Shared Vision

Vona Wilson

When I was here in April teaching in La Toma, we were visited by Pastors Juan Pablo and Mario of the National Metodista Executive Committee.  It was our first encounter and a very powerful moment of discovering God’s nudging across countries and cultures.  Today it happened all over again.

Ingrid..at her desk in the VIM office. Ingrid has worked here two months. She is a gracious hostess!

I was visiting the VIM (Volunteers in Mission) office in Xela today. Three members of the Executive Committee were meeting there and we arranged to have some time together.  I spoke my broken espanol and they graciously received my words.  Then we decided to share visions.  Who would go first?

Heidy Santizo and Ingrid. Heidy serves as the VIM Secretary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me, Amilcar, Juan and Mario. All leaders of the Executive Committee of the National Metodista Evangelical Church of Guatemala.

We made formal introductory statements. Mario shared his love for Norris and Fran; he sent his greetings and prayers.  Amilcar Rodas expressed similar sentiments and greetings to Norris and the Tennessee teams and he added that he thinks I am hear to represent Norris and because the women need to see that females can serve as leaders.   Juan Calyua shared that leadership is hard and things go wrong – but God is faithful to equip and provide. He encouraged the sharing of ideas. I had my formal greeting written out in espanol and offered it with greetings on behalf of our dear friend, Norris, and also my church in Franklin, Tennessee.

Now we were ready to hear the “ideas”.  I spoke only one or two sentences….a
community center where we could teach everything…down by the river. Something Norris and I have discussed;something that we both were thinking before we ever shared it.  Mario took out his big yellow highlighter and
as I was saying my 2 sentences he highlighted some words on his paper.  I stopped and he spoke in espanol, which Doris graciously interpreted for me:       “The three of them spoke of this vision before you arrived today. It is the same vision: a community center where we can teach everything…down by the river on the land they purchased with Norris.”

Sunset on my last night in Flores. All I had to do was "show up" to receive this gift

And there it was…again. Five of us this time, (3 Guatemalan pastors, the VIM Coordinator, Doris, and myself) standing in that holy place again where you discover all you had to do was “show up”; God has already spoken what is to be. We arranged for a second meeting.

Almuerzo! (Lunch at the VIM office) Doris made the fabulous meal - complete with pineapple pie and coffee at the end.

And then…almuerzo! Doris had prepared a fabulous alamazur for all of us and we feasted and talked and simply appreciated the moments of time together.  It was great to see the VIM offices of Guatemala. This serves as the country’s only “church” office.  From this space, they lead the national Methodist Church, including all the VIM projects across the country.

After all this I had a moment to myself where I could look in the mirror and I only had one clear thought: “You know, Vona, hot water is not really all that it’s cracked up to be. Whatever you thought it was…it has faded and now it is no longer.”

The VIM offices are upstairs; the downstairs is Salud de Paz, a medical clinic connected to the Metodista Church of Guatemala
The conference room of the VIM office in Guatemala.
Their statement of beliefs
This very rare collection of Wesley's sermons published in spanish is on the shelf in the conference room. This becomes a very important detail for the next post....

 

Un Poco

Vona Wilson

It is hard to be away from “home” today.  One of our church members, a person I call friend, and one who is loved so much by all of us, died this past week of pancreatic cancer. She is a woman FULL of God’s grace. Somehow in her diagnosis and illness she rose to a place of amazing beauty.  The kind of beauty that takes your breath and just leaves you standing with a heart of thankfulness.  When Lisa was diagnosed she came quickly to tell us and just as quickly to show us how she would “live” with what was considered life-taking, not life-giving.  This remained her position – to live and to love. She did it so well.  Over and over she pointed us to the presence of God in our lives and in her life.  She dreamed and served. She studied and listened. She lived fully.  Today the church, her family and her friends will gather to celebrate her life. It will be a glimpse of the celebrations we will share again together; it will be a day of tears and grace. Pray for Lisa’s family, for her young son Christopher and her husband Ed. For all who love her.  And thank you, Lisa, for showing us the way to “live”.

I explored Tikal yesterday which is a wonder of wonders!  Too magnificent to narrow into words, but worth trying every now and then.  There were groups and guides, of course so we were all invited to climb, to learn and to explore, which I did ALL with much joy.  There were archaeologists at work as we were there and the treasures they have uncovered and reconstructed are phenomenal.  I love this truth:  with all of our progression and technology and knowledge…we are still baffled by how the Mayan people built such grand towers, places and homes?  As I listened to the stories and ways of the people yesterday the persistent thought in my head was simple: they had vision, time and focus.  If you do something little by little, day after day….then one day you open your eyes and you have created something amazing.  There is a phrase “un poco” and many people have said it to me when they hear me speak my really awful (but trying) espanol: “un  poco, Vona, un poco” Little by little.  Not such bad advice for many things in life.

