Cultural Embrace's Got Your Back - by Emlyn Lee

1/4/201010:56:00 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Guatemala

“It’s better to give before you receive. And never keep score. If your interactions are ruled by generosity your rewards will follow suit.”

How awesome is that quote? And how much more awesome is it to have met, worked, and traveled with the author of this quote?

I recently had the honor and privilege to host internationally renowned thought leader, consultant, and NY Times best-selling author of “Never Eat Alone” and “Who’s Got Your Back”, Keith Ferrazzi in Guatemala. Keith wanted to go abroad during the holidays, utilizing his vacation to giving back to others. For more info to his Personal Success Wheel, refer to “Who’s Got Your Back.”

I take pride in Cultural Embrace’s personalized attention and service to all our participants, but I knew this placement would be different, and wanted to personally oversee the trip. After spending one day with Keith, I’m not sure who was ‘guiding’ who? My friends often refer me as a ‘connector,’ and being in the travel and service industry, the need to build and maintain relationships is a no brainer. But watching and listening to Keith develop, form and strengthen relationships so eloquently and easily was an art form (even with the language barrier).

Unfortunately, Keith’s trip was short, yet sweet and impactful. We visited three local orphanages and community centers, and a village that lost funding for 7 pre-selected students to attend a private middle school in Antigua. With Keith’s generosity (for his time, heart, and donations), words of wisdom and support, I could immediately sense hope, drive, and motivation in the kids, parents, and community.

Cultural Embrace and Ferrazzi Greenlight will be working together to raise funds, awareness, and provide experiences for foreigners to travel to Guatemala (and beyond). Cultural Embrace will be working alongside the local community, to provide them with guidance and support. We will facilitate a mutually agreed upon plan to: encourage education, promote gender equality, end hunger, inprove access to water and sanitation, while holding the village members accountable for their actions (ie: population control, pollution, littering, health, etc).
   
I have plenty more to share, but I know I cannot do it all in one blog. I have big plans and visions…it’s the Aquarius in me…yet I also have to realistically understand that things aren't going to happen overnight. Through Cultural Embrace's operations and service to send individuals and groups abroad to integrate within a community and seek a purpose-filled adventure; Keith Ferrazzi's dedication and relationship-connection; and your support and wanderlust...we plan to help the village members of Guatemala to eat together, as a stronger and healthier community and, of course...never alone!

For more about Keith Ferrazzi's service trip to Guatemala, click here.
To donate to Cultural Embrace & Ferrazzi Greenlight's Guatemala projects, click here.