In August, 2014, twelve volunteers travelled to our site in Calhuitz, Huehuetenango in the northwestern highlands of Guatemala. At the site, volunteers helped the construction crew complete a number of improvements to the Casa Materna. Volunteers also helped the nursing staff conduct community health outreach to weigh and measure babies. Additionally, they distribute vitamins, and provide health and nutrition education to the local population. Kelley Holsinger was one of the volunteers who went in August and shared a little about her experience below.

What do you wish people knew about Impact Global Health Alliance?

I know that I’ve always been guilty of thinking that I’m just one person, I’m not able to make a difference or impact on this world.  My perspective began to change even on the first evening being at the Casa Materna.  The mayor and other community leaders came out to welcome us and thank us for volunteering.  It was during this meeting that I began to realize how much of an impact Impact Global Health Alliance has on these communities.  With just one group of volunteers, we were able to collect enough infant clothes to send each new mother home with one outfit for her baby for an entire year!  Tears came to my eyes as the Casa Materna staff expressed genuine thanks for the help we have given them.

“I know that I’ve always been guilty of thinking that I’m just one person, I’m not able to make a difference or impact on this world.”

On the morning of our departure, due to the rain we had throughout the night, our van got stuck on its way to pick us up.  At 6:00am on a Saturday, the mayor drove around in his car and made an announcement asking for help from the community.  Moments later a truck full of townspeople were on their way to get the van unstuck.  It was so heartwarming to see this community pull together to help us.  This definitely showed me how much this community values the work of Impact Global Health Alliance.  My volunteer trip was just one of many that Impact Global Health Alliance facilitates.  It has definitely changed my perspective. I wish more people knew how much of an impact Impact Global Health Alliance has on the communities it works with around the globe.

What did you learn about yourself or the world during your experience?

During this trip I learned how important it is to surround yourself with people you care about and being part of a community.  Back home I live a rather independent life; I live alone, work alone and often travel alone for work.  This trip was quite the opposite of my everyday life at home.  Barbara, Jane and the other Vollies quickly became my new family.  We received such a warm welcome from Alma, the Casa Materna staff and Community Leaders of Calhuitz. It was like the holidays and seeing relatives you haven’t seen in forever. It was very apparent what being a community means to the people of Calhuitz. And each day I wanted to be a part of that.

“Every day it was very apparent what being a community means to the people of Calhuitz and each day I wanted to be a part of that.”  

During a game of basketball, I injured my knee and wasn’t able to make it off the court on my own.  Each step of the way a member of my new family was by my side.  Lars and Dave carried me up a rather steep hill to the truck for a ride back to the Casa Materna.  Monica, Jane and Barbara sat with me and interpreted the advice of the local bone doctor as he examined my knee.  Marta and Vanessa checked in on me to make sure I hadn’t wrapped my knee too tight. Most importantly, Vanessa stayed with me through the nights in case I needed any help.  At first it was a bit scary because I didn’t know how much damage happened to my knee…turns out, not that much…but having the support of my new family, I wasn’t alone to face it.

What is your favorite memory from your trip?

The children we met definitely made this trip very memorable.  Many of the kids were shy at first, but all it took was a wave and a simple “hola” and these kids lit up, giggling and smiling!  On the first day at the Casa Materna, after our work was done, Rachel and I took a walk around the village and found 4 girls playing fútbol.  Despite the language barrier, we joined in their game of kicking the ball around.  After a few moments of just passing it around, the girls wanted to get an actual game going…Team Calhuitz vs. Team America!  It’s probably quite obvious who won that one.  Each time they scored their celebration was a little louder “gooooaaaaaal!” and was well worth being scored on.  I even had to join in even though it was their point.  Each day after the fútbol game, I saw one of the girls that we played with and each time I got a wave and a glowing smile that brightened my day!

Interested in joining Impact Global Health Alliance Global on a volunteer trip? Email [email protected] or check out our volunteer packet for more information.