Community: I think I knew it, but I didn't...community is what I have been missing and desiring for the last two years. Sure I had a couple close friends in Xela, maybe a handful that I wanted to make plans to hangout with, but I spent a large amount of time feeling like I just didn't fit in or click with anyone. I got along with people fine, but it seemed nobody understood my passion for loving "the least of these" and few took any interest in hearing about it. My views on a lot of things were more conservative than most, leaving me home alone many a Friday and Saturday nights. I was mostly content with life in Xela, but each time I made a trip to the city I found it harder to return. Now, I recognize that it's because I experienced community here like I never did in Xela. I felt accepted and loved. I got to hang out with people who shared my passions, beliefs, and convictions. And that's where I find myself now. It's amazing, even almost overwhelming at times, to be surrounded by so many people involved in so many different ministries, but all here because they've felt the Lord calling them to preach the Gospel here in Guatemala. Some are involved with education, others with childrens homes, orphanages, and shelters, and still others with medical ministries. Then there are many who are a part of miscellaneous ministries that don't fall into one overarching ministry--aviation ministry, helps ministry, ministry to prostitutes...Some are more conservative than others. Some have been here longer than others. But we all share a common denominator--a desire to see the people of Guatemala loved into the arms of Christ. It creates a common bond that leads to almost immediate friendships.
Culture- Though I feel tremendously blessed to finally be a part of such a positive and encouraging community, I have still felt as though there is a little something missing--culture. The city is so...American. Everyone has cars, there are bigs malls and movie theaters, most shopping occurs in the grocery store, not a market...Sure it's convenient at times, but I long for the opportunity to hop on a bus for Q 1.25 (less than $0.25) to be taken across town without having to worry myself about traffic. I long to be able to safely walk the streets. I long to be able to purchase fruits and vegetables at the market and get anything made out of plastic from one of a million "plastic stores" near the market.
Today I was able to mix community and culture with a visit to the market near the children's home. It was wonderful to buy things at a more reasonable price, and to KNOW what a reasonable price is! And to make it even better, I got to do it with two friends who both speak Spanish. When we entered the market we agreed to speak only Spanish so we'd stick out a little less, and we mostly kept to that...even for a bit after we left!
As I become more comfortable driving here, I hope to be able to balance the culture and community experiences, making the most of living here in the city.
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