Across the world this summer, the Neenan brothers, Connor and Daniel could be found building coops and roofs under the hot Guatemalan sun. While the work they did was physically demanding, the people who helped brought just as much of an impact on the brothers as they had on the community.

The family volunteered through St. Thomas More church for the mission trip, which is open to anyone to sign up. They traveled together the first week of June to give up their time in a variety of ways, from religious devotion time to constructing projects. 

“We did physical and spiritual help,” sophomore Daniel Neenan said. “We prayed and visited the sick, gave them gifts, and built chicken coops and roofs.” 

With only six volunteers per project, it took two hours to complete each structure. During their spare time on the trip, they also entertained the children of the community.

“My favorite part was while we were building a coop,” Neenan said. “I brought a soccer ball and played soccer with a little five-year-old.”

 Over the duration of the trip, the Neenans experienced gratitude as they gained a new perspective on the things overlooked at home versus other parts of the world. 

“One thing that struck me is that everyone there was super nice and happy,” senior Connor Neenan said. “The situations that they were in make you think to be more grateful for the situation that we’re in here.”

Connor was not the only brother who recognized his privilege within the states. Daniel expressed his attitude toward the trip and his change of perspective as well.

“They don’t have anything, but they’re always happy,” Daniel said. “It made me grateful and happy for what I have.”

Making a difference for impoverished people exposed the brothers to harsh everyday realities in another country. Despite the challenges, they both wish to join the mission group again.

“I’m planning on going back next summer with my brother again,” Connor said. “I now walk around with a happier disposition and not looking for the negative but positive things.”