Beauty

Today was a beautiful day! The sun was shining and it barely rained after dinner. We enjoyed the day learning about the area and the Mayan people.

We heard about the discrimination the Mayan people face and about it affects their lives. And, we learned about the beginning of Mission Guatemala and the director’s journey to being here now.

Then we went to a nearby town and visited a pottery shop where they make about 1200 items a month- all by hand! The building was 3 sided and the 4^th side had no wall. The floor just ended, with no barrier to keep anyone from falling off! It was fascinating to learn about how they created such beautiful pieces. Even though I heard about it before, it was still interesting, and I learned even more this time. Then we went to a weaving co-op. There, we learned about the different techniques they use to make their beautiful fabrics.

After we ate lunch in the town we’re staying in, we had a chance to walk around and do some shopping. When Covid hit, I wondered how the people of Pana would survive. To many residents, their source of income was selling their crafts to people along the streets. Today, I realized the streets were so much quieter. Very few people were walking around selling things, fewer booths were open, and there were fewer people walking around shopping. It’s clear that covid has changed in the streets of Pana, and I’m sure many towns around Guatemala. I asked someone at Mission Guatemala about it. She told me many went to bigger cities to find different types of jobs, tried other types of work in the area, or tried to immigrate somewhere that they could find work. It’s sad knowing that many people who have lived in these towns all their lives, surrounded by their family, were forced to leave what they knew to find a way to survive and care for their families. I wonder if things have changed forever here or if there will be a time that people will come back to the area they left. I guess time will tell.

I’m always overwhelmed by the beauty that surrounds me while I’m here. The gardens, the lake, the volcanoes, and just everything about the area are breathtaking! I think of the artistry of God when I come here and see such beauty. I remember the first time I came here and came home with a million pictures of volcanoes and the lake. I still take a ton of pictures but not quite as many now. But I love experiencing it all with people who haven’t seen it before because it reminds me of that first experience. Last time, I talked to some of the guys who we worked with about the beauty. They didn’t think a whole lot about it. They see it every day. It makes me think about what I take for granted at home. What beauty do I miss because I see it so often? When I go home, I will definitely be more open to continuously experiencing the beauty around me.

So, where was God today? I experienced him in the beauty around me, in the people of the area, and in the people of Mission Guatemala who work to help Mayan people who struggle with racism and other difficulties.

Blessings,

Jennifer