Saturday April 13, 2019

Greenbank-Seagrave Mission Team

Saturday April 13

Stan, Rod and Brian went on a hike of a lifetime. With their guide, Kevin, they hiked up the active Volcano Pacaya. After purchasing walking sticks the 3 amigos began hiking the 3 km trail. The first 500 metres were the hardest part of the trek. The horses followed close behind just in case they wanted to trade their walking sticks in for a horse ride up. Our young guide, Kevin, set a brisk pace up the volcano. 

It was hard to regulate their breathing in the high altitude. One step in front of the other, mind over matter, focusing on the breath. They were determined to keep their walking sticks. After a number stops to stay hydrated they finally reached their destination. The views were absolutely spectacular. They crossed a cool section of Lava flow, that was created 10 months ago, to get to sections that were so hot that they roasted (a few) marshmallows on the lava. Then a stop at the lava store, 2300 meters above sea level, where local artisans sell jewellery they create from lava and vegetation covered by lava flow.  It was a remarkable experience!  27, 000+ steps on the Fitbit!

Krista had a quiet down day and caught up on some much needed rest at the Hotel and was kind enough to pack the team bags of bags so that we would be ready to go for our 3am departure tomorrow.

The rest of the team chose to do a tour of small towns around Antigua.  We followed the “falda” (skirt) of Volcan de Agua and visited many towns, each unique in their own way.  We learned that the Water Volcano got its name several hundred years ago when an earthquake broke apart the crater at the top of the volcano releasing all of the water held inside of it. It wiped out entire towns, and the capital of Guatemala was relocated as a result of it.  It was eerie walking the streets and being in what would have been the direct path of the flood.  

We visited a few different churches in Antigua, and each although different were preparing for Holy Week festivities.  Some with carpets and vegetable offerings, most with large purple banners and music blaring. One church had a tree that was planted by an early church leader in the late 1500s.  

One church that was massive, was the first church center in Antigua, the “bishop” was a little crazy with some of his antics…some believe the stories have been altered over time, and some believe the stories to be true.  He did much good in Antigua at a time that was precarious with the Spanish infiltrating the indigenous peoples.  He erected a hospital that is still used today and doctors from all over the world come to, to offer free medical care to those who are in need.  Back in day he would walk the streets of town ringing a bell, teaching Jesus’ word and recruiting help and those to serve through his church.  Some believed he was a Saint.  From here we went to an active Monastery and learned deeper history around Guatemala regarding slavery, racism, Spanish invasion, earthquakes and devastation that has shaped the Guatemala we see today.

We visited a chocolate factory, had samples of hot chocolate and dark chocolate from 45%-100%.  What a fascinating process to make organic and delicious and healthy chocolates.  We then visited a local winery…which was a backyard of a local family in San Juan.  He offered tastes of his pear and cherry wine…which were very strong!  We walked some more through the village before heading to a more traditional village of indigenous peoples.  We toured another church here, were re-routed because there was a funeral happening.  They closed the street and placed all of the extra chairs on the road for people to sit for the service.  We found our way to an indigenous market, where they were selling their vegetables, used clothing and other necessity items.  We noticed lots of garbage here, unfinished construction projects and extreme poverty.  This is a town that could definitely use some support. 

 From here we went to another village, that was much cleaner, women were sweeping the streets.  In the church the youth were preparing for the procession and decorating the float that they will be carrying.  In this town there was a market, an indigenous woman’s market.  They were weaving, and making the items that they were selling. We spent a good amount of time here, interacting with the women, dressing in their traditional clothing, and shopping for treasures for our friends and family back home.  The women were so pleasant and kind to share and show their wares.  We also visited a Jade Museum…where they showed us how it is mined, what minerals are included to give it different colors – did you know pure jade is actually white?  They discovered a new Jade following an earthquake in Guatemala in 1998– a Lavender Jade!  It is rare and very expensive!  We toured the shop where they shape and carve and create the jewellery, and then some of the team did some shopping. 

 From there we headed up the hill to the lookout over Guatemala where the big cross is. It is a stunning view here and we were able to see/find our hotel from way up there!  Our final stop (at 3) was for lunch at a little eatery in Antigua called Puerto Once (door 11).  We were filled with nachos, french fries, burgers and paninis.  Krista joined us here and then some went for a walk through the local markets while others headed back to pack and clean up.  Carmen prepared our final dinner (pasta – but everyone was still full from lunch – we ate again anyway!) and we presented her with a bag of gifts that will be useful for her and her family.  Another emotional moment saying goodbye.  Linda brought a cake for dessert for the team from a local bakery.  It was delicious with glazed fruits and shaved chocolate on top.  A lovely celebration!

To end the day, many from the team went for a night walk through Antigua, back through the markets, to the Merced Church, to the main Central Square (and another church), and then over to Santa Domingo (an old monastery ruins that has been well preserved and converted to a restaurant and hotel).  The city is bustling as they prepare more sawdust carpets for the parades happening tomorrow.

We returned by 9:30, exhausted…and with 14000+ steps on the Fitbit for this touring group!  We chatted briefly and packed…bed by 10:30 as we have a 3am pick up to depart Guatemala.

It was a busy and full day but a great end to an amazing week!

GS Mission Team