Georgia, United States

My experience in Guatemala was amazing, and I will never forget it. 

As I was getting ready to return home to California, I realized that I wanted to stay in Antigua. Everyone in Antigua was so friendly, and always willing to work with me as I attempted to speak in Spanish, although for the most part it was broken Spanish. I am a senior in High School and this trip made me think about how fortunate I am. I was so lucky to be able to build a house for a family who is less fortunate than me.

Building the house was one the toughest things I’ve done in my life, but it was by far the most rewarding. I never complained, and I was always willing to try something new. I cut and broke a lot of cinder blocks. I made cement with dirt and rocks. I carried cinder blocks, that got heavier as the week progressed. I dug holes in the ground. I also carried buckets of cemento, otherwise known as cement, to the masons and the other workers.

Working with Constru Casa was incredible… they have the process down to a science. It takes them about 2 weeks to build one house. The two houses that my group started were completed in 8 days. I was lucky to be able to work with awesome masons who tried to lighten the mood daily. I have bruises on my body, but they made the whole experience feel real. The trip with my school forced me to speak in Spanish even at times when I was uncomfortable. It made me a more confident Spanish speaker. I came home with a new outlook on life, and a different view of the world.

Thank you,

Georgia Arnatou
Dunn School