Visitor Spotlight: Bethany Joyal-Cousin

Today, we’re getting to know Bethany Joyal-Cousin and her husband, Matthew Cousin. Families who visit the Mission experience life in San Lucas together while forming bonds with Mission employees and community members. Read on to learn more about Bethany and her family’s experience at the Mission.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Bethany: We are from Amish country in Wayne County, Ohio. We have brought two of our ten kids with us, Journey and Emma. I was here in 2017 as part of a co-op for homeschoolers. I decided to jump in at the last minute. We tried to come again in 2022, and it didn’t work out. So, I was determined to come this time, and my husband and daughter have been dying to come.

What have been the highlights of your visit so far?

Bethany: For me, being able to see my family here. I’m much more enjoying it with them. I’ve loved reconnecting with some people, like the street vendors Juan and Kevin. We saw some new things like the Mayan Ruins and the Charity Program. I learned more about construction in a more formal way, which was cool as well.

Matthew: I’ve enjoyed getting to help with all of the different projects. One day, we gave out food bags to families in need. One of the families had just lost their mom, and the dad had five kids, so it made me think about what I would do if I ever lost my wife. So, that was hard and made me wish I knew Spanish more so I could talk more with him. It’s been cool to learn more about Guatemala’s history. Today, we went to the Peace Park. I thought if I hadn’t been married or didn’t have kids, it wouldn’t have hit me as hard. To look around and see the memorials of 10-year-olds, as a father of an 11-year-old and a seven-year-old at home, was difficult. From the perspective of a parent, it got me a bit.

What has surprised you while visiting the Mission?

Bethany: I was surprised by how much things have changed. Everything is much more developed than the last time I was here. The roads are better, and everything down by the lake is different. There’s even a Domino’s here in San Lucas.

Matthew: To see a chain store in the middle of these privately owned businesses gave me mixed feelings. San Lucas might benefit from businesses that provide decent jobs, instead of places where the money ends up way out of town. Also, I think the goal shouldn’t be to Americanize their culture, but to listen to what the locals need to get to a point where they can thrive in their own culture.

Have there been any special connections you have made while visiting the Mission?

Bethany: We were working on a construction project yesterday, and I had [my son] Journey on my back. There was a lady who walked by with her baby and she caught my eye, grinned at me, and pointed at her baby as if to say, mine too. If I hadn’t had Journey, I might have caught her eye and smiled, but it wouldn’t have been the same as her being able to say that we both have our babies.

Matthew: We went to observe a preschool class at the Mission school today. After the introductions, all the kids came over and just wanted to be around Journey. It reminded me that the best way to reach people is to find some way to meet them on equal ground. Don’t come at this with a sense of superiority. The only way to truly find out about someone and what they may or may not be struggling with is to meet them where they are.

Are you planning on bringing more of your children back to the Mission?

Bethany: I want to bring my whole family at some point and not wait until they’re all adults. My children are growing up with friends who have autism. They are growing up with my son who has cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. I don’t want them to be immune or calloused. I want them to know that other people exist in the world besides themselves. Whether it’s a developmental disability, a difference in skin color, a difference in socioeconomic status, or if it’s a difference in what we perceive as safety, I want them to know that they don’t have to be bothered by these differences.

What makes the San Lucas Mission special?

Bethany: I’ve done a lot of other mission work, and I admire the way they do things here. The dignity of the people of San Lucas is the most important thing here, and it should be. To support the locals, work with them, and allow them to take the lead is so important. It’s something I respect greatly. The gratitude that the locals have is just special. It’s not that way everywhere, so the Guatemalan people have my eternal respect.

Matthew: The work here speaks highly of both sides [the Friends of San Lucas and the Mission]. So often with mission work, people come in and think they’re giving handouts. Here, they have put things in place where you have to get your hands dirty to assist with locally-led construction projects. You get to come here and help build homes instead of financially buying a house for someone. I hope this area continues to develop, but like I said, I hope they can do it without losing what makes them unique as Guatemalans.

Bethany and her family will continue to reflect on their experiences at the Mission for years to come. If you are interested in visiting the Mission, please contact us to plan your trip!