The rhythmic patting of dough in the experienced hands of the makers fills the air as many hands come together to share the large griddle with round circles of ground corn puffing up to create the staple necessity for life. This sound of slapping dough quickly became a familiar one as it is heard at all hours whenever you step outside. These tortillas are seen at almost every meal for stuffing, dipping, folding or sopping up whatever else is left on your plate. These women make tortillas for hours on end methodically around a hot stone. The tortillas are shaped, tossed, rotated and stacked so effortlessly.
This now common sound is comforting to me as I take my morning run during the city’s awakening, the walk to the school for ministry, on the hunt for wifi and even on our balcony soaking up the sun. Even in the hustle and bustle of the people, vendors, stray dogs and uneven road I strain my ears to recognize this sound of tortillas being tossed around. I have been working on being intentional with finding the little joys in life and thanking God for my surroundings. I am able to to have the freedom to explore His creation here and poor blessings, prayers and declarations all over this city where the constant patting of the tortillas creates the calming atmosphere in the streets where it is anything but calming. If only these ladies knew how their ordinary, daily routine could bring such joy and connection with my Father in heaven. This is a sound that will forever stick with me; it’s the sound that connects me to really listening and hearing the Holy Spirit; the treasured sound of the city where God is at work.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us too, that God may open a door for out message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ…make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:2-6
Guatemalan Fun Fact: My favorite coffee drink, the americano, is called Chapin. I was able to go on a coffee plantation tour and learned 1 bean contains 5mg of caffeine, it takes 8 beans to make an 8oz cup of coffee and one coffee plant only produces about a pound of coffee each growing season!
Blessings,
Jenna
