The day began under moonlight as the delegates made their way to meet at MSP airport at 3:45am for a 5:30 flight to Houston. Ross gave us a hearty SJA send-off with prayers for all. By the time we took off, dawn was on the horizon - the longest day of the year. We flew over Iowa on the way before losing a view of the ground. On the ground at Houston, our plane coming from Guatemala got a late start so we were an hour late. We spent the time with other Guatemalan travelers learning about other visitors. Like the parents going to visit their daughter, her daughter involved in Human Rights work and their 2 grandaughters.

When we arrived in Guatemala we were given a warm TN II greeting at the airport along with a "ton" of rain. One of the new delegates said that they really know how to hug! Right away we got a paper and began to hear the stories of problems because of persistent heavy rain in the City. In TN II earlier in the week, a house collapsed under the weight of the rain and washed into the gully and 3 children were killed. Indalecio, one of our previous delegates, is coordinating emergency services for about 30 families that have been displaced by the rain washing out their houses. We are now at the Sister Parish Center preparing to stay with families in TN II for the next 2 nights. More stories and pictures on Monday.

Submitted by Louise Eidsmoe.

We spent the night in the new Sister Parish Center and all enjoyed getting to know all of its features. Nice airy rooms, 3 hot showers, a big kitchen, an ATM across the street, bakery, pharmacy, tiendas and park, all on the same block. We had a change in schedule so we could spend the morning learning about the organizations that have been working for over 20 years to find the 45,000 people who were "disappeared" in the civil war. First Chely Azmita described the political work to get a law passed that would set up an independent government funded commission that would gather all the data on the "disappeared" for a data base and investigate each case to find out what happened to them. Of the total "disappeared," 5,000 are children. Next we went to the Central Plaza to join the activities of the demonstration to call attention to the issue. Chely got involved because her father and 2 brothers were disappeared. They were catechists that worked for the Catholic Church educating people in Mayan villages. We saw a display of pictures of the "disappeared" and then helped light candles to commemorate their lives.

We also visited the Cathedral where the disparities of Guatemalan society were very evident. A very special mass conducted by a bishop was in process to celebrate the graduation of young men who were all dressed in military uniforms. Their families were well dressed, to say the least. At the same time Sergio described how, in the beginning, the Cathedral was a work of the Spanish colonizers who used the labor of the Mayan people to build it. The Mayans are still evident in the names of those who died in the Civil war on the cathedral columns and in the vendors in the plaza trying to eek out a living.

On our walk back to the SPC we visited the Church of San Sebastian where Bishop Gerardi was murdered and the monument commemorating his work and life stands. Many of us had read the book describing the events before and after his murder so we saw the garage where the murder occurred, the tienda where the police gathered, the park, the car washers and other events.

After a lunch at the restaurant near Sister Parish, we headed off to Tierra Nueva II. Our welcome was very enthusiastic and warm, and we were flooded with affection from the adults and the children. They had recently finished building the second floor of their church annex, and had welcomed us with traditional pine needles strewn around the floor, introducing us around a circle of welcomers. The women had caringly prepared an amazing snack for us all, and we shared a Bible reflection with the welcoming group. We then met our host families, who accompanied us as we went in pairs with our hosts and were served supper. Most of us were so tired at that time that we quickly retired into our beds for the night.

Submitted by Louise Eidsmoe.

This was our first full day in our community and having this time is really helping us to get to know and love our families and other community members. The day began with Mass at 6:30. The church was full and there were over 20 community people involved in various roles such as greeters, servers, readers, kids service coordinator, communion ministers and others. The reading was about answering Jesus' call to follow him and it felt like all of us were doing that as part of our delegation.

Getting to know our families was another highlight. Many had a chance to meet extended family since they gather for Sundays. In my case that included a son and 5 grandchildren in addition to sisters and cousins who live in the neighborhood. In our family's neighborhood, which is down in the ravine, there has been a horrible event 8 years ago where one of the children was swept away in his sleep by a mudslide. The house is in such a precarious position that the mother always sleeps in the living room when there is rain because her fear of another slide.

