Posted by Jennifer Jones, Rotary International President 2022-23

In President Jennifer Jones'  September 2022 Newsletter, she talks about her trip to Guatemala and a treacherous river crossing which reminded her that Rotarians rely on local, on the ground experts  to do what we do best and that sometimes we have to take uncomfortable chances to reach important goals............

THE POWER OF TAKING UNCOMFORTABLE CHANCES

To Everyone in our Rotary Family,

Recently, Nick and I spent time in Guatemala, where we met wonderful fellow Rotary members and families who unofficially adopted me as "Tia Jennifer. On the third day, after visiting Patzun in the mountainous western highlands, we set out for Lake Atitlan, which we needed to reach by nightfall. If we took a back road we could get there faster. Locals told us it had just been repaved and assured us, "You'll have no problem".

At first, it was a breeze. We wound through misty-green coffee and corn fields covering the hillside like a patchwork quilt. But at a river crossing, we found the bridge washed away. The only way to continue would be to ford the river in our small bus. There were a few tense moments, but we decided to give it a try and, thankfully, we made it across safely.

This adventure reminds me of two important truths in Rotary. One, we rely on local, on-the-ground expertise to do what we do best. And two, sometimes you have to take uncomfortable chances to reach important goals.

Every day, I am honoured to learn from our Rotary family. Every lesson is an opportunity to grow, and each story adds a chapter to our collective Imagine Rotary year.

Jennifer Jones

President, Rotary International

 

SEE THE PHOTOS BELOW:

 

Jennifer Jones and her husband Nick Krayacich talk with Nathali Batzibal, a student they support through the Guatemala Literacy Project, during their April 2022 visit. Since 1997, the project has improved education in rural areas of the country by providing books, teacher training, and scholarships. 

 

 

 

Former student recipient Rosa Ixcoy poses with her daughter and mother. 

PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 36 OF THE SEPTEMBER ROTARY MAGAZINE FOR A PHOTO ESSAY ON THE PROJECT.