"Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor" - Pope Francis
This was my second time traveling down to our sister project in Guatemala. My first trip was six months ago, and while Deacon Rich usually travels solo in January, I couldn’t wait until June to return again. I was longing to see the Cochoy family, my three sponsored children, and the wonderful people of Guatemala. I was not disappointed by my return.
Our sister parish in Guatemala is something of which I think Pope Francis would be very proud. It is truly a community, and more like a very large family. The members of the community look out for everyone— from the better-off to the poorest of the poor, if someone is sick, malnourished, or struggling with personal demons, you are never alone. No family better exemplifies this than the Cochoy family. Mr. and Mrs. Cochoy, along with their children, spend every minute of their day trying to assist those around them. They do not turn their nose up or pass judgment on anyone. If you need help, you are welcome in the Cochoy house, and Thomasa and Adrian will do all that they can to help you. Where will you find two people better than that? I hope the people of St. Raymond’s know how fortunate we are to be involved with these two living saints. I know they have done more for me than I can ever do for the people of Guatemala.
The clearest picture that the Gospels present of the last judgment is in Matthew 25:31-46. Christ judges the worthiness of entering into eternal life based on a few very simple questions: when I was hungry, did you feed me? When I was naked, did you clothe me? When I was a stranger, did you invite me into your home? Our project in Guatemala works towards each of these goals. The support we provide helps those in the most need of our assistance. The financial assistance allows children to stay in school, which also allows parents to spend the money that they would be spending on school supplies and tuition in a different manner, such as on food, clothing, and home repairs. If you would like to see why Christ values this type of service above all, I highly recommend visiting our sister project in Guatemala. You will truly see the work of Christ.
- Sean Burpoe
Deacon Sonny Pagnotta, a deacon at St. Frances Cabrini parish in Coram, has been to our sister parish project 5 times. He has just returned with Deacon Rich from the January trip:
To put it mildly, this was my fifth trip to Guatemala and I still have overwhelming feelings when I see the people, their struggle, their love of God and their way of life. When I realize that God has blessed me with a healthy life to be able to go to Guatemala, I recognize that the altitude in Guatemala, where we stay, is higher than in Denver, Colorado. Holy cow no wonder at times I was out of breath. The churches visited, the families visited and those who came by the Cochoy home where we stay to just say hello were incredible. But let me get down to basics. The faith of the Guatemalans makes me desire to be part of them. Their trust in God, to be supplied with life's necessities, is a thing to be aware of compared to us. How many times I hear complaints and objections to things in the here that are not right. It makes me laugh how spoiled we are. After my first trip I stopped running water while brushing my teeth, After my second trip, I found ways to reuse things or give them away rather than throw them away. After my third trip I developed a sense of peace about how much God is in control of our lives. My fourth trip helped me realize that I needed more time listening to God rather than petitioning God. And after this latest trip I realized that as life goes on, their way of life has taught me to be more patient and to be slow to react to things back here.To wrap it all up, God has blessed me with these wonderful memories of 5 trips. I had a special blessing this time in being able to visit Santiago Atitlan, the parish of Fr. Stanley Rother of Oklahoma who was martyred in 1982. Fr. Aplas, as he was known, was present to me as I sat in the chair he used and gazed at his photographs. All in all God , present in His people in Guatemala, has made me a better Christian, a better Catholic and a better human being. Not because of what I have done for them there but for what they have done for me. So if you are holding back on sponsoring a child in the project or visiting Guatemala there is no time like today to decide to do it. Visit and find God in all the places that you might never have expected Him to be. May God's Peace be always with you.
