Guatemala Mission Trip - Arborbrook Christian Academy
Source: http://arborbrook.org/student-life/guatemala-mission-trip
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:18
Guatemala Mission Trip - Arborbrook Christian Academy
Guatemala Mission Trip
Spring 2026 Trip Recap
Each year, a select group of 10th–12th grade students has the opportunity to travel to Guatemala in partnership with Catalyst Resources International (CRI). This annual trip has become a meaningful tradition that invites students to step outside their comfort zones, serve others, and experience God’s work in a different part of the world. This past winter, our travels took us back to Guatemala City and the village of Santa María de Jesús, near Antigua. Our group of 32 — 24 students and 8 adult chaperones — was excited to return to a community that has become so special to us over the years. Together, we built three homes and three stoves, bringing our total to 15 homes in this neighborhood. It’s always incredible to see how these projects meet real needs, but just as important are the relationships that continue to grow each time we come back.
Our students really stepped up in so many ways throughout the week. They led VBS for local children with so much energy and heart—through songs, skits, crafts, and simply spending time together. One evening, they also led us in a sweet and intimate time of worship that gave everyone a chance to pause and reflect on what God was doing during the trip.
One of the most unique parts of the week was being invited into the homes of three local families to cook together. We learned how to make Pepián, a traditional Guatemalan dish, and shared a meal around the table. Those moments gave us a deeper appreciation for the people, culture, and language of the community—especially as we followed all of our cooking instructions in Spanish!
Throughout the week, we spent time serving at Mimi’s House, caring for some of the youngest and most vulnerable orphaned children. A highlight for everyone was the opportunity to take the kids on a day trip to the zoo—a rare and joyful outing for them. Watching their excitement and simply being a part of that experience was something our team won’t forget anytime soon. Each night, our students were able to help feed dinner to these sweet children and bring some added help to the nannies as they prepared the kids for bedtime.
Our group also had the opportunity to pack meals for families in need. It was a simple but powerful reminder that small acts, done together, can make a real difference.
Throughout the week, we kept coming back to Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” That idea shaped the way we approached each day—whether we were building, playing with kids, cooking, or just showing up with open hearts.
We’re so thankful for the support and encouragement that made this trip possible. It’s hard to put into words all that this week meant, but we know we’ve come home changed—in the best way—and grateful for the chance to be part of what God is doing in Guatemala.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing team who journeyed to Guatemala and served so faithfully:
Students
: Anders Hedenborg, Ashton Godley, AT Simon, Callie Godley, Case Van Wingerdan, Chase Preston, Chloe Cipcic, Diego Tineo, Ella Preston, Elsie Roberts, Ezra Briles, Hannah Surprenant, Katherine Lindsay, Katie Moore, Makaila Whitaker, Naomi Quaranta, Penelope Maddalone, Ruth Carey, Ruth Hilton, Rylee Schindler, Simone Quaranta, Sophia Nelson, Taylor Knight, Will Alderman
Chaperones
: Amy Godley, Andrew Reinkin, Chris Schindler, Heather Quaranta, Joe Poats, Kelley Alderman, Marc Surprenant, Stacie McIntosh
Our 2026-2027 trip is already in the works. Look for more details in early September.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,
rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,
and overflowing with thankfulness…
the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world.”
~ Colossians 2:6-7 and 3:6
Click here to learn more about our partner, Catalyst Resources International
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Guatemala Mission Trip
Spring 2026 Trip Recap
Each year, a select group of 10th–12th grade students has the opportunity to travel to Guatemala in partnership with Catalyst Resources International (CRI). This annual trip has become a meaningful tradition that invites students to step outside their comfort zones, serve others, and experience God’s work in a different part of the world. This past winter, our travels took us back to Guatemala City and the village of Santa María de Jesús, near Antigua. Our group of 32 — 24 students and 8 adult chaperones — was excited to return to a community that has become so special to us over the years. Together, we built three homes and three stoves, bringing our total to 15 homes in this neighborhood. It’s always incredible to see how these projects meet real needs, but just as important are the relationships that continue to grow each time we come back.
Our students really stepped up in so many ways throughout the week. They led VBS for local children with so much energy and heart—through songs, skits, crafts, and simply spending time together. One evening, they also led us in a sweet and intimate time of worship that gave everyone a chance to pause and reflect on what God was doing during the trip.
One of the most unique parts of the week was being invited into the homes of three local families to cook together. We learned how to make Pepián, a traditional Guatemalan dish, and shared a meal around the table. Those moments gave us a deeper appreciation for the people, culture, and language of the community—especially as we followed all of our cooking instructions in Spanish!
Throughout the week, we spent time serving at Mimi’s House, caring for some of the youngest and most vulnerable orphaned children. A highlight for everyone was the opportunity to take the kids on a day trip to the zoo—a rare and joyful outing for them. Watching their excitement and simply being a part of that experience was something our team won’t forget anytime soon. Each night, our students were able to help feed dinner to these sweet children and bring some added help to the nannies as they prepared the kids for bedtime.
Our group also had the opportunity to pack meals for families in need. It was a simple but powerful reminder that small acts, done together, can make a real difference.
Throughout the week, we kept coming back to Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” That idea shaped the way we approached each day—whether we were building, playing with kids, cooking, or just showing up with open hearts.
We’re so thankful for the support and encouragement that made this trip possible. It’s hard to put into words all that this week meant, but we know we’ve come home changed—in the best way—and grateful for the chance to be part of what God is doing in Guatemala.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing team who journeyed to Guatemala and served so faithfully:
Students
: Anders Hedenborg, Ashton Godley, AT Simon, Callie Godley, Case Van Wingerdan, Chase Preston, Chloe Cipcic, Diego Tineo, Ella Preston, Elsie Roberts, Ezra Briles, Hannah Surprenant, Katherine Lindsay, Katie Moore, Makaila Whitaker, Naomi Quaranta, Penelope Maddalone, Ruth Carey, Ruth Hilton, Rylee Schindler, Simone Quaranta, Sophia Nelson, Taylor Knight, Will Alderman
Chaperones
: Amy Godley, Andrew Reinkin, Chris Schindler, Heather Quaranta, Joe Poats, Kelley Alderman, Marc Surprenant, Stacie McIntosh
Our 2026-2027 trip is already in the works. Look for more details in early September.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,
rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,
and overflowing with thankfulness…
the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world.”
~ Colossians 2:6-7 and 3:6
Click here to learn more about our partner, Catalyst Resources International
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