In October 2018, I had the chance to travel with CHOICE Humanitarian, doTERRA employees, and fellow wellness advocates to Guatemala. While we were there, we learned all about the sourcing process, the impact doTERRA has on local communities, and so much more.
At the end of the trip, I was truly blown away by the doTERRA Co-Impact Sourcing initiative that I’m inspired to share more about the great work happening.
If you’re not familiar with doTERRA and where they source their oils, take a look at the Co-Impact Sourcing map. You can quickly see that doTERRA essential oils are coming from the areas of the world they flourish in their natural state.
Through this Co-Impact initiative, doTERRA partners with farmers, dryers, and distillers from around the world and many from developing countries.
The word Co-Impact itself begins to paint the picture of what doTERRA is achieving with this program. The first impact that’s being made is on the lives of those who help to produce the oils. As I experienced first-hand, doTERRA is helping farmers around the world receive on-time payments. In addition, doTERRA is also helping to provide the necessities for living to many communities.
On the other side of the process, the second impact is the impact that these high-quality essential oils are making on the lives of consumers. I’ve been using doTERRA essential oils since early 2016 and am still blown away by their potency and power.
Our time in Guatemala was truly life-changing and perspective-shifting. To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect when we first stepped off the plane. What I experienced was better than I ever could have imagined.
When we arrived at the Sika’abe Training Center in the Polochic Valley I instantly was met with the warmth and love from the staff and locals alike.
Throughout the next four days, we got to witness the pure magic of essential oils – specifically, cardamom – being brought to life. From the farmer who carried his 100lb. bag of pods the 1.5 miles twice a week to sell to the coyotes to the distiller who has a sense of smell worth insuring, truly every step of the process exuded love and quality.
When we descended into the rural village of Tzuncoc, we were met with the most warm and smiling faces. It was in this hilltop village that we got a sense of of where the sourcing process starts. Quite simply, it starts with the meticulous care and attention to detail of the cardamom farmers.
There was a magical moment when we got to cross the bridge that doTERRA helped fund for the villagers. Before this bridge existed, the locals had to wait for the water in the river to be low enough so they could safely cross over.
Imagine if you’re someone in need of urgent medical attention waiting on the river to decide to recede enough so you can pass? With doTERRA’s support, this bridge has changed and saved lives of the locals in Tzuncoc.
Watch next: Cardamom Sourcing Practice
While in Guatemala, I learned that doTERRA partners with CHOICE Humanitarian to help make an even bigger impact on poverty.
During our time in Guatemala, we had so much fun getting to know our trip leaders, Jordan and Riley. We truly felt like we were part of the CHOICE/doTERRA family throughout the whole week.
From the dance parties to the late-night card games to the on-the-bus blindfold karaoke. Not to mention, a whole lot of heart-felt story swapping and rehashing favorite memories.
While at Sika’abe, with the support of CHOICE, we helped to build a new workshop and gave Aromatouch massages to all of the hardworking men and women at the training facility. There is truly something so powerful about giving back to others. The gift of giving – while being in service to others, in return, they give to us in such a special and beautiful way.
In addition to the Co-Impact Sourcing initiative, doTERRA has a charity organization called the Healing Hands Foundation®. Through this charity, doTERRA partners with communities in need to bring essential oils and other necessary supplies.
While in Tzuncoc, we had the chance to complete a mini-Days for Girls Training to support the local women in learning about feminine hygiene. Watching women from all different parts of the world giggle about underwear and periods can bond stronger than any language barrier.
Hands-down 100%. In fact, I’m already itching to get back out on the road for another Co-Impact trip to Nepal or Kenya. This trip completely gave me a new appreciation for doTERRA and the work they’re doing. Not only are they working to improve poverty, but they’re bringing the best quality essential oils to the market.
If you are curious, you can learn more about my journey with doTERRA. Or, you can get started on your own journey now!
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