Our sister parish in Guatemala is something of which I think Pope Francis would be very proud. It is truly a community, and more like a very large family. The members of the community look out for everyone— from the better-off to the poorest of the poor, if someone is sick, malnourished, or struggling with personal demons, you are never alone. No family better exemplifies this than the Cochoy family. Mr. and Mrs. Cochoy, along with their children, spend every minute of their day trying to assist those around them. They do not turn their nose up or pass judgment on anyone. If you need help, you are welcome in the Cochoy house, and Thomasa and Adrian will do all that they can to help you. Where will you find two people better than that? I hope the people of St. Raymond’s know how fortunate we are to be involved with these two living saints. I know they have done more for me than I can ever do for the people of Guatemala.
The clearest picture that the Gospels present of the last judgment is in Matthew 25:31-46. Christ judges the worthiness of entering into eternal life based on a few very simple questions: when I was hungry, did you feed me? When I was naked, did you clothe me? When I was a stranger, did you invite me into your home? Our project in Guatemala works towards each of these goals. The support we provide helps those in the most need of our assistance. The financial assistance allows children to stay in school, which also allows parents to spend the money that they would be spending on school supplies and tuition in a different manner, such as on food, clothing, and home repairs. If you would like to see why Christ values this type of service above all, I highly recommend visiting our sister project in Guatemala. You will truly see the work of Christ.
- Sean Burpoe
Deacon Sonny Pagnotta, a deacon at St. Frances Cabrini parish in Coram, has been to our sister parish project 5 times. He has just returned with Deacon Rich from the January trip:
To put it mildly, this was my fifth trip to Guatemala and I still have overwhelming feelings when I see the people, their struggle, their love of God and their way of life. When I realize that God has blessed me with a healthy life to be able to go to Guatemala, I recognize that the altitude in Guatemala, where we stay, is higher than in Denver, Colorado. Holy cow no wonder at times I was out of breath. The churches visited, the families visited and those who came by the Cochoy home where we stay to just say hello were incredible. But let me get down to basics. The faith of the Guatemalans makes me desire to be part of them. Their trust in God, to be supplied with life's necessities, is a thing to be aware of compared to us. How many times I hear complaints and objections to things in the here that are not right. It makes me laugh how spoiled we are. After my first trip I stopped running water while brushing my teeth, After my second trip, I found ways to reuse things or give them away rather than throw them away. After my third trip I developed a sense of peace about how much God is in control of our lives. My fourth trip helped me realize that I needed more time listening to God rather than petitioning God. And after this latest trip I realized that as life goes on, their way of life has taught me to be more patient and to be slow to react to things back here.To wrap it all up, God has blessed me with these wonderful memories of 5 trips. I had a special blessing this time in being able to visit Santiago Atitlan, the parish of Fr. Stanley Rother of Oklahoma who was martyred in 1982. Fr. Aplas, as he was known, was present to me as I sat in the chair he used and gazed at his photographs. All in all God , present in His people in Guatemala, has made me a better Christian, a better Catholic and a better human being. Not because of what I have done for them there but for what they have done for me. So if you are holding back on sponsoring a child in the project or visiting Guatemala there is no time like today to decide to do it. Visit and find God in all the places that you might never have expected Him to be. May God's Peace be always with you.
We have asked those who went on the 2016 Mission Awareness trip to our Sister Parish in Guatemala to give their thoughts...
Without a doubt, this Mission Trip to Guatemala has exceed all my expectations. This was my first trip to Guatemala and I did not know what to expect. From the very first day to the last, I was greatly impressed with the friendliness and acceptance from the people who we encountered in our travels...from the care and hospitality of the Cochoy family who treated us like family as they opened their home to us, in preparing our meals and taking care of all our needs. The teachers and students at the school we visited were very welcoming and gracious hosts. The people in general were kind and welcoming to us. It was inspiring and heartwarming to see how Proyecto Don Bosco reaches out to the young people and offers them hope and encouragement to continue to reach for their dreams in spite of the challenges they face. It is very obvious that the project is giving benefits to their community. Keep the good work going St. Raymond's!
