The rest of the group went on a 2-city tour – seeing Antigua and Guatemala City. We began our tour by going up to the “Cross” where we looked out over Antigua. We then went on to visit a very snazzy restaurant that accommodated meals and all kinds of events including a visit from Pope John Paul. Some of us sat in the chair he used! We then went on to Guatemala City where we visited a cathedral, observed some protesters in front of the Palace and wandered about a huge city market of food and artisans’ goods. We encountered rain for some of the time; however, the rain is ever present and we really didn’t care.
Then the two groups met at the central cemetery in Guatemala City. As we drove between the tall mausoleums, finding ourselves deeper in the city and the cemetery, we arrived at our destination, an overlook of one of the largest scavenged dumps in Latin America. On a semi-abandoned corner of this cemetery lays a place where we were able to observe down below a huge dump full of life. The sight that met our eyes was one that cannot, in reality, be described in words. The ground moved with trucks, bulldozers, and people, all hard at work.
As we looked down on these humans who are looked down on by society, marginalized and often forgotten, we saw a system characterized by serious occupational inequalities. As Steve reflected during this observation, a world “below death” extended in front of our eyes. A system worked by some of the hardest working and most determined people, evidenced by their persistence in struggling for their place and life within their world. We realized that their world was ours and because of that shared existence it was our responsibility to work for change and continue our own struggles for justice on behalf of those with disabilities, and those who have been disabled by social, political and economic structures.
As we gazed on this unsettling “hell” our host, Steve Osborn, blessed us with wise words reminding us of their and our shared humanity, setting us on a journey as voices of change. As we prepare both physically and mentally to return home, we hope to continue struggling and working for justice, remembering our friends in Guatemala. We came to serve and to learn, and in leaving we now are changed in ways we might not yet know or be able to explain.
Ryan (student)
Carol (trip leader and faculty)
Sally (practitioner)
Pamela (practitioner)
Dear Family and Friends of Guatemala 2010 Participants:
It has been a great week with a great group. We have appreciated very much our in-country hosts – Steve Osborn of Amor del Nino and his crew of drivers, interpreters, and translators – Rolando, Darvy, Melvin, Gerson, Danny, and Josh. They got us where we needed to go and attended to our every need. They are the persons who made this trip possible. Additionally, I want to thank each of you for your support. Our hearts have been touched by your generosity and by your enthusiasm and encouragement of our work here in Guatemala. Muchas gracias.
Carol Scheerer
No comments:
Post a Comment