Max Lyons: The Transformational Impact of Service

Posted on January 3rd, 2012 by Keith Ferrazzi

Max Lyons is an alumni of the myGreenlight program who was part of my group in Guatemala last week.  Max sponsored one year of education and healthcare for Liza (pictured) at a cost of $200. We have several other children we are seeking to sponsor, so please donate here if you or someone you know would like to sponsor a child.

Keith and I met just over a year ago through myGreenlight. After a brief conversation about his prior trips to Guatemala and Cambodia/Thailand, Keith invited me to join a return effort to Guatemala.

Having not met anyone else on the trip, I flew down here with a sense that I was stepping into the unknown. Our group spent the past week partnering with local organizations, working with children, and dreaming about the unlocked potential lying dormant within the lives of these little ones. After the first few days here in Antigua, I discovered two core things through my involvement:

1. Our contributions are catalyzing substantial long-term change: In my time in Guatemala, I was able to see what has transpired since the last visit Keith made. During the previous trip a local couple was discovered who opened up their small house to provide free schooling for kids in their village. Once limited by special restrictions, the couple is now able to provide schooling to over 60 children thanks to recent construction.

In another village, a young boy, who had met Keith two years prior, showed up to greet Keith with a huge smile and a Spanish version of Never Eat Alone. It blew me away to think about how much the previous visit must have meant to this boy for him to purchase the book and show up two years later to see his old friend. The relational and educational components have gained considerable traction here.

2. The transformational impact we're seeking to have in the lives of these children is being returned to me just as much, if not more so: I’ve come to a strong belief that my experiences here will allow me to become much more successful in my career. Two days ago, I met a young boy and his family inside a series of rural slums. This little one had almost no clothes, was covered in dirt, and his sandals had been eaten through completely. His mom has to walk 3 hours roundtrip for work where she makes tortillas and brings home $3 a day in wages.

Encounters like this have helped me grow in humility and gain a different perspective on the value of human beings. This has given me a clearer view of how I want to live my life which will enable me to become a better worker, manager, and leader. Participating in these trips going forward will be vital toward moving me closer to the person I long to become.


Send a trackback!
0 comments // In Philanthropy
Bookmark and Share
« Previous Post Next Post »

Leave a Reply