For my STEP signature project, I traveled to Guatemala through a Buck-I-Serv trip and worked with the non-profit organization, Constru Casa. Over the course of a week, we built 3 houses for families in need in the village of San Miguel Milpas Altas.

The village we worked in, San Miguel Milpas Altas.

Upon returning to the United States and reflecting on my time spent in Guatemala, I now realize I underwent significant personal change. I feel as though my eyes have been opened and now, I can see what the struggles of a developing country really look like. Although the extreme poverty was such a stark contrast to what I am used to, it was the people of Guatemala that made such an impact on my life. Despite their struggles, their smiling faces and open hearts did not represent suffering. They did not use their poverty as an excuse, but instead lived full happy lives, rich in tradition and culture. This inspired me to have a better mindset, one that focuses not on material possessions, or the things I may lack, but instead one that strives to be as happy as I can be with the things I have now, and to keep working hard to pursue what I want.

Our home for the week, Antigua, Guatemala.

Throughout the week the work we did was incredibly strenuous. Activities such as digging foundations and mixing concrete with nothing but old rusty shovels in the Guatemalan heat while lacking sufficient amounts of clean water left us sore, tired, and dehydrated. We all worked hard, but our work was nothing compared to the work of the masons. It was so humbling to watch them work tirelessly all day, completely unaffected by the heat or lack of water. Their attitude towards their work was inspiring, and when we saw the final fruits of our labor it was incredible. They taught me how valuable it is to be a diligent worker.

Another challenging situation I was put in on this trip was our excursion to Volcano Pacaya. Upon starting our climb, I was not prepared physically or mentally for how challenging the climb would be. Part of my struggle can be contributed to the fact that I was physically out of shape and not yet adjusted to the high altitude and mountainous landscape, so different from that in Ohio. It was hot and the mountainside was sand and ash, making it so that with each step forward I slid a half step back. It was very steep. There were many times when I doubted myself and my ability to get to the top. I seriously considered staying back and letting the rest of the group carry on. But slowly, I kept walking. Upon reaching the top I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the land around me. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Suddenly I was so happy and so proud that I did not give up. I was also in disbelief at how close I was to giving in and missing such a life-changing sight just because I didn’t think I was capable of reaching the top. The rest of the day I felt so humble and so grateful for what I had been able to experience. Climbing Volcano Pacaya taught me how valuable it can be to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

The beautiful Volcano Pacaya

Finally, at my worksite for the week there were a handful of little smiley girls that ran around giggling and playing every day. Two of the girls were part of the family I was building the house for, however, there were also cousins and friends that made up the group. One morning my group was watching these girls sit in the dirt and play with little plastic cups and bowls, the whole while talking and laughing together. After a few seconds, I realized they were having a “tea party”, passing around “coffee” and other “snacks”. I begin to think how interesting it was that many years ago across the world I was doing the same thing in the dirt in my backyard with my siblings. The rest of the day I paid closer attention to the girls and the things they did. It made me realize that despite their poverty, these kids were just being kids, the same as I once was. This realization allowed me to feel a deeper sense of connection to not only the children but everyone in the village. When you take away material wealth and possessions, we’re all people. Many of us enjoy the same things and strive for the same goals and desires. I realized that these girls had no influence on where they were born, they just happened to be born there, just like how I happened to be born in Ohio. This feeling that I was already at an advantage simply because of where I was born was overwhelming, but once again a humbling reminder that I now carry with me. These little girls showed me that despite their situation, kids will be kids and that there is much value in not letting your situation determine your happiness.

A few of the little girls at the worksite.

This trip promoted personal change that is now a priceless part of my life. The lessons I learned in Guatemala, to work hard, to expand my comfort zone, and to strive for happiness instead of success, are all things that I can apply to whatever challenges I may face the rest of my life. These lessons will be especially useful as I finish college and start a career working with kids of all ages and backgrounds. I know this upcoming time in my life could be very stressful and I can’t be sure what lies ahead, but I do know that if I can carry this new mindset as I embark on these new journeys, I will live a more enriching life. I am incredibly grateful for the experience I have been given through STEP, and I will carry the lessons I have learned through this trip with me for years to come.

The finished house!