Another highlight of the day was the Cultural event organized by the youth to educate us and themselves about their Indigenous history. It included music by a new Christian music group of the TN II youth, traditional dancing by youth in indigenous dress, ice breakers, and a powerful visioning exercise provided by the women's group. The whole event showcased the strengths and talents of many people in the community.

Submitted by Louise Eidsmoe and Sharon Fries

The day started early so that we could avoid rush hour on our way from TN2 back to the Sister Parish Center. It was a slightly sad goodbye, but we know we will see our host families again next weekend.

How grateful we are to have the Sister Parish staff to take care of us! Today there was an accident on the route we were supposed to take to Rabinal. Rather than chance getting caught in a massive traffic jam or taking a route that wasn't as good, we decided to change plans and head for the Antigua area today. We traveled through Antigua and the town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes to a Cachiquel Mayan village of Santiago Zamora. There we met with a group of women who have formed a cooperative called Trabajo de Mujer (Women's Work). First they led us on a short tour through the village on a road lined with coffee fields. We learned that this was all part of a large finca and due to a loan hundreds of years ago from a wealthy land owner to the people of this village, they are still required to work one week per year for free in the coffee fields and pay rent on the land they cultivate for food to the finca owner. Generations of the villagers have worked this way and have probably repaid the debt many fold, but the system continues. Some of the women decided to form a cooperative to create a better future for their own children. They began by learning Spanish. One of their group traveled far away on a government scholarship to learn Spanish herself and how to teach it to others. This enabled them to reach out to the tourist market to tell their story and sell their work. They demonstrated their backstrap weaving to us — quite a complicated process, with the design only kept in their heads and each thread tied by hand. Even working daily for many hours, it takes months to create some of the table runners we saw there! Many of us bought something from them since it was all so beautiful, we now understood how difficult it was to make, and we were impressed to learn that the money made by the cooperative selling things is used to support the local school and medical clinic as well as giving a wage to the woman who made the item. The women proudly told us about their children that are able to go to school and have opportunities that they never had. The women also fed us a most wonderful lunch and demonstrated how they hand grind their coffee on a large flat stone with a round stone something like a rolling pin. Some of us gave it a try and found out how tough it is and how much exercise it is!

The rain clouds were rolling in, so we made our farewells and were on our way. We stopped for coffee and pastries at a cafe in Antigua. A nice treat! Then we were back to the Sister Parish Center for a brief discussion and pizza then well deserved sleep.

Submitted by Mindy Ahler Olmstead

Today began with another early start with breakfast on the road. The traffic problems were cleared up and we were on the way to Rabinal. We got to stretch out legs when we stopped at a typical road side stop and then again when we got to the Biotopo Quetzal. This is a wonderful and beautiful nature preserve. We asked if quetzals (the national bird after whom the money is named) still lived there. We were assured they do, but only in another zone of the biotrop where few humans go - only students and naturalists. We stuck to the developed path. We spent about 1 hour on the 2km path through the rainforest enjoying the natural beauty of the flora, asking Sergio and Eluvia many questions about what different plants were, and taking pictures at the beautiful waterfalls. Although the climb and descent were mildly challenging, the path was gravel and steps were built in to help us. It was a refreshing change from the noise and pollution of the city and its traffic.

The next stop was Rabinal, an indigenous town around which many terrible massacres occurred in the 1980s. We visited the museum there where they had an exposition of pictures of those who had been killed. Under many of the pictures was a detailed description of the awful ways they had been killed often along with children and grandchildren. There was no limit as to whether it was men, women, old people, and children. It was hard to believe that such terrible atrocities were committed there. It was easy to see the faces in the pictures as the faces of others we have met along the way and have come to love. The faces of Guatemala. Other rooms in the museum included information on the culture of the area and the work of women in this traditional Mayan Achi area.

