So it has been a while since I last made an update on the happenings in Guatemala. That is because I was kidnapped and just recently escaped. Jk, late April Fool´s joke...and not very funny, well kinda :)
When in the midst of so much to write about and lacking the will to just sit down and write, the days pass on by regardless if documented or not. Days granted that have been filled with many unforgettable experiences and hopefully bits of a new language that I will not forget as well.
All continues more than well as I near the end of the time here in Guatemala. With about 3.5 weeks left of language classes it is a bit hard to believe that the 3 month period is almost complete.
I have met many persons in the time here and continue to be amazed at the importance of 2 simple things: relationships and conversations. So much of life revolves around the simplicity of these actions. And as I look back on the many things to write about or bring light to, it is the relationships and conversations I have experienced in the past 2 months(but also just in life) that are worth mentioning.
Which brings me to another 2 things: a rose and a thorn. There is a group of friends I have made and spent a good bit of time with while I have been here. They are volunteers at the city dump in Guatemala City and they help educate and feed the children that are being raised in that environment. We sometimes get together or explore the beauty of this country in travel, usually on the weekends. One of the memories I have and will never forget are the times we have sat down for a meal together and shared conversation together in a simple game known as rose-thorn. It is where you share your low-point of the day, or thorn, along with the highlight, or the rose of the day. Everyone gets their turn to speak and verbalize what the thorn and rose of the day was and it makes for great conversation and also provides rain for cultivating some good relationships.
And so as I write and am in thought about a rose and a thorn, I will share mine for today. My thorn: would have to be getting back on the blog and realizing how long it has been since I have written and wanting to write and inform about so many things but just not being able to. My rose: walking into the school here in Ciudad Vieja, where I help out 3 days a week, and hearing the kids call me by name and then receiving big hugs from them as I still have difficulty in understanding exactly what it is they are spitting out in spanish en mucho mucho miles per hour.
I recently took a week break from classes, as I was advised to at outset, to let the brain recover and soak in the information from the first month and a half. A good buddy of mine, Austin, from Nashville came and visited and we had an incredible time traveling and seeing some of the wonders in the country.
Relationships and conversations. With God, with man, with creation. After a long swim in the lake, known as Atitlan, I scaled the rocks onto a bluff that overlooked the cool, crisp, clean water where the mountains and volcanoes surrounded. And I began talking to the Creator. And though I heard nothing but the wind as it whispered by, I saw with my own eyes the beauty of a very Powerful and majestic lake, which I believe to be crafted and molded by the Power of an unbelievably powerful source. And we all swim around in our daily routines and find ourselves in circumstances unique as the fingerprints we rarely think about and as common as the air we breathe...and we long to be connected to source of our being, our faith and our beliefs. Looking and searching and only hoping our lives are ones of purpose, giving hope and inspiration, perhaps joy or peace, maybe even happiness and prayerfully life to those we find ourselves in relationship and conversation with.
And yet it is not easy, this life. Not all relationships and conversations are roses, some hurt and stick with you in a painful way. With distractions at every corner, grasping for our attention without end, yet our days go on, and unknowingly when they will end. I am greateful and appreciative for any moment when I can stop and think back to all the many roses this life has produced, in forms of family and friends, knowing the thorns are there as well and will continue to follow. So in hope and thought and prayer for all persons I have been and am in relationship and conversation with, thank you in ways grand.
The season here in Guatemala continues well, thank you for your concerns, thoughts, and prayers. My thoughts and prayers in these words and in the name of Jesus Christ.
4.08.2008
3.11.2008
A Simple Smile
(From the journal entry of this past weekend)
I write as my thoughts awaken while the announcers of the futbol match provide background noise. I have been napping and reading a book about Amos, the biblical prophet. I am here in the Guatemalan city of Zacapa, as I have come with some fellow Christians to deliver clothes and supplies from Antigua and to spend time with the children and family of a local school and church.
The alarm on my cell phone sounded at 3:30 am and at 10 til 4 I was doing pull-ups on the rim of the soccer-basketball court just across the street from the church where I was to be picked up by my ride to keep the blood flowing in the chill of the morn. A little after 4 the ride arrived and we proceeded to pick up a couple other folks before heading to the cafe to meet up with the rest of the group.
It came time to go and our driver Antonio put the van in reverse only soon after to return it to park...because he had backed into and knocked over a motorcycle. And with that, the only hiccup of the trip, we were off.
It was a dark drive early in the morning but allowed for some good practice of español as I sat in between Alfredo and Luis. A total of 18 people made the trip, so there was not much room for comfort, kind of like in my spanish conversations. The drive time was around 2 hours and as we rode along, we witnessed the effects of the rising sun, which exposed the beautiful terrain of the surrounding mountains and hills of the lovely Guatemalan morning.
I was first assigned to work with the 6-8 year olds to make hats out of newspapers but later the plans changed and I was able to assist the 3-5 year olds with a different project. I handed out crayons and construction paper to the little ones and helped them trace their hands onto the paper. I spent a good while making funny noises as I traced the hands of the niños; their laughter satisfied my antics. I then cut out many hands of pink, green, blue, brown, and yellow.
Last weekend I was up before the rising sun to make my way to hike a volcano. The trip up the volcano was amazing as it cleared a path to some breath-taking views. My camera was with me on that trip to capture some of the moments from the amazing adventure difficult to put into words. And today, I again was up before the rising sun, this time to make way to a different adventure. And since the memory card on my camera was filled last night, I am left with pen and thought to capture this weekend's amazing adventure to a school in a small non-crowded rural Guatemalan town.
A hike to 13,000 feet provides a certain type of nourishment for the soul. And then a couple hours tracing and cutting construction-paper-hands while spending time laughing and smiling and making a mess with children provides the soul nourishment in another day.
Before the arts and crafts activity there was a familiar biblical story shared. Then the children answered questions and discussed the lesson. Though my understanding of the spanish vocabularly is still minimal, the story of the good Samaritan is one very well familiar.
And in my curiosity and later reviewing of the story, I found it interesting the stories that are recorded before and after the expert in the law posed the question about eternal life to Jesus. (I tend to read from the gospel of Luke the physician, since I was named after him.) The following precedes the good man from Samaria...
I write as my thoughts awaken while the announcers of the futbol match provide background noise. I have been napping and reading a book about Amos, the biblical prophet. I am here in the Guatemalan city of Zacapa, as I have come with some fellow Christians to deliver clothes and supplies from Antigua and to spend time with the children and family of a local school and church.
The alarm on my cell phone sounded at 3:30 am and at 10 til 4 I was doing pull-ups on the rim of the soccer-basketball court just across the street from the church where I was to be picked up by my ride to keep the blood flowing in the chill of the morn. A little after 4 the ride arrived and we proceeded to pick up a couple other folks before heading to the cafe to meet up with the rest of the group.
It came time to go and our driver Antonio put the van in reverse only soon after to return it to park...because he had backed into and knocked over a motorcycle. And with that, the only hiccup of the trip, we were off.