Deacon Gary Swane ( Deacon Gary grew up here in our parish before moving to Suffolk. He will be going to Guatemala this June 2017 on our Mission Trip again . He ministers in St Louis De Montfort in Sound Beach)
Deacon Gary Swane ( Deacon Gary grew up here in our parish before moving to Suffolk. He will be going to Guatemala this June 2017 on our Mission Trip again . He ministers in St Louis De Montfort in Sound Beach)
My trip to Guatemala changed my life in so many ways. I met so many amazing people and made some lifelong friendships. My dad and brother went on the trip 2 years ago and when I saw how much fun they had I wanted to go too. The 11 people on the trip with me became my family, we shared so many laughs and memories. I hope to keep in touch with the Guatemalans I met because they are so kind and appreciative. They made me change the way I look at life. We, back home, are so consumed with making money and having the best of everything but the Guatemalans who have so little can be seen walking down the street with big smiles on their faces. They always greeted us on the street. Our hosts, the Cochoy family, were so kind and generous. The trip was unforgettable and I can't wait to return.
-Sarah Jaskowiak
-Sarah Jaskowiak
After coming on this trip 2 years ago I felt a bond with the people of Guatemala. Their faith and happiness is an inspiration. However after going on the trip again this year I feel even more touched. Our host family, Adrian and Tomasa Cochoy, are the most unselfish and thoughtful people I know. They cared for our every need and made sure we were always happy and comfortable. Their generosity and love is a blessing. It was truly touching to see the child my family sponsors doing much better. Her health and emotional issues are better and it showed that when we have problems we should never give up. Seeing the relationship between her and her sister proved that love is the best medicine and conquers all.I was surprised when we visited the house of one child and he offered us some of his things as gifts. That and many other experiences showed that although we are helping then, they are teaching us so many lessons about life. The project is a blessing to many people - both Guatemalan and those of us from the USA.
- Edmund Jaskowiak |
When first asked why I was going on this trip to Guatemala, my response was "because my son wanted to go and I thought it would be a good experience for both of us". I knew very little about Project Don Bosco or Guatemala to be honest. As I spoke to some people who have gone, I got a better idea of what to expect and I looked forward to the trip. What I have experienced during the trip of 10 days was beyond anything I could have imagined. The people of Guatemala are what I will remember the most. The Cochoys (our hosts) are some of the warmest, most welcoming people I have come to know. They represent who the Guatemalan people were to us - everyone was extremely kind and warm. What inspired me the most was how positive the people are despite having so little. Family is more important than anything and what I experienced has inspired me to reflect on my family and what they mean to me. Finally, seeing the reaction of the project children to our arrival brought me to tears at times. They are the faces of Project Don Bosco and seeing the the project is changing their lives is something I will never forget. My family is now sponsoring a child.
-Tom Kelly
-Tom Kelly
Let me sum up my 10 days in Guatemala with a word...inspiring, amazing, breath taking, heart warming, marvelous, soul warming, eye opening...I'm thinking that there really is no one word that can describe this mission trip. This is my second time there and it was just as overwhelming as the first time. I went with my oldest son 3 years ago and this time with my middle son, Nicholas. We had so much fun with our group and even more had so much fun and smiles and love with all the new friends that we made there, both young and old. To see the school that out parish sponsors and the church that St Raymond's helps was just amazing. Guatemala is truly a place where you can feel God's presence and see the beauty He has put on this earth despite the poverty that many there have to endure. They endure it with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts.
-Edward Shaw
-Edward Shaw
I love all the people of Guatemala. I found another family, a second home. Guatemala reminds me of my native country, Italy. Sitting at the table with the Cochoy family reminded me of my childhood. I experienced both family and extended family sharing a meal together.
