SSC_Newsletter_FEB_MARCH_2019_2

SSC partnered with Weathermatic to upgrade the irrigation systems at the campuses we serve to help better manage water usage. This simple goal grew into aiding in a mission to provide clean water to at risk communities across the globe. Most recently SSC sponsored 6 students to travel to Guatemala to help dig a well in a small village called El Amatillo. Featured are reflections from the students’ experiences. Community

had breakfast and dinner at the hotel for the days that we stayed there. We woke up early every morning to make the one-hour drive over to the village. Some mornings we had extra stops to make so it took a little longer but overall, the ride was never bad. For a good amount of the ride, we drove on cobblestone. That was the first time I’d ever known what it felt like for a car to drive over cobblestone. It gave me a historic feel. Upon arriving at the village for the first time, the community’s children welcomed us with a sign they’d made, and we also met the adults of the community and engaged in prayer. We spent long hours at the community each day to ensure we were completing our tasks within our short time frame of just a couple of days. A group of women from the community made our lunch each day and it was always very flavorful and filling. It was normally some type of meat, like chicken or beef, along with rice, vegetables and freshly prepared corn tortillas. The mayor, Don Epi, joined us when we ate. Don Epi was very hard working and involved in the entire process of us building the well. He definitely made us feel very welcomed and he had good influence over everyone in the community. As we neared completion of our project, it was very bitter sweet. The children were so entertaining, sweet and energetic. The women were so welcoming and hard working. The men were so determined and helpful. Everyone in the community just really made us feel like family so it was hard to know that we would be leaving them and maybe never seeing them again. Overall, I would definitely do it again if I could. The in-country staff Manuel and Nestor were so knowledgeable, organized and helpful. They really made our trip a smooth one. Everything I ate was seasoned well and filling. The hotels we stayed in were very scenic. Our team was very energetic and hard working. Every aspect of this trip was humbling, and I hope I get another chance to do something like this. Thank you for the opportunity.

Marilyn Dunn Junior, Prairie View A&M University

I’m very grateful to have been able to participate in an opportunity like this. I do community service often, so I’m always interested in helping out those in need. My initial feelings about going on the trip were a mixture between anxious, uneasy, and excited. I was very thankful to have been about to embark on such an incredible trip, but it was going to be a completely new experience for me which explains the feeling of uneasiness. Nonetheless, my excitement took over once we landed in Guatemala City. I took many pictures and videos on the way to our hotel; the scenery was very beautiful and lush. I really liked the first hotel we stayed at, it had a courtyard like

appearance with very colorful flowers. We had dinner at a nice steakhouse and I ate an authentic Guatemalan dish by the name of chicken pepian. The next morning, we took about a three- and-a-half-hour drive to our housing arrangements near the village. We stopped for lunch and a snack on the way to the hotel. Once we got there we settled into our rooms before having dinner at the hotel. I really thought the way the hotel was set up was neat and creative due to the eating area being under a large gazebo-like structure. Although we were eating outside in the elements, every time we had a meal out there it was refreshing and satisfying. We

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SSC | SERVICE SOLUTIONS | NEWSLETTER | JULY 2018