Restaurando Sonrisas, Guatemala
In August 2017, my wife and I took a trip to Guatemala. We knew of family members volunteering with a small organization that provided food and a safe haven for some at-risk children located in one of the poorest corners of the city. On our first visit we brought groceries with us and we wanted to take a few photos of our experience to have some memories for our trip back to home. We sat down to share lunch with all the kids. We listened to the kids’ individual stories, we heard from the people who volunteer their time and talent to keep this place running everyday. After lunch as the rain was pouring, we noticed how this place lit up with so much joy and laughter as all the kids began to play in the rain. After our experience that day, we fell compelled to create visuals that could be used to bring awareness and inspire people to get involved.
We came back a week later and filmed a video. There were a few challenges and we had to improvise since we did not have the equipment needed such as tripod, microphone, or lights. The end result was a two minute video where we highlight the story and history of a small place doing big things.
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in"
— Matthew 25:35
We came back home and shared the video with friends, relatives, and church communities. We raised $2,000 and sent it over with that money helped cover legal fees for the organization to be registered and acknowledged legally in Guatemala. With this new status they have been able to receive donations from multiple organizations throughout the city. While our work with them has just begun.
