The Greatest Gift Comes from Giving
by GMLM
Today is Giving Tuesday. (If you don’t know what it is, I highly recommend that you look it up. It is just what the world needs more of, today, and every day.) I am here to ask you to pause, reflect on what is good in your life, and then make a plan to give back, in some small way. Giving back can mean so many things. If you, (like myself), find yourself not working, or have a tight budget, let’s get creative. Lend your ear and offer a conversation to a lonely neighbor, drop off that coat that sits in your closet to a local coat drive, offer your time, and serve a meal at a local shelter. Why am I asking you this to do this? Well, let me tell you a story …
At the end of June 2019, my family’s life was upended. We urgently needed a change, space to find a new rhythm, and breathe. We decided to travel. So in March, just as the world was on the brink of a pandemic, we embarked on a journey to Nicaragua with Explorer X. Now as we approach the end of this year-like-none-other, we reflect on all we gained from our life-changing trip. And the single greatest gift was the opportunity to support the Nicaraguan men who were our expert guide and driver during our adventure, and now a part of our lives forever.
Because travel has stopped, so many people around the world have lost their livelihoods. So in April and again in June, my husband and I decided to pay the salaries that our dear friends had lost. That might seem like an overly generous gesture for someone we spent only ten days with. But this is the magic of travel and the beauty of the unique experience that Explorer X created for us. These men changed our lives, it seemed only appropriate to do the same in return.
Let me explain.
Life had gotten heavy. Due to a change in the law in N.Y., I unexpectedly had to leave my career to homeschool my three children. I was overwhelmed with worry and resentment. I was grateful to spend every second with my children but never felt more angry or lost. I had lost my way and my joy. My kids were reeling from the upheaval. We were all feeling, well, deeply unhappy.
In stepped Michael. Michael is a college friend who started and owns the amazing transformational travel company, Explorer X. I knew I needed an escape, and I asked for his help. Within a few hours, he got back to me with several unique, carefully planned itineraries. With his guidance, we chose Nicaragua. Even before the trip began we were researching the culture, excursions, weather, and food. The whole family was suddenly engaged and excited. Our goal was to reconnect as a family, experience another culture and language, show our children how other cultures live, and to practice gratitude every step of the way.
By the time we arrived, we knew everything would go smoothly. The smiles of our driver and guide met us at the airport. Their warm and welcoming energy immediately eased any worries, and we already had a more positive and joyful mindset. Then there was a sudden twist to the plot: my twisted and broken ankle on day one.
An incident that could have derailed the entire trip became a bonding experience as Juan, our driver, safely drove me over an hour away to a hospital, with Rafael, translating every sentence and making me feel safe and distracting me with his own life stories.
Unfortunately, I could not change the fact that I now had to spend the rest of the trip on crutches. I was determined not to miss any opportunity, so I hobbled along the famous cobblestone streets, wobbled and wavered up the side of a volcano, and limped to the historic, lakeside hacienda. Rafael, our guide, was always by my side. Being benched on our zipline excursion meant I spent more time talking and learning about him and his life. He shared stories about his childhood in the mountains, carrying goods on his back to help support his mom, how a trip to the town dump with his cousin changed his perspective, and motivated him to always give back to others. Always inviting the “abuelas” of his town into his home, (whether he knew them personally or not), offering food and water, was another custom that he shared.
Juan and Rafael truly made our experience a more rich and valuable journey. They reminded us that joy could be found in simpler things. They talked of their family with such pride and joy and reminded me to be even more appreciative of my three greatest treasures. I started to breathe again and see my life with a new perspective. My children and I learned to appreciate the difficult and lengthy process of what seemed to be simple items (like coffee and chocolate!), and we were reminded not to take anything for granted. Juan and Rafael, through their kindness, openness, and way of life, gave us a renewed mindset of gratitude. They were the thread that reconnected my family, throughout our entire journey.
Although we gave anonymously, notes of gratitude found their way back to us. Juan and Rafael were beyond grateful and referred to us as “angels.” But something unexpected and even more beautiful happened: they found it in their hearts to share the gift we had given. They purchased food and needed goods for other families in their towns. Although they themselves were struggling, they offered what they had to others. Once again, I was inspired by their generosity and reminded of the good in people. The families we met live a simpler life, yet they have so much; generous hearts, giving souls, and joy.
I want to be more intentional in my gratitude. As a family, we have experienced that, true joy comes from giving to others without expecting anything in return. Michael gave freely of his services when I most needed help. Juan and Rafael gave their care, conversation, and friendship. We are forever grateful for our experience and giving back allows us to relive it and continue the cycle of generosity and gratitude the world so desperately needs right now.
On this Giving Tuesday, again, I encourage you to give back, in your own joyous way. Perhaps you too will remember those who helped make your adventure unforgettable. What is certain; so much joy will come, to both the giver and the receiver. Pure and simple joy: The greatest gift of giving.
Note: Some names were changed to protect the privacy of the individuals.
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Explorer X Note to Our Travelers: If you’ve traveled with us before and would like to support your guides in getting through the COVID-19 crisis, please contact us at Hello@Explorer-X.com.