It was a dark drive early in the morning but allowed for some good practice of español as I sat in between Alfredo and Luis. A total of 18 people made the trip, so there was not much room for comfort, kind of like in my spanish conversations. The drive time was around 2 hours and as we rode along, we witnessed the effects of the rising sun, which exposed the beautiful terrain of the surrounding mountains and hills of the lovely Guatemalan morning.
I was first assigned to work with the 6-8 year olds to make hats out of newspapers but later the plans changed and I was able to assist the 3-5 year olds with a different project. I handed out crayons and construction paper to the little ones and helped them trace their hands onto the paper. I spent a good while making funny noises as I traced the hands of the niños; their laughter satisfied my antics. I then cut out many hands of pink, green, blue, brown, and yellow.
Last weekend I was up before the rising sun to make my way to hike a volcano. The trip up the volcano was amazing as it cleared a path to some breath-taking views. My camera was with me on that trip to capture some of the moments from the amazing adventure difficult to put into words. And today, I again was up before the rising sun, this time to make way to a different adventure. And since the memory card on my camera was filled last night, I am left with pen and thought to capture this weekend's amazing adventure to a school in a small non-crowded rural Guatemalan town.
A hike to 13,000 feet provides a certain type of nourishment for the soul. And then a couple hours tracing and cutting construction-paper-hands while spending time laughing and smiling and making a mess with children provides the soul nourishment in another day.
Before the arts and crafts activity there was a familiar biblical story shared. Then the children answered questions and discussed the lesson. Though my understanding of the spanish vocabularly is still minimal, the story of the good Samaritan is one very well familiar.
And in my curiosity and later reviewing of the story, I found it interesting the stories that are recorded before and after the expert in the law posed the question about eternal life to Jesus. (I tend to read from the gospel of Luke the physician, since I was named after him.) The following precedes the good man from Samaria...
(After the 72 were sent out and returned they came to Jesus with joy and amazement that even the demons were in submission...Jesus makes mention of witnessing Satan fall from heaven like lightning and then...)
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."
And this record follows the parable of the good Samaritan...
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
There are times when words aren't necessatily pertinent in communication. No words are needed to communicate the beauty of a volcano view. No words are needed to communicate the purity and innocence of a child. And listening, be it with ears or eyes, can do wonders.
With all that there is to know that I just don't, there are a few things I do know...
A simple smile, some funny noises, and different styles of laughter have been shared today. I don't know if I will ever see these children again, but the smiling faces of the little ones, especially the two-waving brothers through the fence as we were leaving, will not soon be forgotten. Like the breath-taking views the hike of the volcano provided, the smiling faces of the children will not soon be forgotten.
God to be praised in this moment and in this day for the many blessings these eyes are able to see. And for the things that make way to the soul in ways that cannot be seen...I am thankful I am but a child content with a simple smile.
3.09.2008
More Photographs
This is my host family. Starting from the left, Rodolfo Sr. the father, then Rodolfo Jr. at 12 years old in the brown and white striped shirt, Alejandra the eldest daughter at 16 in the bright red, Jose at 9 years and Adriana the cute 7 year old, Josefina the host mom in red with arms crossed, then Isabel, a teacher from Canada also staying at the house currently in with a group of her students from Canada, and finally, far right, Fernando, my good friend and basketball buddy
3.06.2008
3.05.2008
2.22.2008
Zoo Animal
Today is day #24 here in this country of Guatemala. I have settled into my routines and am enjoying the time in this new phase of life. Today also completed my third full week of classes. The time here has been and continues to be wonderful, with many great memories already added to the file along with new lessons in language, culture, appreciation, and simplicity. With so many things to write about and choose to bring to light, this is but another glimpse, a mere candle lighting, in this time where the sun shines brightly day after day. And with so much going unsaid and unmentioned, along with the inability to express my thoughts, love and admiration to all those I think about, love, and admire...I simply write "Thank You"...and if you are reading these words, you are the ones I thank and hope to send the message to. The message of love, encouragement, and inspiration in this day, this life.
After 3 weeks, I am settling into a routine, enjoying the pace here. Each week is beginning to look the same, kind of like my repeated weekly wardrobe, which is not necessarily a bad thing. I am definitely settled and adjusted to this life as a student, volunteer, gringo, funny-talking foreigner, amongst the many hats I get to wear...and on occasion, tourist. In my efforts to learn the language and become as much Guatemalan as possible while here, I try to leave behind some of my American ways...but regardless of my attempt, I am who I am.
I currently sit before an internet cafe computer screen and type out some thoughts I scribbled down the other night. And with this the introduction ends and the story continues...
(The following was written this past Miercoles night, the 20th of February, 8.25 pm)
So here I am in this Central American country of Gueatemala, sitting in a Mexican bar/restaurant, eating a plate of nachos and watching my beloved American game, the game of basketball, as 2 local Anitguan ladies try to draw my attention to the steps outside the restaurant to persuade me to buy their crafted blankets, but my attention is focused on the television screen while the sound coming from the surrounding speakers plays the familiar tunes of 80's American music. Walked and stopped at several places looking for a restaurant or bar that carried the sport that I enjoy, though it is one disregarded by most persons here, therefore making the effort somewhat challenging. I love the fact that futbol (soccer) is on here 24/7 and I get to "practice" listening to the language I am in the process of learning while watching soccer/"studying" my other beloved sport. But there comes a time in a young man's life when a certain game can speak a familiar voice and satisfy a craving that not even the great-tasting-supreme-nachos before me can satisfy. The game that brings me here tonight is the NBA match-up of the Lakers versus the Suns (Shaq's first game with his new team and now my for-sure favorite NBA team) and nearing the end of the first quarter, with my nachos 3/4 devoured...I have to say my craving is satisfied. As I complete my meal, I am reminded of a proverb. The heading in the Bible I read from notes them as sayings of Agur, a man of humility and little knowledge of the Lord. However, he asked the Lord of a couple of things before he dies... 1) to be made absolutely honest and 2) daily bread...not too much that he forget about the Lord but not too little that he be tempted to steal and disgrace the name of the Lord...simply what he needs. And with that thought there has been honesty and a fair portion of bread in this good day. And I am thankful and appreciative for not too much and definitely not too little.
The first quarter ends, as does my meal, Lakers 32 - Suns 29.
I have moved on to a cup of coffee now, with my preferred 1 milk, 2 sugars. I sip in between sentences and glances of the 2nd quarter. Shaq is a big specimen. Steve Nash wears the #13...which I have been able to sport twice in the past few weeks, with a couple of teams that allowed me to play balencesto with them. With the most recent team, we won the semi's and advanced to the finals...but due to a couple of factors we were not permitted to play in the finals. 1) the guy on our team who reports the names and numbers apparently reported a wrong name with number and 2) we played with an illegal player. I am writing with one hand and raising the other to indicate who the illegal player on our team was.
Queen's "We Are The Champions" accompanies my thoughts from the speakers above.
Fernando, the name of my new friend and fellow teammate, and I were planning on watching the finals of the championship (that we were supposed to play in... after our 3rd game place was a no-go due to the other team not showing up)...but not enough players showed up for that game either, so there was no final. But instead of it being a night bitter, it turned out to be a night sweet.
