Youth Spotlight: Global Fellows Honduras Trip

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT: Global Fellows

Water1st Global Fellows traveled to Honduras with us to learn about the global water crisis and sustainable solutions. The 14 high school students were selected to participate in a global development experience in our project communities.

Global Fellows Carolyn Davis, Colson Struss, and Lake Barrett share their reflections from the trip below.

Walking for Water in Puebla, Honduras

COLSON: We walked down a steep, rocky path that led to the water source. I had known the water would be dirty, but didn’t expect it to be brown and opaque. There were small children walking for water too, carrying large soda bottles full of water. The water we carried back was heavy, and we weren’t even carrying as much as they were. The water we collectively carried was only half of what one person needed for a day.

CAROLYN: I learned how different daily life is for the women in Honduras. Walking with them helped me begin to better understand their lives, but I could never truly know what it feels like having to carry water three times a day.

After we carried water, I met a woman who told me she was grateful that I was sacrificing so much to be there in Honduras, which surprised me. I was grateful they let us join them and anything I missed at home was nothing compared to the unique experience I had. I did my best to express how I was the one who was grateful to be there with her and her community.

Water Project Work Day in San Jose Centro, Honduras

CAROLYN: All the work involved is a huge feat. The work that community members are willing to do in addition to their daily jobs, with nothing but the idea of the end goal to encourage them, is extremely impressive and deserving of praise.

COLSON: The work day was difficult. We carried pipes, then buried other ones. We were almost to the end of the process, and I could see some of community members looking like they felt proud of the work, especially when we were at the top where the water pump was going to turn on later that day.

Water Inauguration/Ribbon Cutting Celebrations

CAROLYN: I was grateful to be a part of the celebrations. It helped me understand how much time and energy was put into the projects. I enjoyed how they celebrated with fireworks, plays, and poems. So many people came in person with their families. I loved how the inaugurations focused on giving thanks to those who contributed and celebrating what the community members achieved together.

COLSON: It surprised me how much we were honored at the ceremonies. They mentioned the youth specifically several times, and how hopeful we made them.

LAKE: I felt very honored and proud to be a part of Water1st. The part that made an impression for me was at the end of every celebration a woman from the community would break a “cantaro” (a pottery vase used to carry water) to symbolize the fact that they won’t be needed anymore.

New Perspectives

CAROLYN: I want to encourage people in my community to have a deeper understanding of the state of our world. I think it’s important not to get too caught up in daily life and instead be intentional about who you impact and your role. Being a part of an organization is more than just fundraising. That money goes to amazing communities that deserve so much more than walking every day for unsafe water. I will never take not just water but all resources I use in daily life for granted again.

LAKE: At one of the gatherings, a girl from the local community sang for us. After, she explained how Water1st allowed her to pursue her passion, because now that she doesn’t have to walk for water anymore, she can focus more on music. Ever since I came back, I have been so much more grateful for the little things that I have. I want less and try to give a little more now.

Join us for Carry5 Walk for Water led by our Global Youth Board!

Global Fellows and Youth Board Members lead the Carry5 Walk event and fundraising effort as part their board member responsibilities. We are honored to be working alongside so many compassionate and motivated advocates. .

TRAVEL WITH US

Kenya, June 10–18
Visit our newest project communities and learn about our groundbreaking work as the first organization to deliver piped water to homes and schools in rural Kenya.

CARRY5 WALK FOR WATER

May 7 | Seattle Center & Worldwide
May 21 | Portland
Carry water in solidarity + transform lives with clean water.

HONDURAS PROGRAM UPDATE + Q&A

April 20 | Zoom
With Water1st Executive Director Marla Smith-Nilson.

Youth Spotlight: Global Fellows Honduras Trip