Our CHOICE Humanitarian Guatemala Expedition was very special to me. This was my first CHOICE expedition, and our team members welcomed me and were very kind. We visited La Libertad, a remote Mayan village located in a rainforest valley. The Maya adults and children welcomed us with open hearts. The village inhabitants are subsistence farmers who grow mainly corn, along with beans and other vegetables. The water table is very deep in this valley, so there are no water wells. Most of their water comes from a small river that is used for laundry, bathing, swimming, and drinking. There are a few rainwater catchment barrels, but they need more. Sadly, there is no medical or dental care in La Libertad. And schooling for the children is limited to 6 years of elementary education. Despite the extreme poverty and hardship the Maya live with, they were very loving and kind to us. Our development project in the village was the construction of a community center, which we participated in financially and through our volunteer work under the guidance of construction professionals. We played with the children, danced, participated in games, and had wonderful encounters with the children and adults. We also participated in very meaningful home visits. We all learned so much. Our time in La Libertad inspires me to give more of myself to others and to live a better life. I will always cherish the memories of our time with these beautiful people.

Choice Humanitarian knows how to do humanitarian work right. The trips are essentially a form of humanitarian tourism which encourages cultural exchange and understanding between different peoples. This helps support the real work which is the ongoing support in those communities between trips. Providing opportunities for them to better their lives through industry and innovation. Teaching them to fish rather than giving them a fish. I am so glad to be able to go on these trips and witness firsthand the positive changes in the lives of these good people.

This was our 2nd expedition with Choice and we loved it so much!! We wanted a meaningful experience in helping others that are less fortunate. We wanted it to be change that could be sustained and not just painting a school for the 18th time. With Choice we a confident that those helped are learning to help themselves and being empowered to change. Because they have local teams that listen to the communities needs and are aware of roadblocks we feel certain our service will not only be meaningful but. The Choice team will follow up and continue to bless them. It’s less noble but I really appreciate the convenience and thoroughness of their planning. I am always super grateful for our expedition leader and their tireless efforts to plan trips and work out all the transportation, safe food and accommodations. It’s implies the experience and lets us focus on the transformation that we are experiences. My husband was very nervous if the cots and tent camping in Kenya. It honestly was more like glamping! Super comfortable, warm water showers and great food!! Our group was large, 38 people but everyone from the 10 to the 67 year did great!! We definitely plan to go to Nepal someday!! Kenya and Ecuador were amazing!!! The people have our hearts and we all learned more gratitude.