-Mafalda Fusco ( Mafalda made the trip with her daughter and grandson)
-Mafalda Fusco ( Mafalda made the trip with her daughter and grandson)
The renewal of my Faith is the greatest gift one can receive and I have received it twice during my two trips to Guatemala. This gift I think can only come from love. The love of our host family, Adrian and Tomasa Cochoy and the hundreds of people we met have brought me great joy. To share this with my son and daughter is a blessing and it made us much closer. I could tell you about the wonderful places we visited and the natural beauty we experienced but the joy in my heart is what I want to share. I urge the people of our parish to support this project and the youth of St. Raymond's to think about taking this journey.
-John Jaskowiak
This was one of the most amazing trips I have ever taken. Guatemala is filled with kind, caring and loving people. My 10 days there changed my life forever and for the better. I traveled on the trip with my mother and my 12 year old son and made lifelong friendships with our host family, Adrian and Tomasa Cochoy. We shared tears and laughter each day that made the experience unforgettable. I have fallen in love with all the children and their contagious smiles. To finally meet the children we sponsor and to spend time with them was a dream come true. The gratitude and unconditional love was a humbling moment. I only wish that they realize what they have done for me. Thank you Proyecto Don Bosco for making moments like this happen and for bringing life transformation to me and the people of Guatemala.
Lina Sandarr |
This experience has changed my perspective on life. It was nothing likw what I expected. I made friends with the Guatemalan kids. It felt like they became part of my family. One kid who made a big impression on me was my sponsored child. I got a chance to bring Santos to the Hot Springs and on a boat ride across the lake. The best moment was when I went to visit his family at his home. He sang for us and his mom gave us cake. He also gave me a bag as a gift and I will treasure it forever. I loved hanging out with other kids like Francisco, Franklin, Juanito, Crisanto, Kevin, Marvin, Guito, Willie and Everado. These kids went with us to the Hot Springs, the Rain forest and zip lining. We played a lot of soccer. I learned a lot about myself and the way we live. We have so much more than these people and yet they seem so happy. I think we should stop wanting more and more and live with what we need. We need to let people into our lives and be open to forgiveness. The Cochoy family let us stay in their home and welcomed us like we were family. They made our stay just like we were at home. If you are thinking about going on a future trip - just do it! I am so grateful for this life changing trip.
Nicholas Shaw |
My impression of the trip is that the Mission Awareness Trip to our sister parish changes the way you look at things. People here do not realize how easy we have it. All I hear back home is complaining about how hard life is. I think that we have forgotten the simple ways of living. We always want the best and if we don't have it then we are not happy. Happiness to the Guatemalans is something different. When you see the look on a young Guatemalan's face when he or she meets their sponsor for the first time it is something that I cannot forget. This Mission Trip is something that I will never forget and will always have a special place in my heart. My time there was full of happiness and laughter.
-Joe Bratichak |
The impression from my trip was something special. When we first arrived at the airport in Guatemala City, Deacon Rich was there to meet us as well as some of the Guatemalan Project kids. He came 10 days earlier with the first group from St Raymond's.The van ride to Novillero was long but fun. We spent the time fooling around with Francisco, Crisanto, Kevin and Marvin. When we arrived at the Cochoy house we were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Cochoy with big hugs and smiles. I thought that the food that Mrs. Cochoy prepared for us was delicioso and I know that it was prepared with love. Mrs. Cochoy never missed an opportunity to give us more. My favorite part of the trip was the zipline in the rainforest with Guidman and Everaldo. That was an amazing experience. I love the people of Guatemala. They are so kind. I liked the market. There is some pretty cool stuff there. My favorite kid was 9 year old Franklin (Deacon Rich's godson). He always ran and jumped into our arms when he saw us. Project Don Bosco is very busy. Deacon Rich and Mr. Cochoy were always greeting new kids and accepting them into the project. I am glad that I didn't see anyone rejected because I would feel so bad for them. At the school I played soccer with the kids but I had trouble because these kids are really good. I was sad when I had to leave the Cochoy house and Guatemala. I felt so much love and joy on this trip. It was great having my friends from St. Raymond's with me. I really hope that I can go back someday.
