Xela

My teacher, Mynor, suggested I take a viaje to Xela (shay-la) for Guatemala's Independence day which was Sept 14th. Xela celebrates their independence more than the rest of the country because it coincides with their patron saint which is the Virgen Rosario - plus I was kind of itching for some stimulation from a bigger city. 

Xela has a fascinating history. It has a couple different names because when it was in the process of being conquered by the Spaniards the Aztecs (who were aiding the Spaniards at the time) mislabeled it Quetzaltenango thinking it was associated with a smaller tribe at the time not the Mayans. 

This is the oldest church in Central America built around 1524 (which is just outside of Xela) 

Some fun facts I learned about many colonial towns: 
1. All Catholic churches are built on the eastern side of the city center because the Sun rises in the east. (Many native Americans oriented their houses around the sun rise & set as well.) 
2. Most of the bigger markets have an alter to pray

3. All cities in Guatemala have a patron saint. There are interesting legends about one in Xela & a neighboring village that were being carried by Spaniard troops "falling & being unmovable" and that is why the cathedral & another church were built in its location in the city center.

Every year each high school picks a couple of reinas (or queens.) I believe there is usually one of sports, academics, & an overall reina. 

 

I love that everything here from this school was made from recycled goods.  

This was easily one of the coolest parts of the parade that I have ever encountered. The kids made transformers out of boxes. When the teacher blew his whistle & shouted "TRANSFORMAN" they all hopped to the ground & converted into cars. Cool use of recycled products & STEM. Click here to see the clip.

These alfombras, or carpets,  were made for the first day celebrating the Virgen Rosario. They will also be created at the end of her feast day. (This is another reason why I want to be in Guatemala for Easter. They have huge celebrations with these alfombras all during the holy week.)

Notice: in the midst of all this pay phones are alive & always being used here in Guatemala  

When they started this procession the lit off all the bombs & The Virgen Rosario did one circle, or vuelta, around the city center. 

Master Weavers

Typically I do not enjoy shopping in the United States. I can generally walk into a store and know within seconds if I like the clothes & if the styles will work with my body etc.

I took one sewing class about 7 years ago in Austin. I had these fantasies of making my own clothes. In the class, I quickly learned I would not be making my own clothing and I would be lucky to be able to come out of the class with the pair of pj pants & 2 pillow cases they guaranteed. Sewing/ clothing construction require a precision, creativity, & problem solving skills that I was not inherently born with. I feel blessed to be able to do the basics: like curtains, hems, & zippers. In many countries, it is a lost or dying art. But it is vibrantly alive in Guatemala.

Our teacher showed us all the different seeds and flowers that were used for dye. Before any of the cotton was dyed it was wrapped in banana leaves to keep them wet & give them certain nutrients to absorb the color more. 

 

When I walk around San Pedro I often see women in small, dark homes still making their own shawls and tapestries like the one that is being created here.

Over the last couple of years I have really been captivated with the way that God masterfully weaves situations throughout people's lives in ways that always seem better than any of us can create. 

Gen. 50: 20-21 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being down, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." 

Tamales

There are many different variations of tamales. The 2 most common here in Guatemala are either made out of corn (maiz) or potatoes (papas). The ones made out of papas here are called: paches. We had a class at my school making tamales out of papas.  

First, our teacher explained about the leaves we would use. These are really similar to banana leaves, but not the same. They are sold in the local market.  

1. We cooked the potatoes & the tomatoes jalapeño concoction.

2. Then we peeled the HOT potatoes & mashed them up. 

3. We added the puree mixture with some matzah & several large pinches of salt. 

4. We used prunes for the vegetarians or we added chicken & peppers on all the others. 

Finally, we put them in a big pot with water & cooked them for about an hour.

I brought an extra one home for Momma Sandra & Kim which was devoured. 

The other type of tamale that is really common is the more traditional one made out of corn. Here in Guatemala, it mostly has a small portion of chicken in it & is a lot thicker than the ones we have back in Texas. 

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS GREEN SAUCE. It is pretty hot but doesn't mask the flavor of the food with anything other than heat. 

Stay tuned for plenty more good food...

1Co 10: 31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

San Pedro Volcán

This is the view from the balcony of mi familia: el Volcán San Pedro. I literally walked out of their house all the way up to the beginning of the parque del Volcán. (That alone was about an hour hike.)

La vista del mirador (about 1/3rd of the way up.) 

Vale la pena (It was worth it)

These women were amazing regalos (gifts.) The Andrea,girl on the left, has climbed Mt. Everest 3 times! She is the first sponsored professional female climber in Guatemala and is the jefe of a health company in Guatemala city which is also uncommon. 

,,

On the hike down I was captivated by the crater. (I didn't even try to take a photo because it wouldn't have turned out.) The cosa that really captured my attention was how lush & green everything was on this dormant volcano. Then a light bulb went off: 

Even in death there is always life.

They cycles of nature require death to keep the soil fertile to promote more life.

This year my last-living, feisty, abuela passed away. Right after that, we had another beautiful baby boy born to our family. 

  

JN: 11:25-26: ..."I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die..."