By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – Some local teenagers say they are more grateful for all they have after spending a week in Guatemala.
Fourteen students from Cornerstone Christian Academy helped at an orphanage in the impoverished Central American country.
Megan Heil of Bloomington made her first trip to Guatemala and found the people warm and friendly despite having so little.
“This is my first time experiencing true poverty in a different country,” Heil said.
Abby Miller of Bloomington was among those who helped paint and stain boxes and get to know the children at Lifesong’s Village of Hope orphanage.
“They have a lot of joy with what they have and they feel blessed for being able to live at Village of Hope and the families they have been put in,” Miller said.
Junior Kriegh Novy of Normal, who is making his second trip to Guatemala, said his faith strengthened through how those less fortunate still found joy in all they do.
“It kind of makes you feel bad for all of the possessions you have,” Novy said. “These kids have nothing and yet they are so close to the Lord. You see it in the joy on their faces as they are playing with garbage.”
Spanish teacher Ariana Horna who led the students on the trip, said they learned that people are people everywhere.
“These particular students are very privileged, blessed kids who haven’t probably experienced a lot of suffering and to see that and see how people handle it is really good for them,” Horna said.
Cornerstone has been sending a team of students to Guatemala for the last eight years.
“As (students) see the needs of others in the world and experience selfless service in Christian ministry, we hope the Guatemala trip will have a lasting impact in the lives the students, their families, and their communities,” said Doug Pavey, Cornerstone’s Head of School.
The first two weeks of each spring semester at Cornerstone are set aside for a two-week mini-mester in which all students select from a range of educational opportunities that include two-week special interest courses, study and service trips, and a job-shadowing/internship program designed especially for upperclassmen.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
