Day 6

Today we had the opportunity to go to a local Mennonite Church.
It was amazing to contrast the service there to other churches or congregations we have been to. Although it was in Spanish, you could sense the passion in the tone of their voices. It was a community, everyone playing an active role, rather than one voice preaching.
They welcomed us with smiling faces and we even got an introduction.
It was so great to see a small woman with her arms reaching up in the air, as the congregation tapped their tambourines.

After we met with the youth there, and we discussed the topic of security.
It was interesting to hear the youth of Guatemala tell us themselves how they fear even going into a bus.
In the small groups we broke off into, we deliberated what we could do to help Guatemala's security
if we theoretically had the 300 billion dollars that America spends on war every year.
We all basically were in consensus that the people needed more social organizations to help them feel like they had support and they were not alone.
By starting with education, we can create a foundation that allows the next generations to reduce poverty, and start growing a stronger work force, which could grow up with better knowledge and morals.
It was sad to see how people felt helpless because the corruption in the police force.Imagine if you could not rely on the only people who truly have control over order?
Crime is probably also incited by a general unrest from the past, and the racism and hate that still resides over the people today.
Guatemala can grow in security even without the money, but it all needs to start with the correct mindset of all the people.

After we went to a small Mennonite family's home.
Apparently it is the "hot spot" after church because it was swarming with people and laughs.
The food was very delicious.
It is so interesting to see how welcoming and friendly the people are here compared to home.
We have already gotten a few people’s emails and you get a smile wherever you go.

We succumbed to our sugar needs and made a visit to the local ice cream store.We all got sundaes, and John, a gigantic banana split to quell our growing need for the lack of sweets.

To channel our energy- we of course had a heated match of soccer where Emma victoriously scored our winning goal, leaving us with the gold and John with an iced heel.

Yesterday two large groups arrived, and perhaps more today.
The small, quaint CASAS we once had all to ourselves is now overflowing with people.
To get off on a good start, we had an avocado fight off the roof after dinner.

-The cook is now, as we speak, showing the guys how to do proper sit-ups- which they apparently can not do.

Tonight we actually got to sit down and talk to the MCC representative, Adriana, who will be traveling with us for the next three weeks.
She talked to us a little about the next week in Nebaj.
Tuesday we are going to be going on a SIX hour car ride there and meeting up with another MCC representative, David.
Were going to be splitting up into small groups and staying with families in the close-knit village, which we are all extremely excited for.
We will also be building a green house there, and have the opportunity to be taught how to weave!And of course we will be connecting a lot with the youth there.
Anxious looks filled the room as Adriana warned us of the talent shows that they have which they take VERY seriously. But of course we are all extremely excited.
I think more than anything, although CASAS has been a wonderful learning experience, and a great way to ease into our trip, we are all excited to get out and immerse ourselves in the Guatemalan culture.

We are now watching a documentary on Fidel Castro, and then after Men In Black- just to cram as much in before we are destitute of "North American" culture.

It has been a most amazing 6 days, and we all look forward to many more. We have all accepted that we will be sick- so hopefully not much more can go wrong!

Sam