In just a few weeks, Alfalfa Electric Cooperative Journeyman Lineman Kyle Puffinbarger will trade the familiar roads of northwest Oklahoma for the mountains of Guatemala as he embarks on the Energy Trails 2026 international electrification project. From September 14 through October 2, Kyle will join fellow cooperative lineworkers from Oklahoma, Iowa and Colorado to help bring electricity to remote communities where families have never experienced the simple, everyday things that come with having power in their homes. Before Kyle packs his bags, we had the opportunity to sit down with him and talk about what this experience means to him — the challenges he expects, what he hopes to learn and what he hopes to bring home. Kyle has been with Alfalfa Electric for nine years and currently serves as a staking engineer. While he's no stranger to the linework, this mission will bring a different kind of challenge. "I think both will be a challenge,” Kyle said. “Physically, I haven’t been on the construction crews for about two years since moving into a staking engineer position, so getting back into climbing and the physical demands of line work will definitely take some adjustment. Mentally, being away from my wife, kids, family, and friends for an extended period will be difficult. At the same time, I know the opportunity to help bring electricity to families who have never had it will make every challenge worthwhile.”That perspective is what makes opportunities like Energy Trails so meaningful. For Kyle, the mission isn't simply about building lines and setting poles. It's about helping change what is possible for an entire community. I can’t imagine what it would be like to live without electricity,” Kyle said. “Being part of the team that helps bring power to a community for the first time will be incredibly rewarding.”And while Kyle is preparing to give his time, experience, and skills to the people of Guatemala, he knows he'll return home with something of his own. "I hope to bring back a greater appreciation for the things we often take for granted, new friendships, and lessons learned from the people we meet,” he said. “I also hope to bring back experiences that I can share with my family, coworkers and community to encourage others to get involved in service opportunities.”For Kyle, family is a big part of who he is. A Cherokee native, he enjoys hunting with his two sons, Jaxon and Landry, and spending time with his family. So while being away from them will undoubtedly be one of the hardest parts of the trip, they'll also be a source of motivation as he takes on this new challenge. Alfalfa Electric has proudly supported employees who have participated in international electrification projects over the years, and we're excited to see Kyle continue that tradition of service. His willingness to volunteer his time and skills reflects one of the most meaningful parts of the cooperative difference — using our skills and resources to improve lives, wherever we're needed. As Kyle begins this incredible journey, we invite you to follow along on Alfalfa Electric's Facebook page. Throughout the mission, we'll share photos, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments as Kyle and his fellow volunteers work to bring the power of electricity — and the opportunities it creates — to communities in Guatemala. Follow Kyle's journey with us.