Soy Lista

Mi hermana esta soy lista! (My sister is VERY SMART!) ...which is why we're joking around and I'm pointing to her head.
Kate was teaching us spanish after her 7 hour class yesterday. We had an awesome last night's dinner together. Everyone is just incredible!
All of them. Each of them. In their own way.
They are all "soy lista" in their own special way and I'm so glad to be here with Kate and all the grand kids. What an incredible trip!

The next time we are together will be Christmas and we're already talking about all the fun things we're going to do then! Karaoke, salsa dancing and more!

Everyone has said that they don't want to leave...which is a wonderful indication of just how great a week it really was.

Today...Vamanos a'la ching gara! (Spanish slang...for..."Lets get the F&^% out of here!" It became a ritual. when it was time to leave - anywhere, I'd say "Vamanos ala ching gara!" And then Kate would say, "SSShhhhhhhh!"

Love you, Mom.
You are so very soy lista, too...in so many ways that I cannot even begin to express! You and all that you have given all of us was part of the topic of conversation last night and we are all so grateful for you.

I'll call you tomorrow morning!
Love Crystal

Hidden talents...

I think we all have so many amazing "hidden" talents. How fabulous to have these talents...but so sad that we keep them hidden!

It's time to let those hiddent talents out!

Mom, you would have loved to see your family singing tonight, belting it out, having so much fun! Taylor sang with Jose (the owner/pianist). Can she ever sing!!! Mark played the piano a bit and was awesome. Hayley also got in there and danced/sang a little. The rest of us had a great time, too, singing our hearts out together.




We decided, upon walking back to the hotel in the rain, that we're going to incorporate a little music into our Chritmas this year. I think it was April that mentioned getting a Karaoke machine...and we talked about bringing some music/lyrics to some great songs that everyone can sing to.


We'll see...we've got over 6 months to practise. :)
It could be good!! Perhaps there, we'll all share some more of our hidden talents!!
Love you, Mom.

It's our last day today in Guatemala! Kate is off to espanol esquella this morning. 7 hours of spanish every day for a week! Wow!! Everyone else is still sleeping but will be checking out the market today and packing up as we leave by 7:15am tomorrow for the ride to the city and to catch the flight at 11:00am.
We won't be late!
Love you,
Crystal

To be content...

Only two days left in this amazing country, where smiles are contageous and the food is real. Real beans, real huevos (eggs), lots of hot peppers and more tortillas than I can count. Not to mention the culture, music, colorful clothing and such happiness and joy than one can possibly comprehend. And the fact that they are so content with so little and so grateful...for anything...is remarkable!!

We left our runners (muddy, dirty, smelly and beyond recognition) at the village (b/c no one would dare take them home in their suitcase - they are so stinky and dirty). I got an email from Paige today that said, "By the time I got back to the village after seeing you off at the boat, the group had all taken a pair of your shoes and begun cleaning them up to keep for themselves."

Mom - this is something you would do. You rarely take anything for granted, save and reuse constantly and are so content with what you have.

Mom, that made my breath stop and feel most embarassed. We discard so much and these people see such value where we take so much for granted. They are so content with what they have, don't seem to want for more yet are grateful when they do receive something, and then they value it and take so much care where we take so much for granted.

I think the trip has been amazing - in so many ways - and for me, at least, it's been a reminder to not take so much for granted and to be content with what I have. I have so very much! We all do!

Here are your grand-kids - extraordinary in their own way - as we stopped at some ruins and then went out lastnight for dinner in Antigua.

We are all grateful, in different ways, for what we've learned here this week. And simply being together has been something we have not taken for granted for a moment.
love Crystal

It's hard to have a title for this post...












Mom,
What can you say after looking at these photos? They tell a great story of what being a "family" is all about. Not just our own immediate family but a community that welcomed us into THEIR family. We worked together, ate together, laughed together and played together.
There is something so humbling and loving in being invited, welcomed, and treated like a part of "the family". Now I know what others feel like as you invite them to be a part of our family. There really are no words to describe it.

