James Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank, said recently, "I believe that today poverty is not central on the global agenda. I believe that today lip service is given to the question of poverty. There are safe statements made…about the issue of the Millennium [Development] Goals and about poverty. But the real issues today that seem to be on the mind of the world, terrorism, Iraq, Afghanistan, budget deficits, parochial problems, the visible problems that must be dealt with that are immediate, while attention is given less to the equally inevitable and the equally dangerous problems that come with poverty. And so I think all of us have to go out with a certain missionary zeal to try and remind people that poverty is the real challenge for peace and that we need to give it priority."

In April 2004, Mir Pace conducted its first IHSM program in Tamahú, Guatemala. We were a small group, but certainly one giving far more than lip service! For one young volunteer, her mission began even before she left Boston. Lexa Keenan, a freshman at Sharon High School, in Sharon, MA, was so filled with what Wolfensohn terms "missionary zeal," that she shared with all she met that she would be traveling to Guatemala in order to serve the poor of Tamahú. She appealed to her Church and community for donations of shoes and she received a tremendous outpouring of donations and support. Lexa collected more than 500 pairs of new or gently worn shoes, including over 150 pairs donated by Reebok!

While in Tamahú, we were brought to the base of one of the mountains where many families had gathered in the hopes of receiving new shoes. After two or three families passed through our distribution area, the line suddenly stopped. We looked at one another, confused and unsure of what had halted our distribution.  At last, a family came  forward, each with dripping  wet feet.    We  were

then told that the people were washing one another's feet at a small ground water well! It was explained that they were deeply embarrassed to remove their existing, worn out and tattered shoes (if they had shoes at all), in order to try on new shoes, because their feet were caked in dirt and mud. We realized that in spite of extreme poverty, the people of Tamahú humbly maintain respect for themselves and for one another. This simple act of humility left a deep impression on all of us.

During the week, our IHSM volunteers also replaced a dirt floor with one of cement, served meals to elderly men and women at a day shelter, learned to make Tamales (a local favorite), introduced soap to families living high in the mountains, and visited an abandoned building that we hope will one day be Tamahú's medical infirmary.

Our young volunteers returned home with a new awareness and understanding of poverty. One volunteer expressed that "this experience helped me to realize the effects of poverty, and I want to continue this type of work." Another said she was "deeply moved by being given food from people who were too hungry, in learning how many women die in childbirth, and how hard young children work!"

Shortly after our return, we received the following message from Marta, a native of Tamahú who runs the elderly day shelter:  "We are so thankful that you took time out of school and work schedules to be with us here in Tamahú. The girls were so generous, kind, and are good workers. We are grateful that you have [choose] to come here, and your visit left our people with hope. Already you are all missed and we wait for your return!"

Our heartfelt thanks to Mary, Lexa, and Katie for your "missionary zeal" and for being the change we wish to see in the world!