Hearts Opened, Lives Changed: A Transformative Journey to Guatemala
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This summer, a cohort of Jesuit students and teachers embarked on a life-changing service trip to Guatemala. Spanish teacher Wess Mandella recounted the journey, which took place over from June 25 to July 3, describing it as, “a blend of excitement and apprehension—we were unsure of what lay ahead, but we were eager to make a difference.”
Upon arrival, it was evident that the trip was not a vacation.
Accommodations were rudimentary, far from the comforts of home, yet the simplicity fostered a sense of camaraderie among the group. Without modern distractions, deeper connections formed as stories, hopes, and fears were shared under starlit skies.
The group immediately had meaningful encounters that would leave an impact on their hearts and minds. Breathtaking views of Guatemala’s landscape—from its lush countrysides to towering volcanoes—served as a fitting backdrop for the project.
“The true highlights of this trip,” said Mandella, “were the deep connections that we all made along the way.” The immeasurable warmth, resilience, and generosity of the Guatemalan communities profoundly touched the group, she said.
Despite facing daunting challenges in their own daily lives, the spirits of local Guatemalan residents remained unbroken: their smiles were genuine, and their hospitality was overwhelming.
“Our group from Jesuit came to help,” Mandella noted, “but in many ways, we received the greatest gifts—lessons in gratitude, perseverance, and the true meaning of community.”
Moments of discomfort, cultural adjustments, and homesickness did become challenges for Blue Jay students and teachers. However, said Mandella, “These obstacles only strengthened the group’s resolve and deepened their appreciation for the experience.” As the group prepared to return home after the week’s labor and cultural immersion, students found themselves forever changed.
By design, students’ senior service projects ensure that the memories made, bonds formed, and perspectives gained shape them for the rest of their lives. True to this ideal, this service trip guided students to experience and to exercise compassion in a tangible way beyond Jesuit’s halls.
Mandella encourages anyone considering such an experience to take the leap. “Stepping out of one’s comfort zone leads to transformative experiences,” she emphasized. “The rewards are immeasurable, the memories priceless, and the impact long-lasting.” She shared that a piece of her heart remains in Guatemala, and she would embark on this journey again in a heartbeat.
“We aimed to set the world on fire, only to find that our own souls were ignited in the process.”
Senior Wilson Frischhertz, who will serve as Jesuit’s student body president for the 2024-25 academic year, was one of the students who made the trip to Guatemala. His personal account of the trip encapsulates the transformative nature of Jesuit’s service program.
Our trip began with a delay in Guatemala City. Though eager to reach the village, Pedro, our Courts for Kids leader, assured us we would enjoy the extra time. This delay taught us our first lesson in patience and making the best of our circumstances. We spent the time exploring local markets and purchasing souvenirs. Afterward, we embarked on a six-hour car ride to the beautiful village of Cajola, where we were greeted with a warm dinner served by the locals. Their hospitality was immediate and heartfelt, but in retrospect, it was us who received the most – countless life lessons and cherished memories.
We spent our first night of three sleeping in the village school. Initially, I wasn’t close with many of my roommates, but that soon changed. The next morning, I stepped outside to a breathtaking view of the mountains. Seeing the smoky mountain range in the daylight left me in awe and gave me a profound sense of connection with God, appreciating the beauty of His creation.
Upon arriving at the building site, we were welcomed by a large, enthusiastic crowd of local men and women, ready to start working on the court. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it inspired my classmates and me to work diligently alongside them. The camaraderie we felt with the community was evident in our effective teamwork. Our hard work was rewarded with a local treat prepared by the workers’ wives.
During the project, I formed meaningful connections with many locals, particularly Haiti and Cezar, with whom I still stay in contact. My Spanish was rough at first, but with help from friends and Haiti, I was able to communicate effectively. Some friends and I were invited into a family’s home to see how they hand-wash clothes and make towels from scratch. To our surprise, they had a homemade sauna, which they eagerly invited us to try. This interaction highlighted the remarkable kindness and respect of the people in Cajola. Despite being strangers, they welcomed us warmly and shared laughter with us.
On our last day, the village held a celebratory ceremony. We played basketball on the newly constructed court with the locals, which was the perfect way to conclude our trip. Leaving was difficult; I had grown so fond of the amazing people I had connected with. Reluctantly, I boarded the bus back home, carrying the people of Cajola in a special place in my heart. Upon my return, my mother immediately noticed a change in me.”
Frischhertz’s reflections highlight the essence of Jesuit’s mission to form men for others. The Courts for Kids trip to Guatemala was about more than building a basketball court; it was about building relationships, immersing in a new culture, and experiencing the joy of selfless service.
Jesuit’s forms of Blue Jays into lifelong men for others, and that formation includes a series of opportunities to directly serve those in need. These opportunities extend outward from Mid-City to multiple continents around the globe. Collectively, Jesuit students perform over 30,000 hours of service every year.
Click here to read about other local, regional, and global service undertaken by Blue Jay students and alumni.