As we leave tomorrow for Antigua, it is clear that "a little hard work (or dirt) never hurt anyone" (as you would say), and also that it's amazing what can be accomplished by working "together".

The group is all out tonight having dinner and taking a salsa dance lesson. Mandy and I stayed back to chill out and relax.
Everyone is so very happy!
Love you,
Crystal
PS We'll call you from Antigua tomorrow afternoon/night.

A Moral Compass

Hi Mom,
Yesterday was an incredible day...yet again!
Mud, mud and more mud! Over 100, 200, who knows (we've lost count of) how many wheel-barrel's full of mud were removed from the 3 houses we emptied out and then at the schoolyard. 50 houses have been dug out in total by the local people in the past 10 days.

It's amazing to spend time with everyone. Kate is a silent leader, like the moon with a lunar pull. She's coordinated a million groups before and has so much wisdom, like you.

All your grand-kids are truly quite extraordinary in their own way as well. Heather is very funny! She has a great sense of humour. Hayley is very compassionate and easily connects with all the kids and her spanish is amazing. Kurt is a leader like I've never seen. Ryan is so easygoing it's incredible. Mark is a genius - there's no question. Mandy is simply wise beyond her years. Mitch is a magnet for making friends and making people feel good. April can work like there's no tomorrow! Taylor is very confident and talented - can she sing!

And this is barely a glimpse into what we've experienced about their personalities.

The topic of a "moral compass" came up...sort of like 'integrity'. You've raised all of us to have a strong moral compass, I think, Mom. Sure...we've all made mistakes, made the wrong decision at times, done foolish things, been young and immature....but it's interesting to be around all the kids (well - they're not kids) b/c it's so evident that we've all got that same strong moral compass from you...

(...Even if it's not listened to at times. Although I have to say that EVERYONE has been exceptional on this trip. You would be very proud.)

Love you...
crystal

A day in our lives...

...could change our lives.

Today was an incredible learning opportunity.

Learning. Experiencing much. Working hard. Getting dirty. Connecting with the local people. Having fun. Making a difference. Being together.





There were many "Grams-isms" and "Mom-isms" mentioned today! You were again here in spirit, Mom!
Love Crystal
More to come...we're all in bed early after a very big day!

Part 2:
(Early in the morning on June 11th.)
Mom - so much of who you are and what you stand for was evident yesterday:
1. working hard.
2. not being afraid to get dirty.
3. not even noticing when the rain started that could have dampened our spirits.
4. encouraging one another.
5. having the utmost of respect for the community and people.
6. knowing our own ability and pace and stopping and resting when we needed.
7. finding meaning and purpose in what we were doing (over 60 or 70...and probably more wheel barrels of mud)
8. having genuine compassion
9. being quick to find the humour in the situation - when appropriate
10. always bringing out the best in everyone

We were digging mud out of people's homes and playing with the kids (in a program they have 3 days/week). We also went on a tour of the area and met a man that lost his wife and 2 children in the hurricane in 2005 when the mudslide happpened. He saved 2 of his kids but when he went back to get his wife and other 2 kids, all he could go back to was his house that had just been covered with mud. It was heartbreaking to see his sadness still so evident 5 years later. But we also encoutered so much joy and appreciation. We dug out a family's home that had was just filled with mud (from last week) and the man of the home made a little speech after we were done...and he shook everyone's hand and proudly said thank you. It was quite extraordinary to help in some small way.

Have a wonderful day Mom.
We're all safe and sound here.
love crystal

A matter of choice...

Today...was a matter of choice, Mom.

It was a fabulous day. We woke up, had breakfast at the guesthouse all together and then got picked up in the van (a big 12 seater van) to go to the MCC office where we met Antony and Irma, who I've met every time I've come down before. They spoke about the work they are doing in the communities most in need. The foundation (of the Mennonite Central committee) is built on community development, relief in natural disasters and social justice. They spoke further and talked about how community development is the key...and within that...building relationships and education are the fundamental basis as to where to start to create and help those in need. It was very inspiring and interesting. Then we packed 50 care packages and after that...the "choice" began...

