A Morning of Sights, Smells, Sounds, and Getting Lost

Tomorrow I will have the honor of taking the amazing women who started and run Hogar Comunitario to the natural hot springs of Las Georginas near Xela.  After watching how intensely the commit to their work each day, I thought it only right to treat them to a day of relaxation that they would certainly never give to themselves.  It shall surely be an adventure to write about!

So, this morning, I wanted to put together a gift bag for each of the four women, Felipa, Angelica, Sandra, and Noelia.  Little did I know, this would turn in to quite the trek.

I caught a microbus (little van and nicknamed "micro" like "meecrow") went to el Mercado Terminal on the opposite side of town.  Putting it frankly, markets on Saturdays are wild.  From every direction are prices and product names being yelled, children running around your feet, piles upon piles of colorful vegetables and fruits, woven garments, American garments, CDs, loud music, live music, fresh food stands, woven baskets, Mayan garments, and much, much, more.  I walk with a permanent smile.  Today I only purchased a traditional Mayan woven basket from a women making them in the market.  I stood and watched her practiced hands for a while wondering how many generations have used this exact style of weaving to create such strong and durable baskets needed for grueling Mayan work.

When I emerged from el Mercado Terminal, I'll admit, I was a bit disoriented.  Stepping into a traditional Guatemalan market, for me, is quite like stepping into another dimension, and I cherish that feeling every time...especially because my next stop was Xela's Wal Mart! Haha!  I stopped here to purchase bathing gifts for the women as well as fun portable water gifts (2 blow-up pool balls, and a pair of arm floaties) for their children who will be joining our adventure to the springs.

I used my new woven handbag to carry my purchases and began my trip home, catching a micro to take me back...however...he took me to the middle of another Zone in the city where I was completely lost!  "Lost" for me, though, is like opening a gift on Christmas morning.  I began walking and after a few questions to lovely Guatemalans on the street, I wiggled my way through Xela and arrived home an hour later.  Yes, I'll admit I was hot and covered in a layer of dust, but seeing the streets of Xela and finding my way through a foreign city made my day.  I even made it home in time for an awesome lunch!

An ENORMOUS thank you to everyone who has sent me words of support.  I was sick for a bit, but am back to my strong, fast-walking and talking self and am adoring my project and the children that give me hundreds of hugs each day.  This is where I am meant to be, called to serve, and where I can spread my love and yours to many each and every day.