Final Thoughts

Final thought:

Sometimes it is hard to explain to people the idea and meaning of an immersion trip. Before we left, many asked us “What are you going to do in Guatemala” or “What are you going to build in Guatemala?” To answer “We are going to build friendships” does not explain the depth or meaning behind this statement.

During this past week we have talked with the Guatemalan people and spent time with the poor. We were invited into their homes, met their families, and heard their stories. We laughed and cried together. We sang, played games, shared pictures, and danced together. We shared meals, and went to Mass. We held their children in our arms and we became friends. We learned the truth about poverty and we ended up with more questions than answers. Did we make a difference? Yes, love always does. Did we make a change? Yes, it was within.

Ask me what we did in Guatemala and I will tell you “we built friendships” and I believe it was the most valuable, lasting, and worthy thing we could have built.

Patrick Harris