We read about it, talk about it and watch videos about it but nothing compares to seeing the history, culture and different ways of living with your own eyes.
Cabrini students showed commitment to one human family as they gathered to share a truly memorable experience in San Lucas, Guatemala. They had the opportunity to be able to travel to a third world country to embark on a journey that they will never forget.
Over spring break these individuals left their technology, social media and all the other things that are taken for granted behind and joined together to experience and learn about a different culture while helping a very special community. They were able to help out the San Lucas Mission by keeping in mind their mission statement, “As disciples of the Lord, open to the movement of the Spirit, we are called to promote the kingdom of God as a viable option for the people of San Lucas.”
Social work major Clare Pressimone was impacted everyday by living and simply existing with the people of San Lucan Toliman.
“Every day I met someone new, and every one of them had a truly moving story to share that illustrated another aspect of how these people live day to day,” Pressimone said.
Students and faculty worked in the spirit of Catholic social teaching to promote impoverished and destitute people in Guatemala. Regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity, the need is for all of God’s people and they deserve human dignity. To be treated equally and fairly is what these people want possess this vision in order to succeed in their everyday lives.
Criminology and sociology and Spanish minor Rosemary Doyle loved being able to enhance her knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching and discover a hands-on experience in Guatemala.
“I loved witnessing Catholic social teaching in action and being able to work hand-in-hand with the Guatemalan people in smaller tasks order to accomplish a larger goal,” Doyle said.
During the day we would be constantly working to improve the lives of the Guatemalans. We were able to learn different tasks that they possessed in order for them to complete a simple task. Social work major Maura Lemke was very interested in the way the tasks were performed. She was inspired because even though the tasks were easy they had to be performed in a particular way.
“It was interesting to see that for every task they had a certain way of doing things and that it was precise and efficient for them but in the States we would never even think about doing things that way,” Lemke said.
One of the most rewarding parts of the Guatemalan immersion trip was being able to build a stove and spend time with children at a local school. When building a stove for a family, it was so uplifting and powerful. They were so appreciative and grateful for us to come and help them better their homes with a stove. Communication major Laura Hancq loved this experience because she was able to learn about a different culture while helping out a very special community.
“My favorite part of the week was spending time with the children at a school and seeing the joy on their faces and realizing that while their struggles may be different than many children here in the United States, they still live and love life like all kids,” Hancq said.
In the course of one week, the country opened each of our eyes to a new surrounding and allowed us to develop a new outlook on life. Each night, we all came together and reflected on what we engaged in and discovered each day. We were able to incorporate solidarity to comprehend that in order for us to help these people we must not walk behind them, not walk in front of them, but instead be able to walk beside them every step of the way for them wake up to a better tomorrow for their country.
