Rebecca is originally from Phoenix, Arizona but lived and worked in Eugene, Oregon prior to traveling to Guatemala.
Rebecca completed her BA in Anthropology and Political Science at the University of Oregon.
Rebecca's interest in indigenous cultures ignited in college, and was reinforced during her work as an archaeological
technician for the Kalamath Confederated Tribes training project in Southern Oregon. During the month-long
project, she helped train Native Americans in archaoelogical methods so they would have the ability to conduct their
own excavation of artifacts and launch their own museum. Rebecca is passionate about helping indigenous people reclaim
their land and provide them with the opportunities to find solutions to their own unique problems.
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Rebecca says of working with LWH:
"I wanted to work with Long Way Home because they are a very grassroots organization with a big picture idea
which they are attempting to accomplish in small steps. And because the people involved had decided to
become a real part of the community. That has been my dream."
She hopes to remain in Comalapa until the school is completed and students are enrolled. She is also looking forward to the
gradual ownership of the school by the community.
Rebecca says about her job:
"My job as Volunteer Coordinator is important because volunteers are the legs on which LWH stands. The only
way we can utilize them and their passions is to place them in projects that suit their skills and interests.
In my work, I have always relied on the person who gave me the big picture and I am happy to give this to other people."
Rebecca finds that it takes a long time to accomplish tasks in Guatemala and there is less emphasis on "instant gratification."
Rebecca admires the closeness of the family unit and the community. She misses warm showers and now truly appreciates the
excellent U.S. water distribution system.
Rebecca sees a class divide in Guatemala which gives the elite many opportunities and removes them farther from the Guatemalan
culture. She believes that LWH's educational opportunities and increased local employment options will expand the middle
class and help local communities protect the indigenous culture.