Welcome to part two of my experience in Guatemala this summer. If you missed part one, please click here.

Simple Joys

…After I blew bubbles with Maria, children started coming by and saying hello. My sister, cousin, and I then decided we should get the lollipops, candy and toys out we brought before hoping there would be children. All of the children swarmed over and after day by day bringing more lollipops more and more came! It seemed the word was going around this little town that we had candy and toys for the kids.

After meeting every child and learning their names we were more than their friends. They looked up to us. These kids who were six to twelve years old had nothing but just by saying something in Spanish or playing a little game with them a huge smile spread across their faces. These kids even asked their teachers in school to teach them English words to talk to us!

We were all very excited when a little boy said “My name is Jugo.” in English. We taught them American games but our favorite was ring around the Rosie when everyone was so excited to fall on the ground repeatedly!

A House Built from Love

Day by day went by and the house was getting higher and higher up. At the end of the nights instead of regretting getting up early and going to build we were excited to go build, see the workers again, and see the kids even more during breaks!

At the end of the trip the house was 6 ft tall, made out of bricks with a metal ceiling and had a cement floor. The kids-so comfortable now- climbed on my legs, hugged me and wanted to be carried around! I was overwhelmed with these loving children who seemed so happy and content in their world even though they had nothing.

Have you been on a service trip that touched your heart? Please post a comment and share what you learned by serving others!

To receive weekly motivational “Monday Boost” emails that will feature some of my work please click here. If you’d like to apply to be a guest blogger for Get Smart, we are always looking for writers! Click here to apply. 

Nicole is also a professional photographer who will be showing more of her work on Get Smart. She took all the pictures posted here. To find out more about Nicole’s work, please visit her Facebook page.