-Bryan Turner |
My impression of the project was that it is a safe and helpful way to donate money for the families and give them food, clothing and an education. The Guatemalan people we met were no different than the people back home. They are kind, caring, helpful and smart. I looked at them as just other people and not as Guatemalans.The kids were funny and and great to be with. The adults took care of us, made us good food and cared for us like we were family. They are committed to the church. The trip was great! We did everything together and I really liked it.
- Michael Sandarr |
How does one encounter God? Well there are many ways. As for me I encountered God through His people. On the night of our third day in Guatemala we read an article during prayer time that asked if we considered the people we met as Guatemalans or as people just like us. The question really hit me knowing that all the people we were meeting, though from a different culture, have the same needs and values that we have back home. You hear it all the time that we are made in the image and likeness of God. Well I can tell you that I have witnessed this to the fullest. I felt a closeness with the people we met. Before coming down I dreamed about being surrounded by a group of children wanting a hug from me. As the week went by and the trip was coming to an end I didn't think that it would really happen. God however would not let me down.
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On Day 8 my dream became true. I couldn't believe it was real. We went to a school where the kids put on a show for us. After the show we went outside to the schoolyard where the kids wanted to run with me. When I got tired and fell to the ground the kids tumbled on top of me. I forced myself up and grabbed as many of the kids that I could. When it was time to go the kids followed us to the gate and I thought of my dream and how God had fulfilled it. I said "Thank you God". The moment felt so surreal. There was no doubt in my mind that God did this for me. They had touched my heart. I can definitely say that from my dream that had turned to reality, I had encountered God in His children. God has truly blessed me.
- Andrea Goodman (12th grade - Kellenberg H.S.)
- Andrea Goodman (12th grade - Kellenberg H.S.)
My impression of the trip was that it was just a fantastic experience like nothing I have experienced before. The people of Guatemala are truly amazing including my sponsored child, Guillermo. Seeing him was the highlight of the trip, including seeing him in tears when he met me. He gave me a gift of 2 pillows that he made in school. This project (Proyecto Don Bosco) does a fantastic job of helping kids in need. I hope that the project continues for many years and I also hope that I can return one day.
- Craig Wallace (12th grade - Kellenberg H.S.) |
The Mission trip to Guatemala was both the culmination and the beginning of a journey. The trip culminated my long procrastination in visiting Guatemala. Each fall when Deacon Rich sent out his email inviting people on the trip, I always found an excuse not to go...work, school, lack of money etc. This year, I finally said yes and I regard it as one of the better decisions that I have made. I experienced the amazing love, generosity and friendship of the Guatemalan people and the St. Raymond's family with whom I was fortunate to travel. I was also fortunate to begin a new journey with my Guatemalan family. I was able to spend time and get to know Osman, Jose and Alejandro, 3 children that I sponsor in the project.Two of the three do not have fathers and referred to me as "Papi". That gave me a joy that I cannot describe.
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The mission of Proyecto Don Bosco is to alleviate poverty and suffering through education of the girls and boys of Santa Lucia Utatlan, Guatemala. After witnessing this first hand, I can attest to the fine work that the project performs. My "sons",Jose, Osman and Alejandro now have a brighter future due to the work of the project. For that, I am very grateful.
-Sean Burpoe
-Sean Burpoe
We have asked those who went on the 2015 Mission Awareness trip to our Sister Parish in Guatemala to give their thoughts...
This trip was a reminder of my childhood growing up in a developing country where we found joy in the simple things of life and in the love of family around us. For the most part, the people of Guatemala that we met did not have a lot of material possessions but they have a lot of warmth and love in their homes and in their hearts. Meeting our sponsored child as well as the other children who benefit from the project captured my heart. They were so gracious and thankful for the little we give them and you feel the love and appreciation in return. It was a previlege to be part of this project to Guatemala. Thank you Father for all You have given us and for the gift of life and love.
