Jackie Sopher
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Entire Group at Corpus
Christie Festival, Guatemala |
Jackie’s team at the
house they built |
Jackie and Pedro at
the malnutrition center |
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When an opportunity arose to help out the impoverished citizens of Guatemala, our own Office Manager, Jackie Sopher didn’t hesitate to offer a helping hand. The same generosity that Jackie extends to the Villanova Law School community was reflected in her recent trip. Jackie joined 14 other Villanovans, primarily staff and faculty from offices and departments across campus, to devote one week of her time to this project. Working under the auspices of the God’s Child Project, the group built three houses and assisted at a malnutrition center. Jackie shares with us her experience:
I had the opportunity to participate in Villanova’s first faculty/staff service trip in 1996. Thirty four Villanovans traveled to “Almost Heaven”, WVA on behalf of Habitat for Humanity to construct a house for a family whose home was washed away during floods that year. The trip was a great success and quite a feat of accomplishment, but it went far beyond what we physically accomplished. Through the years I had always wanted to be of service in this way again, but family priorities kept me from volunteering. The announcement of Villanova’s Campus Ministry faculty/staff service trip to Guatemala this year jumped right out at me. I celebrated 25 years of service to Villanova last year and thought to do it again is now or never. Fourteen faculty/staff members held meetings beforehand, held fundraisers, and collected donations before setting out on our journey. While in Guatemala, we lived in host’s homes, truly experiencing the culture. We divided into three teams in order to build three 12’X12’ homes - from digging a hole for the foundation to the roof (no power tools), we fed the homeless, and took care of children at a malnutrition center. Throughout the week, we laughed, we cried, we bonded with those we came with, as well as those we grew to know, we prayed together and played together. It’s hard to find words to express the spiritual effect, the rewards and education received, plus the lasting memories. All I can say is IGNITE CHANGE GO NOVA – if you have the opportunity to partake in any type of service, you will have no regrets. I received much more than I gave.
Jackie Sopher