I will post pictures soon. I need to enjoy this day really quickly before it gets too far ahead of me!

Seeing Again…

Vona Wilson

I wonder sometimes why we  are able to see some things and other things simpy escape us completely. Our minds gets closed or our fears invade.  It is never very comfortable to see something that is beyond where you mind and spirit have grown. Even a good “insight” can cause chaos.  Two examples come to mind from the Scriptures. One is from my reading today where Ezekial is shown some pretty strange visions and then given a job.  The vision (Ezekial 1-3) includes man, animal and angel type combinations. It includes wheels and spirit and the presence of God. It is so overwhelming, all he can do is listen, look and fall on his face.  Pretty weird stuff.  Ezekial was given a job to speak no matter what the circumstances; God equipped him to stand up and follow.

The other example that comes to mind is Peter’s dream/vision where he was shown all these things that he could eat….all things that before that day had been forbidden in his practices of faith.  That vision rocked Peter’s world. It changed everything.  It had to feel so awkward – so uncomfortable – and yet so amazing all at the same time.  Peter who was fierce to do act and do what was needed – had to stop and say, “Oh….OK….you are showing me a different way.

Part of the humble following of God is being open to the new things God shows us even when they are so different from what we have known. Tomorrow I will see Tikal. It will be different from anything I’ve ever seen or known. It is a tradition that is more ancient than my knowledge of history and it is a history that has long shaped the culture in Guatemala.  I am excited to see it..to touch the stones…to hear the stories..to listen to the sounds of the jungle…and to see. Let it be.

Moment by Moment

Vona Wilson
The beginning of sunrise in Xela

Sometimes words escape us. Tonight my words are too many to scale down for one post. The past few days have been full.  I finished up espanol classes yesterday and today has been busy catching the last few glimpses of Xela before I head out for some pure relaxation and reflection.  It is hard to leave Xela, this place has come to feel very much like home. But there are other places I need to see and a limited amount of time. So I will keep moving.

Sunrise in Xela just a moment or two later.

Over the past two weeks of being here I’ve come to know some of the local people.  We’ve shared stories – many.  We have cried tears and laughed so loud it  hurt. I have spoken kindergarten spanish to more people than I can count and they have graciously accepted me anyway.   I’ve shared the story of my church and how they allowed me the time to return to learn more of this culture.  I have given out my card and the “Methodist Church” has gained a curious following from these conversations.

The cultural differences have challenged me and I have found peace with those differences one moment after another.  Maybe peace comes in that way when we choose to let it. It is not easy but it is beautiful. There is an author, Anthony de Mello, that has a teaching that likens the way to love to the way as the way we experience the sunrise: new every morning, offering new perspectives, depth and expressions every moment if you stop demanding and simply take the time to see.

There are many lessons here.. some of which I hope to write after some days of rest.  I will note a few things tonight before they escape my thoughts:

1.  Humility and grace are needed in immeasurable quantities when trying to understand another person or another country. I must never underestimate the need to grow in humility and grace.

2.  Toyota makes a vehicle that outlasts all expectation.  While one country is trading in for the newest model, the “old” models serve years upon years where they are needed in other countries.  Everywhere I turn: Toyota. Thank God for Toyota and bread… two mainstays of this society. And Pepsi….

3.  The issues that challenge Christianity or the lifestyle of a disciple or any follower of Christ invade every society. There is but one answer: Love. Just love. Let God handle the struggle; just live Love and you will be plenty busy. The experience of living Love may make all others things fade in comparison.

I really miss my church family tonight. I work with some of the most wonderful people on earth. I serve in a church that IS busy loving and doesn’t have time for much else. We hurt together, heal together and we celebrate together.  My heart is full of thanksgiving for this blessing.

A different view of Parque Central
Parque Central: the view from above. Miercoles, de 24 de agosta de 2011

Priorities: La Familia!

Vona Wilson
Ready for the Quinceañera!

I think most of us struggle with priorities and the line of what is “most important” on any given day seems to shift dramatically.  One of the constants in the Guatemalan culture is family….or la familia. It is not even a choice, it is a way of life.  It plays out in a myriad of ways but also through some very strong traditions.

