There has been no shortage of education, activities, and fun here in Guatemala over the last several days. Last week we went to San Antonio (the Guatemalan one) for the afternoon and got to learn a little bit about Mayan culture from some of the indigenous people living there. It's been really interesting to learn some the differences in their culture in contrast to the culture the Spaniards brought after Columbus and his people came. In the past several decades, Mayans have faced extensive discrimination and oppression over the past several decades, and although laws were passed in the 1990s to officially grant equality for Mayan people, there is still some prejudice and discrimination that goes on. All of that to say, it was really cool to learn from people who have maintained strong roots in their heritage in spite of all the opposition they've faced. Also, they have some beautiful and meaningful traditions pertaining to marriage and family that I found to be compelling.
This past weekend we returned to Guatemala City, only this time we spent more time talking with some interesting people rather than visiting numerous tourist spots. The people we heard from work in a few different ministries in and around Guatemala City. Rather than reciting all of the wonderful stories and lessons they had to share, I'll fill you in on a few reoccurring themes in relation to the needs of people in Guatemala, and humanity as a whole.
People need dignity. It's not uncommon for humans to find their identify and value in their work. Obviously, this is unhealthy regardless of one's occupation. But imagine someone who's work is sifting through a garbage dump for 10 hours a day, getting raped everyday as a sex slave, or working for absurdly low wages on a farm. What conclusions are they likely to make about their value as a human being? Although this problem certainly isn't limited to underdeveloped countries, it's especially prevalent in places like Guatemala.
People need hope. We need a reason to get up in the morning and a reason to live. We need purpose. And we need to know that no matter how bad life is or has been, there's a chance it can be something different in the future. This isn't just a "religious" need, it's a need that all humans share. I think that's probably why the Bible talks about so much about hope. It's critical for the vitality of life. It's what keeps us going. Martin Luther King Jr. is a great example of someone who knew how to hope. In spite of the afflictions his race had endured for hundreds of years, he so strongly believed things could change that it ended up costing him his life. The impact that his hopefulness has had on America is profound, and serves as a testament to the significance of hope.
People need to be enabled. This point is crucial because it's one way the aforementioned needs are met. It was so encouraging to hear from the people over the weekend who do just this. They're providing rehabilitation to drug dealers by letting them into their homes and helping them find work. They're building schools for kids, which serves as both an alternative to joining gangs and as an open door to immense opportunity.
It's been kind of crazy and overwhelming at times to see the immense hurt and needs in this country, But at the same time, it is so cool to see that there are people who are doing incredible things to meet some serious needs of the communities around them.
So the question that forms from all of this in my mind is, "What does this mean for me, and how ought I respond?" I'm working on the answer to that. But this post is long enough so I'll hold off for now. Thanks for reading and hope you're doing well!
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