Margaret Greene with her new Peruvian friend Kayla. Photo submitted by Margaret Greene.
Ella Jennings, Community Desk Lead
Sweating under the summer sun, working ten-hour days, and working firsthand with people who need help—it was all worth it. When these dedicated volunteers returned to America, they saw that many families now had safe homes filled with hope and comfort. This past summer, numerous Watauga students came together in groups from their churches to spread their faith and help improve the lives of those less fortunate.
Last summer, 19 students with the First Presbyterian Church traveled to Guantiva and Guatemala City. Partnering with Breaking Cycles, their mission was to build houses for the impoverished.
“It was very eye-opening to see the average quality of life there, how a lot of families don’t have clean water and have to collect rainwater from gutters to drink,” said Brennan Smith, senior.
In response to the town’s needs, the group divided into three teams, with each team building a house for a family in need.
“We formed a big connection with the family we built the house for. They invited us into their house and cooked us native Guatemalan food,” said Smith. “They were gracious enough to let me hold their newborn baby.”
Connections weren’t just formed with other members of Smith’s church but with the people they met along the way.
“Our family shared with us that their house would go to their newborn when she grows up,” said Smith. “They told us how much of a blessing it was for us to come and build a house for them that their family will be able to live in and raise their family.”
Montgomery Taylor and Margaret Greene went to Peru to spread Christianity in a city called Curahuasi. Mount Vernon partnered with Rooted to have a vacation bible study-style program for children in Peru and funded scholarships for interested families in need.
“Our summer camp was important because we got to take them out of a bad situation and provide them with food, housing, a nice new t-shirt and remind them that somebody loves them,” said Taylor, senior.
Rooted’s new initiative, Project Hope, is working on a community house to help protect individuals at risk of sex trafficking. Since many girls live several towns away from their school, the house will be a safe place for them to stay, located near their school.
“I don’t know what these little girl's future holds, but for now we get the chance to show them love—-to be a light and hopefully show their way in life,” said Greene, senior.
These students not only spent their time supporting local families but also had the chance to immerse themselves in the culture. By visiting destinations like Machu Picchu and forming relationships within the community, they made the most of their one week timeframe.
“I spent a lot of time with Kayla. If I left her sight, she would immediately come find me. She would love to talk to me about every detail of her day,” said Greene.
An array of student testimonials agree that this is a great way to take advantage of their fortunate circumstances and become directly involved with pressing issues worldwide.
“If anyone can do an International service project such as I, or others did elsewhere, I think it’s an amazing opportunity that can show a person different cultures and lifestyles,” said Smith. "It’s a way to help others, especially in the name of the Lord.”
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