One of those traditions is the Quinceañera. When  a girl turns 15, everyone stops and celebrates with a grand fiesta. There are vows the girl takes. It is a passage from young girl into a lady…a woman.  You know how things just happen that seem so “arranged” and yet you can’t imagine any other than the hand of God being involved?  Well Adolfo is a long time friend of our church and specially the mission team that has been coming here for 11 years.  When I was here in April, his daughter, Jackelin, was baptized (another HUGE – day long celebration).  Well, Jackelin’s Quinceañera was this weekend!  Adolfo invited me to come and it was a great experience of culture, of friends and of espanol!  I did not know this would be on my agenda.  My suitcase didn’t have a “dressy dress” in it, but thankfully I did throw in some heels.  (I have learned some things from this adventure about what to bring, but that is another post) I’ve learned a lot about shopping, attire and what you do “no matter what” when a girl turns 15!

Heidy (la madre) helping Jackelin with her shoes

The familia (Adolfo has a lovely wife and three daughters) decorated a rented building (Salon) for the event.  About 400 people attended.  The festivities for the day began with my having lunch in their home (a traditional birthday meal which I also experienced in April with one of the kids from our mission site) and then followed the preparation for the service.  It was as if preparing for a wedding, though I cannot speak to that  tradition here.  The Quinceañera is for all girls.. it knows no class or distinction.  Rich or poor, educated or uneducated, every girl celebrates this passage.  For Jackelin’s family, however, that event is centered completely around the church.

Adolfo, Jackelin, Heidy and Juan Pablo. Juan Pablo is their pastor. The ceremony included a long procession with flower girls, attendants, etc.

The service was clearly Metodista…printed bulletin, hymns, scripture, liturgy and all.  The dressing of the familia was all formal and lovely.  I learned a lot, had a good time and enjoyed making a memory with this familia.

Jackelin Jelhanna Santizo Gramajo
Los Ninos enjoying the fiesta!

There were 8 celebrantes involved in the ceremony in addition to many songs…10-12, both congregational singing and special music. After the ceremony (2.5 hours +) we had a full course dinner (yummy!!!) and cake which was just like a wedding cake… complete with its own cutting ceremony!  It was a very long and grande event.  And awesome for me to share with this special family.

In Guatemala family is a high priority for everyone.  My teacher, for example, shares a home with her parents, her two grown daughters and one 4 year old grandchild.  There is no retirement here (except for government employees) so families have to stick together. In Lily’s household, she is the constant breadwinner.

It is the familia that causes people to come work in the USA, make money and return with a way to offer their families  a decent way of life. It is the familia that always brings them back to their homeland. It is the familia that keeps traditions moving throughout the generations and it is the familia that breaks the hearts of all.  Sounds much like love, doesn’t it?

The new generations of Guatemala are experiencing much change. This tight-knit bond is a little more unraveled these days, though still intact.  The girl that goes off to school away from the family is both discouraged and admired. She has a tough road ahead. The young man who desires to see the world will struggle with a global connection with many countries and a family that needs his support to make it.  Like us, they all wonder: what will happen? What will we become? What will happen to the family?  Will we scatter all over the world, and if we do….who will be there when we are in need?

A portion of my family when we were in Alaska in May. Just appreciating them right now.

The church has a way of answering some of those questions – both here in Guatemala and all over the world.  Jesus was clear that his brothers and sisters are those who follow as his disciples. In other words, the church is to serve as family to all who assemble as a united community.  Thankfully I can say that is exactly my experience. I grew up with an amazing “church family” as a child and I have one in our church today.  My church family today is the most incredible community of faith I’ve ever known.  We love each other and we help each other…in all situations and circumstances.  I think “the family” needs our prayers. Both traditionally and the one we are called to be as a church. And maybe, some priorities should remain.

My family: Mom, Dick, my awesome sister, Liz, and me on the night of my ordination in 2010. I love you all!

The Iron Did Swim

Vona Wilson

There is an awesome teaching in II Kings 6 about a borrowed axe head that fell into the water and the prophet Elisha was called to pray and bring it to the surface. It was a great concern to this group of prophets. Well…we ALL know what it is like to lose something important. Maybe something very valuable – either monetarily or because it holds special meaning, important content or… as it was for the company of prophets in II Kings 6…something borrowed that belonged to someone else.

So I wrote on Tuesday about my “lost notebook” that had all my grammar rules in it. I prayed this prayer from II Kings 6 as I do with anything I lose of particular importance. I learned this practice from a lady named Carolyn several years ago.  You can read more about that prayer in the blog posting of when I lost my blackberry in Guatemala back in the earlier part of the year.

