Today has been quite the day. We attended our first mass here in San Lucas this morning at 7:30 am in the beautiful and crowded church. It was completely different than what we are used to, considering the service was entirely in Spanish.
From there, we hopped aboard a wonderful little boat for an hour of waves and breathtaking sites.
Then we finally arrived at our destination: Santiago, a bustling little town filled with markets, people, and a famous Catholic Church where Father Stan was martyred.
For those who don't know, Father Stan preached and served here in Guatemala for many years, even continuing through the civil war (La Violencia). Greatly beloved by the natives, he translated the Bible into their tiny and secluded language, completely transforming their understanding of God. He fought tirelessly against the government's oppression, but was martyred in 1981 in his bedroom.
Shown below is a photo of the group on the front steps of Father Stan's church.
After a brief tour of the church, we headed off of to lunch with two Guatemalan boys that we acquired along the way. After a little shopping we were on the boat again, making our way back to San Lucas Toliman.
Once we were home, the time was ours to spend! A few of us treated ourselves to "helado," or ice cream. Other activities included soccer, basketball, and shopping.
Maggie, an 8th grader at St. Wenceslaus School, asked us: "What was your favorite part of the trip and why?"
As of right now, one of the highlights of this trip has been the many opportunities we receive each day to speak Spanish with the locals. Though challenging, it is an incredible feeling when you share an understanding with a Spanish speaker. So far we've talked to children and have gotten to know one of the street sellers very well. We feel accomplished.
What language barrier?
Until tomorrow...
- Hallie O'Neill and Maggee Becker
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