Zumba Kids at Hekab Be!

This summer, Fit XO and Twin Towers Fitness teamed up for a Volunteer Vacation to Hekab Be Biblioteca located in the beautiful pueblo of Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Hekab Be means “Open Road” in Mayan, and this is what they strive to provide … an open road to learning, discovery, and better futures'. Hekab Be serves as the pueblo's library and community center and provides resources for both children and adults. In the afternoon you will find 20-30 kids attending the after school program where they receive childcare, snacks, clothing, and educational resources. During the summer, the library becomes home to these kids for a full day summer camp.

The library receives no government funding and relies solely on the support of donations to fund their programs. If you could only see what they accomplish on a daily basis, you too would be amazed at their resourcefulness and ingenuity! The teachers, many of whom are volunteers, do so much with so little!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X57JsS_NIGU

So how did we hear about this incredible place? While planning our trip to Barceló Maya Grand Resort in Quintana Roo, Mexico, I stumbled upon a review on Trip Advisor that caught my eye. It read "The Little Library That Could" and I was immediately intrigued. What kind of library has a listing on Trip Advisor?

Now if you know me, then you know that was probably it. I had to know more. I glanced through the 58 reviews (yes, 58) dated from as far back as 2012, but I wanted to know more about the library's current work.

I searched the website and read program updates, viewed photos, and found my way to the wish list. It was as if I had an instant connection to this place I had never even heard of five minutes before. I stared into the precious little faces on my computer screen, and I started praying over the wish list, wondering just how I could help.

As a former teacher, I am a pack rat of all things craft supply and educational resource. If it could ever be used in an art project, or as a learning tool of some kind, chances are you will find it in my closet. Could I pack an extra bag of items from the wish list and bring it down?

I could have, except for the fact that I am a self-proclaimed "travel guru" and to save a couple bucks I booked a split reservation, as at the time I was only planning to bring a carry on. I double checked with the airline, but I would have had to retrieve my bags and recheck them during my short layover. Feeling a bit deflated, I still had hope for a visit- but I didn't want to show up empty handed.

I signed on to the library's Facebook page to see what else I could learn about fundraising. There was a video at the top of the page, highlighting some of the activities led by visitors and staff. It dawned on me then that I didn't need a tangible gift, but a spiritual one- and I was already equipped!

I have been a licensed Zumba Instructor since 2016, and taught a variety of class formats including adults and kids. I realized that I had everything I needed to give an incredible experience to the children at the program, but I didn't know the lasting impact this afternoon would have on my spirit.

With a plan in hand, I contacted the director via Facebook message and informed her of my intent to visit the area and my hope to volunteer at the library. She was thrilled, but informed me that she would be out of the country during my visit and that the teachers did not speak much English. My heart dropped, What had I gotten myself into?

I felt a whisper, a Spirit led encouragement that said "You got this". I had a minor in Spanish Language, by all means. I taught Elementary Spanish for two years... but I would be lying if I said I didn't doubt my ability to teach a class in Mexico to native speakers, even if they were children! I finally brushed off my nerves and I responded- "We'll be there!"

Little did the girls of Twin Towers Fitness know, but I had volunteered them as well. We were there to celebrate Lindsey‘s 30th Birthday, and our agenda was pretty much set: Beach, Pool, Fiesta. But once I explained our mission, they were totally on board. Neither of us though, truly knew what to expect.

We took a short taxi ride from Barceló Maya Grand Resort, and arrived at Hekab Be in the afternoon just after school let out. The library is situated on about a quarter acre, a short distance from Akumal Beach where tourists come in droves to visit the sea turtles. The facility is modest but far from meager, and the sounds of happy kids playing as you walk up the path lets you know that you have come to a special place.

We could barely make it in the entry before we were spotted by a little girl in a princess dress who ran to us with outstretched arms. She was followed by a woman whose graciousness flowed from her heart to her handshake. I later learned that she was the girl's mother, and that many of the teachers are parents who take turns volunteering at the library. They welcomed us and showed us to the area where we set could set up. I plugged in my music, said a final prayer to calm my nerves, and pressed play...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuvJ5IDRK7A

There's really not much more to say. The precious faces, the sunshine streaking across the playground, the giggles, the little hands reaching for ours... they say it all.

Hekab Be Biblioteca is a rare gem. It is a place where the sense of community still thrives. It is a place so simple, so pure, so special that it is our duty to support it not just for the children and adults who rely on it for social and educational resources but for the idea of it. To support Hekab Be Biblioteca is to support the notion that when left to our own devices, people will organize to serve one another. To create safe spaces where our children can learn and play. To establish programs to meet the needs of our neighbors. We already have every tool we need, if we only rely on each other.

Join Fit XO and Twin Towers Fitness in supporting the students and teachers of Hekab Be Biblioteca. Donate today via Paypal or better yet- plan your own Volunteer Vacation to Barceló Maya Grand Resort and visit for yourselves! Everyone has their own skills and talents; what can you bring to create a meaningful experience for the kids of Hekab Be? Chances are, you will be the one to receive the greater gift.

See my next post for tips on how to plan your own Volunteer Vacation!

XO,

Hattie