I tried calling Mariana several times on the trip and didn't get through. I'm not sure if I didn't have the right number or what...but she runs a women and children's shelter in Huehuetenango and I had 8 suitcases of clothes and shoes for her. I also had some books, toys and soccer balls. When we got to Pana we didn't stop at the dock we did last time so I didn't see her. Nery told us he'd wait for her. We all got on the boat with Lee and Alex. We had a bigger boat which was nice. It was slow which meant our lake crossing was a bit longer than normal. Thankfully it stopped raining! The lake is beautiful so I'm always happy to visit there.
Our first stop was Santiago. We got some coffee (much needed) and the kids got some ice cream. A little boy was trying to sell me a bracelet, but changed tactics when I offered him ice cream. He left with a quart of fresa and a smile. He should've stuck around because I'd have brought a bracelete too. We hired a truck to take us to Maximon! Maximon is a god, of sorts, you can pray to. People bring him liquor and cigarettes. There are 12 families in Santiago that take turns watching him for a year. When we showed up he was drinking whiskey and when we left they were lighting a cigarette for him.
On the way back to Santiago we went by the lake where the women were doing their washing. It's not an easy life for most of the people in Guatemala, but their general joy with life makes me want to be a part of it.
We visited the church in Santiago and went through the mercado...including raw chicken and fish. I love it. I'm not sure everyone was as impressed. When we left the market we ran into Mariana!!! She had taken the boat over from Panajacel to find me. That woman is amazing. She had a purse for me and some cookies she had made. It was so good to see her again.
On the way back down from lunch, we did a little shopping. Brooke got a blanket that we had to bargain a bit for. We walked away from the guy more than once. He kept telling me that the blanket I'd gotten was smaller in Antigua for the same price. We eventually got the price down. Jenn got some chickens too that we shopped for from the back of the pickup truck. Where else can you holler about price from your car? :)
After Santiago, we headed to San Juan Laguna. We visited a weaving cooperative to learn how they make the cotton. Grace tried on a traditional dres.. I got some honey! We also went across the way to a medicinal herb garden. I picked up some aloe for my sunburnt lips and some tea. Love these towns.
We got back to Pana at about 5:15. Reece was starving. He wanted a hamburger. Brooke got him an ear of corn. Good trade? Made it back to Antigua around 8. Scott and Shelly showed up around 9. It's been a busy couple of days.
On the two hour drive back from the lake, we had some fun. Brooke read her bible readings for the week. I'll post them as soon as I get them from her. They were perfect for the trip and my kids were full of answers for her questions. Not necessarily what she was looking for, but they were enjoying participating. We also played the name game...where you need to use the first letter of the last name to name a celebrity. Lily struggled. We tried to help her and her hearing was apparently off. She had Ozzy Ozzmore. Rot Steward...and she came up with Rick Romney all on her own. She said....you know..the one who lost to the president. Ethan was more creative. He came up with Frank Furter. You know the guy who invented the hot dog.
No comments:
Post a Comment