My Best Friend in Guatemala

About a week after I arrived in Guatemala my host family hired a new auydante (or house help) named Epep. Epep is a 25 year old mother of two from the province of San Marcos (about five hours away from the capital). She left her two daughters and family to come to the city for work, which is not an unusual thing for someone from the countryside to do. From the beginning, Epep was a bubbly friend and wonderful company.

Over time we spent many moments talking over hot cups of incaparina and pan dulce. Epep and I share a strong desire to seek and serve God in our communities, which has made conversation with her very easy and life giving. I am so thankful to have someone here with whom I can discuss life. Not only that, but Epep reminds me daily the importance of relying on God for daily strength.

One of my fondest memories with Epep so far was the day I came back from the local landfill with CASAS. My mind that afternoon was filled with thoughts on inequality of the world, which I shared with her. After listening to my disjointed thought process, she reminded me that despite how unfair or unjust our situations here on earth, we are all given the same choice to follow Christ. That someday we will all be given the same judgment and opportunity to be with God. What a testimony Epep showed to me that day, as she exhaled the glory of Christ within the hardships and difficulties of her own life.

Epep and I passing time together in the kitchen.