…by Rose Bird
On July 20th fourteen of us left Vancouver on a pilgrimage to Guatemala.
Ready for an Adventure
The journey actually began well before our departure as Doris and Eric (St Andrew’s Wesley) prepared us for the assault on our senses. To touch but on a few of the key issues that have impacted Guatemala today; a civil war – the major conflict is over, however, the undercurrent of violence still exists; violation of human rights (indigenous Mayan) environmental and economic crisis. Our journey was arranged by G.A.T.E. (Global Awareness Through Experience) and was headed by two amazing individuals Sisters Jan and Marie. Our days were filled with new experiences (too numerous to mention all them). Guatemala, an incredibly beautiful country filled with the most amazing people striving/working for positive change filled our days and our dreams at night; a tour of a women’s clinic with Rosa: a challenging walk through a barrio;
Life in the barrio
visits to one of three schools housing 1 000 students (Chientla – in a marginated area) and a co-operative school headed by Betty; we spoke with a union lawyer (Enrique); union representatives for the bottlers union (Coco Cola); toured incredible churches, a hospital, an orphanage and Safe Passage school near the Guatemala city dump. We were hosted by a weaver in her home, toured Transitions (a disability association) with Alexander and paid a visit to the Canadian Embassy.
We met George head of the egg farm sponsored by St Andrews Wesley and discovered the project is trying to support a therapy addiction program. We remembered Rick Herron who had worked for the success of this program and knew he was with us in spirit. Mayan priests spoke to us of their faith and love of the earth. The Mayan vision acknowledges that we are all connected and prayer calls for unity and harmony. The tapestry of Guatemala is woven with threads filled with laughter, hope and dreams for a better future. On your own, you could not hope to have the incredible learning experience that this trip offered, so if you have the chance join Sisters Jan and Marie and our wonderful Doris for the trip of a lifetime. Guatemala will capture your heart.
