Aaron Colvin, 24 years old, Long Way Home Assistant Construction Manager

Aaron is a member of the original "Long Way Hombres" and participated in the maiden voyage from Ashland, Oregon to Comalapa in 2005. He interrupted his studies at Southern Oregon University twice to heed the call to LWH. The first time was in 2005 when he sank one of the first shovels at Parqué Chimiyá, and again in 2007 when he helped to build the Parqué Chimiyá basketball court and community kitchen.

He received his BA in International Development from SOU in 2008 and the following month returned to Guatemala. He drove down in a donated cargo van packed with equipment for the fledgling firefighter bureau of Comalapa.

Sponsor Aaron! Donate Monthly - $25/month | $50/month or:

• Salary for one month - $143
• Health benefits for 1-year - $300

Aaron says about his decision to return to LWH after college:
"I feel I am a leader, I have a good role. An average 24 year-old would not have as good a job. I have a chance to work at my own pace and develop my own projects."

He became full-time staff in November 2009. His current wages are under $2,000 per year. As Assistant Construction Manager he supervises workers under the management of Adam Howland, Construction Manager. A normal day for Aaron begins at 6 am. His day is divided between administration and labor, working a 9-10 hour day.

Aaron says about the future of green building in Guatemala:
"Guatemalans are very ingenious people. With a little inspiration they can really take an idea and run with it. We have proven that already in the crew. Many are building with tires in their own homes. I see people stuffing bottles and collecting garbage."

Aaron has witnessed changes to Comalapa since 2005. He counts additional cell phones and tuc tucs (small taxis) as evidence of economic growth. He sees women in the market putting trash into bottles.