-Sharon Bing
On the Guatemalan Mission Awareness trip, I saw what it is like to not have anything. My family sponsors 2 children in the project... Pedro (8) and Milton (6).When I first met Pedro, his family invited me into his home. They have a small kitchen and dining area and 1 bedroom. Pedro is probably one of the happiest kids I have met and yet he has so little. I did not get a chance to see Milton's home but judging from the ripped clothes that he was wearing, I could tell that he needed help. When I first met Milton he jumped into my arms and called me Padrino (Godfather). On my last day both of the boys came to see us and gave us gifts. Pedro's grandmother made my mom and me bags. She even made a pencil case for my bother who was not on this trip. Milton came late in the night with pictures of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I broke down and thought, "with so little how can he be so happy?" I know that God will take care of them no matter what. As one of my friends said after his trip, "I thought that we were here to help them but in reality they helped us."
-Dean Cooper
It is hard for me to sum up or put into words what my experience was like in Guatemala this summer. I can say that my heart was deeply touched and God truly blessed me by making this trip possible. From the moment we arrived at our host family's home, I began to experience and see and feel the meaning of true love and joy from people who although they spoke a different language, touched us from their heart. If I have to pick one highlight, it would be when my sponsored child, Lupita, showed up with her family at the Cochoy hone with hand sewn gifts with our names on them. (mine and my 2 sons, John and Michael). It was a deeply moving experience and it was very hard to say goodbye. I have no doubt, by the grace of God, that I will be going back to visit. I am grateful to our beloved parish for continuing to make these trips possible each summer.
-Alison Ferrara
I traveled by jet, by bus, and by foot to our Sister Parish in Guatemala to the tiny Mayan pueblo of Novillero not only because of the rave reviews I had constantly heard from many of my fellow parishioners who have made the trip before me, but because I wanted to encounter Christ in a way that just wouldn't be possible while distracted by the fast pace of life In New York. Before our departure, I had quoted St. Augustine when he wrote that "the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." It was with those words in mind that I woke myself before the break of dawn on a morning in mid-July and set out for JFK with not much more than an open heart and trusting soul. I could not have been better rewarded! Up in the western highlands of Guatemala, wedged between dormant volcanoes and pine-filled vales, where the great basin of Lake Atitlan harks to a foreign world before our present time, I breathed, I saw, and I witnessed firsthand the living gospel in all of its splendor. In the warm embraces of our Mayan brothers and sisters, through the legacy of the corporal works of mercy of Sister Immaculata Burke, SC and in memory of the martyred Father Stanley Rother, it was impossible not to feel Christ in our midst. And so, upon returning to the hum and drum of Long Island living, I join the ranks of those who made the trek before me and encourage anyone in our parish who has even the slightest curiosity in visiting our extended family in Guatemala to but ask yourself why you wouldn't want to experience the same spiritual rejuvenation.
-Michael Sloan
This trip helped me realize what is important in life. I went to Guatemala not expecting to sponsor a child. One night a girl and her family came to the home where we were staying to ask to join the project. After they left that night, I thought about how thankful her family was to just be in the program despite not being assigned a sponsor yet. I knew that I wanted to help and made my commitment to sponsor. A few days later I took my sponsored child, Veronica, on a day trip to Santiago Atitlan. We went on a boat ride across the lake. She had never been on a boat before. I got to take her to her first restaurant! Just to see the smile on her face that day was proof I did the right thing in deciding to sponsor her. I look forward to helping Veronica with her education and I hope to see her again soon.
