Mission visit truly life changing

By Dani Allen

“Bishop Thomas, what are the students going to experience down in Guatemala?” I asked this question during one of Bishop Thomas’ coffee chats at the Pattern House in the fall of 2006, held for Carroll College students.
“A life changing experience,” he replied with a grin. It honestly sent chills of fear up my spine, and the realization that I had no idea what I got myself into.
As we were landing in Guatemala City, after a really long plane trip, I looked out the window and saw lush green plants and deep ravines everywhere. I was no longer in Montana, and was even farther outside my comfort zone. We were greeted by Sheila who proudly wore a Carroll College T-shirt and greeted us with a smile.
Once at the mission I began to realize my vision of it was really skewed. I thought that mission was on the outskirts of town, with a small little white church and children running everywhere. In fact the mission is in the heart of Santo Tomas, and children do run everywhere. A few played ultimate Frisbee with us, and laughed every time I couldn’t catch it. The church I envisioned was three blocks away, and it was packed for every Mass.
The school, La Asuncion, was the greatest shock ever. I had the vision of a school desperately in need of educated teachers and building supplies for repairs, but that isn’t what I saw at all. I saw a school with the most educated and energetic teachers ever imagined. They got their students active, and engaged in the subject matter in creative ways.
The industrial arts teacher is very creative. He gathers old iron left on roads, tires, anything he can find and then creates a project for his students. He is able to give his students the experience and skills needed to work and get a good paying job in case they do not continue their education.
The high school levels are taught college-like courses. The students learn how to teach all subjects, because in Guatemala you only need a high school education to become a teacher. They also embrace their culture by teaching Mayan history, K’iche, the native language, and even home ec. As far as I could see they are succeeding beyond all expectations; however, they do need our continued support to keep the school going.
Most of the students are on scholarships, with many coming from the Diocese of Helena. I donated about $10 of left-over canteen money throughout four years, and I can’t express how cool it is to meet one of the students you helped attend school, and yes every little bit counts.
In conclusion, thank you to all those who donated to this trip. Not only did you support Carroll College, you gave hope to the mission’s future. Mission Guatemala will continue to thrive with our help and prayers. Our mission was undefined when we started, and in the end our mission was hope. Bishop Thomas was right, it WAS a life-changing experience.

Dani Allen is a junior at Carroll College. She was among the Carroll College pilgrimage group that visited the mission in May.

Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 23, No. 9, September 21, 2007.