We could have gotten uptight that the van was two hours late... or that it started to rain (a downpour!)...or that the eventual bus ride was 4+ hours, not 2 - 3 hours.

But...I never heard one comment that even resembled a complaint. The guys took care of securing the bags with a tarp, when the van did arrive. The girls wrote notes to put in the care packages and then played cards.


Everyone chose to enjoy their time together and make the best of it.


You would have been proud Mom...very proud at the choices that everyone made today. You were certainly here in spirit!

Love Crystal

An Intentional Moment!

How about living intentionally in the "moment"?
Imagine the impact of actually living intentionally every moment
Not thinking of this....brushing my teeth this morning, sort of "selectively forgetting" to floss...Kate said, "Only floss the ones you want to keep."

I want to keep them all. I flossed!

An Intentional "Day"

Hi Mom,
I was talking with Kate lastnight...and we were talking about this "year" of intentional living...and she mentioned that it might be a great idea to focus, not on such a long time-frame as an entire year...but, rather, a week, or even a day.

You live like that too, I think Mom...intentional....every day...every minute.

So, that's what we are going to do.
Live intentionally here, every day, every minute...

It was a wonderful way to start the day today, seeing you on skype!

Today, we made 50 piles of rice, beans, tooth brushes, vitamins, pasta, coffee,etc. for the families we are going to visit over the next few days...like a care package. Already, just a few hours into our time here in Guatemala, we have begun to experience the magnitude of just how much so little can mean.
Thank you for teaching us the value of this...and for living intentionally...every minute, every day, every month and every year...

Love you,
Crystal

Creating little moments of joy

Hi Mom,

Like you and Gwen do so so very well...this week, in Guatemala, I'm going to focus on creating little moments of joy for the group. I'll take tons of photos for you. Everyone is so excited.

I'll write as often as I can and we'll skype you too!

Have a wonderful week.
Sorry so brief. It's 5:20 and I'm still packing!
(Apparently I have yet to learn your wisdom about packing the night before with the bags ready by the door....yes...a long way to go on that one!)
love you,
Crystal
PS new photo on a new doorstep with Gwen...in just over a week!

Take Your Soul By The Hand

I once had a dream - it was wonderful!!
I could do anything I please;
I could fly above the rooftops
on the whisper of a breeze.
I knew just what I wanted,
What I needed to be whole,
I had no fear of failure,
For I knew it in my soul.
But then things changed, for as I grew
My life was filled with learning -
With books and school and rule -and yet-
My heart was filled with yearning.
I searched to find the answers,
I searched to find my goal,
'Til it finally dawned no me -
I was searching for my soul.
We have a dream inside ourselves.
A gift to us at birth,
To guide us and protect us
On our journey on this earth.
We all have something special,
Each one of us' unique
You have to find the courage
To find the peace you seek.
So dream your dream and live your dream
Don't be afraid to try.
Just take your soul by the hand
And let your spirit fly.

Maureen Weiner



Today, as I wander in the backyard at the new house, looking at all the overgrown vines and trees and plants, I am momentarily overwhelmed with reality...the work required here, the mortgage, the increased monthly bills....

Compared to my very easy lifestyle right now, where I can just close the door and I'm away, where the yard work is minimal and the fact that my mortgage and bills are so manageable right now...I am feeling the stretch and pressure of this new home.

THe feeling is exactly the same as when I bought the hostel. I wasn't sure "how" it was going to work...I just knew that I was in the right place and had to follow where my soul was leading me.

Mom,
It's not me that is taking my soul by the hand...it's my soul that is taking me by the hand here...I think I'm just being pulled along for the ride.
Love you,
Crystal
PS Can you grab Don by the hand and please come out to visit...I don't know what's a weed and what's a flower or plant to keep.

