Kara was doing research online for a volunteer trip that would take her abroad. She came across Humanity and Hope and decided to come on a trip with us after attending events in Colorado and Tennessee. We are so glad she did! Read on to hear about her trip experience.
Why did you choose Humanity and Hope?
I have been on a couple of volunteer trips before. I felt called to Humanity & Hope due to the community aspect. I had the idea to join a trip then kind of pushed it back in my mind for awhile. It oddly continued to pop up. I visited friends in Colorado and I saw an event was going on for it and we decided to go by and see what it was about. Everyone was so welcoming and you could feel how passionate the people there were about what they were doing. I live in Nashville and heard about another event going on nearby here so myself and a friend went to that as well. I knew at that point that going on a trip was the right decision. I listened to the stories at the events and knew it was something I needed to experience for myself.
What was the most eye-opening thing you saw or experienced in Honduras?
I remember painting houses for the families. It was very hot that day but I remember looking down and seeing kids helping us and smiling so wide while holding their paint brushes. They were having a great time being a part of something and were so welcoming to us. It was an eye opening experience. I felt myself wanting to complain about the heat but then seeing how excited those kids were about what we were doing, I was immediately humbled. We worked even harder with their help and ended up painting multiple houses that day and still having time leftover to play with the kids.
Kara’s favorite part
My favorite part was getting to see and experience the communities and the different ways that H&H is helping each one. H&H is providing the community with jobs but it does it in a way that allows the community to take control after it is set up. This gives the members of the community a job and a way to provide for their families which they would not have without H&H. The villagers are proud of what they do and you can feel that from the moment you arrive.
Any advice (or encouragement) you'd give to someone who is thinking of joining us on a trip?
I have been on multiple trips with different organizations. Humanity & Hope does an amazing job of making you feel part of the community. Before you go, there are plenty of people to talk to about your trip. They will happily answer any questions you have. While you are there you will meet people that become like family. And when you return home you stay in contact with people from all over the world that now share that common bond of H&H with you. You are given opportunities to continue to make a difference however you feel called.
How has your trip impacted your daily life post trip?
I returned from my first trip in May and I still think about it almost daily. I see posts from H&H on social media and all the ways they are changing the lives of so many people in Honduras. I have met so many amazing people through the H&H community and talk to them about how we can continue to make a difference. I have become a monthly donor since I have returned. I realize how blessed I am and how there are people that need that money more than myself. It is the way I felt called to contribute and I hope to return to Honduras soon.
What are ways you plan to continue to be generous and offer hope in your daily life? (ie..hosting a fundraiser, charity ride, becoming a monthly donor). We'd love to support you too!
I decided to become a monthly donor when returning from my trip to Honduras. It is the way I feel called to help when I am so far away. I know the money is going to those that need it more than myself. I also hope to return to Honduras next year with H&H in order to see how the communities have grown.
Kara, thank you for choosing Humanity and Hope! We are grateful to have you in our community!! If you are interested in coming with us to Honduras, we’d love to talk with you about it. Check out our upcoming trips and please note that requesting more info doesn’t hold you to coming on the trip.