Q&A with CHOICE Expedition Member Penny Tygesen

Penny Tygesen from our Sandy, Utah, store is another member of the DownEast team that recently traveled to the remote Seococ Chulac village in Guatemala with CHOICE Humanitarian. We talked to Penny about her experiences on the trip and the lasting impression it made on her.

 

Was this your first trip out of the United States?

This was not my first time out of the States, as I’ve also been to Europe. But this trip was by far the most memorable for me!

 

What inspired you to take part in this year’s CHOICE expedition?

I’d heard such moving stories from other members of the DownEast team who’d gone, and wanted to share that experience. I was actually the recipient of a “scholarship” from DownEast that paid my trip expenses. I was selected by writing an essay.

 

What did the CHOICE expedition mean to you personally?

Giving HOPE to the villagers for a better way of life meant so much to me. The new classrooms and family gardens will have a great impact moving forward.

 

What was your favorite part of the trip?

I so enjoyed my time with the wonderful village children. They would be waiting for me each day to bring out the coloring books and bubbles! We had a great time!

Thanks, Penny! Visit the CHOICE Humanitarian website for more information on its work in developing countries and ways that you can get involved.