Darkness

Today Hulda and I went for a walk, we decided to go to the church on the hill because it has a beautiful view of Tactic. While there we watched a “bruja” (witch) perform her magic for a man and woman. They danced around, chanted, and lit candles. Hulda explained to me that many people go to a witch because they need help with health for a family member, job related issues, and sometimes to put a curse on another person. The cost for one session with a bruja is between Q500 and Q1000 ($70 - $140), to us this amount may seem minuscule, but for the people in Tactic this often amounts to one months wages; Often nothing comes to pass and the money is wasted.

Another event I recently witnessed was at a local high school. The students were performing Guatemalan customs (such as eating traditional food and dancing). It was very interesting to watch and I really enjoyed viewing their rich cultural practices. One event however, took me by surprise. Three of the students were dressed in “devil” and “grim reaper” costumes. One of the boys carried a giant fireworks display on his back and they all moved to the music as the firecrackers exploded. The story they were telling was about a man who went to the devil to ask permission to commit a terrible transgression.

I believe Satan has the power to influence events in our lives, and I also believe that when we are truly convinced of something (ex. an illness that will be healed) we can overcome tribulations. Though, these things are quickly fleeting and inconsistent.

Here in Tactic I am reminded of the darkness and hopelessness in our world. These people are clearly seeking to be healed, to be fulfilled, and to be loved, and all they seem to find is empty rituals and futile promises of good things to pass. We experience this in Canada as well, though the darkness is not quite as evident. We become trapped in our routines and lose purpose in our lives. We continuously seek for fulfillment, whether through the love of another, or through material things…do we ever find what we are looking for?

The greatest thing I have learned in my life is this: the only thing that can fill the void in my heart is the love of God. There is nothing more in this world that could ever make me feel abundantly loved, happy, and accepted. My prayer is that the people in Tactic will find this joyous hope as well, and that the light that comes with loving Jesus will cause the darkness of oppression to subside.

Feliz Cumpleaños

Today the girl I sponsor (Hulda) turned 12. We celebrated her birthday by eating hamburgers, playing in the park, and purchasing a brand new bicycle :)

Mi Casa

For those of you who wanted to see pictures of my house, here they are...enjoy :)

I live upstairs and two of the other teachers live downstairs.

The living room (and front door)

Living room (from a different angle)

The bathroom

My bedroom

My bedroom (other angle)

The pila where I wash my dishes and laundry

The sunset from my balcony

Not a Coffee Drinker

In this land where coffee is in abundance (and apparently really good), I am one who does not partake in the ritual of drinking the addicting infusion. It has never appealed to me and in truth the only way I will drink it is if there is enough sugar and cream to mask the flavour of the coffee.

I must admit to you that as of late I have become infatuated with chocolate covered espresso beans. There is something tantalizing about chocolate with a slight hint of coffee flavour, and I can’t seem to keep my hand out of the jar. Somebody please stop me!!