This year, HOPE’S IN is so excited for our teams to go to Guatemala! Our summer Service Learning Exchange will host 77 volunteers who will work with seven families to build their new home together, host two weeks of medical clinics alongside local doctors, and strengthen relationships with two children’s homes that have recieved medical grants from us this year. Also, some of our volunteers will get to spend time with our community group for teen mothers and at-risk girls. It will be two very full weeks! As we get ready for our first team to arrive, we asked Dr. Tricia, a volunteer going for the first time, to share some of her thoughts! Check out her comments below:

1. What are you most excited about?

Meeting the team members, our family, and patients in the clinic, as we spend a week working with our Guatemalan friends on their houses, as well as tending to their medical needs. It is a new place for Joseph and me, but we are very excited to learn about the culture and how we can be of help.

2. Why did you decide to join HOPE’S IN this summer?  

I was scheduled to go to Haiti in June (trip #17), but due to safety concerns, we had to cancel that trip. We were so sad but had heard about HOPE’S IN through Dr. Laura from Barrington. So…..we thought we would join this group and work in Guatemala. I really enjoyed reading about how HOPE’S IN began and operates. I also liked the idea of working with the Guatemalans on their houses. I appreciate the reflections and prep for the trip and I look forward to continuing that in Guatemala. These have made me really think—“When helping hurts”,  ABCD community develoment, etc. I know that this will be a very meaningful trip.

3. Who are you traveling with?  

My son, Joseph, who is a Junior at Penn State University. He has been to Haiti 4x, so this will be a new experience for him. He is looking forward to it. I have really enjoyed sharing these types of experiences with my children.

4. If you could describe how you are feeling just a week or 2 away from your trip, what 3 words would you use?  

Excited, grateful, nervous!