Giveback to Guat

In May of 2018, a group of 23 Monmouth students traded in their break to giveback to the citizens of Guatemala. This group of students spent the week continuing the labor that previous alumni have taken part in for the past 9 years. These determined young men and women spackled, cemented and hammered to help contribute in the construction of the first computer lab for the town of Xepocol! Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces will forever be the most amazing memory.

During our journey we were give the pleasure of meeting one family in particular, living in Xepocol. We were able to witness the difference in living conditions compared to our own here in the United States. Housing environments and disabilities are much harder to overcome in a country like Guatemala. It was moving to see that solely through faith and prayer that even their unsound home provided them with so much happiness. We have learned how grateful we are for family, our basic rights, the roofs over our head, and the access to clean water.

The most important thing we've learned is that smiling is a universal way of spreading pure happiness, and it is undoubtedly true that you don’t need to speak the same language to share a laugh or an act of kindness with someone. This experience brought our lives purpose, meaning, happiness and most importantly, positivity. Past, present, and future Monmouth students have planted the seed of hope in every single one of the children we came in contact with, and in return, they were able to give us so much more. We've shared a hope that will change their lives and we have encouraged them to share the support that they received with the rest of their community. Because of this we have designed shirts that say, “Give hope”. We know that with our voices and our resources, we can do our part in helping to provide opportunities for students seeking education as well as supporting families in need. It is with your generosity that we hope our vision can become reality. Thank you.