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
Photo Credit: Peyton Erb
No comments:
Post a Comment