August 4th-14th, 2006
Post Trip Reflection: Avis and Clarence Von Eschen
We returned from Guatemala with our hearts torn thinking of the disparity between the two countries. As we landed at the airport in Minneapolis we could smell the consumerism, and the people were rushing to their destinations without a glance at those around them. They were not listening. This may be called affluence, but it does not fulfill the heart and soul like the hugs and kisses that are abundant in Guatemala.
Now home, we saw our own grandchildren and received those same hugs and smiles. We know that it speaks of LOVE. The children in TN2 feel that love from their own families and also from the whole community. They all care. There was one boy whose mother could not be at the activities with him, but he came and everyone knew that Jose Antonio was a part of the group and the community was concerned about him and loved him. On the last day he showed his response to that love by bringing his mother to the church to meet all of us(right).
Our host family vibrates with love. The mother/grandmother, Maria cares for a large extended family.
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| Mother/grandmother Maria and her son Jan. |
Her son, Jan and his wife, Blanca and daughter, Maby live close by but they float in and out like it is really home. Jan is a leader in the community. He works full time in construction, but also devotes himself to family and church. He is a catechist and also directs the children choir.
Another son, David and his boy Luis also live in the house. Luis was our game player. With eyes that radiate he soon learned to say, “Good job,” when he succeeded. He loves his cousin, Maby.
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| Luis with his cousin, Maby(left) and Emely, friend Blanca and cousin Maby. |
Grand daughters Nely and Emely also live with grandma. Their mother, Ana, works long hours to save money for their schooling. With guidance from Maria, they all work to make the extended household operate smoothly.
Maria is an excellent cook and hostess and also likes to have fun. She enjoyed a dance with Clarence at the parish festival and again at the home. Our Spanish/English communication was limited and we had some good laughs over some of the misinterpretations.
Having been in education, the school was of high interest to us. The TN2 delegates planned an encompassing walking tour which included a visit to the public school. The principal supervises 1200 students and 60 teachers allocating 45-48 students per room with no assistant and very few books. For the interview Clarence spoke with their principal about common problems and their limited books and materials.
We are slowly reentering our world of being on time for commitments and not stopping to hug the child at the supermarket. This cultural shock is something that we want to implant in our hearts to help us and others around us to be free from apathy. The future of our country depends on our children and us. LOVE IS THE ANSWER.
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| A final touch of love as Maria presents Avis with an angel and a tortilla towel. |
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