-Rebecca Corwin
Most people work hard to move on to something better. We all have a definition of what makes us feel proud and complete and from what I gathered on my trip to Guatemala, the Cochoy family is only proud and complete when their neighbors are. This is the family that offered us their home when we were in Guatemala. There were many instances where they kept their door permanently open in more ways than one to others who gave them nothing in return. Instead of leaving their village behind they stayed and they made it better. They used their faith and brains to help others succeed. I can say when I am in a bad situation it is easier to leave than work hard to change it. The Cochoys were not too proud to ask for help and are lucky that St Raymond's Parish believed that they deserve just as much help as anyone. It is not easy to ask others for things or money. Their courage to ask and the courage of those who have visited them to ask and our trust to give has allowed me to take this trip to see how grateful this community of talented individuals are for all the contributions that have been made...and we had a lot of fun too!
-Theresa Barcia
The 2015 Mission Awareness Trip to Guatemala EXCEEDED my educational, cultural and spiritual expectations! Our host family - the Cochoy Family - could not have been more welcoming. Residing with these folks for ten days allowed us the unique opportunity to participate in their daily lives and observe cultural nuances that no hotel stay could ever duplicate. I will always remember the hikes leading to breathtaking and peaceful views, soaking in the hot springs and wandering through the colorful artisan markets. I will never forget visiting the Seminary or sitting in the local church for Mass. However, when I reminisce about the trip it will be the Guatemalan people I think about the most. I was humbled by all of them - the mother whose house we visited unannounced, the children and teachers in the local school as well as those who shared how their lives have been positively impacted as the result of the St. Raymond's project. Travel certainly makes one modest - you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world!
P.S. To my fellow travelers - I could not have asked for a more congenial group of people to share this experience with. Every single one of you is amazing. I am grateful for all the laughs and enjoyed your company tremendously.
-Sandra Gettenberg
I first started going to Guatemala when I was in high school. Now, almost in my thirties, I made the trip with my fiancée Rebecca. I have been to Guatemala several times in the past 13 years and so many people have commented on how difficult it is to explain the trip to friends and family back home. I have been fortunate enough to go on this trip with my mother, brother and two of my cousins in the past. Now, sharing this trip with Rebecca, I feel that she knows all there is to know about me as we prepare to be married. The people of our Sister Parish are incredibly important in my life. Getting to know them and the children that my family has sponsored through the project has helped shape who I am as a person. And while it may be hard for us to explain this experience to everyone back home, I also know that many members of St. Raymond's Parish have those unexplainable moments of gratitude from their own stewardship. I know that my mother was also on the receiving end of that generosity and compassion after Super Storm Sandy destroyed much of her home. If you have yet to experience what it is like to work with one of these charitable projects I encourage you to become involved with Project Don Bosco, or the many other social projects in and around St. Raymond's. It is one of the most rewarding ways to truly experience God's love.
-Daniel Rivenburgh
At first I didn't want to go on this trip but I am glad that I did because I learned a lot about life in Guatemala. I liked meeting our sponsored children Lupita and Yovanni. I learned how hard it is to live the way they do and make a living. I am thankful to the Cochoy family for letting us stay in their home and for them doing so much for us. We did many fun things like going to the markets and zip-lining. This trip was great for me.
-Michael Ferrara
Writing about our recent Mission Trip is much more difficult than you might imagine. Now, what did I come away with from the trip? The friendliness and the brotherhood of my brothers and sisters of both Guatemala and St Raymond Parish. They all shared their life experiences and became a part of my extended family. Our host family, the Cochoys and their friends could not have been nicer.- especially Tomasa Cochoy who answered my early morning requests for "cafe...por favor". My daughter , Theresa, who accompanied me, is a really great person who translated my poor Rosetta Stone Spanish. The Priests, Sisters and Religious Brothers I met were among the happiest people in Guatemala. Our material donations are wisely distributed and are changing lives for the better. Deacon Rich and Adrian Cochoy (our project director) are terrific financial managers. The kids we saw are no different than the kids up here. They love recess at school, love to laugh and love attention. If you've wondered about being part of PROJECTO DON BOSCO give me 5 minutes (those of you who know me might question - only 5 minutes?) Finally, if you ever saw the Muppets take Manhattan, you may remember the restaurant owner, Pete, and his short musings on life. To sum it up he states, "peoples is peoples". You know he is right.
