by Briana Kneisl
On July 4th, eighteen people from various backgrounds and states traveled to Guatemala to share Christ’s love and peace through Pura Vida’s English camp and construction work teams.
Upon arrival in Antigua, we spent time at a filtration plant learning about the importance of clean water. This is a simple privilege we experience that people in Guatemala do not always have, and Ecofiltro helps families have access to that. This got me -- and others --- thinking how difficult it is to learn and find peace when basic needs for survival remain unmet. It was uplifting to see how Pura Vida was helping with that. We explored the completed home for the family of Isaias and Juana and heard of all the hard work being done by the construction team to build another home for an additional family!
Later, the team traveled to Chichicastenango, and that’s when English camp began. It lasted four incredible days. Each day began with us seeing the students smile and wave as they arrived on their bus and ran to their classrooms. Every day was more meaningful than the last as we could see the students learning and forming connections with the teachers. We had wonderful leaders who spent countless hours preparing resources and games to help the kids learn English, and we could see that effort pay off in each of the students' smiles. It was fulfilling to see the students' faces light up as they were learning and having such fun in doing so!
On July 4th, eighteen people from various backgrounds and states traveled to Guatemala to share Christ’s love and peace through Pura Vida’s English camp and construction work teams.
Upon arrival in Antigua, we spent time at a filtration plant learning about the importance of clean water. This is a simple privilege we experience that people in Guatemala do not always have, and Ecofiltro helps families have access to that. This got me -- and others --- thinking how difficult it is to learn and find peace when basic needs for survival remain unmet. It was uplifting to see how Pura Vida was helping with that. We explored the completed home for the family of Isaias and Juana and heard of all the hard work being done by the construction team to build another home for an additional family!
Later, the team traveled to Chichicastenango, and that’s when English camp began. It lasted four incredible days. Each day began with us seeing the students smile and wave as they arrived on their bus and ran to their classrooms. Every day was more meaningful than the last as we could see the students learning and forming connections with the teachers. We had wonderful leaders who spent countless hours preparing resources and games to help the kids learn English, and we could see that effort pay off in each of the students' smiles. It was fulfilling to see the students' faces light up as they were learning and having such fun in doing so!
On the last day of English camp we held a ceremony and handed out certificates of completion. We learned ceremonies are important in Guatemalan culture, and it was easy to see why. The ceremony ended with laughter and hugs. Selfies were a wonderful bonus!
At the end of each day, the classes would circle up together and sing, “Go Now in Peace.” The lyrics of the song include, “May the love of God surround you wherever you may go.” I think that is a perfect example of what this English camp is all about, and it will always remain a fond memory for me.
My heart lights up with joy reflecting on the time spent in Guatemala. Sharing English and building homes is a remarkable way to come together to help build useful skills, provide basic needs, and empower others. This experience is just as impactful for us volunteers as it is for the people we were serving, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to grow and share with such amazing people!
As the song goes… “Go now in peace!” :)
At the end of each day, the classes would circle up together and sing, “Go Now in Peace.” The lyrics of the song include, “May the love of God surround you wherever you may go.” I think that is a perfect example of what this English camp is all about, and it will always remain a fond memory for me.
My heart lights up with joy reflecting on the time spent in Guatemala. Sharing English and building homes is a remarkable way to come together to help build useful skills, provide basic needs, and empower others. This experience is just as impactful for us volunteers as it is for the people we were serving, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to grow and share with such amazing people!
As the song goes… “Go now in peace!” :)
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