I was traveling when I saw the announcement for the spring memorial service and regretted not being able to attend. Like so many others I was profoundly molded by my experiences in Amigos. I met Guy at a 20th anniversary, shook his hand and thanked him for opportunities he gave me and so many of us. He seemed uneasy about the attention he was receiving that hot day in Houston. I would have liked to have seen him in action in those early years- I would have learned something.
Guy had a radical vision- how he pulled it off, I have no idea. The idea that young people could work in the communities of Latin America directly with public health liasons there was, and still is, a radical idea. How he sold that idea to parents of 16 and 17 year olds, I have no idea. It wouldn't have worked any other way. How would Amigos have worked with USA adult chaperones in the field? Disaster. It would have been some crazy summer camp and sight-seeing tour and it wouldn't have lasted 4 years, not 40! Speaking for myself and most of my Amigos friends, we were wild and, except for school, largely irresponsible while in the States. We were, however, different, and we knew we were different, when we stepped off the plane filled with our personal and collective mission to go out, by bus, hitching, horseback, and oxen cart to meet our families, mayors, and public health liasons. What a wonderful gift to have in those formative years. Guy saw that we could do that.
I just took my family to Bolivia this past summer to see their cousin graduate from high school. I was delighted to see my daughters' interest and facination with the country. The older one, just 12, is now dead set on going to school in Bolivia with her other cousin this coming semester. We will make it happen if we can. The lesson that Guy taught us is that a crazy idea like this will turn out just fine. Thank you Guy.