So there I am on the back of the motor-bike/scooter with Fernando, riding around Antigua and forced to speak and attempt to speak in the new tongue of espanol and trying to listen and comprehend as well, as the sounds of the scooter and the wind and opposing traffic also compete for my attention...nevertheless, a beautiful evening.
And with that thought I finish my great cup of cafe, even though I let the last 2 sips go cold. And as my bladder signals, I cannot risk the chance of leaving my table and the game...both could be lost upon return.
Back to the motor-bike night with Fernando...tis these moments in time when I enjoy being at the place I am at in life. That of riding around a fresh place with a new friend, communicating with and learning about someone else's life (albeit by way of a pre-schooler's understanding and grasp on a language). And the scooter ride allowed me to learn about this 30 year-old elementary school teacher to 8 year-olds...as I did my best to speak like one.
Halftime, Lakers up 65-57.
I learned Fernando has been at the school for 3 years, lives in the same town as me but only on the weekdays. It takes him about 45 minutes to get to school, a half hourof that walking. On the weekends he lives with his aunt in Antigua, a city which I have come to adore. It is where my school is located, where my studies continue incredibly well.
My maestra returned from sickness this week and I am back on track and back to good-student mode, after being a bit frazzled by the teacher change...though it was nice getting to know another maestro.
My alarm goes off around 5:05 every morning...and I snooze to about 6. I then up and ready (with my shower usually just consisting of pouring a bucket of water on my head--and that is by choice, there is a perfectly fine shower available--I just opt for the 35 second version with less drying off responsibility), make my bed like a good camper, pack my backpack for the day, then make my way downstairs for breakfast. This is where I have my first language-practice-session for the day, which also serves as morning entertainment for my host family I am sure. Breakfast consists of anything from eggs (scrambled to poached to other-ways-not-really-sure-what-the-right-word-is, sometimes with hot dogs mixed in), usually some beans somewhere, to fresh fruit (papaya, cantaloupe, pineapple), bread is always available in abundance, sometimes cereal--have even seen Toucan Sam on occasion which is a tasty treat, gotta love the Froot Loops. But the most frequent is an oatmeal-like soup, sometimes pink --which I hope to be strawberry, and sometimes white, which I will just call white. And I am glad over the years I have become accustomed to mixing my food together before eating--which I think has killed or confused many of my taste buds, which now welcome any, well at least most, foods. I am then out the door a little after 7 and it takes about 5-7 minutes from the time I leave the house until I am doing what I call the chicken-bus-dance-game. How you play is 1) get on the bus 2) try to stay standing as the driver always takes off before you are ready 3) try not and bump head on railing 4) try not to hit fellow chicken-bussers in head with backpack 5) do 2-4 while squeezing through the space between seats that is about the size of a #2 pencil 6) If there is a seat available and can manage to make it there while dancing in stride to all of the above, you win. I have yet to win, I think I am like 0-73. Nonetheless, it is always an adventure. The driver pursues his reckless pursuit of recklessness and it takes about 10 minutes to get from the city where living to the city where studying. The fare is 2.5 quetzales (the equivalent of 33 U.S. cents), quite the bargain for providing both transportation to school and a small taste of a theme park roller coaster. How I have yet to see a pedestrian mowed over or a cyclist recycled I do not know. I am constantly thinking about what-if scenarios and it is not uncommon for the following thoughts to flow through my head...
What if this bus (camioneta in spanish) turns over...what if we hit that poor guy walking...how did we just make that turn...surely we are not passing, ok we are really passing...and many more. It always is entertaining and a great way to get the blood flowing in the morning.
I get dropped at a spot called Garita and then I have a 10-12 minute walk to school(though curiosity did get the best of me one day and I know I can make it in 4.5 minutes by run if need be...that is with backback and with shoes- the time in sandals was not too pleasant). But by walking, it is a good time to think, pray, and gaze upon the sky and the beauty of a morning view.
I get to school around 7:25 or so and am usually the first student there, then review my notes or study or...do the homework assignment from the day before. Marina is the sweet lil ole lady at the small store close to the school where I like to get my orange juice or chocolate before classes begin for the day.
Class begins, I talk with Amanda, my maestra, and we go from there into the 2 hour session before break. After the 30 minute break, I return for the remainder 1.5 hour session and the cabeza is filled with more information, poco a poco, little by little, with each passing day. I have to say my teacher is a blessing. She is the sister of the director of the school and it is her family that pretty much runs the school. Her father, Maco, is the greeter at the entrance of the school, always smiling and very welcoming. One brother, Manuel, handles the tour operations and transportation, the youngest sibling, Julio, manages the front desk. Coni, a sister in the fam, is also a teacher. Alfredo, the elder of the Martinez family is the supervisor and manager. Juan Carlos, the director of La Union (http://www.launion.edu.gt/), and I hit it off back when I visited last year and he said he would look after me, which after receiving his sister as a teacher, amongst other things, I am finding him true to his word. And blessings come, as I am very thankful and view it as nothing short of answered prayer...as through my perception so many are being answered. At high noon classes end. Mondays and Fridays are my days to get errands done, as I am less rushed on these days. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I am allowed to volunteer at a public school in the city where I am living, Ciudad Vieja, so I usually chicken bus back not long after class dismissal to catch lunch and a cat nap.
(I pause to watch the game and listen to a Cold November Rain)
2 men talk at the bar, as people constantly come in and out, the liqours line one wall and there is a painting of a woman on another that could use more clothing. On another wall, there is a framed picture of some lady who I have not a clue who she is, but she has a uni-brow. T-shirts of the restaurant, Frida´s, are hanging on the other wall. And I sit in the middle of this room at a circular table with my backpack at feet, writing, watching, listening...thinking, remembering, and enjoying the moment. The ticket for the meal comes, I dig through my bag to find some money, quetzales is the currency here, named after the bird.
Coldplay´s ¨In My Place¨, great song. Mellow and tranquil. Lakers 95-91 at the end of 3.
It is currently 10:05 pm and the last chicken bus to the city where I sleep left an hour and a half ago. A bridge to cross later. Bladder still signaling. Game still on.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2 in the afternoon until 5 I get to team up with the physical fitness teacher at the public school in Ciudad Vieja and recess and exercise with the kids. It has been a great way to get involved and be exposed to this culture and their children. The kids seem to enjoy being around me, as I do them, and they especially like sharing one of the gifts I have been blessed with, the blessing, of course, of...hair. The kids pull and tug and pet the hair on my head, face, arms, and legs- as if I am some kind of zoo animal. It has been a blessed time with the children as they share their youth, laughter, energy, culture, language and smiles with a newcomer. It is a good time to interact and be a kid amongst kids in a non-threatening environment. I am also enjoying the time with Donaldo, the 19 year-old p.e. teacher. The environment is completely spanish, which is helping the learning curve, poco a poco.
(That ends the writings from that evening and now my thoughts turn to the present, on this Saturday afternoon in Antigua)
Some friends of mine walked in to Frida´s as the game was ending and I talked with them. I sat and talked with Chloe as the game concluded. Lakers won 130-124. I asked Chloe if she could do 2 things for me: 1) excuse me as I go use the restroom and 2) please watch my bag. She did. I went. I returned and we talked and hung out. David, Kim, Chloe, and Sky...we hung out and shot the breeze. And here in about an hour I am going with them on a camp in a forest, where there are tree houses and tents, amidst the beauty of nature and a supposed gorgeous view of Antigua, so I am excited.
