Reflecting upon my volunteer experience is what makes me so pleased to have been a part of the Common Hope team. I have spent the last year working with youth.  These young adults have provided so many fond memories that I don’t know where to start.  We have had bonfires, traveled, worked on community projects, talked about a number of different topics and shared our lives together.

My most cherished memory with the youth is a trip we took to Lake Atitlan.  For many of the adolescents it is difficult to leave their communities just to arrive at Common Hope.  Traveling all the way to the lake, for some, would be an impossible feat.  With the help of Common Hope and Global Visionaries this year we were able to take about 30 youth to see the lake.  It may seem like a small thing but to see their faces and hear their comments was a wonderful feeling for me.  I know that I will never forget the time together. 

I am now approaching the end of my service at Common Hope.  In my short time here I have seen many positive things happen.  I have seen single mothers return to school and graduate high school. I have witnessed kids receive the physical, emotional and financial support needed to continue studying. Most of all I have been fortunate to be a part of an organization dedicated to the betterment of the surrounding society.  For that I give thanks to all those who made my experience here possible. 

Nelson has worked in Guatemala for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer.  His second year was spent as the Grupos de Interes Coordinator, leading Common Hope’s youth program in Antigua.  He finished his volunteer time at the end of November and will be returning to Denver, Colorado.

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