by Keli Shipley
Intern at Porch de Salomon, Guatemala
"The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and become
nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn
& feel & change & grow and love and live." -Leo F. Buscaglia
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| stove that was
installed by porch |
Yesterday was my first day experiencing the work that PorchDeSalomon in
the villages. A few of us travelled by van along the windy roads about
30 to 45 minutes into the mountains. There have been several houses
built in that area and many water filtration systems put in [hopefully I
will get a picture of one soon]. The houses are fairly simple, made
from cinder blocks, but are far better than what the families were
living in. There are groups that travel to guatemala and work with
PorchDeSalomon by providing monetary funds and labor towards these
projects.
We travelled along many muddy paths and somewhat trails to get to these
houses. Most of the families had many children and either no father or
the father had some kind addiction, whether it be drugs or alcohol.
These families were some of the
most welcoming people I have ever met. They make the best of what
little they actually have. The children spend their day helping support
their family by raising their younger siblings, helping in the fields,
etc., rather than spending their days watching TV or playing video
games. It is incredible how self-sufficient and strong they truly are.
For the most part, the families would make money by making beautifully
embroidered cloths, whether they be for clothing or blankets.
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| different rooms, a
bathroom, and a sink are installed |
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| electricity that
is installed |
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| beans left to dry
out |
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| adorable puppies |
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| beautiful flowers
outside of one of the houses |
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| kristen [one of
the volunteers] with some of the puppies |
We ended the night with a group coming for dinner at the porch. There
was a presentation about what the Porch does, how it got started, etc.
and then the band played some music [great songs from the 90s for the
most part]. After a few hours of dancing around and having a great time,
so of us went and got tea at Chinita's, a local restaurant known for
their miso soup, chop suey, tea, etc. Very laid back atmosphere and a
great way to end the night.
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| music at the
porch |
Today, I attended a Bible study in the village across the river. There
were about 8 of us who met, discussed Romans 11, and took communion with
one another. We all came from different religious backgrounds, but it
was nice to come together for an hour long discussion. Afterwards, Lena,
Kristen, and I went to the huge market in Pana. It was especially large
today since it was Sunday [market day]. I'll have to get some pictures
soon, but there were all sorts of fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers,
etc. Tonight, we are having Sunday worship at 4:00. It is translated
into Spanish and is welcome to anyone who wishes to come and worship at
the Porch. There is lively music and a message, adapting to all
different types of worship in a very open manner. Today was a fairly
laid back day, but full of worship and joy. Even though I have been here
less than a week, the people of Pana have been so welcoming and
accepting that it is already beginning to feel like home. I do miss
everyone back home, don't get me wrong, but being here two months will
fly by, which I am beginning to realize.
These families were some of the
most welcoming people I have ever met. They make the best of what
little they actually have. The children spend their day helping support
their family by raising their younger siblings, helping in the fields,
etc., rather than spending their days watching TV or playing video
games. It is incredible how self-sufficient and strong they truly are.
For the most part, the families would make money by making beautifully
embroidered cloths, whether they be for clothing or blankets. 
