After first arriving at the place we are staying in Guatemala, we realized that there was no electricity. Despite the pitch black that candles stationed around the house vainly tried to illuminate, my family and I took advantage of the situation. We spent the next day swimming, reading, and admiring the location we were in. It was not until later in the afternoon that the power came back, and we began to celebrate. We turned on all the lights, activated the radio, and began to charge our devices.
While sitting next to my family, listening to Christmas music, we abruptly lost all electricity in our house. Initially I was dissatisfied, having not completely charged my devices. We frantically scrambled around the house trying to light candles, and eventually were able to illuminate the main room. We proceeded to sit, talk, and watch the beautiful view of the volcanic lake in front of us. Sitting there, with such and incredible view of the tranquil lake in front of me, I realized the problem with having power.
I hadn’t noticed the lake at all when I had access to electricity.
I now know that power can distract you from what is really important.”
