Unplanned giving

jennifer

August 5, 2018

Blog Post

Our time in Antigua was not supposed to contain any elements of service.  Not that we weren’t open to it, of course, but rather that there was nothing scheduled.  With our free time, we  were just going to hang out, have some fun, and visit some spots that we know and love, and also a couple that had been recommended to us that we had not yet tried.

In Antigua, we stayed at a place called Casa Mia Hotel, which is near the artisans market. Unbeknownst to us at the time of booking, it is a Hiton brand hotel.  It was pretty nice.  My only complaint is that there were no windows in our room and it was rather stuffy.

When we woke up our first morning in Antigua, I said that Sarah could go for a little swim in their pool, as the boys had not woken up yet.  It was then that I noticed Volcan de Agua in perfect view from sitting on the fountain next to the pool.  In my opinion, the majesty of Volcan de Agua in Antigua is even more spectacular than the beauty of Lake Atitlan.  To have a clear view of the volcano to start your day sets you up for great things!

After a short swim (and, ironically, the publishing of my most recent blog post) we had a lovely “typica” breakfast — one that includes all the things that are traditionally served in Guatemala for breakfast — eggs, black beans, fresh fruit, a small slice of cheese, a fried paintain, and freshly made corn tortillas.  Both Maria and Scott loved the beans on past trips, but during this trip, I think we might even have Sarah hooked!

As promised, we let Scott venture out on his own after breakfast.  We had an agreed-upon meeting time and place, I gave him Q150 (about $20) consisting of a Q100 bill, 2 Q20 bills and a Q10 bill, and he was off.

John and Sarah and I went to Nimpot, a gigantic souvenir shop just past the iconic arch.  They joked with me the whole time that they were just coming along to keep me from buying the whole store.

After all the time we spent there, it was time to meet Scott already!  We walked back to Central Park and found Scott right away.  The story he shared with us was the first of our unexpected service opportunities.  Scott relayed the story of how he walked past a woman with no limbs.  He decided to offer her money, and then went on his way.  He had a shopping destination in mind, but when he got there and was ready to pay, he realized that he must have given the woman his Q100 bill instead of the Q10, as he did not have enough funds for what he wanted to buy.

He told me how awkward he felt, both in the store and with the realization that he had given way more than he intended.

I put my arm around his shouder, told him that he would be richly rewarded for his kindness, and told him that I was proud.  He said that the woman talked to him for several minutes, and although he didn’t understand much, he could tell how appreciative she was.  For some Guatemalans, that is 1-2 weeks of pay!

We returned to the hotel with all of our purchases and then had a quick lunch.  After lunch, we set out for more exploring.  We visited a store back in the Central Park that offers nahual necklaces.  Scott had misplaced the one that he got for a 15th birthday present and he wanted to get another one.  So, I made it another early birthday gift!  (He turns 18 in two weeks.)

With Scott’s purchase complete, we decided to take a little break in the park and people-watch.  Actually, I went around and took some photos with my nicer camera.  (I’ll have to share those later, because it is getting late (again — it’s when I finally settle down for the day and allow myself time to blog!)

Anyway, while I was taking photos, the rest of the family sat on a fountain ledge (one of the smaller ones…. not the famous Central Park fountain which is, incidentally, one of the photos on the other camera!)  When I met back up with them, we were approached by a desperate looking older man (not elderly… just older than us) and asked if I spoke Spanish.  I said ‘no’ but did not offer that I spoke a little, or that my husband, sitting right next to me, spoke more.  Then he asked if I spoke English.  I confirmed that I did, and he began telling us the story of how he had borrowed 40,000 Q (quetzales, the Guatemalan currenncy) to try and get to the United States.  He made it to Nogales, but after two days was round up, deported, and dropped back off in Guatemala.  Having no money to his name, he tried to sell us his watch in exchange for bus fare back to his family, a long ways away out in the country.  He looked so desperate.  I had the sense he was telling the truth, and so did John.  John took him aside, told him that if he swore to God that he was telling the truth (to which he confirmed he was) then John would give him the Q100 he needed to get all the way home.  He offered John his watch, and John replied that it was not necessary.

After these two chance meetings, we were about $28 poorer ourselves, but our whole family rested at peace knowing that we had made a difference in the lives of a couple individuals that may feel like hope was lost.  Regardless of how you might feel about immigration, this was a man that had risked everything to have the chance to provide better stability for his family.  It didn’t work out for him this time, so all he wanted to do was to get back to his family to let them know he was ok.  I feel that it was $14 well spent, and the $14 Scott gave too!

Next, we walked to La Tanque, a public area with large water basins (concrete structures) where people traditionally came to wash laundry if they did not have laundry facilities at home and didn’t wash clothes in the river.  In front of La Tanque there is a small city park.  There were many young lovers assembled there, pairing off on park benches —  thankfully keeping it PG.  There were also photographers there taking photos of women in fancy dresses.  It really is a beautiful setting for photos and to be inspired.  We visited just after dusk and got to see it lit up.  (This blog posting’s featured photo.)

Walking back from La Tanque, we stopped to listen to a marimba band playing in Central Park.  I love marima music, and I got Sarah hooked on it too!

It was very late when we finally stopped for dinner at Sobremesa, but it was delicious.  Scott tried Shark Steak, Sarah and I had Croque Jean Poulet and I don’t remember the name of the dish John had but it was chicken with a ginger sauce.  We’re not really used to having “fancy” foods, but since this place had come recommended, we decided to give it a try!

We ended the day with joy in our hearts and looking forward to another day of “real” service the next day!