This past weekend was one filled with excitement and of course new adventures and experiences. Saturday, my group and I went on an excursion to Santiago. It was the first time I had been in a lancha to cross the lake and it was absolutely beautiful.
Monica and I
Arriving in Santiago, we moved from the lancha (small boat) straight to a pick-up… yeah like a pick up truck that had a big cage on the back for people to sit in and hold on to. Apparently it’s a pretty popular mode of transportation here; so much for seat belts! About fifteen of us piled into the back of this truck and made our way to the hospitalito where the mudslide devastated most of the area last year.
Me in the pick up!
We then headed to the church and got to watch mass. It was really interesting even though I really didn’t have much idea what was going on.
the catholic church we saw
In Santiago, they are known for their tradition/ belief in a wooden statue… thing… called Mauxi Mon. After having to go through a maze and up what seemed like a thousand hills, we found the house where the Mauxi Mon “lives.”
Sunday, Monica (my roommate) and I decided we would go on an adventure of our own. We ended up walking to a nearby town called Santa Catarina and then taking a pick up to San Antonio. Both places were absolutely beautiful but I think the walk to Santa Catarina held some of the most beautiful sights of the lake I have seen yet.
We arrived in San Antonio to find a huge festival going on. At first, we had no idea what was going on because hundreds of children were running through the streets dressed the traditional blue mayan clothing and Guatemalan men were dancing around in masks. All of it was centered around the huge Catholic church in the middle of the town and I got to witness the playing of the marimba. We never really quite figured out what the festival was for but we knew it was legit because we were the only foreigners to be seen.
The Festival!
This really big awesome looking ferris wheel.. no I didn't ride it.. you're welcome mom and dad.
The super precious little girl dress in the traditional mayan wear.
When getting to explore San Antonio a little more we found that this was the town known for weaving and ceramics. Getting to see things being woven first hand gave me a whole new appreciation for all the textiles made. It was amazing!
Since Spanish class is (FINALLY) over, this week I got to start working in the elementary school in Pana with the special needs children. If I wasn’t in good shape before now, I will absolutely be when I leave. These kids keep me running for the entire time Im there! But, after only being there two days, it is so easy to see how loving and sweet each of these kids are. They are absolutely blowing me away and I love being able to work with and help them. :)
the school
The cutest one of my little students :)
Last night I was listening to my ipod on shuffle and the song “You Hold Me Now” by Hillsong come on. While I would love to say it was a coincidence, I think God shows us miracles daily and this one just one of those for me. Since I have started working here in Guatemala, I have been surrounded by suffering children for at least six hours every day. It has been such a growing experience already. Not only have I been so humbled by everything I see here on a daily basis, but I’ve only caught a glimpse of the lifestyles that these children have to live everyday. In Guatemala,I’ve learned having a mental disability is discouraged, as if that is even possible. Most of these sweet and amazing special needs children I have gotten to know are ignored daily by their parents, siblings, and the community outside of school and therapy. Because of this, I don’t think I have ever had more compassion for a group of children in my life. It is just so sad to see the conditions that they have to live in on a daily basis, and it was something that I was really struggling with dealing with. Then I heard this song, and something about it helped me to remind me that these are all just earthly conditions and there is a reason for everything going on right now. Please just pray that seeds will be planted in the lives of these children and parents daily. I would love to help them realize there is something so much bigger and more amazing than any of the struggles they are going through now.
“No weeping, no hurt or pain, no suffering. You hold me now.
No darkness, no sick or lame, no hiding. You hold me now.
For eternity all my heart will give all the glory to your name.”
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