The little things...

Hi Mom,
You're always so thoughtful with the "little things". Whether it was standing by the kitchen sink, looking for the bus, ready to holler for us to get out the door so we wouldn't miss it as it made it's way around the corner when we were in high school...or making sure we never left home empty-handed, after a visit...or those care packages once we moved further away, with perogies, jam, zucchini loaf and relish. I'm so glad that our family is into "the little things".

Today was a day filled with little things for Gwen, Rob and I. Rob lent me his truck so I could take a bunch of stuff to the garbage dump and bring some things to the new house. It was really nice of him. When I came back with a load, he was just pulling in on his motorcycle! It's very very cool! A labour of love, for sure! I jumped out to take a few photos of him on his bike. The photos just don't do it justice. You've got to see this thing, in person, Mom!


And then when i came back from another trip, I found this little rock-message (with a little rhubarb) on my front step!!

Totally thoughtful!


Mel came over to the new place today and we wandered in the back yard, a maze of trees, flowers and weeds...and a massive rhubarb plant! We sat out there, pulling the stalks off and laughing. She took the rhubarb home. Thank God b/c I'm not really sure what to do with it. Oh....how I wish you were here!

Today really was a day filled with the little things...which are really the big things in life. It makes me stop and realize how much more I want to be an initiator of those little things, take more time, slow down and create more of those moments, like you do....

I can't wait for you to come and visit Mom! The back yard is a jungle!! And you and Don are going to love the view!
love Crystal

One moment can change your life forever.

I just watched a movie tonight called "Bella". It was extraordinary! It leaves me speechless. Inspired. In awe.

The slogan for the movie is "One moment can change your life forever."

It really is true...one moment CAN change your life forever. And with 86,400 seconds, or moments, in each day...THAT moment could easily happen today, tomorrow or just about any and every day...

More to come tomorrow. I've got to go to bed.

Mom, I think you would love the movie. In the movie, someone changes the life of another...much like you change the lives of those who luckily cross your path.

I love you,
crystal

Mom, I love this message on a Starbucks cup that I read a while ago. It's another of those witty, truth-filled insights that you would come up with.

It's a also a good reminder for me to always be intentional about what I'm doing in my career. I put the starbucks quote on my fridge where I can see it every day.

I find it hard to believe some days that I've been self employed for over 12 years. I remember starting out, wondering if it was the right decision, leaving a great federal government job that had benefits, medical, dental, paid holidays and matching RRSP contributions. I can't (and couldn't) ignore the fact that my soul was slowly dying inside, in my cubicle (without a door) and stacks of files - clients that I was writing business plans and loan applications for. I wasn't there long enough to be wildly successful at it. That would take years, I think, b/c I don't believe anyone can call themselves wildly successful until someone else calls them that. Anyway, I was good at what I did but really wasn't there long enough to leave a legacy of my own.

However, I can see how easy it could be to "get locked in forever" with the mix of praise, money and opportunity...in my training group (of BDC employees from around the country that got together in Montreal for 3 months of training) the group voted me as the class valedictorian to address the group of dignitaries and graduates of the program. Me? I was the only one WITHOUT a finance degree or accounting background. I was shocked! My branch manager back in Kelowna, when he heard about it, was totally proud.

For a short time...I could see myself getting locked in...enjoying the praise and money (and benefits). Thankfully, the opportunity wasn't there. I wanted to get into training, not lending and those opportunities to teach and work with clients weren't there at that time. In retrospect, I'm so very grateful.

Anyway, Mom, I've got to tell you about my dentist... I may not have any dental coverage now that I'm self employed, but I do have the most amazing dentist! Dr. Leitch has to be the best dentist on the planet...and his team...is simply over the top! I love my dentist! Going there, while it's not my favourite thing to do, is certainly more than pleasant!

