Building Their Future Together

Your Legacy, Their Future

This month we’ve made exciting progress on our new clinic building, bringing us one step closer to increasing access to quality healthcare services for the communities we serve.

So far this year, visiting service teams from Chapel Hill UMC and Memorial Drive UMC have worked side-by-side with our local construction team. During their time in Guatemala, volunteers contributed in both hands-on and behind-the-scenes ways. These moments of collaboration extended beyond construction, as teams also shared time with our students and community, building connections that are just as important as the structure itself.

Since then, our local construction team has continued this work with great care and commitment. In recent weeks, they have advanced the installation of the roof while coordinating electrical, water, and air systems—ensuring that every detail supports a safe and sustainable space for future patients.

At the same time, improvements to drainage and sanitation systems continue to strengthen the clinic’s infrastructure for the long term. With these elements in place and after completing quality checks and adjustments, the team reached an important milestone with the casting of the roof slab.

Each step forward reflects partnership, the heart of Salud y Paz’s mission. What began as Dr. Phillip Plunk’s vision continues today through the shared efforts of local staff, visiting teams, and community members working together toward a common goal.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, skills, and support. Together, we are not only building a clinic—we are expanding access to care, strengthening communities, and investing in a healthier future for generations to come.

Responding to Community Needs

Our programs are guided by the voices of the communities we serve. Through ongoing conversations and engagement, access to vision care has emerged as a critical need in the areas where we work—one that impacts education, work, and daily life.

In partnership with service teams Fort Smith FUMC, Hands of Healing and All In Guatemala, Salud y Paz was able to respond to this need, providing vision care to more than 300 patients in the rural Mayan Highlands this quarter.

In addition to reading glasses and sunglasses – essential for productivity, literacy and UV protection – the Hands of Healing vision team brought specialized equipment to offer comprehensive eye exams and prescription lenses. For many, this was the first time receiving a complete vision screening or corrective lenses.

The impact of vision care is immediate and life-changing. Children can fully engage in their education, adults can work safely and provide for their families, and every individual gains a renewed quality of life through the essential gift of clear vision.

This initiative also reflects our broader strategic plan. For Salud y Paz to be effective, we must better understand the current integral health needs of our partner communities. As part of our commitment to building a sustainable and resilient model for growth, Salud y Paz continues to expand its network of partners, volunteers, and supporters who help make this work possible. Collaborations with service teams enhance our ability to respond to these needs while building on the strengths already present within each community.

By aligning our programs with locally-defined priorities, we are not only delivering services—we are walking alongside communities in creating lasting, meaningful change.

Shaping Future Leaders

Over the past few months, our school community has been filled with energy, creativity, and meaningful learning as we began a new school year together. Each activity not only educates, but also nurtures confidence, curiosity, and a sense of identity in every student.

Students learned the importance of personal care through interactive demonstrations and hands-on practice on how to properly wash their hands, face, and feet. This spirit of learning continued with the Family Tree Project (Árbol Genealógico), where students proudly shared their family histories, deepening their connection to their roots and heritage while strengthening their sense of identity. Students also celebrated International Environment Day, expressing their love for nature through poetry, songs, and dance—an experience that not only showcased their talents but also reinforced the importance of caring for our planet.

Beyond these special events, everyday learning continues to be filled with discovery. Classrooms are alive with laughter, collaboration, and curiosity as students develop academic skills alongside creativity and critical thinking.

Together, we are shaping the future leaders of our communities.

A Tradition of Transformation

The road to Salud y Paz was paved with her grandmother’s stories, and Marissa—a teacher, a daughter and a granddaughter—followed that path to serve. Bringing her family along to share in the experience, this is her journey alongside the community… 

Hi, my name is Marissa, and I currently serve as a volunteer English teacher at Colegio Susanna Wesley. For nearly four years, I have been working as a missionary in places such as Malawi, South Africa, Scotland, and Hawaii. Much of my work has centered around volunteering in schools and serving as a teacher, and in every place I have gone, I have been deeply impacted by the community, their generosity of heart, and especially the children.

Colegio Susanna Wesley has been no exception. Each day I am greeted with warm hugs and bright smiles from my students, and those simple moments remind me why I love what I do. Teaching here has been both an incredible joy and a meaningful challenge. Because Spanish is not my first language, there are many days when I find myself learning just as much from my students as they are learning from me. I have always believed that teaching requires us to remember that we are always students ourselves. Often, it is children who teach us the most, reminding us of curiosity, resilience, and joy.

The teachers at the school have welcomed me with open arms, and I feel truly blessed to work alongside such dedicated educators. When I am not teaching English, I assist in other classrooms—helping prepare projects, supporting activities, or working one-on-one with students. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from my colleagues and to continue growing as an educator.

It is incredibly encouraging to witness the growth of each child. We begin every class by reviewing what we have learned, and seeing their confidence increase as they use new English words is so rewarding. Each and every child is bright, capable, and full of potential. I feel sincerely blessed to teach them and to be part of this community.

My connection with Salud y Paz began with my Grandma, Bernice. Ever since I was a child, she would travel to Guatemala with her church in Michigan, and I grew up listening to her stories. I remember telling her back then that one day I wanted to experience it for myself.

Last year, I finally had the chance to go with her for the first time, and it was truly life-changing. Now, as I serve as a volunteer in the school, the experience has become even more meaningful to me. This year, my parents Toni and Vartan decided to join my Grandma on the trip, and it was incredibly special to share something so important to me with them. Seeing them witness the work I’ve been a part of made it all the more rewarding.

My family had such a positive and impactful experience that they’re already hoping to return next year—and even bring more of our relatives along to be part of it.

Celebrate with us our 25th Anniversary!

In 2026, Salud y Paz celebrates 25 years of service in Guatemala—a journey made possible by the vision and dedication of our founder, Dr. Phillip Lester Plunk. His legacy continues to guide our mission: promoting integrated health, healing, and education with Mayan communities by expanding access to healthcare and early childhood education.

We invite you to join us November 7–11, 2026 for our 25th Anniversary Gathering in Guatemala. This special celebration will include opportunities to experience our work firsthand, connect with community partners, and honor Dr. Phil’s lasting legacy through meaningful activities, including a graduation ceremony, clinic visit, and cultural experiences.

The cost of the trip is $1,100 plus airfare. By joining us, you are celebrating our past and becoming part of our future.

You can view the full itinerary and trip details on our website.