A couple of other things:
On Monday nights I get to partake in the free Merengue and Salsa lessons. I get to dance with women of all shapes and sizes, from places the world over, as I do my best to move about like, not a fish, but a human in water...or a fish out of water, both work.
Another strange and odd occurence has been the sighting of 2, yes 2 Guatemalans wearing the crimson sweatshirt of the University of Alabama. One, a young boy, and the second, an older lady. The only thing that would have topped off the occurence would have been to see their reaction to a ¨Roll Tide¨, which I am kicking myself for not doing...next time the fellow Bamians at heart are getting the ¨Roll Tide¨ no doubt...wonder what it translates to in spanish...
Another thing I am enjoying is the time with my host family. From meals to watching television and movies or just struggling to let them know what my plans are, it has been a good time thus far. I love their togetherness and love and care. A story from last weekend. Here in Guatemala, their are many traditions that have been neat to see and visit surrounding the religious time as Easter approaches. Their are processions every weekend and the local churches are decorated in vibrant colors as are the streets. Flowers and time-consuming sand designs will line the streets in preparation for the procession to come through. The designs in the streets are beautifully crafted and carefully placed and perfectly designed, only to be trampled on and over when the procession comes through. All that time and effort and energy, wiped out. Though it serve as a pretty good analogy for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Anyway, last Friday night I hopped in the back of the family truck and we drove about 30 minutes to a church to see the decoration and display. On the drive there, in the cool of the night, I sat on a blanket in the bed of the truck, next to the 12 year-old Rodolfo, and also with Alejandra(16) and Jose(11), with another blanket on our legs to help keep warm. I rode the familiar drive, the same route the chicken bus runs every morning , except this time it was from a different perspective. Yes, twas still bumpy and a bit dusty, yet it was worthwhile to be able to tilt my head and look at the stars. And to think about being in this new country, with a new family, speaking and attempting to converse in a new language, just many many new things. Yet, as I gazed upon the starry sky, I could not help but feel a tremendous peace as it was the same northern sky I have gazed upon many a night. And so in the midst of the newness, on the larger scale there remains a sense of the Greatness and Grandness of this world in which we live. We made it to the church, I witnessed a beautiful display of the spiritual light, as there was a huge crowd of people, much like that at a fair. There was God, Jesus, and mother Mary on display inside the church; then there was cotton candy, toys, and many products on display and for sell outside. I enjoyed the cultural experience and the time with family. The taste of the fresh mango was nice as well. The drive back was again good to tilt back and enjoy. The dark and dim lit roads allowed the stars and and clouds to appear mystical. The mountains and trees and volcanoes silhoutted in view. The low hanging, much dispersed powerlines added to the picture as well. And so the night concluded, as this post soon will, and a simple prayer will be left to share, a prayer influenced by a few proverbs:
Oh Almighty Great and Powerful and All wise God
May this day bring:
Rightness and Fairness for the situations I find myself in
May a good crop be produced in thought, word, and action
May there be a plan with hard work and not just hurriedness
May there be innocence
May there be instruction and sensibility
May the poor be helped, as I too will need help one day
May justice be done
May good sense be used
May I not just live for pleasure
May there be precious treasures stored up
May there be kindness and goodness
A prayer for wisdom
May I watch what I say
May I not be proud and conceited
May I obey You and be generous
May I be a reliable witness
May I be a God-person and think before I step
May I realize no matter how much or little I know and regardless of my plans, they will not defeat Yours
Even if an army has horses ready for battle, the Lord will always win.
Amen.
After 3 weeks, I am settling into a routine, enjoying the pace here. Each week is beginning to look the same, kind of like my repeated weekly wardrobe, which is not necessarily a bad thing. I am definitely settled and adjusted to this life as a student, volunteer, gringo, funny-talking foreigner, amongst the many hats I get to wear...and on occasion, tourist. In my efforts to learn the language and become as much Guatemalan as possible while here, I try to leave behind some of my American ways...but regardless of my attempt, I am who I am.
I currently sit before an internet cafe computer screen and type out some thoughts I scribbled down the other night. And with this the introduction ends and the story continues...
(The following was written this past Miercoles night, the 20th of February, 8.25 pm)
So here I am in this Central American country of Gueatemala, sitting in a Mexican bar/restaurant, eating a plate of nachos and watching my beloved American game, the game of basketball, as 2 local Anitguan ladies try to draw my attention to the steps outside the restaurant to persuade me to buy their crafted blankets, but my attention is focused on the television screen while the sound coming from the surrounding speakers plays the familiar tunes of 80's American music. Walked and stopped at several places looking for a restaurant or bar that carried the sport that I enjoy, though it is one disregarded by most persons here, therefore making the effort somewhat challenging. I love the fact that futbol (soccer) is on here 24/7 and I get to "practice" listening to the language I am in the process of learning while watching soccer/"studying" my other beloved sport. But there comes a time in a young man's life when a certain game can speak a familiar voice and satisfy a craving that not even the great-tasting-supreme-nachos before me can satisfy. The game that brings me here tonight is the NBA match-up of the Lakers versus the Suns (Shaq's first game with his new team and now my for-sure favorite NBA team) and nearing the end of the first quarter, with my nachos 3/4 devoured...I have to say my craving is satisfied. As I complete my meal, I am reminded of a proverb. The heading in the Bible I read from notes them as sayings of Agur, a man of humility and little knowledge of the Lord. However, he asked the Lord of a couple of things before he dies... 1) to be made absolutely honest and 2) daily bread...not too much that he forget about the Lord but not too little that he be tempted to steal and disgrace the name of the Lord...simply what he needs. And with that thought there has been honesty and a fair portion of bread in this good day. And I am thankful and appreciative for not too much and definitely not too little.
The first quarter ends, as does my meal, Lakers 32 - Suns 29.
I have moved on to a cup of coffee now, with my preferred 1 milk, 2 sugars. I sip in between sentences and glances of the 2nd quarter. Shaq is a big specimen. Steve Nash wears the #13...which I have been able to sport twice in the past few weeks, with a couple of teams that allowed me to play balencesto with them. With the most recent team, we won the semi's and advanced to the finals...but due to a couple of factors we were not permitted to play in the finals. 1) the guy on our team who reports the names and numbers apparently reported a wrong name with number and 2) we played with an illegal player. I am writing with one hand and raising the other to indicate who the illegal player on our team was.
Queen's "We Are The Champions" accompanies my thoughts from the speakers above.
Fernando, the name of my new friend and fellow teammate, and I were planning on watching the finals of the championship (that we were supposed to play in... after our 3rd game place was a no-go due to the other team not showing up)...but not enough players showed up for that game either, so there was no final. But instead of it being a night bitter, it turned out to be a night sweet.