After checking into our hotel we had the treat of dining at the office of a project that works on saving heirloom seeds and teaching organic farming to local small subsistence farmers. The food was fabulous and much of it came from people who participate in their program. It was fascinating to hear the way that they are reclaiming their heritage by going back to the farming methods they used before chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc were available. Even the local cat and dog looked much healthier than most we've seen and the people definitely had a glow about them. We get the treat of having breakfast with them tomorrow!

A well-deserved rest was then spent at a local hotel in Rabinal.

Submitted by Mindy Ahler Olmstead

We started our day with a visit to Fundación Sobrevivientes (the Survivors Foundation), an organization that works with women who are victims of domestic violence or other abuse, sexual violence, those who have had their children stolen for adoption, and the families of women who have been killed. We were so impressed with the work this organization is doing in conjunction with the Guatemalan government to investigate crimes, provide legal support for court cases, and provide shelter to abused women who need a safe place to stay. We could see how necessary their work is and the many problems that exist (many similar to problems in the US). We saw great hope in the progress they have made in the last few years to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women and that they are able to win some court cases. This is a huge step for Guatemala. It was also wonderful to have Alba and Eluvia from Tierra Nueva Dos with us - they are both very active with the women's group and will use the things they learned from this visit with the women in Tierra Nueva Dos.

In the afternoon it was our delight to return to Tierra Nueva Dos and be reunited with our host families there. We had a meeting in the evening with leaders of different groups in the church of San Marcos Evangelista in Tierra Nueva Dos. We shared a bit about how the church in TN2 and our church at SJA are organized and the different ministries we serve. A common component of both is Small Christian Communities - most of which in TN2 are organized geographically - but in both cases bring together a smaller group of people from the church to pray together and be church together.

Submitted by Mindy Ahler Olmstead

After a good breakfast with our host families, we met to take a tour of the community of Tierra Nueva Dos. For those who don't know, Tierra Nueva Dos is built on fingers of land with deep ravines on many sides. This makes it challenging to get from one end of the community to another and gave us plenty of opportunity for exercise.

One of our stops was to the small health clinic in Tierra Nueva Dos, next to the church. This clinic serves as the first stop for vaccinations, children's medicine and minor health issues. More serious health issues are referred to the larger health clinic in Tierra Nueva Uno or to a hospital in the capital when needed.

The clinic in TN2 is funded by the government and provides its services free to the community. They are fortunate to have a well-qualified doctor and nurse on staff. There was also a volunteer working while we were there to help with scheduling and paperwork for the patients.

We walked one direction to the end of the main road. We passed a soccer field with many children playing. At the end of the main road is the location where the mayor is building a new school. Behind the new building, the school is already in session in shacks made of wood and corrugated tin. The new facility will be much nicer!

We also stopped for a visit at the community center which has been turned into an emergency shelter for families with houses far down the bank of the ravine that are in danger of sliding off because heavy rains this year have made the ground even softer and more unstable than usual.

We then got to experience a bus ride to take us back up to the church so that we could walk toward the other sections of TN2. We stopped for a snack at Mario and Olga's house - fresh fruit and fruit juice. It was very refreshing and timed perfectly. We arrived just as it started to rain and by the time we were ready to resume our walk, it had let up to just a sprinkle.

Our "camino" ended at the big park in Tierra Nueva Uno where our picnic lunch of pizza was delivered on motorcycle. We had a little more time to talk with the Sister Parish Committee. Juan Lopez told us about the new youth band.

Later that afternoon we returned to the church in TN2 for a candle making workshop with some of the women's group. We gained a new appreciation for how much work it is to make the candles that we sell at St. Joan's to help fund delegations from Tierra Nueva Dos and projects in their community.

