Chichicastenango

First weekend trip of our Cross Cultural took us to Chichicastenango, a town in the region of El Quiche famous for their Mayan culture and beautiful markets.

One experience that will continue to stay with me was our interaction with the women of Proyecto Ruth y Noemi. This project was formed in response to Guatemala's Civil War in 1980, which greatly affected the people of El Quiche. After the war, many women were left without their husbands and in need of an income for their families. In response, the Guatemalan Methodist church formed this community which gave widows the tools to support themselves.

After talking with the pastor who started the program, our group went to visit a coop of women who produce traditional handmade merchandise for Proyecto Ruth y Noemi. Together our group sat with the widows in an open room filled with the bright colors of their merchandise. Siting with these women and children, I was happy for the opportunity to witness a true sisterhood community and to feel the strength God has equipped them with in their unity. To see the joy and pride the women held in who they are, where they had come from, and what they had accomplished. It was beautiful.

After this experience I was reading from Henri Nouwen's book "Gracias!" and came across a quote that stated, "Ministry is entering with our human brokenness into community with others and speaking a word of hope". I was blessed to witness this form of ministry as we talked with the pastor and fellowshiped with the women. Here in Guatemala, Christians joined together in brokenness and created something beautiful from the ashes of war.

Playing with the grandchildren of the widows at the coop.
Photo Credit: Peyton Erb

Hola desde Guatemala

Hello friends and family!!

Well here we are, a little over a week since we have arrived here. The journey has begun! A little time line thus far starts Thursday the 12th when we arrived at CASAS, the language school a part of the seminary Semillas. The next day included orientation and then being passed on to host families. From the outside, it may have looked like the EMU students were a group of lost puppies looking for a home. :) After a weekend in our new homes with our host families, classes started on Monday as well as mid day adventures throughout the week to various historical sights as well as having guest speakers come in to share.

Some highlights so far include...

• random adventures with my host family
• seeing the new president live at a Sunday afternoon Mega Church Service.
• getting to know/talk with my host families auydante (househelp) Epep
• learning more of the history social make up and reformation going on in Guatemala
• studying Spanish grammar- hopefully it will help improve my Spanish!

Coming back into a culture different than my own does have its fair share of challenges as well. Cultural norms, language, and being the stranger make certain tasks more difficult, but I find life from these challenges. After having lived and reflected (which I am sure the reflection process is sure to continue) on another previous cross cultural experience, I greatly appreciate the importance of living each moment to the fullest, reflecting and keeping God at the center of everything I do.

With that said, some more "everyday" yet profound events have included...

• being able to engage in conversation (at home, CASAS, the street, and with other host families)
• figuring out a new bus system
• pulling un chiste (a joke) in Spanish!
• reflecting with our ayudante Epep on the inequalities in Guatemala

Hopefully this gives a taste of what I am thinking and experience. I hope for the following blog entries to focus on stories, encounters, and observations of my experience. From these experiences both you and I will be given new ways to view the world and most importantly bits of truth from God.

Desde Guatemala,
Rosita <3

Orientation

I find myself feeling so many different emotions right now...

Excitement for the beautiful adventures to come.

Anxiety of the strong emotions that come for me within Latino culture and the reliving of memories from Paraguay.

Wonder at the world and the diversity it holds.

"Culture is not something achieved by a few. It is our way of being in the world together."

-"Learning from the Stranger"

Gratitude for this amazing opportunity.

Pray for our group as we open up to God and the journey he has in store.

Packing List

• a fairly organized suitcase and super sweet backpack

• time to think and process
• a new short hair cut

• one mind filled with a range of emotions.

Well sounds to me that I am on the right track! :) Trying to keep this wise saying of Gandhi in my mind...

"I do not want to foresee the future. I am concerned with taking care of the present. God has given me no control over the moment following."

Five days till Guatemala

"Be strong, do not fear"

"Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts,'Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you'."

Isaiah 35 has served a life giving reminder to not fear or fret over the unknown. To not start planning what cannot be planned. I am reminded to be strong and not fear- for God is preparing both me and my new family in Guatemala for our journey to come.

Be strong- do not fear.