Barb Johnson – Interpreter and Past Leader

December 2019 – I initially found out about GMRP from Nancy Rhodes, who is a past Rotary District Governor of SE Wisconsin. My first trip to Oliveros was with our inaugural “Advance Team” in 2009 with Nancy, Don Drecktrah and Doug Hansen (founder). I worked as an interpreter for a wonderful person, Dr. Ian Furness. I was nervous about my Spanish abilities and he made me feel so welcome and comfortable. It’s sad that Ian is no longer with us, but he made a big impact on the podiatry patients he saw while in Guatemala. My first year experience also made a big impact on me.

I went on to serve as leader for several missions and have been involved more “behind the scenes” since my husband and I moved to Asheville, North Carolina. It’s been a privilege to meet and serve with so many great people through the years. Guatemala holds a special place in my heart. So much so, that my family spent last Christmas in Antigua.