Liz Howland, 30 years old, Long Way Home Crew

Liz grew up in Pennsylvania where she attended Bryn Mawr College, graduating in 2002. Liz was in the Peace Corps from 2003 to 2005, and was stationed near Huehuetenango, Guatemala where she met her husband, Adam. Liz and Adam became involved with LWH at its inception in 2005. In December 2007, they packed their 1989 Ford F350 diesel truck with all their worldly possessions and made a permanent move to Comalapa. Liz plans to remain with LWH until the completion of the Tecnico Maya School.

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

• Salary for one month - $250
• Health benefits for 1-year - $500

Liz says about LWH's mission:
"I like the old saying 'Give a man a fish and he eats today, teach him to fish and he eats for the rest of his life.' When we were first here in 2005 with we were encouraged to 'do projects, do projects' but, largely due to lack of funds, we were forced to go slowly. Consequently we spent a lot of time observing, we didn't just do a project to do one. The projects have evolved in accordance with the community. They are now based on a combination of community need and our skills as a staff."

Today Liz lives on a piece of land adjacent to Parqué Chimiyá where she, Adam and the LWH crew have built a rammed-earth tire and earth-bag home. It serves as a prototype structure and supplies many construction lessons being applied to the Tecnico Maya School project.

Liz says about the Tecnico Maya School's contribution to the community:
"The Tecnico Maya School will provide a wider variety of opportunities. Many Guatemalans leave and go to the USA to send money back but as a result they are no longer part of their families and the community. Family is such a big thing here. With a more diverse curriculum people will have the opportunity to stay in their community. They can participate more fully in a better life and still be able to support their families."