The moleskin journal with all my grammar rules and notes in it. Realized it was "lost" when I arrived to class on Tuesday without it. On Wednesday morning when I went to class it was right there...

This post tonight is to say one thing: The notebook did swim!!! It floated right to the top on Wednesday morning when I walked in, looked down and noticed it on the floor of my tiny classroom.  How did I not see it before? We don’t know. What we do know is that “the iron did swim” for Elisha and it swam for me this week too.  God is so faithful.  Don’t forget to ask for help …even when you lose something that you need to find.

El Apartamente

Vona Wilson
Today a lot of the schools were out doing band performances and such. When I was in Parque Central this presentation was being done at every side of el parque. Hopefully I will read about it in tomorrow's paper.

Life is so full. I will only write of a few extraordinary moments today.  It is my 9th day here in Xela, and my 7th day of spanish class.  The teaching and learning are full immersion so I am with spanish speakers all the time.  We don’t sit in a classroom all day long.  We are there some of the time but we are also out walking, going to the store or just changing environments to keep the learning practical and full of energy.  There are a few students who also speak English so we see each other at break or on excursions…but primarily we’re in espanol. I just got home from some time with a fellow student from the USA that speaks 5 languages and was giving me some tutoring on spanish. It was all in English and that was the most English I’ve been around since I arrived. Strange! My teacher tells me: 75% espanol, 25% English… Please!

Paula and I playing with Scooby Doo. He cannot sit still. So much fun. Scooby is a Schnauzer. Paula is one of Lilian's three grandchildren.

Today I moved. That was part of the plan.  And it was and is exactly the best thing. But leaving Lilian’s was harder than I thought it would be.  The kids are playful. It’s a large family… about 8 coming and going from there (the kids are ages 2-5) and everyone within working age range does work and the household stays very busy. Anyway – the kids are a lot of fun – and I will miss them. It was a wonderful experience to be in the home of a “normal” Guatemalan family in Xela.

Lilian. My host madre for my first week of study. Lovely lady, great cook and amazing mother, grandmother and everything else. She has been hosting students for 20 years.

As I left today Lilian was standing in the doorway holding Paula up so she could wave goodbye. She was waving so hard and calling my name;  I was fighting back the tears. Luis and Jaime from the school picked me up and drove me to my apartment which is only a few moments away.  My goodness… what if I had stayed two weeks with them??? Those kids would have broken my heart!

Elcira. This is Lilian's mother. Sweet, quiet and taking life easy these days.
fresh fruit & veggies on my table!

My tears vanished the moment I walked in and saw my new “home” for the week.  It is tiny, perfect and has a great view of Xela mountains, sky and city.  Exactly the setting for what my mind and spirit need.  I am so thankful! And I already have a neighbor who is here for the next 10 days. She arrived last night.

And so…the learning continues. I will visit Lilian’s again before I leave Xela. I will play with Paula and  Diego and Atudo and Scooby Doo.  But for now…for these moments that unfold into days…I will enjoy the solitude, beauty and space of  yet another perspective of Guatemala.  And here I will be listening for the whispers of a faithful and amazing God. Let it be.

The Shift to Ordinary

Vona Wilson
Buenos Dias from Xela this morning! The view from the rooftop of the school. I was up here scrambling to finish my homework before class started. (of course)
Dogs I see every morning. They watch all of us walking to work and school. An ordinary day for these dogs!

There is something wonderful about ordinary life, no matter where it is. Ordinary offers something familiar and beautiful in the midst of all the unplanned, unexpected and extraordinary events that weave themselves into our lives.  Some of those are welcome, others not so much.

“The shift to ordinary”, as I thought of it this morning, occurred for me on Monday this week and it has continued with an affirming culmination today.  I was walking to go study…completely lost in thoughts of what I’ve learned about “ordinary life” so far, when I heard my name called from a van driving down the street.  It was Adolfo!!  I’ve never been so glad to see a familiar face. After 8 days in Xela, I finally see someone I know! He pulled over and we chatted for about 10 minutes.  If that wasn’t a sure sign that things have “shifted” to ordinary life, I can’t imagine what is. It was like being at home…running into a friend at the grocery, on the street, at church, etc.  The people who make up what we call our community, our circles, our friends.

So that was just the strong affirmation of the shift. Here are all the others.   My “top ten” signs that tell me this experience is shifting into something called “ordinary” life. And right now, I praise God for “ordinary”!