So there I am on the back of the motor-bike/scooter with Fernando, riding around Antigua and forced to speak and attempt to speak in the new tongue of espanol and trying to listen and comprehend as well, as the sounds of the scooter and the wind and opposing traffic also compete for my attention...nevertheless, a beautiful evening.
And with that thought I finish my great cup of cafe, even though I let the last 2 sips go cold. And as my bladder signals, I cannot risk the chance of leaving my table and the game...both could be lost upon return.
Back to the motor-bike night with Fernando...tis these moments in time when I enjoy being at the place I am at in life. That of riding around a fresh place with a new friend, communicating with and learning about someone else's life (albeit by way of a pre-schooler's understanding and grasp on a language). And the scooter ride allowed me to learn about this 30 year-old elementary school teacher to 8 year-olds...as I did my best to speak like one.
Halftime, Lakers up 65-57.
I learned Fernando has been at the school for 3 years, lives in the same town as me but only on the weekdays. It takes him about 45 minutes to get to school, a half hourof that walking. On the weekends he lives with his aunt in Antigua, a city which I have come to adore. It is where my school is located, where my studies continue incredibly well.
My maestra returned from sickness this week and I am back on track and back to good-student mode, after being a bit frazzled by the teacher change...though it was nice getting to know another maestro.
My alarm goes off around 5:05 every morning...and I snooze to about 6. I then up and ready (with my shower usually just consisting of pouring a bucket of water on my head--and that is by choice, there is a perfectly fine shower available--I just opt for the 35 second version with less drying off responsibility), make my bed like a good camper, pack my backpack for the day, then make my way downstairs for breakfast. This is where I have my first language-practice-session for the day, which also serves as morning entertainment for my host family I am sure. Breakfast consists of anything from eggs (scrambled to poached to other-ways-not-really-sure-what-the-right-word-is, sometimes with hot dogs mixed in), usually some beans somewhere, to fresh fruit (papaya, cantaloupe, pineapple), bread is always available in abundance, sometimes cereal--have even seen Toucan Sam on occasion which is a tasty treat, gotta love the Froot Loops. But the most frequent is an oatmeal-like soup, sometimes pink --which I hope to be strawberry, and sometimes white, which I will just call white. And I am glad over the years I have become accustomed to mixing my food together before eating--which I think has killed or confused many of my taste buds, which now welcome any, well at least most, foods. I am then out the door a little after 7 and it takes about 5-7 minutes from the time I leave the house until I am doing what I call the chicken-bus-dance-game. How you play is 1) get on the bus 2) try to stay standing as the driver always takes off before you are ready 3) try not and bump head on railing 4) try not to hit fellow chicken-bussers in head with backpack 5) do 2-4 while squeezing through the space between seats that is about the size of a #2 pencil 6) If there is a seat available and can manage to make it there while dancing in stride to all of the above, you win. I have yet to win, I think I am like 0-73. Nonetheless, it is always an adventure. The driver pursues his reckless pursuit of recklessness and it takes about 10 minutes to get from the city where living to the city where studying. The fare is 2.5 quetzales (the equivalent of 33 U.S. cents), quite the bargain for providing both transportation to school and a small taste of a theme park roller coaster. How I have yet to see a pedestrian mowed over or a cyclist recycled I do not know. I am constantly thinking about what-if scenarios and it is not uncommon for the following thoughts to flow through my head...
What if this bus (camioneta in spanish) turns over...what if we hit that poor guy walking...how did we just make that turn...surely we are not passing, ok we are really passing...and many more. It always is entertaining and a great way to get the blood flowing in the morning.
I get dropped at a spot called Garita and then I have a 10-12 minute walk to school(though curiosity did get the best of me one day and I know I can make it in 4.5 minutes by run if need be...that is with backback and with shoes- the time in sandals was not too pleasant). But by walking, it is a good time to think, pray, and gaze upon the sky and the beauty of a morning view.
I get to school around 7:25 or so and am usually the first student there, then review my notes or study or...do the homework assignment from the day before. Marina is the sweet lil ole lady at the small store close to the school where I like to get my orange juice or chocolate before classes begin for the day.
Class begins, I talk with Amanda, my maestra, and we go from there into the 2 hour session before break. After the 30 minute break, I return for the remainder 1.5 hour session and the cabeza is filled with more information, poco a poco, little by little, with each passing day. I have to say my teacher is a blessing. She is the sister of the director of the school and it is her family that pretty much runs the school. Her father, Maco, is the greeter at the entrance of the school, always smiling and very welcoming. One brother, Manuel, handles the tour operations and transportation, the youngest sibling, Julio, manages the front desk. Coni, a sister in the fam, is also a teacher. Alfredo, the elder of the Martinez family is the supervisor and manager. Juan Carlos, the director of La Union (http://www.launion.edu.gt/), and I hit it off back when I visited last year and he said he would look after me, which after receiving his sister as a teacher, amongst other things, I am finding him true to his word. And blessings come, as I am very thankful and view it as nothing short of answered prayer...as through my perception so many are being answered. At high noon classes end. Mondays and Fridays are my days to get errands done, as I am less rushed on these days. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I am allowed to volunteer at a public school in the city where I am living, Ciudad Vieja, so I usually chicken bus back not long after class dismissal to catch lunch and a cat nap.
(I pause to watch the game and listen to a Cold November Rain)
2 men talk at the bar, as people constantly come in and out, the liqours line one wall and there is a painting of a woman on another that could use more clothing. On another wall, there is a framed picture of some lady who I have not a clue who she is, but she has a uni-brow. T-shirts of the restaurant, Frida´s, are hanging on the other wall. And I sit in the middle of this room at a circular table with my backpack at feet, writing, watching, listening...thinking, remembering, and enjoying the moment. The ticket for the meal comes, I dig through my bag to find some money, quetzales is the currency here, named after the bird.
Coldplay´s ¨In My Place¨, great song. Mellow and tranquil. Lakers 95-91 at the end of 3.
It is currently 10:05 pm and the last chicken bus to the city where I sleep left an hour and a half ago. A bridge to cross later. Bladder still signaling. Game still on.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2 in the afternoon until 5 I get to team up with the physical fitness teacher at the public school in Ciudad Vieja and recess and exercise with the kids. It has been a great way to get involved and be exposed to this culture and their children. The kids seem to enjoy being around me, as I do them, and they especially like sharing one of the gifts I have been blessed with, the blessing, of course, of...hair. The kids pull and tug and pet the hair on my head, face, arms, and legs- as if I am some kind of zoo animal. It has been a blessed time with the children as they share their youth, laughter, energy, culture, language and smiles with a newcomer. It is a good time to interact and be a kid amongst kids in a non-threatening environment. I am also enjoying the time with Donaldo, the 19 year-old p.e. teacher. The environment is completely spanish, which is helping the learning curve, poco a poco.
(That ends the writings from that evening and now my thoughts turn to the present, on this Saturday afternoon in Antigua)
Some friends of mine walked in to Frida´s as the game was ending and I talked with them. I sat and talked with Chloe as the game concluded. Lakers won 130-124. I asked Chloe if she could do 2 things for me: 1) excuse me as I go use the restroom and 2) please watch my bag. She did. I went. I returned and we talked and hung out. David, Kim, Chloe, and Sky...we hung out and shot the breeze. And here in about an hour I am going with them on a camp in a forest, where there are tree houses and tents, amidst the beauty of nature and a supposed gorgeous view of Antigua, so I am excited.
