This was my third humanitarian trip, and somehow it never gets easier to leave. Each time, I find myself leaving a piece of my heart behind in the village. I carry home not just memories, but a deeper understanding of what truly matters.
What continues to stand out to me is Choice’s unique strength: the people and leaders within each country determine what will truly lift their own communities. It’s not imposed, it’s built from within. That kind of trust creates something lasting.
During this trip, we met with three women from the women’s educational co-op that Choice helped establish. This program does more than teach skills, it gives women the ability to earn, to contribute, and to step into a future with dignity and independence.
One moment, in particular, has stayed with me. I was so moved that I made sure to learn her name, Nimia Chiroque and older women, because her words captured everything:
" With Choice they never leave us on the side and with Choice we can move forward. We are not desperate".
That is Choice.
Lifting people. Strengthening communities. Walking beside them not just for a moment, but forward into what comes next.
Melissa Schaefer
801 201 8056