Thirteen youth from our Family Youth Center traveled for a mission’s trip to Guatemala this Spring. This was their second consecutive year visiting Eagles Nest International in Solola, Guatemala. The Eagles Nest or Nido del Aguila is a ministry that provides physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual care to abandoned, abused, and neglected children. Eagle’s Nest is also both a home and school for all under their care.
Our group in Guatemala immersed themselves in the compassionate work at the shelter. As part of the mission, our youth and staff dedicated themselves to a service project, this year focusing on aiding the ongoing road construction efforts—a task involving hauling rocks, dirt, and sand. “I really loved my experience in Guatemala because I just love getting to connect with the kids,” said FYC youth Cory Payne. “It doesn’t matter if you’re Guatemalan or American, God is within every single one of us.”
Our youth and staff also spent their days crafting, playing games, and most importantly, connecting with the resilient spirits of these children. Beyond service, the group made time for some sight-seeing, experienced the thrill of ziplining and shopped at the local shops and stores. The mission’s trip to Guatemala served as a great opportunity to broaden our youths’ perspectives, foster empathy, and nurturing to a world outside of their own mindset—one interaction at a time.
