Guatemala
Guatemala, like most Latin American countries, is still caught in the grip of thinly disguised colonialism where “democratic” governments act with impunity as mercenaries for foreign corporations. Where advocates of environmental and social justice are met with threats, disappearances and death and the gap between rich and poor is appalling. Sure, things aren’t as overtly oppressive as they once were, when the country was embroiled in a 36-year civil war — a gift courtesy of the U.S. government in response to Guatemala’s attempt to create a more sovereign nation over 60 years ago. A nation where land could once again belong to the people who were born on it and human rights mattered more than a foreign company’s profit margins. Sure, death squads no longer pillage indigenous villages to teach them a lesson but justice and equality is still a long way off for many.
Yet, despite this history and current state of affairs, I have never felt more welcomed by strangers, willing to share what they have. I have never seen smiles as large as those on Guatemalan children at play and their laughter is one of the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard. I am forever indebted to this place and its people who welcomed me in to their communities and homes.