Guatemala otra vez – el dia seis

Today was another interesting day. I have called a team meeting during lunch tomorrow to discuss some concerns that continue to come to my attention. I believe that several of our team members are having difficulty with the lack of scheduling and directed activity in the afternoons. We have now had two days with free time in the afternoon. I believe one person is experiencing culture shock and doesn’t realize it. One of the things that I was expecting prior to this trip was the fact that we in the United States are accustomed to things being structured, directed, and we believe that our methodology is best. I find it fascinating that a group of leaders are having difficulty in utilizing free time to learn more about the people and the country in which they are living. It points out to me the need for this type of experience.
When we encounter immigrants in our community, we wonder why they don’t take advantage of the opportunities around them. We wonder why they don’t interact more with those that speak English so that they can learn English. We are critical of immigrants for seeking places where they can speak their native language rather than risking interaction with English speakers and thereby learning English. With the exception of Michael, who already speaks Spanish and is comfortable engaging in conversation, group members are seeking out other group members, remaining in the school as long as possible, and are not engaging in conversation (even though it would be limited) with those outside of the school. During our free time, I am finding some sitting in the school reading or reviewing lessons and vocabulary. Antigua is a tourist city and so the ability to navigate and engage others is quite extensive. I pray that team members will recognize the feelings and emotions they are encountering in a very sheltered environment so that when they return home they will be able to identify with the emotions of immigrants within their communities, who are living in an unsheltered environment. I know that some thought that they would come to Guatemala and in two weeks be fluent in Spanish. It ain’t happenin! The primary purpose of this experience is to sensitize pastors to the issues confronting persons that find themselves in a foreign land with those that speak a different language.
Now that my diatribe has been completed, let me talk about some positive things that occurred today. My classroom time was different than other days. When I shared with my teacher that I had a long conversation with Rosa Maria last night concerning the history and beliefs of the Methodist Church, she told me that many of the teachers had been asking who we were. There are very few Methodist churches in Guatemala and there are no Methodist churches in or around Antigua. Since Judith (pronounced – hu deeth), my teacher, had opened the door, I began to tell her about the origins of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, the Wesleyan quadrilateral, our beliefs regarding the sacraments, and our concept of the priesthood of all believers. We spent two hours in this discussion. It was a good warm up for El Salvador. I am finding that people are very receptive to hearing about the Methodist church and our beliefs. This is a lot more comfortable for me than the last time in Quetzaltenango when I was discussing faith with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In the afternoon, we had free time so I took an opportunity to go off by myself and photograph interesting doors and windows around Antigua. I then sat for awhile in Parque Central and spoke with what seemed to be an endless stream of street vendors. Antigua is a fascinating place and a unique combination of cultures and economic situations. I don’t know that I will ever get used to the fact that everyday children are out selling goods on the street. It is sad to think that this is all their life has to offer.
After returning to the school, I had a conversation with one group member who, after I had pointed out the behavior of group members, stated that tomorrow would be a day to venture forth and risk – in a safe way of course. I am anxious to see how our dialogue will go following lunch tomorrow. I pray that it will be a turning point for us as a group. This weekend will be a change of pace as we are traveling to Panajachel and Chichicastenango. This will provide a good diversion for everyone as it is the typical tourist type activity. I will not be able to post any blog updates until Monday so stay tuned (provided I survive the weekend)!