August 2021
"You can Never cross the ocean until you have the COURAGE to lose sight of the shore"
Our goal for this trip was the pursuit of land and partnership with the Guatemalan government to build a hospital closer to the people of Monterico, El' dormido, El' hawaii, El' Rosario. We brought supplies and volunteers to build additional garden beds, homes, and to provide medical care as well. As always we were welcomed by Maya Jade and all of the friendly faces of our Guatemalan family. Meeting with all the Reginal mayors was scheduled and as our volunteers were busy playing soccer with the local school kids we were anxiously preparing for important meetings set to start the next day.
Departments of Guatemala. Guatemala is divided into 22 administrative departments:
1 Alta Verapaz, 2 Baja Verapaz, 3 Chimaltenango, 4 Chiquimula, 5 Petén, 6 El Progreso, 7 El Quiché, 8 Escuintla, 9 Guatemala, 10 Huehuetenango, 11 Izabal, 12 Jalapa, 13 Jutiapa, 14 Quetzaltenango, 15 Retalhuleu, 16 Sacatepéquez, 17 San Marcos, 18 Santa Rosa, 19 Sololá, 20 Suchitepéquez, 21 Totonicapán, 22 Zacapa.
November 2019
14 volunteers! What a great and helpful group! Shovel in hand some of our volunteers dug a septic tank along with foundation for 2 bathrooms. Working alongside village members this task was completed in just a few days of hard work. The men of our group took on the task of building a small, raised garden. A trial run garden to experiment with different vegetables and herbs to help us determine the next phase of our goals for 2020. The group was able to take time and get to know the members of the villages we were there to serve. Watching each of them form a bond with the families of El' Dormido and El' Rosario through broken Spanish and English, made for a lifelong memory. Fishing on the ocean was an unforgettable activity for our Thanksgiving Day. Many of our Volunteers caught several fish! Every trip is extraordinary, and different. We are so very grateful to our volunteers and their ability to, "roll with the punches" a lot of unexpected changes and bumps in the road this trip. All in all we accomplished all that we had set out to accomplish.
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March 2019
We took 7 teenagers, and 13 adults on a life altering trip. We built 3 homes and provided supplies and materials for updated restroom facilities in 2 schools. Prepared to start building our new clinic! The volunteers left the majority of their belongings and extra things brought from the states in donation to the village members. The village was so happy to have new shoes, clothes and some odds and ends. The sweet relationships that "our kids" made with the energetic kids of el' Dormido and El' Rosario will stay with them as the both grow. Changing each one in very individually important ways. We had the privilege to visit Hermano Pedro hospital and orphanage located in the breathtaking Antigua. Words can not describe this place and this facility. We met knowledgeable and helpful individuals, experienced humbling moments while watching and touring their facility.