Today we spent the day learning about Guatemala which included a trip to nearby Chichicastenango, which most locals simply call “ChiChi.” This involved driving up a winding mountain road that overlooks Lake Atitlán. The photo at the top of this blog pictures the team from St. Mark’s at an overlook above the lake. There are three inactive volcanoes on the other side of the lake. It is absolutely stunning.

Once we arrived in Chichicastenango we exchanged currency, had a very nice lunch at a local restaurant, and then got to experience one of the largest outdoor marketplaces in Central America. It is sometimes overwhelming dealing with the pleas of people to buy their goods and I think it was especially difficult for some in our group who were new to the experience. We also visited a couple of Roman Catholic Churches, one of which was constructed in the sixteenth century. Several of us also toured a small museum on the local history. Overall, it was a great way to start our week in getting to know a little more about the local culture.

When we began lunch in the restaurant the final match of the World Cup between Argentina and Germany was just starting. We watched the first half of the match with a very animated Argentina fan at the next table. Throughout the afternoon wherever we went there were television screens with people watching the match – even at the little history museum. It was amazing!

After our time in the marketplace we attended a worship service at a United Methodist Church in ChiChi. Even though we could not understand everything that was sung or said, the spirit of worship was universal. The pastor was warm in his welcome of us and we were energized by the time of worship. It got particularly exciting when someone a few houses away began setting off fireworks at the beginning of the sermon. The preacher for the evening was a bilingual pastor from California and she did a great job of carrying on through the booms and pops of the fireworks.

We ended the day with a great meal back at River House when we received our work assignments for the week. Tomorrow we will be traveling to a rural village to help with a school kitchen project that is near completion. Looking forward to the new day here in Guatemala!