It isn't really fair for me to post a blog because I am still traveling through Guatemala and have not had the proper time to digest and process my experience- but I can safely say this has been one of the most life changing trips I have ever been a privilege to be a part of thanks to SalaamGarage and the lovely Amanda Koster (who is the founder of SalaamGarage.)

I am currently overlooking one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen in the 21 countries I have visited. Lake Atitlan is lush, tropical, colourful, and has a primal natural energy. We have just arrived here after having completed our visit to the Ixil Triangle and 3 Mayan villages in Belen, La Esperanza, and Cajixay. Guatemala is mindblowing... I feel at a loss for words, but wanted to blog while I was here.

For several reasons, I decided that I wanted to approach this trip with a clear mind, with no preconceived notions, and I am glad for once that I did not research this country incessantly. I am not suggesting that research nor travel guides are wrong, I just felt that for the nature of this trip- the fundraising through Spot.us, the partnership with the extremely impressive NGO's Agros International and Global Visionaries, I wanted to approach this place and my first taste of photojournalism objectively. There was absolutely no way to remain objective upon arrival into this gorgeous land and country... and even less upon meeting the genuine, indigenous Mayans speaking my new favourite language Ixil (which incidentally made me feel like I was transported directly into the film Dances with Wolves)

The Ixil Triangle consists of several villages and with the help of Agros International- the dramatic improvement and impact on their lives is almost more than can be documented. There is something extremely special about impacting even one human life in a real way- and to see the work that has been done and the incredible spirit of a people unwilling to give up; I have been in tears, and at a loss for words for the past three days. I will always remember the new definition of poverty given to me by Agros International- that poverty is broken relationships, not merely the absence of objects or possessions.





The above photo are some children that I met in the village of La Esperanza which had a tangible vibration of love in the entire village, throughout the air, and in everything I touched and experienced.

I am still fundraising via Spot.us- and feel this is a new path, and yet the path I have been searching for my whole life- to show just how powerful photography can be- and that images can truly make a difference in the world.