Introduction:

Our family’s connection to Guatemala began years ago through my grandparents and an orphanage they cared deeply about. Christmas was Consuelo’s favorite holiday, and her love for giving inspired us to honor her legacy by sharing the joy of the season with others. What started as a simple idea to bring smiles to children has become a meaningful tradition for our family.

This past holiday season, three members of the Consuelo Foundation, Gerri, Sienna, and Andrea, traveled to Guatemala to deliver Christmas gifts to the children at El Amor de Patricia orphanage ranging in age from 1 to 22. This was the Consuelo Foundation’s second year visiting the orphanage, with a different group of members joining the trip this time. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the funds raised this year, we were able to spread holiday cheer to 30 children and young adults.

Christmas at El Amor de Patricia:

We arrived in Guatemala two days before our visit to ensure we had plenty of time to shop for and wrap all the gifts. Each gift was chosen with thought and care, wrapped individually for each person. On Saturday, December 20th, we headed to El Amor de Patricia. They welcomed us with a banner and, all at once, shouted “¡Bienvenidos!” We began with a prayer, and then shared a favorite family tradition. Every Christmas Eve, my grandmother would have all of her grandchildren chant “los regalos, los regalos, los regalos…” before we were allowed to open presents. The children quickly joined in, filling the room with excitement, and that’s when we began handing out the gifts. After opening and setting up their presents, we spent the afternoon playing with toys, running around the playground, and getting creative with arts and crafts. We painted Christmas ornaments, colored and they showed off their artistic skills. It was a wonderful day filled with laughter, creativity, and lots of fun.

Reflections:

“My purpose in Guatemala was to serve, to give to children in need in my mother’s name. But what that mission gave me was something I never expected. Somewhere between the children’s faces, the laughter, the humility and the love, I woke up. I realized my mother was not “gone.” She was fully alive, in me, in my nieces, in the work we were doing, and in every life she continues to touch through the people she shaped.”- Gerri Guma (Board Member) 

“Traveling to Guatemala with the Consuelo Foundation over the holidays was profoundly impactful for me. Being present with the children and giving in such a genuine way reminded me that some of the most meaningful work happens quietly, when the focus is entirely on others rather than outcomes or credit. What stayed with me most was how grounding the experience felt. There is a different kind of fulfillment that comes from giving simply because you want to, without expectation or recognition, and it reinforced for me the importance of leading with empathy in everything I do. It was incredibly moving to experience the warmth and joy that came from the experience.”–Sienna Aguiar (VP of Fundraising)

“This was my first time going on a mission trip, and I loved every step of it from start to finish. Being able to continue my grandmother’s legacy and visit the orphanage she first introduced to our family meant so much to me. Learning the children’s names, Christmas shopping for them, delivering their gifts and getting to know each person brought me so much joy and allowed me to truly practice generosity this holiday season. This year, we weren’t only bringing joy to children, but also to young adults in the community program. I felt incredibly blessed to share these moments with people of all ages, learning about their interests, having meaningful conversations, and connecting with young adults whose lives and experiences are different from my own. Being so warmly welcomed into their community, touring their home, and spending time in their space was special. It reminded me that they were giving us just as much happiness as we hoped to give them.”-Andrea Diaz-Guma (VP of Causes)

Conclusion:

This trip reminded us that generosity goes far beyond gifts. It’s about presence, connection, and showing up for one another. We are incredibly grateful to El Amor de Patricia for welcoming us so openly, and to everyone who supported this trip through their donations and prayers. We look forward to continuing this tradition and returning to Guatemala again soon!