We were each able to make our own candle of the shape and color and style we preferred. Miriam and her magic wand can work miracles! We enjoyed the time visiting while we waited for the wax to harden in the molds. After a long and busy day, we were happy to return to our host families for supper and time together.

Submitted by Mindy Ahler Olmstead

One highlight of our day today was a chance to cook with the community. After our raves at tasting "pepián" at our welcoming party, they decided to show us how to cook it. We started at 10am and spent more than 2 1/2 hours chopping, peeling, cooking, laughing, playing with the children, packing up the candles and pot holders that we are bringing back for the sale, visiting, cooking some more and finally, with much anticipation, tasting the fruits of our labor around the community table.

It was great fun and we learned that the secret to this great food is that there are no short cuts and that roasting everything gives it that special flavor. It was a wonderful way to spend the day and build community. Work is always easier when it is shared by many hands.

We were also aware that often we didn't know which kid went with which parent, it didn't seem to matter since community parenting seems to be the norm. This was a beautiful idea we tucked away to remember.

Later in the afternoon we had time for a brief forum with members of the community to talk about immigration. We talked about why people from Guatemala may be motivated to risk their lives crossing the US boarder without papers and what the impact of this is on those who live in Guatemala and TN2. Shannon from Sister Parish gave us an overview of the largest factors that are causing people to look for work elsewhere and many of these were confirmed by the people in TN2 through their own experience. We began to understand that work on our part for immigration reform, humane treatment of those who are being deported, and reform of free trade agreements such as CAFTA are important and can have a direct impact on this community of people that we love. The details of this meeting will make a good article in themselves.

We had a special surprise as we left the meeting - Padre Juan Rene (who has now been assigned to a parish in Mexico) was there for a visit! He had come to the church in TN2 to greet us since he knew the delegation was here.

We then headed to Tierra Nueva Uno to attend Mass at the invitation of Father Juan Pablo.

We had a special treat when we got there because there was a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary as part of the mass. They processed in with all their children and grandchildren and a couple of great-grandchildren. The music was wonderful and it was a great experience although we noticed that it was not the same without the people from Tierra Nueva Dos that we know.

After Mass we had supper at the parish house with Padre Juan Pablo and some of the leaders of the parish (which includes 5 different communities - Tierra Nueva Dos, Tierra Nueva Uno, Lo de Fuentes, and two others).

Submitted by Mindy Ahler Olmstead

The day began with mass at 6:30am. Those of us participating had to be there at 6am. What dedication to be there that early (and I hear people at SJA say that 9:00 is too early for them)! Julie and Mindy joined the chorus for the day and Mary A. and Louise served as communion ministers. The delegation was invited to the front at the end of mass to be recognized by the community and we were given an opportunity to say a few words of thanks.

We returned to our host families for breakfast - most reported it had been a very special breakfast that had been prepared for the last meal with our hosts. And then it was time to say goodbye. We had some time for formal words from anyone who wanted to speak from our delegation and those in TN2 who had participated with us throughout the week. Many tears were shed as all were touched by the love that already existed between our communities and had grown stronger through this experience. We received many cards and letters to take back with us - for previous delegates, specific groups at SJA and for the community at large. We were also instructed by at least one person to give a big hug and kiss to everyone at SJA - that's a tall order, but we plan to work on this throughout the coming year. Enough time for a last round of hugs and then it was time to pile in the van and make our way back to the sister parish center for a debriefing, packing and last supper together with the staff and some of their families.

My final image as we left the church in TN2 was of so many of the people we know standing there together waving goodbye. We were leaving and I was sad to be leaving and many tears had been shed. But I saw them standing there together as a community side by side united in their ties to us and to one another.

Submitted by Mindy Ahler Olmstead

We had a nice breakfast at the Sister Parish Center then helped with some cleanup. Then it was off to the airport for the flight home to Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Stay tuned for additional updates from the delegates in the next two weeks – as guest speakers and through an informational gathering.

Submitted by Mindy Ahler Olmstead