A couple of other things:
On Monday nights I get to partake in the free Merengue and Salsa lessons. I get to dance with women of all shapes and sizes, from places the world over, as I do my best to move about like, not a fish, but a human in water...or a fish out of water, both work.
Another strange and odd occurence has been the sighting of 2, yes 2 Guatemalans wearing the crimson sweatshirt of the University of Alabama. One, a young boy, and the second, an older lady. The only thing that would have topped off the occurence would have been to see their reaction to a ¨Roll Tide¨, which I am kicking myself for not doing...next time the fellow Bamians at heart are getting the ¨Roll Tide¨ no doubt...wonder what it translates to in spanish...
Another thing I am enjoying is the time with my host family. From meals to watching television and movies or just struggling to let them know what my plans are, it has been a good time thus far. I love their togetherness and love and care. A story from last weekend. Here in Guatemala, their are many traditions that have been neat to see and visit surrounding the religious time as Easter approaches. Their are processions every weekend and the local churches are decorated in vibrant colors as are the streets. Flowers and time-consuming sand designs will line the streets in preparation for the procession to come through. The designs in the streets are beautifully crafted and carefully placed and perfectly designed, only to be trampled on and over when the procession comes through. All that time and effort and energy, wiped out. Though it serve as a pretty good analogy for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Anyway, last Friday night I hopped in the back of the family truck and we drove about 30 minutes to a church to see the decoration and display. On the drive there, in the cool of the night, I sat on a blanket in the bed of the truck, next to the 12 year-old Rodolfo, and also with Alejandra(16) and Jose(11), with another blanket on our legs to help keep warm. I rode the familiar drive, the same route the chicken bus runs every morning , except this time it was from a different perspective. Yes, twas still bumpy and a bit dusty, yet it was worthwhile to be able to tilt my head and look at the stars. And to think about being in this new country, with a new family, speaking and attempting to converse in a new language, just many many new things. Yet, as I gazed upon the starry sky, I could not help but feel a tremendous peace as it was the same northern sky I have gazed upon many a night. And so in the midst of the newness, on the larger scale there remains a sense of the Greatness and Grandness of this world in which we live. We made it to the church, I witnessed a beautiful display of the spiritual light, as there was a huge crowd of people, much like that at a fair. There was God, Jesus, and mother Mary on display inside the church; then there was cotton candy, toys, and many products on display and for sell outside. I enjoyed the cultural experience and the time with family. The taste of the fresh mango was nice as well. The drive back was again good to tilt back and enjoy. The dark and dim lit roads allowed the stars and and clouds to appear mystical. The mountains and trees and volcanoes silhoutted in view. The low hanging, much dispersed powerlines added to the picture as well. And so the night concluded, as this post soon will, and a simple prayer will be left to share, a prayer influenced by a few proverbs:
Oh Almighty Great and Powerful and All wise God
May this day bring:
Rightness and Fairness for the situations I find myself in
May a good crop be produced in thought, word, and action
May there be a plan with hard work and not just hurriedness
May there be innocence
May there be instruction and sensibility
May the poor be helped, as I too will need help one day
May justice be done
May good sense be used
May I not just live for pleasure
May there be precious treasures stored up
May there be kindness and goodness
A prayer for wisdom
May I watch what I say
May I not be proud and conceited
May I obey You and be generous
May I be a reliable witness
May I be a God-person and think before I step
May I realize no matter how much or little I know and regardless of my plans, they will not defeat Yours
Even if an army has horses ready for battle, the Lord will always win.
Amen.
2.06.2008
Observations
Light. It brings things into existence. You enter a dark room, you cannot see...you flip the light switch and you see the room and what all lies within...from your perspective that is. I am shedding light on just a few of the happenings while I have been here, a few observations. It is a big room and these are just from one perspective...maybe not all the most pertinent, as I choose to allow some of the things to remain secret, for they may just be for this set of eyes. So amidst the spiritual and physical happenings in this room in which I now find myself, these are some observations from the first week in Guatemala. This little light of mine...
- There always seems to be a deeper realm to God when seeking to know Him more
- I am excited in regards to the challenge and opportunity to learn a new language
- The school where I am studying, La Union, fits what I deem a great place to learn: 1 on 1 tutoring, no walls, sun hits my face while attempting to learn, water and tea and coffee available as much as desired, 2 hours of class then a 30 minute break, followed by a 1.5 hour remainder session, one language bringing many cultures together
- My maestra, or teacher, Amanda is absolutely wonderful
- There is joy in a moment of sitting around the living room and watching a movie with all people living under the roof (2 other students from across the world, the Guatemalan parents, and 4 children...and me), even when it falls at the same time of the Super Bowl(one which apparently was an exciting one to see)...however, not that big a deal due to love and togetherness
- Volcanoes and mountains are beautiful as the sun rises on them...and its setting...ok, in between and after - volcanoes and mountains are just beautiful
- The machete that rests under my pillow as I sleep at night is probably not necessary...but makes me feel manly
- It takes much effort to remember the names of people but surprises them when you do
- I should probably be doing homework instead of making a list of observances
- Regardless of how early I wake and where I go, I always find another to have awoken before me
- When eating with the Guatemalans, it is respectful and customary to say *buen pro vecho*
- The Guatemalan computer keyboard is different from the one I am used to...and I seem to have much difficulty finding keys such as the quotation marks, hence I use the asterisk*(see numero 11 for example)
- Josefina, the mother in my host family, is an excellent cook and has provided an amazing variety of tasteful meals
- Yet, I am still glad I am not a very picky eater...or high-maintenanced(making 3 pair of underwear last a week is just fine by me)
- There are so many people I love and think about and am glad I know. What a true blessing an amazing family is, as well as great friendships. Yes, a blessing to be surrounded by so many great people...in physical and spiritual, in thought and prayer
- I am glad I came across the disappearing napkin magic trick somewhere along the line- tis an instant befriender to most children, regardless of language
- In some situations, words are not necessary, and language is transcended: like walking down the street passing a soccer ball with a 12 year old kid and kicking around...or giving a 7 year old girl a piggy back ride through the house...or spending time in silence gazing upon the volcanoes...or simply a smile
- $20 American can get a new wardrobe(grant it all items are used, but they are new to me...so it counts): a longsleeve button down shirt, 3 t-shirts, a pair of Jordans, a pair of Columbia shorts, and underwear and socks(to be worn as resourcefully as possible), oh yeah, and a pullover- for the mornings and nights are comfortably chilly
- Still have not called home, probably should do that soon
- I am still alive
- There is a McDonalds here, quite possibly the nicest one I have ever seen or been to, extremely first class...and though the courtyard is beautiful, I mainly use it for 2 purposes: 1) vanilla ice cream cone, every other time dipped in chocolate and 2) they practice sanitation...let me just say if I find firmer toitet paper than, then I will only frequent McDonalds for their ice cream
- I so-enjoy people-watching and the central park provides a perfect place for this hobby...as well as for conversations in español, however intimidating it might be
- My spanish is improving but am probably just moving into the diaper stage
- Discipline does not come merely by thought
- Nothing like riding a chicken bus(equivalent to US school bus) with 3 persons per seat and just enough room to smile
- Nothing like getting off a chicken bus after being sandwiched between fellow riders
- The chicken bus is not so bad after walking the 5 km route and emphasizes appreciation
- I enjoy walking
- It is refreshing to be without many advances in technology that can serve as distractions...and all the while ensure appreciation: the cell phone I have serves only as alarm, clock, stopwatch, calendar, etc.- and only distracts when I program it to...no owned means of transportation...life does not pass by as quickly when at the mercy of your own feet
- I like the sound of church bells
- Regardless of language, most people respond to a smile
- Some do not however and choose or prefer to appear dead
- A language is not learned in a day
- The mind of a child is a beautiful thing
- Not everything is brought to light that exists
2.02.2008
So, maybe I am just crazy!