I went to the dentist last week to repair one of my teeth. I got a crack in one of my back molars (the price of having big chompers, I guess) and they put a temporary crown on it until I could go back today to get the real one. Last week, after my apt, I went home, slurring and drooling from the freezing. Later that night, Dr. Leitch (HIMSELF) called to see how I was doing and to make sure that my tooth was feeling fine. WOW! That's all I can say.

And then today, I went in for just a short apt so they could put the permanent crown in place. Everyone was and is always so pleasant. They look like they have a ton of fun at work. Dr. Leitch and his staff must have notes in his file about all sorts of things b/c they remember what we were talking about 6 months ago and what I'm up to in my work and Dr. Leitch even noticed that I got my hair cut. What business does this? Amazing!

Thinking about that Starbucks quote...yes "Success is dangerous. If you're successful at the WRONG thing...it can lock you in forever." But what if you're successful at the RIGHT thing? Then what?

Then life becomes one glorious day after another where you leap out of bed with enthusiasm, joy and a sense of purpose and contribution that could probably change the world.

That's what Dr. LEitch does. He actually seems to float around the office on some sort of perpetual high - not of the dental drugs they give you - but rather - of joy, loving his job, inspiring his team, caring for his patients...and everything in between.

At one point, I heard him exclaim with exuberance that just doesn't seem appropriate in a dentist's office, referring to my new crown, "I LIKE IT!"

He also said, as he had various sharp-tipped instruments, water and suction...all in my mouth at the same time, "Am I traumatizing you?"

Only a dentist (and a great team) that is completely intentional, totally successful at the right thing could say that. (Most dentists DO traumatize their patients.) It was a joy be in the dentists chair today...to be surrounded by perfection, joy, enthusiasm and care from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, laughing and smiling.

How can I live intentionally here?
I'm sending Dr. Leitch and his team some of my little inspiring silver rings to say thank you. I'm not sure it's common for dentists to get thank you cards and gifts..but that's what I'm going to do.

Mom, thanks for the big chompers. And thank you for allowing and encouraging me to go out into the world and just TRY to do whatever I dreamed of, not pressuring me to take a safe route, to be successful, or to lock myself in to some kind of wrong career that might give me praise, money and opportunity...but leave my soul empty.

Thank you for teaching me that making money isn't the objective of my career...but making a difference is.

I love you,
Crystal

Obstacle Illusions

Life is full of obstacle illusions.
Grant Frazier

I read this quote the other day and thought of you, Mom. It's something you would come up with; witty, off-beat and so unbelievably rich in truth.

Life IS full of obstacles...that are mostly illusions in my mind. And when something isn't right...those illusions become so believable, so real, it's hard to know if they are imaginary or actually there. But when something IS right, there is no doubt. Period.

Just like a rainbow. It's actually there, of course. I can take a photograph of it (beaming brightly over the hostel). But it can disappear in a moment also. It's not really tangible...it's much like an illusion.

When something is right - for me - I still see the obstacles (some that are actually there and most that are just in my mind) but when something is right, there is no doubt...and I just find a way.

It goes back to commitment; that whole "98% is a bitch - 100% is easy" concept that I first heard about at an Inside Out Leadership Development program; sort of like the question, "Am I really passionate about something or just interested in it?"

Tonight, I can see the truth and reality that...
Life is full of obstacles.
Life is full of obstacle illusions.
and...Life is full...
...full of countless miracles and blessings...that are real.

They're not illusions.

Love you, Mom.
You still remain the wind beneath my wings.
Crystal

A wish for you...

Today, I learned a few things.

Yes...I grew a little! It's funny how you stretch, grow and learn through the difficult moments in life. A couple of days ago, I found myself the (only) guest at my own pity party, feeling sorry for myself.

It seems that by going through a tough day and not trying to avoid it, cover it up, pretend it didn't happen or squish it down inside to prevent it from surfacing...clarity and assurance was the gift today, on the other side of getting pulled through the eye of the needle.

