FHe will give families the opportunity to provide Guatemalan villagers with training and hope

In the “land of eternal spring,” the people of Guatemala are being taught “how to fish.” This summer Family Humanitarian experience, known as FHe, will carry out its first expedition to the remote Polochic Region. FHe provides families and singles over 40 the opportunity to work alongside villagers to present them an opportunity to become self-sufficient and also share in the spiritual experiences that come through service.

The story behind the launch of FHe is also spiritual. In 2010, Tyler DeLange, an emergency medicine physician in the Washington, D.C., area, had the strong impression that an organization should be established that would allow families to serve together in developing countries throughout the world. David and Michaela Shirley of Texas also felt the urgency that they needed to dedicate their time to humanitarian service. They read an article in the Deseret News about Singular Humanitarian experience, known as SHe, international humanitarian service projects for Mormon singles, and in Novermber 2010 contacted DeLange, who told them about his vision.

“I think we all felt strongly that this wasn’t just happenstance that there was a need to provide a venue for LDS families to serve internationally together and to come closer with other LDS families," said DeLange by phone. "We could create a venue that would connect us with our brothers and sisters in other countries to help them to further their community and the community goals and to connect us globally as members of The Church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).”

Steven and Rachel von Niederhausern were also contacted and in January 2011, they, along with the Shirleys, DeLange and his then-fiancÉ, Sarah Wright, organized FHe (pronounced Fee). Through the efforts of the volunteers and the determination of the people of Guatemala, the goal of empowering people will be achieved.

“Yes we can give them materials, but what happens a year after when those materials are gone and they are waiting for more?” asked Tyler DeLange. “That doesn’t help them to become self-sufficient. We decided that what we can most give them (were) two things: training and hope.”

Training includes programs in the areas of medicine, dentistry, business development, teacher development and select building projects. Hope comes as the people of Guatemala are taught skills they can use to support their community. DeLange noted the villagers are thirsty for knowledge. They are so excited to be given the opportunity to learn new skills that they keep the momentum going and it gives them hope for the future.