The Holiday season was made much sweeter with the return of TCEC Journeyman Lineman Seth Ragans, after almost 3 weeks in
Guatemala, carrying forth the mission of NRECA International. 
Seth and a team of linemen from Florida’s Electric Cooperative’s worked tirelessly in the small remote village of Guishoro in Jalapa, to bring reliable, safe electric service to 22 Guatemalan families who may have always gone without. The team built miles of powerlines, installed transformers, fuses and more along the mountainous terrain.

Between the long days of work and the many challenges they overcame, one thing they learned is a smile is a smile in any language. The memories and experiences will have a lasting impact on the team.
A few days were spent wiring each home with lights and electrical outlets as well. The villagers assisted with right-of-way clearing and the children brightened each day with their abundance of joy and curiosity.

When the work was done and the lights shined brightly from each home, a celebration was held for the villagers, the Florida Electric Cooperative team, as well as local government and municipality representatives. Kaitlynn Culpepper, TCEC Community Relations Director, attended the celebration and inauguration ceremony, witnessing firsthand the impact of this project and overall mission.
Each family was gifted with a small appliance, Christmas presents for all children and a gift basket of supplies for each home, with funds donated in part by TCEC employees.
TCEC was honored to be a part of Powering Guatemala, a sunshine state project.

For over 50 years, NRECA International has provided safe, reliable power to over 160 million people in 45 countries. Florida’s Electric Cooperative employees joined in the effort to increase that number and most importantly to change lives.

A special ‘Thank You’ to Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. for their work in organizing this project for Florida Electric Cooperatives. “I am so impressed that the team was able to come in here and adapt their work and understand the challenges, and overcome those challenges, despite the conditions. That just demonstrates how dedicated our team has been. I appreciate our volunteers who were willing to step forward and be the first Florida International team, it takes a lot of courage, it takes a lot of enthusiasm, and it’s a big responsibility. Every single person not only brought that volunteering spirit, but they stepped up and worked together as a cohesive team. I can see the friendships, and I can see the respect, and this inaugural trip is going to be really special for all the participants,” said Seminole CEO, Lisa Johnson.

“Anytime you can see a little kid light up and smile, that’s medicine for the soul” – Seth Ragans

Team Florida has a Facebook page with pictures, video, and posts with the team members from throughout the trip – it is called “Powering Guatemala” and can be accessed here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/powering/.