“I feel excited as I prepare to go on the week two trip to Guatemala, since this will be my first mission trip. I can’t wait to serve the people of Guatemala by building houses, working in medical clinics, and helping in other ways.

I heard about the trip through Interact’s sponsor, Mr. Quigley, and a few of the student members that had previously participated in the trip. I decided to go on the trip for several reasons. First, I have always been interested in mission trips and going abroad to provide a helping hand for those less privileged. I have a passion for serving others as I feel it is much more rewarding than personal pursuits. Also, I have served throughout the Barrington community to much fulfillment, yet I wanted to take part in a different experience, which I knew this trip would provide. Next, I wasn’t quite aware of what a garbage dump community entailed, so I did some research online. After seeing countless pictures of the poverty and despair, I was inspired to go. Besides these factors, I have an interest in medicine and am excited to serve in the medical clinics and interact with the patients. Furthermore, I think it will be humbling to see the world from a different perspective, and my problems will seem small compared to those faced by the people in the garbage dump communities.

I think the reality of this trip hit me the other day when I got vaccines for the trip. I realized the fear that the families must face in this underdeveloped country. For instance, they do not have access to good living conditions, have a hard time supporting themselves, and their health is jeopardized by risk of diseases. With this in mind, I hope our team, partnered with Potter’s House, can be a light in their world. Overall, I think that this trip will be hard work, yet rewarding and life-changing.”

-Chase, Barrington High School