Returning from a service trip isn’t just about unpacking a suitcase; it’s about unpacking a million small moments that shift how you see the world. My recent journey in Guatemala with School the World was one of those life-changing chapters.
Having been born and raised in a rural area myself, being there felt like a homecoming. It brought back many cherished memories from my childhood, which made the trip extra special and motivated me to do my absolute best to reach our construction goals. Every bit of hard manual work was completely worth it. Here is a look back at the heart of the experience:
There is no greeting quite like the one we received at the school welcome ceremony. Seeing the kids’ faces and feeling their genuine warmth immediately washed away any travel fatigue. Their happiness, excitement, and energy were contagious, providing all the fuel I needed to get to work. It set the tone for the entire week: we weren’t just there to build; we were there to belong.
I thought teaching an origami class would be a breeze, but those little paper frogs and cups were a workout for the brain! Watching the kids master the folds and struggling a bit alongside them was such a fun, chaotic, and rewarding way to bond.
Visiting a local family was a masterclass in hospitality. They invited us into their lives, teaching us the rhythmic art of making tortillas and showing us their stunning handmade embroidery. While the embroidery was a bit too “elevated” for my clumsy hands to replicate, the beauty of their craft and their kindness stayed with me.
A student who completely blew me away during the origami lesson. He was so naturally talented at crafting the paper frogs that he quickly mastered the technique and began moving around the room to help his fellow students. Seeing his leadership and skill at such a young age was truly inspiring.
One of the best parts of this trip was a reunion. I first met Abraham, one of the construction workers, back in 2023 during my first trip with School the World. Seeing him again felt like catching up with an old friend. One afternoon, he even bought me a soda; a small gesture that meant the world. It reminded me that the strongest bridges we build aren’t always made of cement, but of friendship.
I knew there would be hard manual labor like mixing cement and painting, and I certainly got my workout! Helping build those classrooms was every bit as physically rewarding as I’d imagined.
My goal was to truly connect with the local community. In reality, the bond I formed with the families and the local workers became the absolute highlight of my trip.
I expected to meet people from different backgrounds, but I didn’t realize how close we would become. I left Guatemala with a new group of friends from all over the world, whom I’ll remember forever.
They say travel changes you, but service work humbles you. Looking back on this trip, the biggest change is internal. Seeing the joy, resilience, and hard work of the community made me realize how incredibly lucky and blessed I’ve been over the years.
It’s easy to get caught up in the “wants” of daily life, but after this trip, I’ve promised myself not to take the simple things for granted anymore. Every drop of clean water, every safe space to learn, and every opportunity is a gift.
