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Volunteering in Guatemala was an amazing experience! After a smooth flight and shuttle to the city of Quetzaltenango, the group was excited for the week ahead. We spent the first night visiting and getting to know our host families. In our temporary home, Don Francisco had a wife, two sons, and a daughter, all of whom we saw regularly during our stay.

With the help of a local contractor, our team of student-engineers constructed six stoves for families that could not afford proper a proper cook stove over the course of four days. Each morning we had the chance to meet a new family and learn their individual stories. At times there was a significant language barrier, but we were able to work through it!

During the evenings, the group had the opportunity to explore the city as well as make a few excursions during a couple of the days. On the third day of the trip, a few of us had the chance to map out a trail through the city, backpacking through the streets and leaving no stone unturned. In a matter of hours, we visited the city’s massive mercado (market), a museum, and Cementario General—a cemetery that spanned over a half mile. Each night we had the opportunity to walk around the park in the center of the city and check out some of the local venues.

In the latter portion of the trip, our schedule called for an afternoon of horseback riding, a daytrip to the hot springs, and an overnight trip to the beach! Of these three excursions, the beach was definitely the highlight of the week. Our group had a small resort to ourselves with a family living onsite to take care of us. Upon our arrival, we walked to a nearby village to visit and have lunch overlooking the cost of the Pacific Ocean. After our meal we played a pick-up game of soccer with the local kids, challenging them for a round of sodas.

Even though we lost, that afternoon was a blast and one I will take with me for the rest of my life. To end the night, we feasted over enough breaded shrimp, fresh fish, and chicken to feed an army and together built a bonfire on the beach, signaling an end to the busy week.

Looking back, I am proud to have had the opportunity to make an impact on the families we helped. Every family was excited to see us, and some people even offered a hand to build the stoves. It was surprising to me that even in the third-world conditions that the natives lived in, they were some of the happiest people I have ever met. I would gladly take this trip again in hopes of creating more unforgettable experiences, all while helping those that need it most.