The community of Santa Ana and Camas High School students share a one-of-a-kind experience

People from another country had never come to work in the community and many people asked if it was true because they did not believe it, this project is a blessing that many other communities would like. The work that was done was very good.

Silvia Lejá Pérez – Community Member

Becoming a part of the Xecruz community for a week was nothing short of an incredible and life changing experience! To say we were welcomed with open arms would be an understatement. We made fast and lasting friendships and enjoyed every moment spent with our new family.

We were woken up early every morning by the “cock-a-doodle-do” of all the roosters in town. How picturesque! We got ready for the work day before heading up to breakfast. Our friend Don Carlos and his family fed us for every meal throughout our time there and shared everything he had with us. For breakfast we usually ate eggs, beans, and tortillas. Yum! After breakfast we were fueled and ready to work!

The local community was there every day ready and excited for a hard days work. We were sure to stay hydrated and reapply our sunscreen. We kept motivated by some upbeat cumbia music that we all enjoyed. Together as a team we shoveled sand and gravel into buckets. We then passed the buckets one by one through an assembly line eventually leading up to the mixer on the court. Throughout the four days (and many bruises later) of work we passed in total 3,600 buckets. We learned to appreciate the importance of hard work and were inspired by the local’s work ethic and ambition. The satisfaction and joy that came once the court was finished were worth working through sickness and sore muscles.

We finished work every day just in time for lunch!

Usually, tortillas or tamales, rice, beans, and meat were on the menu.

After lunch we spent the rest of the day doing various activities; most of which included playing with the children of the community. Our favorite part! They were always happy just to be around us and spend time with us and we loved getting to know them. We played cards, soccer, basketball, and all sorts of games. We enjoyed walking over to the local market for treats, soda, or ice cream. Some other special events during the week were hiking to a Mayan cross and attending religious ceremonies and celebrations where we got to learn more about the culture and traditions. 

We spent the week becoming accustom to cold bucket showers, a unique way to go to the bathroom, and new experiences!

We got together later in the evening to enjoy our last meal of the day together. After which, we had a group reflection meeting where we got to share our favorite parts of the day and what we learned.  It was fun to share laughs and end the day on a good note!

On our last day in the Xecruz community we got to celebrate and dedicate the finishing of the court. The community had decorated the court beautifully with balloons, greenery, and the Guatemalan flag. The locals shared speeches of excitement and deep gratitude for the court and what it meant to them. Two of our students got to share their experience and express our love for the community and the family we had become. We played basketball and soccer games on the freshly built court together and enjoy the morning before saying our tear filled goodbyes.

For the last two days of our trip we got to explore Lake Atitlán. We took a boat to a big market where we learned how the Mayan women create and weave cotton into fabric. We ate yummy treats and shared some great last few memories together!

The Xecruz community will live in our hearts forever and we will never forget the things we learned and the memories we made! Camas High School is so grateful to Courts for Kids for giving us such a wonderful opportunity!!

Madeline Simpson- Adult Volunteer

We were very happy that our American friends were with us. Now we feel sad that they are no longer here because we got used to having them here, we feel very grateful for what they did and we wish God to bless them greatly.

Cristobal Pérez – Community Leader

The people of this community have made me realize that true fulfillment isn’t found through striving to create the best life for yourself, it comes from serving and connecting with the people around you.

Trinity Archer- High School Student

This trip has changed me by changing my perspective on my materialistic lifestyle. Being here has shown me to value what I have and be grateful because the people here have very little.  After this trip it has strengthened my perspective even more that immigrant workers are the most hardest workers.  In the United States many people don’t think about their food from agriculture.  It is sometimes overlooked but in reality most immigrant workers are breaking their backs every day for us.

Gabriel Palomo- High School Student

This trip chanced me in many ways. It taught me humility, empathy and what it really means to do hard work.

Samuel King- High School Student

What I learned about the world is that just because someone doesn’t have as much money doesn’t mean they aren’t rich in culture and kindness.

Charlotte Fresh- High School Student

I know the time I’ve spent in Guatemala will inspire me to serve and give more of myself.

Karen Wight- Adult Volunteer

 We feel very blessed with this project but we are also amazed and motivated to see the hard work of the American volunteers. This project will benefit children, adults and represents development for the community.

Carlos Calel – Community Leader

Seeing the locals of all ages coming to help build the court was inspiring and taught me that just about anyone can have an impact.

Emily Shin- High School Student

I have had an amazing time on this trip filled with many great memories. I really enjoyed getting to know and interact with the kids.

Channing Nesland- High School Student

What I learned of the world was that everyone has a different perspective and challenges in their lives. You need to be grateful for what you have.

Harrison Wight- High School Student

 I have learned I am capable of more than I think I am and I can accomplish big things, and I will accomplish big things in the future.

Cade Washington- High School Student