“I’ve taken my students to Guatemala for the past two summers, and I’m planning another trip inthe summer of 2027.I have never done anything as a teacher that has had a greater impact on mystudents than giving them the opportunity to work with Paradise Bound in Guatemala. For me, thebest part of working in Guatemala with my students is watching them experience God throughoutthe week. It’s the light in their eyes when they realize God is using them to change the lives of thefamilies we build houses for. And it’s the mix of tears and smiles when they understand God hasused these families to change their own lives. It’s the realization that all the words and grammarand culture I try to teach in class actually equal real people. It’s the beauty of their voices andhearts blending when we pray Guatemala-style and when we sing in deep worship. The worldbecomes big and small all in one week. God is good in every moment. So, I will keep takingstudents because watching God’s story unfold in each of them is powerful. I already can’t wait tosee the team God puts together for me next summer.”
