A little about Shannon

Warmest greetings from Guatemala!

It is with great pleasure and much enthusiasm that I introduce myself to you. I will be one of the Fearless leaders and coordinators involved in preparing you for what is going to be an amazing adventure in Guatemala! You will be in constant and continuous communication with us throughout the whole process.

Since we have asked you to tell us a little about yourselves, I think it is only fair I share a little about me. My name is Shannon Baines and I am from Canada. Since I was a little girl I have been enamored with Latin American culture – always asking my Mom if I could go to “Mexico”, (At 4 it was the only Latin country I knew existed). Finally, two years ago, after planning many trips with friends and family that never panned out, I bought myself a plane ticket and did my own little tour of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. That trip that I boldly took on my own - against the good intentioned advice of family and friends - changed my life forever. Instead of finding the scary dangerous place I had heard about, I found what felt like my home. I found people that are warm and caring, and almost always eager to help a lost and sometimes lonely, woman that could hardly speak any Spanish.

So there I was stuck between my two worlds, with a life changing decision to make. I felt I had something to offer Guatemala and wanted to share my life with this new land and people I had discovered. I had a good job and of course all of my friends and family live in Canada. So I followed my heart and did what I felt was right for me. I returned to Canada, worked for one more year, sold my home and belongings, and returned to Guatemala January 2005 to share my life with the people and land that I love!

I came to Guatemala with an idea that I wanted to be of service. I had no job lined up and I did not speak Spanish. After spending a month in a Spanish school I traveled the rest of Central America. When I returned I was told about a volunteer position with Habitat. I have now worked for Habitat Guatemala since May 2005. My position to begin with, Coordinator of profiles, involved working directly with the families. That was an amazing experience and I got to travel most of Guatemala, see true living condition here, and meet “the people”. I am really excited to be part of an organization that I feel is being of service. I have seen first hand the changes that Habitat makes in lives. Habitat empowers people by offering them a hand up not a hand out.

Now that you know a little about me, I look forward to hearing about you! Your job, clubs, churches, previous Habitat experience and interests. It would be great to know you a little before you come so we can better serve you here in Guatemala. Please feel free to communicate any needs or expectations you have so we can ensure you have the best experience possible. I look forward to meeting you all!