My intentions were only to blog once weekly or so, but as I am finding out, I would forget all the details of certain events, therefore, I am blogging more frequently than I thought, which is not necessarily a bad thing...and I will end my run on sentence.
Yesterday was my first day of Spanish classes and I already and already am so excited, though I accidentally used the word for being sexually excited in trying to express that thought to my teacher, nonetheless very excited at the opportunity to study Spanish and be part of this culture for the next few months as God opens up more of his grandness in a new form of people, communication, natural beauty, and much much more.
One of the things my teacher, maestra in español, pointed out to me yesterday was that the word or name Lucas has double significance in Guatemala. Not only is it used for a name, it also serves purpose to describe someone as Crazy! And very fittingly so, I do my best to uphold the reputation for the term lucas.
I have received several invitations as I meander through the streets of the villages here. Tomorrow morning I will join my host family at their church for what I perceive to be a very traditional experience here in Central America. The conversations at the dinner table continue to improve as well as being a very good means of entertainment for them. I have to say Adriana, the youngest of the four children, is an absolutely adorable 7 year old. Alejandra is the oldest child at 16, followed by Rodolfo Jr. and Jose, ages somewhere between 16 and 7...my memory fails me temporarily. My grandmother crocheted several crochet balls for me to bring with me, and Rodolfo, Jose, and Adriana have enjoyed playing with them around the house.
I was also invited to go atop one of the mountains with a local while I was in the park for some time of silence. He lived nearby and pointed up to a stand up on the mountain and from what I could understand of his spanish, he was saying that the view overlooking the city was muy bonita, or very beautiful. So, in my poor understanding and communication of spanish, I think I am scheduled for a trip up the mountain next Saturday.
Then tonight after I joined Rodolfo, the father of my host fam, at church for the celebration and procession for the upcoming days leading to Easter, there was a basketball game across the way and I went over and observed the Guatemalans playing a game. It was a league match and a local later came up to me and asked if I played...and I said I played a lil bit and so I think I am registered to play in their league match next Saturday...again, if my poor understanding of Spanish is correcto. But it is exciting and it is conversations with the locals that I know will improve my ability to communicate in this new tongue. So next Sabado I will lace up the ole sneakers again and join my new friends in an all too familiar game, and it should be fun playing on their outdoor surface in the midst of the community. I am also glad I found a pair of Jordan basketball shoes at the market today, for an equivalent of 8 or 9 dollars...I guess bball shoes are not a big priority here ;)
So all continues well as the beginning of this new beginning has begun. I must say it is very humbling returning to a child like state, but it does help to refresh and see life through a pure lens...and maybe the lasik has something to do with that as well, wow, they lasered my eyes and now I can see.
I have but a minute to end this entry and post it as my time at this internet cafe nears end. It is crunch time...I have to go. My love, my thoughts, my prayers, my request for yours.
Yesterday was my first day of Spanish classes and I already and already am so excited, though I accidentally used the word for being sexually excited in trying to express that thought to my teacher, nonetheless very excited at the opportunity to study Spanish and be part of this culture for the next few months as God opens up more of his grandness in a new form of people, communication, natural beauty, and much much more.
One of the things my teacher, maestra in español, pointed out to me yesterday was that the word or name Lucas has double significance in Guatemala. Not only is it used for a name, it also serves purpose to describe someone as Crazy! And very fittingly so, I do my best to uphold the reputation for the term lucas.
I have received several invitations as I meander through the streets of the villages here. Tomorrow morning I will join my host family at their church for what I perceive to be a very traditional experience here in Central America. The conversations at the dinner table continue to improve as well as being a very good means of entertainment for them. I have to say Adriana, the youngest of the four children, is an absolutely adorable 7 year old. Alejandra is the oldest child at 16, followed by Rodolfo Jr. and Jose, ages somewhere between 16 and 7...my memory fails me temporarily. My grandmother crocheted several crochet balls for me to bring with me, and Rodolfo, Jose, and Adriana have enjoyed playing with them around the house.
I was also invited to go atop one of the mountains with a local while I was in the park for some time of silence. He lived nearby and pointed up to a stand up on the mountain and from what I could understand of his spanish, he was saying that the view overlooking the city was muy bonita, or very beautiful. So, in my poor understanding and communication of spanish, I think I am scheduled for a trip up the mountain next Saturday.
Then tonight after I joined Rodolfo, the father of my host fam, at church for the celebration and procession for the upcoming days leading to Easter, there was a basketball game across the way and I went over and observed the Guatemalans playing a game. It was a league match and a local later came up to me and asked if I played...and I said I played a lil bit and so I think I am registered to play in their league match next Saturday...again, if my poor understanding of Spanish is correcto. But it is exciting and it is conversations with the locals that I know will improve my ability to communicate in this new tongue. So next Sabado I will lace up the ole sneakers again and join my new friends in an all too familiar game, and it should be fun playing on their outdoor surface in the midst of the community. I am also glad I found a pair of Jordan basketball shoes at the market today, for an equivalent of 8 or 9 dollars...I guess bball shoes are not a big priority here ;)
So all continues well as the beginning of this new beginning has begun. I must say it is very humbling returning to a child like state, but it does help to refresh and see life through a pure lens...and maybe the lasik has something to do with that as well, wow, they lasered my eyes and now I can see.
I have but a minute to end this entry and post it as my time at this internet cafe nears end. It is crunch time...I have to go. My love, my thoughts, my prayers, my request for yours.
1.31.2008
Safe Trap
The story goes like this, I'm standing in line to check my bag in the Ft. Lauderdale airport when a conversation begins with the young lady behind me. She's in college, she's headed to the Dominican Republic. Twas a short conversation, friendly nonetheless. It then becomes my turn to check my bag and show my passport at the counter. The bag gets checked, I'm awarded a boarding pass. I make my way to the gate. As I go, I pass the young lady I was just in conversation with and wished to tell her safe travels or a good trip and out came, "Safe Trap." And so I kept walking grimace faced. I couldn't help but think at the nonsense about to be muttered over the following months in a language I haven't been speaking for a lifetime.
