“So, when are you coming home?” 

This question was repeatedly thrown at me during a recent trip back to the States.  The visit forced me to reflect upon my experiences this year and try to put into words why I was committing to another year at Common Hope.

I came to Common Hope to implement an English program for the employees at the Antigua site.  I knew it would be a rewarding experience; I just wasn’t prepared for how rewarding it was.

The level of enthusiasm for the program was tremendous when I arrived.  The employees took placement exams and 50 employees attended the first month of classes.  Some of the employees had very little experience with English; others had conversation level experience.

Initially there were some bumps in the road as the students and I navigated cultural differences.

But by month ten of the program, the Conversation level group prepared speeches and participated, in English, in a Vision Team’s farewell.  Several students also attended functions with outside their normal duties, again using English.  This says a lot about their level of dedication, given they only had one hour a day of class work and once they left the classroom, they were completely surrounded by Spanish.

The students had to set priorities and juggle their studies at universities or elementary classes, other jobs, family obligations, and of course, their duties at Common Hope.

I learned so much from the students (who are also my co-workers) by reading their homework, talking with them in class, and developing friendships outside the classroom.  I quickly learned about Guatemalan culture and was educated on things like customs for the various holidays here.

To have the opportunity to participate in their journey working towards their goals has been an incredible experience.  To share a meal with a student as she speaks English with “strangers” for the first time, to hear employees speak English outside the classroom, and to see the level of dedication and enthusiasm for the program has been overwhelming.  It’s a feeling I won’t soon forget.  And these are some of the reasons why I’m staying in Guatemala for another year.

Originally from Maryland, then California, Lisa-Marie has been with Common Hope at our Antigua site for one year as an English teacher for the employees.  In the upcoming year, she plans to focus on learning Spanish, helping with the Math program and working on training projects with the Systems group.

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