Wesley Students Take Alternative Spring Break Making a Difference in Guatemala!

          Oh, the views!                                                   Building an adobe home

The Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry at C.U. has a long history of offering Alternative Spring Break Mission Trip experiences and 2007 was no exception!   Students from Wesley joined forces with 30 people from St. Lukes UMC in Highlands Ranch, CO to participate in a powerful 10 day experience in Lemoa, Guatemala. 

    The "chicken bus" we traveled in                   Students wiring rebar

We left on Friday, March 23 and returned on Sunday, April 1, and combined, our team of 38 people sought to spread goodwill and practical assistance to this impoverished part of the world.  We spent our time in the "Appalachian" part of that country; i.e. in the rural mountains where the poverty and neediness run deepest - and where the folks primarily speak Queche instead of Spanish.  We helped build adobe homes for 2 "war widows" (women who lost their husbands and sons during the 30 year civil war which wrecked havoc on that nation); built chicken coops to help start a new micro-loan, self-help program; installed a concrete ceiling at a church facility; and stuccoed a new classroom at an orphanage. 

We also delivered many pounds worth of materials (toys, school supplies, wheelchairs, etc.) and spent many hours playing with and loving over 500 of the local children.  We saw a lot - everything from scabies and small pox to incredible hospitality and stunning industriousness and the amazing potential for human beauty, grace, and dignity in the face of hardship. 

 Haggling at the market          Mudding away            Cement bucket brigade

This experience was very educational.  We learned about a new culture, a new language, about life in a developing country, about the history and socio-political realities which led to the challenging state of affairs in that area, as well as how God has been at work changing things for the better.

Several of our students stepped up to serve as translators during this trip.  They were pleasantly surprised to discover that their Spanish skills were sufficient to be effective.   This was very affirming and empowering for them!

 A bit like colonial Williamsburg!               Meeting 2 amazing Maryknoll sisters

           Love -the universal language                  Fun with the kids!

Our students had lots of fun, learned much, and really felt like they made a difference in a community that matters.  We helped the people of the village of Lemoa know that they are remembered and loved by friends in America.    

Washing clothes!                               Smiles                         Heading home!

We at Wesley would like to say thank you the people of St. Lukes UMC who graciously allowed us to team up with them as well as to BUMMP (Boulder United Methodist Mission Partners) who contributed money toward the building expenses.  We also wish to thank the Rocky Mtn. Conference and all of the individuals and local congregations who support our campus ministry to help make these transformative Spring Break Work Trips possible!

More Guatemala Photos