Confirmation Celebration

Almuerzo with Ruth, Justa, & Juana

Juana & the shrine

Justa & Padrinos (Godparents)

Today Juana – the leader of the girls group in Xesacmalja I work with – and her sister Justa – one of my sixth grade English students – made their confirmation. I had to miss out on the church part, as it was only open to family members – 300 people were all confirmed in one service! But afterwards they invited me to their house for lunch with their family. Juana and Justa are the youngest of seven children, mostly sisters, and the house was full of aunts and uncles, in-laws, grandparents, and lots of little nieces and nephews. When we first entered their home we knelt on the ground in front of a little shrine surrounded by candles on the cement floor that they had covered in pine needles for the occasion. While the Our Father was in Spanish, all their other prayers were in K’iche – it was a very interesting mix of indigenous customs and Catholicism. Their padrino (godfather), or sponsor, said a few words and then asked me to say a few impromptu words. I introduced myself to their family and told the girls that this was an important day in their lives and how wonderful it is they are surrounded my friends and families to guide them onward. It was short and sweet and then we ate. The women of the family served us caldo, a traditional soup of broth with large chunks of potatoes, carrots, güisquil (type of squash), and in this case a piece of beef, along with tomalitos (made from the same ground maize dough as tortillas, but formed into a much thicker and shorter shape and cooked in corn leaves).

Kids eating caldo

It has been raining non-stop here for almost a week. The road in the aldea today was a mess – these women never cease to astonish me navigating these unpaved roads and mountains in their heels! The highways throughout Guatemala are washed out, dangerous, and in some cases inaccessible. Here in town there is not much damage, but I haven’t dared to venture out of town for a while. I am grateful that my house is safe and dry (even if very cold)!