Effort Beyond Borders
This year, Helen, a teacher from Hutchison School in Memphis, Tennessee, brought a group of high school girls to serve at Agua Viva for the very first time. Their week in Guatemala was filled with cross-cultural connections, hands-on service, and shared joy. Below, Helen reflects on their experience.
“Our girls were able to fully immerse themselves in a culture very different from their own in Memphis. Many practiced their Spanish with students and teachers, but even more rewarding was watching them connect with the high school students at Agua Viva. They played volleyball together in the mornings and joined English language games in the afternoons. Though they spoke different languages and came from different countries, they discovered plenty of common ground, along with many smiles and laughs.
I was so impressed with our girls’ work ethic and determination. The project was challenging, but they dug deep and finished strong. For many, it was a brand-new experience. I’m proud of what we accomplished, and I pray the students and teachers are enjoying their refurbished spaces. My hope is the girls remember they can do hard things and find ways to serve back home in Memphis as well.
The thoughtfulness of the Agua Viva team in planning our visit meant so much—from the cultural activities like tortilla making, to the Friday evening songs and ceremony, to the home visits on our first day. These moments touched the girls in a deep and lasting way. The more I reflect on our time at Agua Viva, the more I appreciate the joy of your community. Thank you for letting us share in it. I hope we brought some joy to you as well!”
We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and love these young women poured into our students. The friendships formed, the connections made, and the spirit of service they left behind are a beautiful reminder of what God can accomplish when we serve together across borders.
If you, your church, your school, a group of friends, or your family would like to bring a team to serve at Agua Viva, we would love to welcome you. Contact us at hosts@aguavivaschool.org or visit our website to learn more. Additionally, if you’d like to make a donation that directly benefits our students by helping to subsidize their educational costs, your support would make a meaningful difference. You can find information regarding donations in the links below.
