Life has begun here at Casa Shalom in Guatemala. I’ve already witnessed events and experiences that I have never before on my previous trips. It’s been a lot, but I am right at home.
Since Guatemala is mostly Catholic, Holy Week (Semana Santa), the week before Easter, is a BIG deal in Antigua. Churches dress in purple or white robes and walk the city streets in a procession, carrying a statue of Christ with a cross, on the cross, or another representation of Easter that has been made specifically for each church. I can now say that I have taken part in a Holy Week Processional.
Not on purpose, a few of us wanted to go into Antigua to explore and have dinner Sunday night. Our restaurant happened to be on the street with 100s of people walking down, and even more watching from the sidelines. It was almost like a Disney parade. Instead of costumes, there were robes, and similarly, people carrying balloons, toys, mist fans, sunglasses, snacks, and anything else you can imagine down the street with them to sell to the onlookers. We took part in the processional and walked with them until we made it to our restaurant, Fridas, a Mexican restaurant named after an artist.
After dinner, we went to walk Antigua a bit and explore the market, one I’ve never gotten to see. It was filled with Guatemalan apparel, strange artwork, and a weird statue that people would give offerings to in hopes of good luck/prosperity. It almost looked like a movie set, going from the bright market, to the dark, candlelit statue’s corner dressed with leaves and rags.
Next we took a walk through the main park square in Antigua. On the way, we got to see artwork being made in the center of the street. Pine needles were arranged to cover a large rectangle. Stencils were used to create borders and patterns to the “pine needle canvas” out of saw dust, flowers, leaves, and whatever they could find. Near the middle, a cross, crown of thorns, or other Easter representation was made in honor of Holy Week.
The city was packed with people at 9:00 Sunday night. About 30 food stands were present (there are usually 10 or so). Pizza, fried food, carnival food, tacos, bbq (where the full pig was in sight at the stand), and many more. All were crowded with people in line, eating on the sides, or just hanging out. It was a night, but I am glad I’ve gotten that experience. I can now say that I will not be stepping anywhere near Antigua next week during Holy Week.
It is surreal to be able to call this place home, being surrounded by 100+ kids who know my name the minute I moved in. I was greeted with a bunch of hugs, smiles and waves from so many that I have been missing. Training starts this morning, and the team of child sponsors comes tomorrow. I know it’ll be a busy week ahead full of activities!
**By this weekend, I should have access to Facebook 24/7. That would be the best way to keep in touch with me. Or downloading the app “What’s App” to your phone. it is a free texting app that doesn’t cost anything internationally and I will also have access to that 24/7, using my same phone number. I will get a new Guatemalan phone number, just to communicate with staff while at Casa Shalom. My email also works, harperseverance@gmail.com, although I can only read those when I am on wifi. Let’s keep in touch!
Photos and videos will be posted daily on my Facebook and Instagram pages, @PerseveranceOnAMission**
In the picture below, my room is the door to the far right. There is a bedroom the next door to the left, a kitchen to the left of that, and the bathroom is the far left (half yellow/red wall).
(har)Perseverance on a mission 