Nevertheless I'm here, safe traply in Guatemala. Arrived yesterday and am nestled in with my familia, on the outskirts of Antigua, in the small town of Ciudad Vieja. I arrived to the house and met Josefina, kind and very warm and conversing in nothing but espanol. I comprehended a word here and there about every other paragraph. And into the ocean I've been tossed, but I always have been a fan of swimming in the ocean, this water is just a bit saltier than I'm used to...and by salty I mean trying to understand a language I do not currently understand. But I'll learn. The days will pass and the mind will do what it does. It's exciting, amongst other words, very exciting.
Ciudad Vieja is tucked in a valley with 3 volcanoes surrounding, a 10 minute chicken bus ride to Antigua, where I'll begin my classes tomorrow morning. I've taken today to familiarize with the surroundings. Woke to a beautifully brisk morning, the chill sends a pleasant kiss to the cheek before the sun makes its way over the volcanoes. Manuel helped show me around today, joining me on the chicken bus ride and showing me the market, bank, park, and path to and from my host family's casa to the escuela. It's been a good day, as most seem to be. And I was able to find some underwear and socks in the market, so that should aid in the comfortable transition.
Life can be beautiful regardless of where we wake, the choice lies within the body that is awakening. My time on this computer is nigh, I am here in Guatemala safely and alive and well. You all are with me, for you all have shaped me. Love in this day.
Nevertheless I'm here, safe traply in Guatemala. Arrived yesterday and am nestled in with my familia, on the outskirts of Antigua, in the small town of Ciudad Vieja. I arrived to the house and met Josefina, kind and very warm and conversing in nothing but espanol. I comprehended a word here and there about every other paragraph. And into the ocean I've been tossed, but I always have been a fan of swimming in the ocean, this water is just a bit saltier than I'm used to...and by salty I mean trying to understand a language I do not currently understand. But I'll learn. The days will pass and the mind will do what it does. It's exciting, amongst other words, very exciting.
Ciudad Vieja is tucked in a valley with 3 volcanoes surrounding, a 10 minute chicken bus ride to Antigua, where I'll begin my classes tomorrow morning. I've taken today to familiarize with the surroundings. Woke to a beautifully brisk morning, the chill sends a pleasant kiss to the cheek before the sun makes its way over the volcanoes. Manuel helped show me around today, joining me on the chicken bus ride and showing me the market, bank, park, and path to and from my host family's casa to the escuela. It's been a good day, as most seem to be. And I was able to find some underwear and socks in the market, so that should aid in the comfortable transition.
Life can be beautiful regardless of where we wake, the choice lies within the body that is awakening. My time on this computer is nigh, I am here in Guatemala safely and alive and well. You all are with me, for you all have shaped me. Love in this day.
1.29.2008
The Beginning
A prayer for humility in the name of Jesus Christ. The beginning of another blog, another adventure, another day. I believe wisdom has been here since the creation of time, since the beginning, rejoicing always in the presence of the Creator. And so I write, I think, I live, but only in this day. And so in this day I will be happy to be content and to rejoice. Tomorrow's worries and cares be lofted in the morrow. Yesterday's times and seasons and experiences remain filed and tucked tightly in the moments of the past; surfacing when they need to resurface and readily accessible to bring purpose to this mystery known as Today. Today I live and yet plan and think and act and breathe and am conscience of the thought, "Life and its purpose." There comes a time in life when the world is perceived to need change. The mind and its finite ability to make best of the choices and options that are placed nakedly before. The body, to live in a way that suffices the hopes and faith of the soul. The many questions and lessons that lie undiscovered in this big round bouncy-ball of a world. The view from afar and from the heavens or from the depths of space, make the earth appear as a grain of sand. And then the mind can also perceive the holding of a grain of sand in hand, carefully attempting to focus in on a single grain of sand, and in doing so, completely focused in on literally the task at hand and completely disregarding the views and perspective of anything beyond what is connected to flesh. And this life is the happenings of flesh and spirit in constant argument and easily divorced.
And with these thoughts a new phase in life begins. Trusting the words that a man plans in his heart his course but the Lord determines his steps (as well as a host of others). I am what I am. I am not what I am not. I have my faith, hopes, and beliefs, as well as my convictions, struggles, faults, and imperfections. I love and believe in a God and Creator of this universe. I believe in the life and love of Jesus Christ. I will fall way short of living and walking like Jesus. But I will live and walk hoping to be like and become like him because I believe he is the wisdom that this world needs and is missing. I also believe there is a Great Spirit in this world as mysterious as the wind that cannot be grasped; capable of doing amazing things through ordinary men and women known as human beings...and I trust that I'm on His side, this side of good and not evil, this side of light and not darkness.
This is but the beginning. And so I'll continue to live as I learn and learn as I live. And attempt to see the simplicities in the midst of a very complex world. Amidst people and language, culture and lifestyle, comfort and stress I seek to grow. Not knowing but trusting. Not satisfied to sit back and watch life pass me by. To love God and people. To walk by faith and not by sight. To shut up and stop talking and complaining, and stand up and start doing.
It is light that brings things into existence. Maybe these words can bring into existence one man's thoughts and observations and perspective. And hopefully to encourage and inspire life, one to another.
In Nashville today. The plane is scheduled to arrive Ft. Lauderdale tonight. Another plane will take me to Guatemala tomorrow. I'm going to learn a new tongue and live in a new place for a while. I'm taking many many great friendships and relationships and memories with me. I have so many family and friends that have shaped and influenced who I am. Thank you family; thank you friends. I'll write when I write, and see you when I see you. My love and thought and prayers to fill the air.
And with these thoughts a new phase in life begins. Trusting the words that a man plans in his heart his course but the Lord determines his steps (as well as a host of others). I am what I am. I am not what I am not. I have my faith, hopes, and beliefs, as well as my convictions, struggles, faults, and imperfections. I love and believe in a God and Creator of this universe. I believe in the life and love of Jesus Christ. I will fall way short of living and walking like Jesus. But I will live and walk hoping to be like and become like him because I believe he is the wisdom that this world needs and is missing. I also believe there is a Great Spirit in this world as mysterious as the wind that cannot be grasped; capable of doing amazing things through ordinary men and women known as human beings...and I trust that I'm on His side, this side of good and not evil, this side of light and not darkness.
This is but the beginning. And so I'll continue to live as I learn and learn as I live. And attempt to see the simplicities in the midst of a very complex world. Amidst people and language, culture and lifestyle, comfort and stress I seek to grow. Not knowing but trusting. Not satisfied to sit back and watch life pass me by. To love God and people. To walk by faith and not by sight. To shut up and stop talking and complaining, and stand up and start doing.
It is light that brings things into existence. Maybe these words can bring into existence one man's thoughts and observations and perspective. And hopefully to encourage and inspire life, one to another.
In Nashville today. The plane is scheduled to arrive Ft. Lauderdale tonight. Another plane will take me to Guatemala tomorrow. I'm going to learn a new tongue and live in a new place for a while. I'm taking many many great friendships and relationships and memories with me. I have so many family and friends that have shaped and influenced who I am. Thank you family; thank you friends. I'll write when I write, and see you when I see you. My love and thought and prayers to fill the air.
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