Bismarck, N.D. — Elena Keller, a Bismarck native, embarked on an extensive journey of international volunteering, dedicating more than a year to projects across Guatemala and Columbia after completing her education. Keller, who was born and raised in Bismarck, attended Bismarck State College, where she earned a degree in Liberal Arts. She expressed a long-held belief, stating she “always knew I wasn’t supposed to be here forever,” a sentiment that guided her path following college.
Her initial foray into international service began with God’s Child Project, a mission trip organization based in Bismarck. Keller participated in a ten-day mission trip to Guatemala, where she contributed to building homes for local families. She detailed the construction of these residences, describing them as small, simple structures. Each home was designed with four walls, a window, a door, and a roof, completed with a concrete floor intended to stay dry. Keller noted the profound impact these simple dwellings had, particularly given that many families previously resided in makeshift homes constructed from materials such as sheet metals and plastics, often using sheets and curtains to create internal room divisions.
This experience provided Keller with a new perspective on global living conditions. She observed the differing living conditions compared to those in the United States, yet she also noted how happy and fulfilled people were despite not having the same resources. The initial ten-day trip proved so impactful that Keller extended her stay by a week, spending time at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. She described this extended period as amazing and beautiful, a time that confirmed her initial feelings and connections with the people there.
Following this initial extended visit, Keller honored an agreement with her mother to return to Bismarck. Her purpose in returning was singular: to work and save money to fund a prolonged return to Guatemala. True to her plan, Keller subsequently booked a one-way ticket back to the country. She spent an additional ten months there, continuing her volunteer efforts across various projects. Four of these months were dedicated to volunteering at a retreat center, further deepening her engagement with the local community and its needs.
After nearly a year back in Guatemala, Keller made another significant move, relocating to Columbia. There, she participated in a unique event known as a rainbow gathering. This gathering involved ten days spent living deep within the jungle, entirely off the land and without any technology. Keller recounted the diverse participation in this experience, noting that people and families from 13 different countries hiked two hours into the jungle of southern Columbia to just live with each other. Keller remained in Columbia for four months, immersing herself in this new environment and its distinct way of life.
Reflecting on her extensive travels and volunteer work, Keller stated that these experiences will be unforgettable. She plans to continue her global endeavors, aiming to be a living and walking reminder that there is a lot of kindness in the world, especially if people can trust each other. Her journey illustrates a commitment to service and a broadened perspective gained from sustained international engagement, beginning with her roots in Bismarck.
