Lisa writes:
HISTORY IN GUATEMALA
History has never been my strongest subject. In fact, it is probably my weakest area of academics. But as I delve into learning a new language and am living in a new part of the world, I see there is so much context to be gained through understanding how the culture was shaped. History explains much about the current ideologies, motivations, and way of life.
This past week I feel as though I have unlocked many new areas of appreciation for this journey, the people whom we hope to serve, and the skills I will need to nurture in order to be effective in answering God's call in my life. In reality, as I am pursuing this education in the Spanish language, I am gaining a well-rounded enlightenment and broader desire for awareness and comprehension of more than my personal bubble.
On Friday we watched a movie (in Spanish) about the civil war in Guatemala, specifically the period in the 1980's and the struggle of the indigenous population to preserve their culture and history. Wow! While the movie budget lacked in film quality and scripting/character development (remember I only ever give a movie 1.5 thumbs up ratings anyway), it sure made me think about how much history continues to impact -- How even in my lifetime there were things happening at a global level that have changed the future for so many people of which I am unaware. Several stories from our teachers added to the personal significance of how recent this "history" really is.
Yesterday John and I explored an area just outside of Antigua and visited museums on music and coffee (pictures below). The development of each of these areas in Guatemala showed striking differences - the music maintaining deep primitive roots in the Mayan culture and the coffee becoming an economic global player. I still am not a great fan of that type of music, but I sure have begun to embrace the coffee!
AND CURRENT EVENTS IN HONDURAS:
Last Sunday (November 26th) the people of Honduras cast their votes in a presidential election. I guess I took for granted that this is just an ordinary event (a piece of news, a blip in time) and would not really play a consequential role in my life personally. Change, however, is difficult and the process of democracy in Central America (really of all countries and governments in history) is fraught with pain and conflict as each side seeks the ability to define the "rights" of the people and government.
The official results of the election have not yet been finalized. The lack of an announcement has caused suspicions about the transparency and there is growing unrest. We continue to watch closely as this new history in the country of Honduras unfolds.
Some of you may have seen stories and in the news or on the Internet. We believe much going on there is relatively isolated, but acknowledge that the imposed 10-day curfew in Honduras is an unexpected surprise as we finish up our classes in Guatemala over the next two weeks.
Please pray for peaceful and quick resolutions to this election. We trust that God has a plan and is in control.
RESPECT
Circling back to music, the Aretha Franklin song R-E-S-P-E-C-T has been swimming in my head.
I have definitely gained a new respect for history and an even greater respect for those people who are brave in their convictions during challenging times
I am overwhelmed that there is so much to learn! And yet, I am content and very happy - fulfilled by each discovery and new piece that is making up this beautiful picture of life.
Psalm 46:10 He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
HISTORY IN GUATEMALA
History has never been my strongest subject. In fact, it is probably my weakest area of academics. But as I delve into learning a new language and am living in a new part of the world, I see there is so much context to be gained through understanding how the culture was shaped. History explains much about the current ideologies, motivations, and way of life.
This past week I feel as though I have unlocked many new areas of appreciation for this journey, the people whom we hope to serve, and the skills I will need to nurture in order to be effective in answering God's call in my life. In reality, as I am pursuing this education in the Spanish language, I am gaining a well-rounded enlightenment and broader desire for awareness and comprehension of more than my personal bubble.
On Friday we watched a movie (in Spanish) about the civil war in Guatemala, specifically the period in the 1980's and the struggle of the indigenous population to preserve their culture and history. Wow! While the movie budget lacked in film quality and scripting/character development (remember I only ever give a movie 1.5 thumbs up ratings anyway), it sure made me think about how much history continues to impact -- How even in my lifetime there were things happening at a global level that have changed the future for so many people of which I am unaware. Several stories from our teachers added to the personal significance of how recent this "history" really is.
Yesterday John and I explored an area just outside of Antigua and visited museums on music and coffee (pictures below). The development of each of these areas in Guatemala showed striking differences - the music maintaining deep primitive roots in the Mayan culture and the coffee becoming an economic global player. I still am not a great fan of that type of music, but I sure have begun to embrace the coffee!
AND CURRENT EVENTS IN HONDURAS:
Last Sunday (November 26th) the people of Honduras cast their votes in a presidential election. I guess I took for granted that this is just an ordinary event (a piece of news, a blip in time) and would not really play a consequential role in my life personally. Change, however, is difficult and the process of democracy in Central America (really of all countries and governments in history) is fraught with pain and conflict as each side seeks the ability to define the "rights" of the people and government.
The official results of the election have not yet been finalized. The lack of an announcement has caused suspicions about the transparency and there is growing unrest. We continue to watch closely as this new history in the country of Honduras unfolds.
Some of you may have seen stories and in the news or on the Internet. We believe much going on there is relatively isolated, but acknowledge that the imposed 10-day curfew in Honduras is an unexpected surprise as we finish up our classes in Guatemala over the next two weeks.
Please pray for peaceful and quick resolutions to this election. We trust that God has a plan and is in control.
RESPECT
Circling back to music, the Aretha Franklin song R-E-S-P-E-C-T has been swimming in my head.
I have definitely gained a new respect for history and an even greater respect for those people who are brave in their convictions during challenging times
I am overwhelmed that there is so much to learn! And yet, I am content and very happy - fulfilled by each discovery and new piece that is making up this beautiful picture of life.
Psalm 46:10 He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
This is Colton Shannon. I hope you got to do some coffee sampling. Praying for you guys!
ReplyDeleteThanks Colton! We've been enjoying the livestream services on Sunday mornings - long-distance fellowship!
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