Parque Central where I am every day on my way to somewhere. On Sunday this is where I met two boys (ages 8 and 10) and had the best conversation of my week!

1.  I can find the bank AND go in and get money without help. I also know how much money I’m getting and spending.  I’m slow but I can do it.

2.  I know how to get my laundry done. Clean clothes are really nice to have. I’m here for a month…I can’t stay dirty that long. Smelling clean is important for meeting new people!

La Cafetera.net is my "Good Cup" of Xela! Lovely spot for study, conversation and just breathing.

3.  I have a favorite spot for coffee and study that rivals The Good Cup, complete with music on occasion, local as well as international “regulars. ” The afternoon/evening waitress knows me by name, and I know her: Noelia. Isn’t that beautiful?

4.  I know where to go for oatmeal, organic peanut butter and eggs. I can shop, pay and sack my groceries…at least so far.  (I haven’t had to buy much…just a few test runs).

5.  I found a great running route with enough flat surface to be doable, hills for a little challenge and nice vistas of Xela’s mountains.

6.  Almost every day I run into someone who I know from school while I’m walking to wherever I’m going.  Many work at the school, some are fellow students and the others live in the house where I’m staying.  People walk a LOT here..it’s how you get around.

Footsteps on a street of Zunil yesterday afternoon (an after school outing to this special place)

7.  I have a hard choice to make about what I’m going to spend my time doing this weekend. Somebody won’t like my choice and somebody will…isn’t that so “ordinary” life?

Paula and Diego: making every day more fun than I deserve.
Oh the extra effort given just to have a good time!

8.  The los niños (children: Atudo, Diego & Paula) that live here and Scooby Doo (the Schnauzer) keep running into my room if the door is open to say “hello” and play.

This is my faithful companion as I study. I brought it from home where I had never had time to use it:) It has been awesome to use here! Thankfully I didn't lose it too!

9.  I lost my awesome moleskin notebook where I had written ALL my grammar rules so far from the short 5 days of school! I returned to every place I was yesterday and did show and tell about how important it is that I find it. No luck so far:) Yes, I prayed the II Kings 6 prayer so I’m expecting it to rise to the top anytime now.

10.  Walking down the street and hearing my name called from a van…looking up to see it is a friend I’ve known longer than 8 days!

"Ordinary life in Xela"

All kinds of things come with “ordinary”.  We complain of boredom, get frustrated with those we love most and generally think it might mean life is passing us by if something isn’t shaking up the norm. But in truth, it is the ordinary things of life that remind us how precious each moment is and how all those ordinary moments, hours and days actually create a beautiful life on earth. Let it be.

High Tech or Hot Water? Actually, I’d like both, thank you!

Vona Wilson

Some decisions are harder than others.  There is nothing like being in a Third World country to help you see your obsesessions and weaknesses.  It’s hard to admit the things I get really crazy about, and equally disturbing to realize how much security I draw from the conveniences of my daily life.  For the past few days there hasn’t been any hot water in the house.  That is not very unusual here, but in Xela it’s not hot like it is in the other parts of Guatemala where I’ve spent my time.  At night it is in the 40’s…which means it is also that cold in the early morning. And most homes (this one included) do not have heat. It’s not really that cold in the house …but…taking a cold shower on a cold morning is where I meet myself in this place of weakness.  I am actually very partial to hot showers!!!  Hmmmm… how many more days am I thinking of no hot shower AND cool weather? Because a hot shower after sweating all day is not truly necessary, but a hot shower on a normal or cool day…that is a different story. But the animals adjust, right?  And we didn’t always have hot water in the United States, right?

Then there is the issue of technology. Last night I attended services at the cathedral and most of the young adults I sat with had blackberries.  They may not have hot water or trash pick up but technology reaches all over the world. And many of the cafe’s have internet access.  All that said, yesterday I had a major (major in the same way as the hot water issue) issue with my technology and it wasn’t pretty. Something quit working and I felt like my arm was cut off.  And I thought, “oh my goodness! what if I have the rest of the month like this!!!???”  At first it doesn’t sound so bad, to be disconnected. But if you add to that: no one here that I know (mi amigo is working elsewhere in the country); no car to drive anywhere (not that I would know how to do that) ; no one to speak English in the house where I am staying; no store I can go in where they can communicate in English….etc., etc. Hahahaha…so I was struggling.  I know..this doesn’t even sound like me. But if I’m not backpacking or hiking I really do expect or want these things to all be available.  It’s just true.

