Hóla de Guatemala! In the past two days since our plane descended through the clouds and in between volcanoes to touch down in Guatemala city, I have become the Spanish translator for my team, a special education volunteer, a cook for 55 people, and an expert at dodging tuktuks.
Santa Cruz de Quiche is a beautiful city that already feels like home. Sometimes I stick out more as an American than others (actually, I stick out pretty much all of the time on account of being white…better get used to that). For example, some racers and I were drinking coffee in a local café (trying to get internet) when we heard trumpets coming down the street. All of us jumped out of our seat and rushed to press our noses against the windows like school children to see the parade. In an embarrassing turn of events, the “parade” ended up being a funeral procession. In Guatemala, a marching band plays behind the casket while the loved ones follow.
My team’s ministry this month is to work at a school for children with special needs. It’s been two days, and I am head over heels in love with these kids. God obviously shines through them via their innocence. There is an adorable little boy named Pancho who has a smile that’s so big that I swear I can feel God’s love every time his chubby cheeks lift up. Oh, and one of the students asked me to marry him today, so sorry guys. I found my husband on the race in week one. J
Yesterday was Guatemala’s independence day, which is a huge deal here (pretty similar to the 4th of July). The special education school walked in the parade and my team got to walk behind them while wearing the traditional trajes (Mayan skirt and shirt combo that most of the women wear here everyday). The kids absolutely loved it and people on both sides of the street clapped loudly whenever they passed. Honestly, I couldn’t tell if we were in the parade or if my team, the “gringas in trajes” were actually the parade. Haha
This blog is a summary of the main details of my first week, but I’ll post a deeper blog about how God is working in my life here a little later! It is such a blessing to have a year to spend with God and love on His people. I can tell He is going to move mountains here (hopefully not literally, as that would probably mean a volcanic eruption/earthquake here). Please keep the people of Quiche and me in your prayers. Love y’all!
Margot
