

I was made to consider what meant most to me. The responsibility of  the choices I was to be making brought the need to evaluate my priorities, to make best guesses as to what would fulfill and nourish my passions. How to create in myself a wealth of life and interest, to evolve my mind and spirit to better experience the journey that lays long and unknown before me?

Prime time for the thinking cap.

With my most magnanimous and critical decision to date upon me,  I’ve had to reflect on my wants, and more clearly identify what I will make of my future as well as what my future will make of me.

And so were my conclusions -

I flourish through learning, exploring and discovering – seeking the hidden intrigue, folded into the infinite layers of the great mystery that is life on this world.

I want to transcend the boundaries of instilled limitations, to recreate my world view into an inclusive, encompassing perspective-

to embrace a sense of unity in a brotherhood of living

to live as a testament to the strength of goodness and kindness

to harken a new movement in the evolution of our relationship to both fellow man and the world, promoting a cross cultural connectivity

I aim to elevate awareness to understanding, and understanding into action

I hope to grow and change, to learn and teach, that mankind may dissolve its hostility and fear, and may revolutionize in its capacity to reach tranquility and harmony with humanity

I want illumunation as to the true interconnection of life spanned all across the globe…

Which may account for the decision I have made, to trek beyond the borders of this life I know so well, and commence my personal odyssey into a vast and complex world as a founding fellow of the Global Citizen Year.