Today all that is resolved.  I do have new friends at the school from Taiwan with computer backgrounds.  All was remedied after school today.  And so… with my cold shower far behind me and all technology up and running once again…I have to say, I really need to take a long look in the mirror for what I’m depending on these days.  Security can come from a lot of sources: family, friends, spouse, education, job, status, financial means, technology, language…the list goes on and on. But really my security is only to come from one source: God.  Today as I was reading for my Life Journal the verse that caught my spirit was one where Jesus was praying for himself and his disciples. He said many important things in that prayer that redefine life for me. The two verses I wrote down this morning were:  “I (Jesus) have brought you (God) glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” (17:4) and “My prayer is not that you will take them (the disciples) out of the world but that you will protect them from the evil one.” (17:15)

What this does for me at the moment is twofold:  First, it reminds me why I am here: “to complete the work you (God) gave me to do on earth”. Secondly, it tells me that while we are on earth God is protecting us because Christ prayed this on our behalf.  That redefines a lot, answers many questions and maybe…just maybe… it will realign my spirit for today.  Let it be. Where is your security coming from these days?

Chicabol

Vona Wilson

What better way to spend a Saturday than a rigorous hike up a volcanic crater so you can see a beautiful laguna?  And so we did! Laguna Chicabal is a mysterious and lovely place where the fog hangs over the lake and the Mayan people hold ceremonies on the shore.  The Mayan culture is an entire adventure of its own and each encounter I have gives me pause. Today that pause was the various “stations” of ceremonial expression that we came upon as we walked around the lake.  The cross is the center of the altar for each one.  At the cross are carefully placed flowers, corn, and other expressions of nature the people bring as they offer prayers and thanksgivings.

Mayan altar on the path around the lake

I’m not sure if this was the first time I’ve actually come upon one of their ceremonial altars… but this is the first time I have been struck by the cross.  The cross is our identifying symbol as Christians. If we go to a church that doesn’t have a cross, within seconds someone will say, “where is the cross?”  And for the Mayans the cross sets up the altar as a place where they set apart the distractions of the day and focus for sacred time.  The water at the laguna is considered a sacred place for them so there is no swimming, no boats, no pollution. The water is beautiful and clear.  The fog moves over and out many times throughout the day and night, creating a mysterious and ever-changing picture of this special place.

View of the Laguna...worth the climb!

The Presidential elections are coming up in mid-September here so there is advertising everywhere, of course. I have learned from my new Guatemalan friends and my fellow students from Taiwan that all of us disdain the inordinate use of political jargon and advertising that litters our landscapes…no matter the country where you are walking. Many people of Guatemala have apologized for it, just as we would if someone was visiting us. Anyway — that political trademark made it’s way all the way into the laguna of Chicabol so on every cross there was a little political sticker!

We removed every one of them and hope the Mayan people never saw that they were there. With it being the rainy season it is not likely any of them had been up more than a few hours.

The funeral procession through the village. A striking thing about this culture is the importance of family and when something happens (like a death) everyone stops and makes time to honor this passage in a very visible way. The whole village walked this way...

As we finished our hike and made our way back into the village for our bus, we came upon a funeral procession. The entire village was involved which means we were as well. We walked in the crowd of Mayan people….hundreds of them, all following the casket in a Toyota pick up truck.

The tradition is to do this and to bury only at 3pm since that is when  Jesus died. After 3 days there is a return to the cemetery to see if the resurrection has occurred for the loved one.  Is anyone having trouble finding the lines?  Crosses, 3 days, and the hope of resurrection…

Kicki, Kristian (our school activity leader) and Ean

All of this led to some great conversation with Kicki and Ean who are from Taiwan and neither Christian, Buddhist or anything.  We all are pondering much of what was shared today.  Kicki and Ean say that in Taiwan their friends who are Christian are very happy and they also say they can see that I am as well…that my work is meaningful.  They have both taken a year off from their stressful work to travel Central & South American and learn Spanish in the process.  He is a computer program guru (big business like GroupOn) and she is in public relations.

And so…a day at Chicabol. I walked home while the sun was setting and the night air of  Xela made me pull the jacket from my backpack.  People are coming and going in the cathedrals for Saturday night mass.  The streets are full of music, baskets of bread and sounds coming from the rooftops of the homes. Lilian made me another amazing Guatemalan meal. I am tired and full of joy.  I’m thankful and certain that as we walked along the path today, Jesus was walking with us.  Let it be.