Jochims Returns Home from Guatemala
After three weeks in the heat, humidity, and altitude in the rural mountains of Guatemala, Jeremy Jochims is back home from the Energy Trails Project where he, alongside a team of 18 linemen from Iowa, Oklahoma, and Colorado, worked to provide over 90 families in the rural villages of El Estucal and Montenegro with electricity for the first time.
Gratitude doesn’t even begin to cover the feeling for Jeremy, Foreman at Harrison County REC. When reflecting on his time in Guatemala, he stated that the experience in its entirety has been humbling for him. “I can’t believe how happy these people are and it has been so rewarding to meet all of the villagers and to see the reactions of the kids every day when we come down from the mountain. They’re all just so welcoming and so appreciative of us being here.”
The work itself was no easy task. Crews faced challenging terrain, difficult conditions, and tools that were limited or more traditional than what they were accustomed to using at home. “It was a constant battle with the terrain and the environment. Dragging wire through the jungle and using more manual tools and methods made it seem like we weren’t going to be able to finish. Everything is fighting us, but we all worked together and we pulled it off.”
Beyond the construction work, the connections formed with the local community have made a lasting impact for Jeremy. Through interactions with villagers, he has picked up a few Spanish words and phrases while many of the children have been eager to learn English so they can communicate with the crew. “The interpreters have been a great help so that we can all work together, but it’s really cool to see the kids trying to learn English so they can talk to us and say hello.” The crew also had a great time interacting with the kids of the village. “We’ve played a lot of soccer, and the temporary tattoos were a big hit!”
While the project brought electricity to a community in need, it also created friendships, memories, and lessons that will stay with the crews long after they return home. “In the end, each house received two outlets, two switches, and four lights and we turned on most of the homes today and it was really cool to see their reaction. They are so grateful.” Jeremy also noted that the estimated light bill would be approximately $7.00 in US Dollars for each of the villagers. On September 30th, the team enjoyed the official lighting ceremony where they were greeted with balloons, fireworks, and deep gratitude from the villagers. One of the most unforgettable moment came after the ceremony where the lineworkers and the children gathered in the local school where together they turned on the lights for the very first time in their classroom.
“I want to thank Shadon and our board of directors for giving me this opportunity that I will never forget. And to my family and friends for all of their support along the way.”
Want to see more photos and memories from the project? Be sure to check out the Oklahoma Energy Trails Foundation Facebook page where you can see daily updates and photo albums highlighting the entire experience in Guatemala.
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