My friend Mel told me that phrase, "Getting pulled through the eye of the needle". I love it! Life is sometimes like that...a pulling, uncomfortable process of going through something where you think you're not going to make it through...just like life, that can get messy sometimes.

Anyway, I had such a day of subtle epiphanies (albeit probably simple ones to many)...but today, for me, they seemed monumental. Enlightening. And powerful. For you, Mom, common sense...

I learned 3 simple truths today:
1. Never place expectations in the wrong place
2. Pay attention to who is allowed into my inner circle
3. Wishes do come true

For starters, I learned something about expectation...and how it's so important to make sure that I place expectations, appropriately, where and with whom they should be placed. Including myself.

It would be a great idea to live with high hopes and low expectations. This has even been a mantra for me in the past. It's a wonderful thought. But it's unrealistic. Expectations exist. I have them. Everyone does. Expectations placed on others and on myself.

But I learned today (just like I have learned that something can be too hot to touch...by getting burned) that it's really important to make sure I place my expectations in the right place. With the right people. Because creating any expectation, in any way, with the wrong person...only leads to disappointment.

It's as simple as that.

So...in the future, when I am struggling with something, like a couple of days ago...I'm going to do a little check within myself to see if I'm placing unrealistic expectations in the wrong place...either on myself or on others, which may be causing my uneasy feelings. I made this mistake a couple of days ago. Too much expectation where it didn't belong.

I also learned (or was reminded) that who I allow into my "inner circle" has a big impact on me in countless ways! (Inner circle could be defined as a person of influence in any way.) If someone doesn't see, support or believe in my vision, they should not be in my inner circle. Just like if I don't see or believe in or support someone else in their vision...I should not be allowed in their inner circle. I would only be holding them back. Like friends, my staff, my banker, the realtor, even the guy who cuts my hair...anyone!! Wouldn't life be so much easier and more inspiring if we were surrounded by others who shared or at least supported our vision.

The hostel is like this...and I think that's why it has been so successful. We received an email today from a past guest...which simply made my day!! It's a true indication that a common vision is so very important...

I loved my overnight stay at your hostel. Everyone seemed mellow and positive. I would stay again...Even though I am middle-aged, I appreciate the good energy and organization that your hostel has. Thanks for a nice experience.
Karen Guilbault

I met with my accountant today to look at last year's numbers. He's been my accountant for 12 years. The entire time I've had the hostel. He's been by my side since Day 1! He's been there, in my inner circle, for every up and down and even when I was audited...when the Government wrongly charged me $10,000 and we appealed..and won! We won not only because we were right but also because my accountant and I had shared the same vision for a decade! Getting back to the numbers for this past year; it wasn't out best year ever, but it was our second best - and that's pretty fabulous to me. (Mom - who would have known it could become this from this?)


Anyway, I'm sorry to ramble, Mom.

The last thing I learned, or thought about today was so simple. I is just an idea. Just a simple idea to send out a positive wish for everyone I see or am in the presence of each day. That's it. And if I have time, send a wish to all the important people in my life. Just a little thought. Just a moment of time. Make a habit of doing so. Imagine the possibilities if those wishes actually came true.

That would be very, very cool!

Tonight, I am sending out a few wishes...to you and Don to catch a few fish at the beach...and for good weather...among other warm and wonderful wishes to you and our amazing family, friends, the people in my inner circle and those outside of it.
Amelie (in the photo below) and I were emailing today about her trip to Kelowna. I'm so excited to see her that I can hardly wait. I'm so grateful that we've kept in touch, and although lots of time has passed, I'm sure our friendship will pick up just where it left off, like sisters do.


Mom, you were right. Chin up. This too shall pass.
It has. And my tub looks great! Who could ask for more?
(Well...to be honest, I would still like to relinquish the task of tub caulking to someone else (not just "someone") the next time it needs to be done...but perhaps great things come to those who wait (impatiently).

Love you,
crystal