|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letters: |
In August, I had the opportunity and blessing to visit our sister parish, Iglesia de San Jose in the city of Mixco, Guatemala, representing St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish. I am grateful to our Pastor, Fr. Bolte, and our entire parish community for this tremendous opportunity and blessing. The flights to Atlanta and Guatemala City were uneventful except for being three hours late. Upon landing in a light rain, we heard singing in the background and camera flashes rapidly along with camcorders recording the event. More than 200 members of the Communidad de San Jose greeted us. Readily visible was the welcome banner and immediately my ears were filled with joy at the vibrant energetic songs and thundering applause. I felt special and welcomed. After clearing customs, we were warmly embraced and rode the bus back with the caravan of busses of our welcoming brothers and sisters. In order to introduce everyone and learn their names, we played the "Yo No" name game during the short and bumpy trip to the parish house. Upon arriving at the parish house, you could not miss the ear shattering crackling noise. It sounded like machine guns and my first thought was that the revolution had commenced and my timing picked to visit Guatemala was impeccably an unwise choice. In reality, it was the noise produced by thousands of giant, powerful firecrackers announcing a great celebration, in this case, a customary warm welcome. Each morning the roaring sounds of firecrackers start the day. Then the roosters and dogs join in the chorus of announcing a new day. In the morning we were given a full schedule of events that would seem easily managed in the USA. However, we were in Guatemala where a highway is a two-lane road filled with potholes and choking oily smoke from truck's exhaust, buses and automobiles. It was immediately evident upon entering a road that the used trucks, buses and autos the USA abandoned, they would paint it and new life would be given on the roads of Guatemala. The first startling observation is that there are basically no traffic laws. During a traffic jam, busses cross the median strip choking any possibility of either side advancing at all. They would trample trees in the median and proceed to block the oncoming traffic. Imagine I-75 during rush hour and busses crossing the median and stopping the oncoming traffic. A normal twenty minute ride turns into an adventure of dodge them cars, trucks and busses for 3 hours. After you overlook the frustration of the everyday chaos, you sense a people happy, at peace, and accepting of what their day has to offer. Readily visible are the smiling, shy faces. Overall, it was a splendid opportunity for me to rediscover that I have many blessings by living in the USA. I was invited to visit some of the individuals, who had visited us last year. I was reminded that I live in a palace compared to the cardboard home that some of them live in. I was reminded to smile overlooking the present challenges that may appears as insurmountable. Can you imagine waiting for two years to obtain telephone service? There are no Bigg's Hypermarkets, yet they have other wonderful things we do not allow ourselves to experience. Indeed, we can learn many lessons from them. Sister Sara, the brain thrust behind the medical clinic, is a powerful force to reckon with. She gets things accomplished that many would give up in frustration. She reminds the community that the clinic is theirs and they need to make it a success. It is OK to get a helping hand from the Americanos, however, they need to nurture it and raise the funds to make it their own. It was an experience to see the scared faces of mothers bringing their children for medical care. Although they do not turn anyone away for lack of money, each family is expected to pay a certain fixed fee. Medicines are dispensed at cost. Fundraisers are held often to raise funds in order to assist in the purchasing of new equipment. My vision is that during the next three years we could fulfill a wish list of urgently needed equipment. For the dream to become a reality, we need all of our community to discern how the Lord is calling us to participate. I pray that He will guide you in the stillness and quiet recesses of your heart. Thank you again for the privilege of representing the people of St. Ignatius. Thank you for the opportunity to be blessed by experiencing the lovely land of Guatemala and its charming inhabitants. God bless you! Deacon Luis Riva |
