A Moving Experience

Content by John

I had a most profound experience in Santiago on Lake Atitilan with Brooke on Sunday, October 17.  

We left the boat  and wandered through the market area up to the Cathedral through the milling throngs of the local people.  Just as we arrived at the Cathedral, a small procession was moving its way towards the steps of the Cathedral – men with musical instruments playing beautiful music and men, women and children all singing with joy on their faces.  They moved up the steps into the Cathedral and we moved up to the top of the steps to watch what was happening inside.  The Mass was just starting with the Cathedral packed with people overflowing into the area at the top of the steps where we stood.  Brooke and I removed our hats and stood motionless watching the scene in front of us.  

The most beautiful music came out of the door as some interesting instruments were being played and the whole congregation in lovely melody.  A woman then read a passage – maybe from the bible.  I was interested in the role of this woman in the normally male preserve of the Catholic Church.  A young woman then sang – with the most beautiful voice.  Again, another female taking a significant part in the ceremony.   

A long sermon followed during which time I was observing the people in the area outside of the main door where we were standing.  A man stood for a time with his baby – thoroughly enjoying his offspring – and the interaction between father and baby was moving to watch.  Off to the right, I noticed a woman, probably the mother, watching this interaction with a wonderful smile on her face.  It was the mother and soon father and baby joined mother and she then talked with the father as she breast-fed the baby.   There was clearly a strong love and affection between this couple as they sat there – with the woman continuing to exhibit an infectious smile on her face.  Two little boys were sitting on the floor in front of us – Dad, or maybe grandfather was standing next to them – their play was delightful to watch – gentle play with each pushing and touching the other.  They seemed so real, as did all the people around us.  

Later in the ceremony, when the ‘greeting’ took place with people shaking each other’s hands, I was deeply touched with all the people around us, were insistent that they shake our hands.  We were included even though we looked so different physically with our western travel clothes.  There was a real connection as each person held my hand and looked me in the face.  I felt very humble that these people were making this genuine gesture of inclusion.  

I can go on and on – it was a most moving and wonderful experience for me – and I know that Brooke was also finding this a profound experience as we talked about it afterwards.  I felt very privileged to have had this experience.

Megan and Panajachel

Content by Megan

I'm sitting back in the hotel lobby in Tecpan. We had our last earthquake tremor yesterday morning. I am reminded that makes 3 earthquakes in 24 hours. 

The last two days have been a much needed rest from cold hotel rooms, 400 wheel barrels of dirt and moving 500 cement blocks. I miss Timoteo and my family.

 

We drive to Panajachel and I see nothing by sheer cliffs of mud. Many have taken over the road. There are "attention" signs everywhere we look. Mudslides took my family's house and life. I am very aware of the power of nature here. Mud, sheer cliffs and missing road. More mud, sheer cliffs and MORE missing roads. I just want to make it to Pana, safely.

I felt very moved while my team and I walked through the Mayan ruins. These stones and pathways have been standing longer than Canada has been a country. The grass was emerald green, the sun was hot and the trees towered like high rises in NYC. I see well fed dogs running around the green lands. I watched the locals smoke hand rolled cigars, while they chanted around an open fire. They had candles lit, beads hanging from the stones and a duck tied to a stone. I make the mistake of asking "What's with the duck?" My guide informs me it is for a live sacrifice that will happen shortly. My stomach sinks and we leave the tribe. I see lovers kissing in the grass a bit further up. This place is sacred, and full of blessed, loving experiences. I think of my family and friends at home. I miss my loved ones. I walk through the grass, see cows, listen to birds and cannot imagine that I am standing in such a place.

Panajachel was breathtaking. The city is full of life. Shops everywhere and shop keepers yelling out that they have the better deal. We awoke early to take a ferry across the lake to Santiago de Atitlan. It was like living in a postcard. To my left I see a volcano smoking. To my right lush green tropical lands. In front of me crystal blue water and sunny skies. Behind me, the port with shops and restaurants. The sun heats up my back (I remember I have a wicked sun burn!) and Krista and I sit on the bow of the boat laughing about how lucky we are.

Once we arrive, we start shopping. Everything can become a deal. The shop keeper says "120 Q?", I say "40Q", He says "80Q", I say "40", he says "Okay, good price for you!". I am able to barter everything down and I pick up some amazing gifts for my friends and family. I walk with Krista, Mel, Trent, Amanda and Colin. We laugh and sing and shop. We all find a sweet cafe to have papas fritas (french fries) and something to drink. The sun is still hot. There are lush green plants in every corner of the cafe. We sit on the patio and Trent finally gets to have his local, hand rolled cigar. We laugh more. Bob Marley plays in the background the entire time we sit in the cafe. "Don't you worry, about a thing! Every little thing, is gonna be alright!"



Colin retrieves his prized possession...



The morning in Santiago ends and we head back to land while rain hits the boat, like a bat hitting a baseball. We are rocked on the lake. The wind is cooler and the sun is gone. The volcanoes hover over us, smoking quietly. I say a little prayer to get safely back to shore. The boat rocks again and I know I'm not the only one saying prayers.

We arrive safely. Colin, Krista, Mel, Amanda and I go to another cafe. This one overlooks the water and it's now pouring. The rain is coming down in sheets. We take a table, order another drink and wait out the weather. We tell stories. We laugh. We laugh more. We have guacamole and nachos. We laugh more. Bob Marley plays in the background. The sun comes out for our walk back into the city.

Tomorrow is the last day with my family. It is the day that I am able to help Timoteo and his family with their house. I think about it and the bond we now have and my heart breaks. I don't want to leave this family. I want to stay here and help them. I already know that tomorrow is going to be one of the toughest days of my life. Wish me luck.