The weekend brought lots of excitement. Saturday evening we were invited to Chona's house for her birthday. We joined a couple groups at the mission as well as her family for a meal and delicious cake. It was great to visit her house for the first time after several visits here. It was a beautiful house with a yard full of fruit trees and shade trees. They are truly blessed!
We have gotten to know several of the long term volunteers down here, and they are all wonderful. Each has come with an attitude of service, and have been a great help to all that ask their assistance. Lori has really taken on to her Spanish, and is complimented regularly. I also have received compliments, but I feel it is more relative to my trying than my success or accuracy. I will keep learning.
Yesterday, we were able to visit Santiago and the death place of martyr Father Stanley Rother. He served in the violence with Fr. Greg, and was a great supporter of the protection of his people, much like Fr. Greg. He returned to Guatemala even amongst the people telling him he will die if he returns. It was very powerful to be in the shrine and room where he was killed.
After visiting the church, we spent some time haggling in the market for different gifts for our loved ones back home, as well as things we would like for ourselves. Our group's favorite item was art. We came away with several pieces we can display in our homes to remind us of our journey here.
We returned to the mission, and spent a couple hours unwinding before Mass, and then we were off to another invitation to eat with Dave and Anna's at the Spencer House. The Spencer House used to be where the long term volunteers stayed. It was wonderful to be treated with such hospitality, and provided another opportunity to practice Spanish some more. It is much easier to learn here compared to other places, as they speak much slower and clearer. It builds confidence to continue using it more.
After we retired from Dave and Anna's we returned to the hotel to take up our favorite nighttime activity in Carbles. We have played games every night, and more and more people are learning and really enjoying this game. Rohlik's make the game boards, and they do a great job!
This morning we head out for construction help, so we are getting our working gloves ready, and stretching our muscles. We will add more pictures and comments at lunch.
Brett Mathiowetz
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