Consumerism, Cultural Immersion and Full Circle Moments

Written By Katie Cooley

Imagine stepping into an environment that fundamentally changes how you view yourself and your place in the world. Cultural immersion has a way of transforming lives by opening our minds to new ideas, allowing us to challenge assumptions, deepen empathy, and shape how we understand our place in the world. I experienced this profound change in 2006 when I first visited San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala. This transformative experience would catalyze a journey leading to a full circle moment nearly two decades later.

But first, let me fill you in on the backstory. I grew up in a culture deeply shaped by consumerism. Growing up, I was implicitly taught that comfort and contentment could only be reached by worldly attainment and that success at a high level would ensure both were achieved. In high school, my typical schedule was packed with school events, church activities, dance class, study groups, dates and any other social outing I could fit in to maximize my schedule. In my free time, I enjoyed scouring through lifestyle magazines, building my wish list with things I hoped to buy with my measly paycheck from a local coffee shop – all in an effort to keep up with the latest trends. I believed that more of everything would eventually lead to happiness.

Then, I heard friends talk about a mission trip to a place where relationships mattered more than material possessions and time was spent in community rather than individually striving. Even at the young age of seventeen, something in me longed to escape the monotony of materialism and find a simpler, more meaningful way of living. So, I began planning a trip to Mission San Lucas.

From the moment I stepped onto Guatemalan land, greeted by the kind Mission driver who helped navigate the bustle of Guatemala City, my perspective began to shift. While we rode in the van on bumpy neighborhood streets and swervy highways, I noticed stark contrasts: small, family-owned grocery stores next to monstrous commercial stores, dilapidated huts alongside newly constructed buildings. The infrastructure felt unfamiliar and inconsistent, but the people were warm and welcoming. During the long drive toward the shores of Lake Atitlan, I sensed that the journey toward unpacking my understanding of poverty had just begun.

Arriving in San Lucas Toliman, I was awestruck by the vibrant Mayan culture. Brightly colored homes, women wearing intricately woven clothing, fresh tortillas cooking over wood stoves. The indigenous culture was not on display or curated for tourists. The San Luqueno people clearly held onto traditions tightly and exemplified them in their daily lives through language, faith and simple living. As the days passed, I began to notice the small, meaningful moments that defined life there. People greeted one another with genuine presence and curiosity rather than the rushed pleasantries like, “Hi, howareya?” They lived in multigenerational communities, often working with family, sharing meals and being there for one another in ways that felt deeply intentional. Life moved slowly – guided more by relationships than by rigid schedules.

I especially noticed the paradoxes that existed in everyday life. San Luqueños lived with dignity and strength in the midst of hardship. They generously gave in spirit even when they had limited physical resources. Most of all, it was evident that their joy was not diminished by their limitations, but amplified by their intentional way of life. I began to understand that “less” did not mean lacking; It meant living a simpler, slower life focused on what matters. This realization challenged the narrative I had grown up with and reshaped my understanding of what it means to live well. By immersing myself in Guatemalan culture, I was able to experience life in a new way. I originally went there with the intent to serve the poor, but instead I learned that cultural immersion often gives us more than we give back. Traveling abroad is not about helping or fixing. It is showing up with humility and allowing yourself to be changed by what you witness. Walking alongside my new friends in San Lucas, I began to see the world differently and I was eager to share these insights with anyone willing to listen.

I brought my new perspective on cultural norms home with me. The stories I shared with my friends and family demonstrated how the time I spent in San Lucas had reshaped my values. I now understood that happiness is rooted in belonging rather than belongings and that a meaningful life is founded upon strong relationships and collaboration instead of individual achievement. These principles guided my decisions going forward. I planted myself in communities that valued relationships and quality time over productivity and efficiency. As my life moved forward, the time that I had spent in Guatemala and the relationships I had built slowly drifted into the background but the lessons remained a permanent part of me. Then, nearly twenty years later, an opportunity arose that I never could have imagined during that first trip.

As a middle aged mother of three young boys, I found myself longing for meaningful work that aligned with my values while allowing me to be present for my family. When I saw the email about a job opening at Friends of San Lucas, I felt a buried spark of light ignite; a dream job opening up at exactly the right time. I stepped into the role of Administrative Coordinator a few months after my twins were born. Working for FOSL has provided clarity and purpose; transforming what was once a distant, formative experience into a meaningful and active part of my everyday life. I am no longer simply dreaming of a place that changed me – I am using my skills to affect change and impact lives alongside others who share the same deep connection to San Lucas.

As my twins become toddlers, they are more active than ever; which means balancing work and childcare has become increasingly challenging. In fact, I write this letter to you at 11pm on a Saturday night because it is the only quiet free time I have. So, I will be stepping away from my formal role at FOSL to focus on raising my children, while remaining connected in a volunteer capacity. Albeit bittersweet to say goodbye to the daily interactions with FOSL and Mission staff, supporters, and volunteers, I am forever grateful for this full-circle moment. It has truly been the opportunity of a lifetime.

Now, I hope to share these lessons with my sons. I will teach them about the unfathomable generosity and resilience of the Guatemalan people. As I share my stories, my three year old is already asking when we can visit Guatemala together. I truly hope that one day he will step into a cultural immersion experience that will challenge his perspectives on the world and open his eyes to new possibilities. I hope he explores and finds that the world is both larger and more connected than we could ever imagine and that paradoxes exist. I hope he experiences the love, joy and belonging that comes from stretching ourselves outside our comfort zone. I hope he is brave enough to seek perspectives from and and learn from others. I hope he gets to know people from different cultures because there are so many good people in this world. Above all, I hope he understands the truth captured in Jane Goodall’s words: “Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help.”