Loans Distributed...Bags Packed...Nostalgia has kicked in!

Looking back six weeks from now, I boarded a plane from Mumbai, that brought me to Guatemala. At that moment all I could think of was my family, my home I was leaving behind. I was thinking about the world I grew up in, my dream world. Guatemala is where I faced reality. Now that I am leaving Guatemala, for another school year at UNC, and all I can think about is the transition I am making between these two distinct realms. From the poverty and struggle, the people of La Limonada face everyday, to the comfort and luxury of the University.

Undoubtedly, I have received much more from the community than what I had to offer. I will agree with Sarika, that out of all the experiences I had in Guatemala I am going to miss the people the most:

Our host parents, Teresita and Gustavo, who cared for us as if we were their own children.
Tita, the lady spearheading Lemonade International, who involuntarily taught me that love and compassion goes beyond all materialistic pleasures, it lies within the simplicity of one's heart. Also, Tita's team, who welcomed us to their home and made our visits to La Limonada as enjoyable as they were.
Our loan officer, Nestor, and the admin, Damaris, whose dedication and expertise  helped us establish FAC successfully.
The teachers at the schools who escorted us through La Limonada whenever we needed too, always with a smiling face I must add.
The children at the schools, who kissed and hugged us whenever we met them, as if we were their own.
Sofia and her family, who were kind enough to take us to Lake Atitlan and ensured that we had a good time in Guatemala.
Lastly, our five women borrower's, who cooperated with us throughout the program, attended all the workshops, answered all our questions and bade us goodbye with their prayers.

Today we conducted the fifth workshop where we gave out micro-loans each worth Q500 or $60 . It was a proud moment. This marked the beginning of the long-term relationship we are going to have with our borrowers. Along with micro-loans we implemented a savings circle amidst ex gang members,"The Muchachos", living in La Limonada and working at the carpentry workshop. They all seemed really excited to save with FAC so that in the future they would have enough capital to invest in their own businesses. They had amazing entrepreneurial ideas.

My takeaways from Guatemala include inspiration for leading a more meaningful life, insight into the lives of those living in poverty, memories which made my Guatemala experience what it is, lastly, love and friendship I received from the people here, I will cherish these relations forever.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my teammates Santi and Sarika who worked really hard towards FAC. The Guatemala experience would be incomplete without them.