Reflections on the Trans-America ride
Ak Tenamit writes regular newsletters to inform about their activities and events. Check them out at :
http://www.aktenamit.org/Jean prepares for his ride
On July 7, we wrote about the cross-country motorcycle ride that Rotarian Jean Vayssier organized to raise funds for Ak’ Tenamit’s secondary school. Jean believes so deeply that education holds the power to transform lives in Guatemala that he drove across the US to raise support for Ak’ Tenamit’s education programs. He began his trip in Washington DC on June 7, 2010 and made his way to Seattle before finally arriving in Albequerque one month later. Along the way Jean spoke at Rotarian Clubs about the importance of educational programs like Ak’ Tenamit’s and their connection to reducing undocumented immigration. He also invited other motorcyclists to show their support by joining the ride. We are extremely humbled and grateful for his commitment to the Q’eqchi communities we serve. Below are Jean’s reflections about his experience… To read more about Jean’s trip and see pictures of his experiences visit his blog http://transamericatenamit.blogspot.com
“In May 2009 I bought a BMW touring motorcycle in Albuquerque, NM. My intention was to ride around the United States, 50 years after the author John Steinbeck drove almost the same route to rediscover his home country.
On July 8, 2010 I reached Albuquerque again, having covered 12,634 miles, a distance equivalent to half of the earth´s circumference, through 28 states. I had traversed snow covered mountain passes at 10,000 feet altitude in 38 F, and crossed the lowest point of Death Valley at 191 feet below sea level in 110 F. I was burned by the desert sun of Texas, drenched by rainstorms along the Mississippi and blasted by 60 mph winds on the Midwestern prairie during my 2 month trip.
I will never forget the solitude of the wilderness of Idaho and the wind swept beaches of the North Pacific. What joy to sleep on snow covered ground in the Wyoming mountains, and in the majestic redwood forests of the Oregon coast. I saw the vastness and beauty of a great country, the United States of America, learned its history of struggle and discovery and met many good and generous people, always willing to lend a helping hand and invite me into their homes.
It was voyage of discovery and introspection, of joy and loneliness, and of great challenge and freedom. I will never forget!”
If you are interested in organizing an event to benefit Ak’ Tenamit, please contact our office at theguatfund@gmail.com.
