June 2025 | San Martin Jilotepeque

On my third trip to Guatemala, I set out to expand the project’s impact by bringing eight peers from my school to join the work. With a much larger team, we were able to build 45 stoves—far exceeding what my partner and I could have accomplished alone in a week. The experience was deeply rewarding on multiple levels: not only did we make a greater tangible difference in the communities we served, but I also had the opportunity to share my knowledge, train others in the installation process, and pass on the sense of purpose and fulfillment that this work has given me. Watching my peers connect with the families, understand the importance of the stoves, and take pride in their contributions made me feel proud to have sparked that passion in others.