Latin America Caribbean

Guatemala

Beams of early morning sunlight streamed through the cornstalk wall of the kitchen we entered. "Buenos días," I greeted Señora Rosa Guaran. She smiled back and encouraged me to sit at a small wooden table. Her family had been planning breakfast for me for the past few weeks, since they learned I was coming to Guatemala to visit "Tomás" — Tom Benevento, a Trees for Life volunteer from Pennsylvania.

Guatemala

El Salvador

"Who would have thought they would give me a diploma for the kind of work I do?" As she spoke, tears welled up in my eyes as they did in hers. "I have no education. I am in my sixties. I can't even read or write."

El Salvador

"Who would have thought they would give me a diploma for the kind of work I do?" As she spoke, tears welled up in my eyes as they did in hers. "I have no education. I am in my sixties. I can't even read or write."

Sometimes a traveler lost in darkness will see the flicker of a candle in the distance and find the path. This is one such story-of hope rekindled in the midst of deep despair.

Lambert, Haiti

Joy and hope shine from the eyes of children in Lambert, Haiti. As people in their village spread the many benefits of the Moringa tree, hope for the future of all children in their area will continue to grow.

I lived my life as a statement, until I met someone whose life asked a question.

Back when my life was a statement, I appeared to “have it made.” I had a successful career, family, financial security… all that I had been told would bring true happiness. So why wasn’t I truly happy?

Guatemala

Victor's face shone with pride and anticipation. The sun beamed gold beauty on the mountains surrounding him. The lines on his face deepened as he smiled with excitement, watching dozens of uniformed school children hike up a dirt path carrying hoes and machetes to the field where he stood.