Perspective from a New Finding Freedom Volunteer

Some of my most memorable experiences took place in Guatemala.

Having spent my entire life inside the U.S., I had no idea what to expect. I knew how fortunate I was because war and poverty had never directly impacted my life. It seemed completely unfair. I felt pitiful and guilty for those with less-than-favorable living conditions.

I am an undergraduate, pre-med student. I was invited to travel with Finding Freedom through Friendship (FFF) in the fall of 2017. This organization works with families around the world who need a little jumpstart. The program aims to help families become self-sufficient. In just a week, we met with several single mothers who were working to start a micro business and better provide for their children. We visited Mazatenango, Nebaj, Guatemala City, and Antigua.

Mazatenango gave me my first, most distinct impression of Guatemala. I remember driving on a bumpy, old trail in the back of a pick-up. We arrived at a small locality atop a hill where families flocked to greet us. Their homes were merely mud walls and rickety ceilings, but home nonetheless. Barefoot children ran around us while we met with the parents. I observed as FFF provided basic health care for, and distributed funds and medicines to a paraplegic man and his mother. By the end of our meeting with them, both were teary-eyed and nearly speechless. The care they received seemed very simple to me, but it meant all the world to them. They had been longing for relief.

Everyone we visited responded in a similar way. In Guatemala City, I was introduced to a blind mother and her two young sons. Her husband had abandon them years before, leaving the burden and responsibility to one of the boys. My heart ached for this family, yet they seemed genuinely happy. In Nebaj, our team got to explore a school building FFF helped fund and meet with its students and administrators. I was so impressed by the values and efforts of this community. These were people who truly understood the importance education.

Antigua brought a whole new perspective. This was a beautiful and luxurious town. I felt more like a tourist than a volunteer in here. We shopped, ate at restaurants, and went sightseeing. This was an exciting and alleviating way to end the visit, though it made me wonder how two very different worlds could exist side by side. Just miles away were destitute families working their hardest to survive.

I do feel pity and sorrow for the needy, but I also have so much hope for them. Everyone I met in Guatemala, no matter his or her circumstances, was hardworking and dedicated. Each family recognized their blessings and displayed their sincere gratitude. I left Guatemala with a much better sense of community and appreciation.

Written by Lauren Anderson, FFF volunteer, October 2017