The People

To say one thing about these Guatemalan people, I would say they are so full of love for others. They are less absorbed in their own lives, agendas, and bank accounts and more concerned with relationships between people. Instead of greeting with a wave or a smile, they say Good morning with a handshake (men) or kiss on the cheek (women). Instead of scheduling to go for coffee next week for half an hour, talking with people will take priority over whatever they are doing right then and there. Children are quick to offer help carrying something, are generous in hugs, and are full of energy. How can I do anything but love them in return?

To demonstrate what the Guatemalan people are like, I have three snapshots for you.

The other day a missions team from Canada of grade 11 students came to say goodbye to the students at Chijacorral. For an hour, the students were swarming them with hugs and gifts, playing games with them in their classrooms, and then were cheering and chanting as they drove out of the parking lot. What struck me was not how much love these students had for these Canadians they met only a week ago, although that is something those teenagers will remember for years. What struck me was that after 4 months of being here, they still love me that much. Every day I go to school and children will run up and hug me. In the market they will call out my name with the hugest smile. Even for their teachers and principals, these kids have so much love. When we arrive at the schools every morning, there are children waiting for us at the door to the school and greet us as if we've been gone for a month. When was the last time you've seen children swarming their principal with hugs? Their love doesn't fade. That is part of who they are, part of their culture. So although some things a missions team might experience in a week in Tactic might be exaggerated or might not be quite as they are from day to day, I have to say that the love these Canadians received from these children is real, not staged, and not just a show for the white foreigners with money. These are a loving people.

Students at Chijacorral hugging a team member from Canada

Children at Chijacorral shouting goodbyes to the team

Students at Chamche hugging their principal at recess

Life has been hard though, for all of them. Last week I took a public bus from Chicoy back to Tactic and sat in silence among the tired Guatemalans. These people have to work hard labour jobs just to put food on the table. They are often dressed in used clothing from Thrift stores - the unwanted clothing that comes down from North America. Their feet and hands are calloused, their skin darkened and aged by the sun, their backs hunched from years of carrying heavy loads. These people do not know the luxury of washing machines, dishwashers, or carpet on the floor, let alone waterskiing, flying in a plane, or going to the movies. These are regular people with laborious jobs who would dream of working at McDonalds.

Yesterday the teachers from Chamche, Chijacorral, and the high school hosted Grandparents Day. It was a day to celebrate those who have given so much yet are often ignored or passed by. If anyone has experienced the struggles of a hard life, it is these people here. There were probably close to 400 grandparents who showed up and were treated to activities, piñatas, a drama, an inspirational message, traditional live music, and a traditional light meal all in the nicely decorated church. The laughter, applause, and childlike squeeling show how much they appreciated it. As they left, their smiles more than their words said Thank you. Full of compliments for the traditional dress I was wearing, full of thanks for the food and fun, and full of life and love once more, I have to wonder: how is it that these people, who have laboured the longest and experienced the highs and lows of life, are still so full of love? 

A Granny waiting for the celebration to start

Grandparents enjoying the festivities