Recently I have been realizing how many wonderful people I have surrounding me here in Guatemala. I really have assimilated well within my host family (after adjusting to living longer-term with another family other than my own), at SEMILLA/CASAS, at church, and my friendships. I thought I'd take a bit to reflect on some of the people who have been most influential over my months in Guatemala.
My host family: I know I talk about them a lot, but as many differences as we have, I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to learn from them. I have learned how to fit into another family, though I make mistakes all the time. They are loving and gracious enough to forgive me time and again, as well as help me though the difficult times. They push me spiritually to consider the Bible again, through a cultural lens. Currently we are working through the Gospels, with a chapter read and discussed most nights of the week. I didn't know I had so much to learn yet about the life and parables of Jesus. And slowly, we understand the quirks of each other and are able to talk things out to be living loving one another instead of passing judgment without understanding. I have learned that I am very selfish in some parts of my life, that I can adapt to having little personal time and space, and that I need to be okay with taking some time to myself when I need to recuperate in order to not lash out at those who are important to me. I am especially close to Henry, Lorenita, Mitzye and Julian, who constantly tease me, make me laugh, cook with/for me, play games and watch movies with me. They are the siblings and friends that I have needed to support me, challenge me to be a better person and Christian, and correct me (by ways of making fun of me, of course) in Spanish and with the culture.
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| My host family: Henry, Mitzye, Lorena, Lorenita, Adan and Julian |
Abuelita, Tio Noe y Tia Francis: My second home in Guatemala. Doors are always open with a drink or quick snack to be shared. Abuelita, though occasionally still hard for me to understand, loves to talk and share her life with me. Today I discovered that she studied through sixth grade, and can only somewhat read Spanish, but loves to sing although she has to memorize the words instead of read them. She is conscious that her health is waning, and today voiced her question about why God has allowed her to keep living when she isn't doing anything to serve Him here on Earth anymore. I reminded her that she is serving Him by being an example and a witness to her children and grandchildren, and that if she is still here with us, God has to have some plan for it all. She said that is what God has been telling her, but with high blood pressure and many days of not doing well, she wonders how much longer she'll be around. Noe is my protector, car loaner, helping hand, and the one who always asks to make sure I have all I need at all times. And Francis is the one who keeps me in line by teasing me and also affirming me.
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| Tia Francis, Tio Noe and Abuelita with Lorenita at her graduation |
SEMILLA/CASAS staff: president, my co-workers, the door keeper, kitchen staff, they are all wonderful. Wonderful people, each seeking where God is calling them and leading them in Guatemala, and giving of their time, presence and love. At the beginning of my time there I was uncomfortable during break and lunch times because I only really talked with Lucy, but now I can sit with anyone during those times and chat and share in their lives. I'm blessed to be surrounded by such open and caring co-workers.
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| SEMILLA Staff at our retreat in October |
