By Gonzalo Cano, Emergency Assistance Advocate, Kennett Area Community Service (KACS)
Today we had a chance to visit the Association’s office and nearby cemetery. The entrance of the cemetery features a powerful inscription that urges visitors to reflect deeply on the importance of living a life dedicated to service.
Following this moment of reflection, we traveled to another rural village to meet members of a second group. This is a newer group of the Association and has only been working with them for two years. So far they have stoves and a potato-planting project. They have submitted applications for chickens and a greenhouse and are patiently waiting until funding comes through and it is their turn.
Valeria’s daughter, pictured below, also received revolving funds from the Association to plant potatoes. Her crops have been successful and she is able to support her entire family. The project provides much more than financial income; it delivers emotional stability, independence, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
Next, we traveled to a local middle school to learn about cross-cultural educational stragegies. Katherine shared many details of that visit yesterday in her blog, so hope you had a chance to read it!
To conclude our day, we visited Red Kat Cafe to learn about vital support systems for deported migrants. We listened to an incredibly insightful, intense and funny presentation by Willy, the founder of DESGUA (Desarrollo Sostenible para Guatemala).
Willy’s central message resonated deeply with everyone present: always hold onto hope, even during the most challenging transitions.
Today provided us with profound insights into the nature of resilience. We did not just hear about hope; we witnessed exactly how it is built. True community transformation happens through deliberate service, targeted resources, and active collaboration among diverse organizations.
We can now return home with a highly productive mindset and invaluable lessons. We look forward to implementing these community-building strategies to better serve and uplift Guatemalan families across Pennsylvania.
Thanks so much for this reflection on resilience & hope that you are seeing as you journey through some of this beautiful country, filled with ever-more beautiful people. What is being provided is a two way street for locals but also for you and the traveling team. Blessing upon blessing – thank you for sharing your observations!