Guatemala Mission

I never in a million years would’ve guessed I’d end up back in Guatemala on a medical mission trip. I’ve never considered myself a religious person and I’m also not a medical professional. But last week marked the most rewarding and impactful travel experience in my life.

And that’s a big statement because I’ve traveled for the better part of the last 4.5 years across 40+ countries and five continents. To be able to go and be a source of light for the people in the remote mountain villages of Guatemala… there’s nothing quite like it. To feel the gratitude and love from everyone on the team and the people we were there to help. To take a chance on myself by offering to shoot photo and video for the first time ever in a more professional capacity. To experience a new depth in a country I love. And to connect with the people and kids despite not speaking the same language. It’s far from my usual ways of travel, but it will stick with me forever.

I’ve been craving more connection, presence and depth in my travel experiences. I’ve made some of my best friends through traveling with Remote Year, but it’s so easy to live in a bubble when you’re still surrounded by other American’s working remote for an American company. This mission trip was a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Guatemalan people, and a humbling experience that reminded us of the power of compassion and the importance of giving back. There’s more to a place than what’s in the guide books.