by Charlie Bouchard
This 2018 trip to Guatemala marks the third visit for First United Methodist in Loveland, CO. It is a blessing to be able to see continuity and to renew relationships with our Guatemalan friends as well as build new relationships.
As usual, the highlight of the week was spending time with the students at the Rosario school
This year there were special visitors: two penguinos danced the Penguino Dance (AKA the Hokey Pokey). Our school visit coincided with Ash Wednesday, Carnaval, and Valentines Day. After the planned activities ended, we celebrated Carnaval with the school. During the revelry of confetti and music, I danced with one young student (yes - I was one of the penguinos!). She had the face of an angel and as she looked up at me, her big brown eyes reflected awe and wonder. I, on the other hand, knew I was looking into the eyes of God.
This 2018 trip to Guatemala marks the third visit for First United Methodist in Loveland, CO. It is a blessing to be able to see continuity and to renew relationships with our Guatemalan friends as well as build new relationships.
As usual, the highlight of the week was spending time with the students at the Rosario school
This year there were special visitors: two penguinos danced the Penguino Dance (AKA the Hokey Pokey). Our school visit coincided with Ash Wednesday, Carnaval, and Valentines Day. After the planned activities ended, we celebrated Carnaval with the school. During the revelry of confetti and music, I danced with one young student (yes - I was one of the penguinos!). She had the face of an angel and as she looked up at me, her big brown eyes reflected awe and wonder. I, on the other hand, knew I was looking into the eyes of God.
It has been my experience that personal growth occurs when we step out of our comfort zone. A Pura Vida service trip certainly qualifies on that count! Our team worked hard on our two home sites and made good progress. However, our personal growth dwarfed the building progress on our home construction. We all came back more - more compassionate, more empathetic, more grateful. We can only hope we impact the lives of Guatemalans half as much as they impact us.
Proverbs 29:18 says “Where there is no vision (hope), the people perish”. In Guatemala, the need is great. It is a privilege to be able to give hope a face for the wonderful people of Guatemala.
Proverbs 29:18 says “Where there is no vision (hope), the people perish”. In Guatemala, the need is great. It is a privilege to be able to give hope a face for the wonderful people of Guatemala.
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