For four years running, through a partnership with Medical Teams International, we've sent a team of Superfeet employee-owners far into remote regions of Guatemala to help increase access to clean water and improve hygiene practices in the community there. Superfeet employee-owner Steve Milton shares some thoughts about his journey.
The Land
Guatemala is an incredibly beautiful country with dramatic terrain and sweeping views. Traveling eight hours by bus to our jumping off point in Chicaman was a great way to see the countryside and get a feel for what rural life in Guatemala is like. We passed by roadside markets, trucks overloaded with people and their belongings; and stray dogs everywhere.
Being Present
The Medical Teams International staff stated how the trip wasn't about building latrines as much as it was about showing up and being present. This meant dancing at the village welcoming presentation, asking questions about the families and helping students practice English. But just by showing up we were helping Medical Teams International be present, and work to change and improve health in the village.
Community
The community members we worked with were eager to learn and thirsty for knowledge. It was a privilege to be apart and help improve the situations of families, neighbors and the whole village. They are pushing themselves to build a community that is better off and thriving, and sharing that experience was amazing. Every family we worked with were grateful and friendly, happy to share what they had and eager to learn about us. They really appreciated the effort we put in because we had come from so far away to help.
To learn more about Medical Teams International and the work they do both at home and abroad, visit www.medicalteams.org. For more about how your Superfeet purchase helps shape strong foundations, visit the Superfeet Giving page.