Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) recently sent its third and final team of the year to serve in Guatemala, marking our 11th mission alongside Asociación Pozos Agua Viva (ASOCAVIVA) to support their mission of providing safe drinking water to remote communities.
After days of dedicated work, our team successfully drilled a well, and water began to flow – creating a reliable source of clean water and a stronger future for the community.
Just as impactful were the connections made along the way. Our team was welcomed with remarkable warmth and hospitality, sharing meals, laughter and time together. These moments of fellowship proved just as impactful as the work itself, transforming everyday interactions into lasting memories and reflecting a community rich in kindness and resilience.
The March 2026 team included Stephanie Bright, George Heubach, Kim Lewis, Richard Simonton, Scott Stannard, Joshua Stokely, Robbie Strom and Indya Wright.
Stephanie Bright | Greenville, SC
“I had been looking forward to and preparing for this trip to Guatemala for months and, even then, nothing could have prepared me for how I would be impacted.
After the week there, I left deeply moved by the heart of service and hospitality demonstrated to us from the people in the Buenos Aires community. The women, men and children in that community are the epitome of joy – their happiness does not depend on circumstances or their environment. It was clear by their attitude and their ready smile that their joy was from within and came from the Lord.
While it was our intent to serve them, in turn, they served us so very well. I was thankful for the ladies in the community who opened their homes to us, total strangers, and brought their days to a complete stop while we were visiting with them. The ladies of the church prepared meals for us throughout the day and made certain that we were well taken care of. In everything they did for us, they were generous and gracious hosts giving their best.
Truly the highlight of my trip was the time spent with the children. They were eager to meet us every day, spend time with us at school, attend the afternoon sessions, listen closely to all the lessons and play games with us. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to go on this missions trip to Guatemala and serve alongside an incredible group from GMC. Forever I will cherish the memories of this trip and the opportunity I had to serve this special community in Guatemala.
Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”
George Heubach | Mobile, AL
“The civic-minded nature of our company is one of the key items that I was looking for when I was considering coming to GMC. We have contributed to our communities across our footprint and I’ve long wanted to participate in this Guatemala mission. I threw my name in the hat before they even asked, and was not disappointed. The ASOCAVIVA team and our GMC team really stepped up and tackled everything that was thrown at them.
The Buenos Aires community and Nueva Vida Church welcomed us with open arms. The church ladies served us delicious meals, and they all deserve a mucho gracias. I did try, though my Southern drawl prevented most of my attempts at Spanish.
The Bible has many passages that teach us that helping a brother in need is a reflection of Christ’s love. One of which is Galatians 6:2 and it translates as “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” That passage begins to sum up our mission. It was a sight to see everyone perform as an orchestra, even when communication at times wasn’t possible.
The upper 90 degree heat turned into a memory once the water started flowing and the children and adults began playing in the runoff. What a sight that was to see! Yes, we brought fresh water, but they will reap more from this than just fresh drinking water. It will stimulate this village in other ways that they don’t even realize yet. They were quick to send praises for what it has done for them.
I will not forget my time there and may God continue to bless these communities, ASOCAVIVA and GMC. I wish we could have done more! If you have considered participation in this mission, if you want to do some deep soul searching and also help provide a community with a basic human need, I implore that you sign up for one of these trips.”
Kim Lewis | Atlanta, GA
“Being a part of this incredible team was truly a life-changing experience. The partnership between ASOCAVIVA and GMC feels like a perfect fit, bringing together passionate people with a shared purpose. I approached this journey with an open heart, but I never could have anticipated just how deeply it would touch me. The women and children in the village radiated warmth and kindness, welcoming us into their lives with open arms. From the laughter we shared while learning to make tortillas together, to the pure joy of playing in the fresh water with the children, every moment was filled with genuine connection and happiness.
My time in the village is something I will cherish for many years to come. The memories, the friendships, and the lessons learned have left a lasting impression on my heart. This was an opportunity not only to make a difference in the lives of others, but also to experience personal growth and create memories that will stay with me forever.”
Richard Simonton | Birmingham, AL
“Drilling a well with all the people from GMC, Asocaviva, and the village of Buenos Aires was one of the most profound experiences I have had.”
Scott Stannard | Lutz, FL
“Like any new situation there is some fear of the unknown, what will we encounter? But what we found is an incredible group of people dedicated to helping making the lives better for the village. Seeing the water come on for the first time and watching the kids playing in the water, really drove home the point that this well will truly make a difference in the lives of the people of that village. So humbling to be a part of.”
Joshua Stokely | Nashville, TN
“I’m grateful for the chance to take this trip. I met some truly wonderful people and experienced things I won’t forget. The people and the country of Guatemala will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Robbie Strom | Mobile, AL
“What a humbling experience! Everyone said that this trip would truly change your life, and if I am being completely honest, I’m not sure how much of that I truly believed at the time. However, since I have been back, I have been able to reflect on how incredibly rewarding and fulfilling this trip really was.
The work in the village was physically demanding but also emotionally strenuous. There were both times of overwhelming joy and contentment but also times when I struggled just to hold it together. The people of Buenos Aires welcomed us to their village with an unwavering sense of kindness and graciousness. I was deeply touched by their rich faith, their continuous gratitude, and their genuine thankfulness. Despite having so little in comparison to what we are accustomed to, they carried themselves with joy and contentment that felt both inspiring and, at times, convicting. They are guided by their faith, which is not just something that they believe, it’s what they live by.
The Asocaviva team is made up of some of the most fantastic people that I have ever met. Their passion and selfless dedication to serve others left a lasting impression on me. The relationships that I made with this group of people, along with my GMC teammates will be everlasting. It was both a privilege and an honor to represent GMC on such a memorable mission. It truly was an experience of a lifetime and I am forever grateful.”
Indya Wright | Montgomery, AL
“I have so many thoughts to share that I’m not even sure I can express them all. This trip was truly life-changing and not just for the communities being served, but for those of us there to serve.
Being in Group 3, I had the benefit of some insight from previous groups, but I quickly realized that every mission is a unique, personal experience. No amount of preparation can truly explain the feelings, dedication, and love shared on the ground. They say you go on a mission trip to change lives, but I’m the one who was changed.
I went into this experience expecting to be a ‘teacher’ to help provide a village with clean water and teach hygiene techniques and maybe some English to mothers and children. I didn’t realize I would leave having been taught so much more. For my first mission trip, I had the honor of joining the GMC and ASOCAVIVA teams to help drill a sustainable water well. Beyond the technical work, it was the people who left an imprint on my soul. I am overwhelmed by the radical hospitality of this community; they opened their homes and their hearts to us completely. I came hoping to bring water and supplies, but I left with a heart, (and belly!) full because of them. Those children officially have my heart; I wish I could have brought them all home with me.
I feel extremely blessed to have had this opportunity and am so proud of what we built together. To Jaime, Karla, Rudy, Suleimy, and Barbado – thank you for being my family this week and for showing me what a true heart of service looks like. Your leadership and dedication to these communities is truly inspiring.
In scripture, Proverbs 11:25 tells us, ‘A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.’ I certainly found that to be true in trying to refresh this community with water, my own spirit was refreshed beyond measure. Hebrews 6:10 also reminds us: ‘God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown His people.’ I pray that the Lord continues to bless the water, the land, these communities, and every helping hand that makes each mission possible. I’ve come home with a full heart and a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace.
To God be the Glory, Amen!”
