Team 1 - Common Hope Day

Today was an absolutely amazing day for our group! To lay the background for you a bit, our day started at 8 a.m. Our missions today included working on projects for Common Hope and participating in some of the social work visits that happen on a monthly basis for the families affiliated (participate in the programs) with Common Hope. We broke into two teams for the day, each doing the same types of things but with flip-flopped morning/afternoon times as to make it easier to keep organized.

Both teams had an opportunity to get an in-depth tour of the Common Hope compound. I believe I can speak for the entire 12 member team that this was eye-opening to say the least. We all know how much work Common Hope does for the people of Guatemala, but it really hit home when we got to see and hear about all their programs. From education (preschool through high school) to a free health clinic to programs that allow families to earn new homes by working hours, the impact they have is far-reaching and culture-changing!

Both teams also had an opportunity to go with a social worker to visit affiliated families. Much of this was heart-warming and heart-wrenching all at the same time – and a highlight for many of us. These people are truly amazing, working so hard to get out of the vicious poverty cycle. This is done by taking ownership in their decisions, education and continuously working towards improving themselves. We were graciously invited into their homes with open arms. Many families have very little material things, many even with dirt floors. However, they could teach many Americans a thing or two, as these families  are truly grateful for what they have and are willing to work hard to improve future generations.

The project both teams helped with were just as amazing. Team 1 took a road trip to an affiliated family’s land where a two room house from Common Hope is being built for them in the next week or so. The purpose of the site visit was to ensure the family was able to prepare their plot for the new house. This meant they had to clear their land of all vegetation and raise a 12’ x 20’ area and level it so it is ready for concrete to be poured. After that visit (the family had done a great job prepping the area!) we drove back to the compound where we built the walls for their house. It was a great time.  Many of us had not worked with power tools before so not only did we get to help make a family’s dreams come true, but got to learn and grow from the experience ourselves.

Team 2 officially became Santa’s helpers! This team worked on building and painting wooden cars for the affiliated families for Christmas. The team was super creative when painting their designs. They turned out excellently! The colors were great, the one-of-a-kind designs even better. Again, this team not only got to work on projects that will make kids’ day, but they also got to know each other quite well and had a blast in their creations.

We rounded out the evening by gathering all 23 volunteers on this trip together to discuss the great things that happened today. I have to say, for most of us not knowing each other prior to this trip, you’d think we have known each other for years! The friendships created are already fantastic and sure to be long-lasting. Not to mention the fun, laughter and compassion we shared all while helping improve the lives of the under privileged. We can be sure this time will not soon be forgotten – for us as well as those we are helping!  Truly amazing!