-Anthony Barcia
There is not enough room in this entire bulletin for me to tell you about all the joy, love and beauty that I experienced during my trip to Guatemala. I'd love to tell you all about it, so when you see me, please ask.
- Ask me about Kimberly, the little girl with the bright eyes and infectious laugh who grabbed our hearts the day we arrived.
- Ask me about the Cochoys (our host family) whose warmth and love made their house our home.
- Ask me about Sister Maria from N.Y. who has been living in Guatemala for over 30 years and just radiates joy for the people she serves.
- Ask me about Lake Atitlan and the many angles from which we saw the beauty of the countryside.
- Ask me about Deacon Rich (Diacono Ricardo), who seemed to know half of the people we came across and who like Sister Maria is filled with joy and the spirit of Guatemala, his second home.
- Ask me about the rooster, our light night dance party, our walk through the rain forest, and Michalene Cooper's Spanish!
- Ask me about the children you sponsor whose lives are made better because of your support.
There is so much more I'd like to tell you about, so come by and I'll share it with you over a bowl of mosh and a cup of chocolate caliente! I'll tell you about Jesus, who I got to know much better through the joy, love and beauty of the people of Guatemala and Project Don Bosco.
-Jean Chojnacki
This trip has done so many things for me. It has truly opened my eyes to see the best in everything and everyone around me. By spending time with the people and observing the surroundings, the trip has put my life into perspective and made me realize that things could be much worse. If I could sum up the trip in 2 words they would be love and kindness. Both of these emotions were present throughout the entire trip and they are unfortunately lacking at times in our society. I think it is very difficult to take strangers into your home and show them so much compassion and love. The Cochoy Family could not have been more kind towards us through the food they served and the beds they provided us with. The people for the most part walk everywhere and some of the homes consist of one room with no beds. This sounds horrible but despite this they were always so happy. That the people can stay so joyful while having so little stood out to me. It truly contradicts our lifestyle because even though we have so much, we often find a way to complain. When we gave each child at the school one pencil, they were so thankful. I can not really explain the love that we felt in Guatemala because it something you have to experience yourself. It is so spiritually enriching to sponsor a child in the project. I highly recommend it because of the satisfaction you feel in knowing that a little child is being provided for. It only costs $20/month to change a child's life. The Guatemalans simple and loving way of life is something that I hope to bring home with me. If you want to find God and increase your faith, this trip might be for you. God is constantly at work down there , and if you look close enough, I assure you that He can be found.
-John Ferrara
The trip down to Guatemala was definitely different than my previous trip in 2012. Being the only teenage girl with four high school boys who were a little younger than me was nerve wracking! We soon got to know one another and became a family with our brothers and sisters in Guatemala. The days were long but the week went fast! The 10 days we spent together is something I will never forget. This journey made me realize how blessed I am. I am thankful for a loving family, food to eat, and a roof over my head. After seeing one young boy's house, which is a small room with a stove, I was touched; a kid is a kid no matter what the living conditions. It is mind-blowing how the children there can be so happy with so little. Because of this trip, I want to try to make a difference in my life because of how much I am blessed with. This may be hard to believe but I will miss the dogs barking at night and the rooster crowing early in the morning. I will miss the beautiful waterfalls and the joy of the Guatemalans. Project Don Bosco is changing the lives of 200+ kids in Guatemala but it has also changed mine!
-Megan Doyle
Meeting and living among our sponsored children and the people of Guatemala was a rich and spiritually rewarding experience. Our Lord said "Let the children come to me...do not hinder them...for such belongs to the Kingdom of God." This trip served to prove if you want to see the Face of Jesus, simply look into the eyes of an innocent child. If more people around the world could meet one another, rich and poor, misconceptions and prejudice would fade quickly.
- Paul Eversman