by John Mezger
“Angels!” On the first morning of our visit to Chichicastenango, Guatemala, representatives from the nearby John Wesley School greeted our work group to bless us and pray. Recognizing our team and St. Luke’s for our years of work in the area, they called us “angels.” Angels abounded in and around “Chichi” that week, but they were evident in the endlessly happy and playful children, and through the eyes of their parents, whose deep gratitude was obvious every day. We were simply workers blessed to be there and share in the joy.
“Angels!” On the first morning of our visit to Chichicastenango, Guatemala, representatives from the nearby John Wesley School greeted our work group to bless us and pray. Recognizing our team and St. Luke’s for our years of work in the area, they called us “angels.” Angels abounded in and around “Chichi” that week, but they were evident in the endlessly happy and playful children, and through the eyes of their parents, whose deep gratitude was obvious every day. We were simply workers blessed to be there and share in the joy.
Our team of 27 included members and friends of St. Luke’s, as well as Sandy Teel, who met us enroute to Guatemala from her home in New Jersey. Some on the team were very experienced, having completed the trip more than a dozen times, while others were “newbies”. But the common curiosity, dedication and commitment on the part of each traveler resulted in a remarkable group experience. Trip leader John Williams and Team Leader Ron Miller led the way.
"The work group – familiar faces, new faces, all with the biggest hearts, wanting to make a difference in some people’s lives, which will hopefully enhance them forever….coming to Guatemala, I see the babies’ faces and young mothers, hoping they will have a better future…or maybe it starts with their babies." |
We traveled from Denver to Antigua, Guatemala on Saturday, March 23, and then rode into the mountainous area in the department of Quiche on Sunday. That day the team had the opportunity to attend the world-famous “Chichi” market of hand-crafted items, foods, and native folks with amazing persistence and negotiating skills.
Monday through Friday, the team worked. Three houses, in Chichi and two neighboring villages, were substantially completed, with roofing and floors to be added by future teams including a St. Luke’s youth team. We mixed mortar and added about six feet of elevation to each concrete block structure. Whenever they were able to visit with us the families who would be receiving these shelters were as gracious and helpful as possible. It’s difficult not to be excited about your task when you’re greeted in the early morning by a tiny child, perhaps three years old, holding a trowel and giving you a look that says “Let’s go!”!
Monday through Friday, the team worked. Three houses, in Chichi and two neighboring villages, were substantially completed, with roofing and floors to be added by future teams including a St. Luke’s youth team. We mixed mortar and added about six feet of elevation to each concrete block structure. Whenever they were able to visit with us the families who would be receiving these shelters were as gracious and helpful as possible. It’s difficult not to be excited about your task when you’re greeted in the early morning by a tiny child, perhaps three years old, holding a trowel and giving you a look that says “Let’s go!”!
On Wednesday the team had the opportunity to visit the school in Lemoa, serving grades one through six, that St. Luke’s and Pura Vida have been instrumental in building. More than 100 students entertained with dances and skits, and for a couple of hours everyone played athletic and educational games with the students, celebrating the success of the school and the children. It was inspiring, exhausting, and tremendous fun.
“You can see in the faces of the very young principal and teachers their earnest efforts to educate and nurture that body of children The young children pressed forward as they happily accepted the break from class to present a program of thanks, play games, and just be kids….To me, education equals opportunity. And the work done by St. Luke’s and Pura Vida to promote the education of children lays the cornerstone of opportunity.” – work team member journal entry.
The team also was able to spend time with sisters Connie and Helen from the Maryknoll Contemplative Community in Lemoa. The sisters have worked to aid and educate the poor in the region for decades. As inspirational as the children were on this trip, so was sister Helen, working hard at age 99.
“You can see in the faces of the very young principal and teachers their earnest efforts to educate and nurture that body of children The young children pressed forward as they happily accepted the break from class to present a program of thanks, play games, and just be kids….To me, education equals opportunity. And the work done by St. Luke’s and Pura Vida to promote the education of children lays the cornerstone of opportunity.” – work team member journal entry.
The team also was able to spend time with sisters Connie and Helen from the Maryknoll Contemplative Community in Lemoa. The sisters have worked to aid and educate the poor in the region for decades. As inspirational as the children were on this trip, so was sister Helen, working hard at age 99.
During the work week, many team members took time out to visit with their sponsored students. Often, children in Guatemala are obliged to leave school prior to reaching sixth grade, to work with their families in craft production and farming. The only education available at higher grades is in private schools, which most can’t afford. The 30 students who met with their St. Luke’s sponsors may continue their education into high school and beyond, because their tuition is paid by their sponsors. St. Luke’s members who would like to sponsor students should review the Pura Vida web-site or contact Laura Richards at St. Luke’s!
Members of St. Luke’s have supported Pura Vida’s work in Guatemala with work trips since 2005, building dozens of houses and sponsoring hundreds of students. The blessings of this initiative flow both ways: “It is truly amazing what motivated and compassionate Christians can accomplish in one week in Guatemala. I’ve enjoyed seeing our team bond together in a spirit of service and make a difference…one family at a time”. – team member journal entry.
The St. Luke’s Guatemala mission team members change lives - often their own – as they bring housing, education and hope to some of the world’s most needy.
Members of St. Luke’s have supported Pura Vida’s work in Guatemala with work trips since 2005, building dozens of houses and sponsoring hundreds of students. The blessings of this initiative flow both ways: “It is truly amazing what motivated and compassionate Christians can accomplish in one week in Guatemala. I’ve enjoyed seeing our team bond together in a spirit of service and make a difference…one family at a time”. – team member journal entry.
The St. Luke’s Guatemala mission team members change lives - often their own – as they bring housing, education and hope to some of the world’s most needy.
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