It has been a joy to see the accomplishments of the community groups, especially in Pacoj, Guatemala. The women met and openly discussed health issues and community concerns. They created a list and then began prioritizing that list determining which need was greatest. Then they began the hard work of making things happen. Each project had a different group of women- those who felt strongly about that change for their family. Sometimes they were investigating and building chimney stoves, sometimes latrines, sometimes water “in tubes” supplying water to their land for the first time, sometimes a new roof for the school, sometimes a community building that could house a medical clinic, sometimes computers for the school, sometimes new pilas (for water storage and washing dishes and clothes). For each of these projects, the families had to cover 25% of the costs. This meant great sacrifice of food and what we would consider necessities to pay for these improvements. Yet they felt empowered as each new project was accomplished. Through this process some strong leaders and some quiet leaders have emerged.

A volunteer told the women of Pacoj that they really knew what being “community” was all about. She shared with them that she thought about these women each day for the entire year from her first visit until she returned to see them again. They have inspired her and her church to experience “community”, also.

Marlon Moran is the project manager helping the community plan and carry out a building project whether latrines, stoves, concrete floors, roofs, pilas, or community centers. Marlon also began in 2008 and is beloved by the communities where he works. His sense of humor and easy-going manner enable all parties to work together to accomplish the task.

Amilcar Vielman began working with Gary and Paula Rummel in 2008 impacting many Guatemalan and North American lives. Amilcar works with Hombres y Mujeres en Accion (Men and Women in Action). His human development skills are a natural fit as he works closely with the villagers and leadership groups. He asks the questions to help hone critical thinking skills so people can solve their own problems and determine best courses of action.

Community groups now approach Amilcar with projects having already utilized problem-solving skills learned from people in other villages where projects have been completed. More project requests come across his desk than there are funds to cover. Villagers role play meeting with government leaders asking for funding support. The local government officials are increasingly responsive to requests.