Join Us (Cat and Jen) in Supporting Project Somos

This February, Cat Cheshire and I are spending a week volunteering at a children's village in Guatemala. AND....we are taking Jake and Alec (respectively) out of school for a week to come with us! 

Children in Guatemala can only go to school if their families are willing and able to pay for it. Poverty is so rampant that many families expect their young children not only to drop out of school early, but actually to help support them financially. 

Project Somos is a magnificent organization set in the highlands of Guatemala; its mission is to provide education and nourishment  to children in need. Several families consisting of single mothers and their children actually live at the village while the mothers learn job skills and the children attend school. 

Much of the delicious and nutritious food prepared at the village for the children, moms and volunteers is made from plants (quinoa, vegetables and herbs) grown on the grounds. 

I was fortunate enough to go to Project Somos on a volunteer trip in 2018 organized by the uber-talented and uber-giving Antje Duvekot. When Antje told me she and our mutual friend Arne Bister were organizing another trip this February, I jumped at the opportunity, and quickly recruited Alec, Cat and Jake. 

Especially during this holiday season, it's clear to me how fortunate we are, and how important it is to instill in our children a truly  global perspective and, we hope, an enduring desire to give back. 

As solopreneurs, Cat and I will be giving up a week of income to participate, and we'll be paying for all of our travel and lodging expenses. During our stay at the village, Cat, the boys and I will be engaging in whatever volunteer activities are needed that week, including helping in the kitchen and at the school. (The boys will have an opportunity to practice their Spanish skills by interacting with the children.) In 2018, our group helped construct a building with eco-bricks, and helped to paint another building. 

In addition to our volunteer hours, the four of us are hoping to raise a total of $3000 to support Project Somos. If you feel inspired, please know that any amount will be appreciated!!

With many thanks and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2023!

Jen and Cat