Emily: I'm really glad how this trip went. I was telling Pedro that to be a part of Project HELLO, I believe that it's important to at least come to one summer trip because it gives the work that we do a purpose. Last December 2016, we were just assigned to houses in Guatemala--no backstory, just work. This trip allowed me to know more about the families.
The last two days were rest days and we got to hike La Vega del Volcán. We got to spend time with the team from Generación Magnificat and it was definitely what I needed before we headed back to the United States.
There were three highlights from this trip:
1. We had an
itinerary but we ran into two more families that we believed that we can help.
I'm the type of person who likes to know what to expect, but in Guatemala there
is no such thing. I'm starting to learn this each trip, no matter how structured
we try to make things--but i'm completely okay with it. I only got to meet one
of the new families, Don José, and i'm glad I did. He opened his doors to others
in his community and I was amazed. He had five kids from the neighbourhood just
roam his house and one even went inside his room, took off her jacket, and laid
down like it was her own house. We later found out that she was the child of
another family that we are helping who had recently lost her grandfather--so
she goes to Don José to fill her void. Small world, great families.
2. I've always had
a special place in my heart for Sibinal. This trip solidified this feeling for
me. This trip brought me closer to the community by allowing me to strengthen
my relationships further. I was recognized and remembered by the community a
handful of times, which made me feel at home. Similar to a college student
returning to a small town after being away for four years. It was a nice
reminder that I have friends and acquaintances in Sibinal forever and
always--and that being away doesn't change anything because we pick off right
where we left off.
3. I loved
catching up with past Project HELLO sponsored families. From an ice cream maker
to a tamale cook, no words can express the amount of joy I feel when I see
families who not only turned their life around, but also try to make an example
for other community members to prosper. Pedro said something that touched my
heart-- Even if we helped 500 families and 499 of them don't change; at least
we changed one. It will be a ripple effect and hopefully others will lead by
example. So, to see some of the families changing, I know we are here making a
difference.
We are back in the
states and this is where the hard work starts. Again, thank you so much for
following and supporting us. It makes me happy that we have support from people
around the globe who want to help a community in rural Guatemala.
With sincere gratitude,
Emily
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