TNII Delegates 2000

October 27th-November 5th, 2000

The following article was written by Steven Peer, SJA parishioner and Sister Parish Committee member. Steve joined fellow parishioner Joe Salvaggio on a one day trip to Tierra Nueva Dos this summer. His pictures and reflections are the most recent glimpse we have of our brothers and sisters.

Fate can deliver us to places and people we never expect. So can miracles. In August, I traveled with my family to San Lucas Toliman with the Riverside Presbyterian Church. Traveling with us was SJA member Joe Salvaggio. Prior to our trip, I had only known Joe through his talks to SJA on his two creations; the 1% club and PPL. We had independently considered planning day trips to TNII. With the help of priests at San Lucas and TNII, a translator, and a very fast driver, we designed a one-day pilgrimage.

It was a remarkable contrast to the mile-high mountain village of San Lucas. If land reform were to ever restore the Mayan culture to the people of San Lucas, it would have to be something completely different for the people in the urban setting of TNII.

Delegate Miriam, Fr. Arturo, and Joe

Fr. Arturo welcomed us to the parish house [left]. He answered all of our questions, insisting we join he and his staff for dinner. During dinner we learned that the very land under our feet was squatted. In fact, all the land in the area was originally government-reserve property or land too dangerous to on which to build. A recent mayor, until ousted, had done much to secure titles for the homeowners, but nothing can stem the massive and deadly erosion that continues to threaten hundreds of homes. It was like seeing homes built on the edge of calving glaciers.

Priests from both villages fight battles of culture and self-respect; Fr. Greg in San Lucas was fighting for 3 acres of farmable land per family. In TNII the challenge was simply for a 5 x 6 meter piece of land for a home that wouldn't be held hostage to each rainfall. Additionally, TNII needs jobs and infrastructure to sustain life, faith, and culture. In TNII, we visited the nearly-completed sanctuary, the health clinic, typical homes, and the school. The evidence of SJA's presence shown in their hospitality, smiles, prayers, and photo-memories.These scenes are shown in photos of TNII from Steven and Joe's trip.

For safety sake, we had to leave TNII so we would be off the back roads leading into San Lucas before dark. Although less than 8 hours, the visit gave great contrast and consideration to the future and makeup of these Guatemalan brothers.

I took the opportunity to ask what goals they had for their upcoming visit to the SJA. The answered was simple; to visit with their SJA brothers and sisters and to let us know they have something to give. It is my hope that I can aid in welcoming them in a similar way.

Thank you people of TNII, SJA, and Joe.

Steven Peer

has been a member of SJA for 24 years. He and his wife, Kate Peer, own Group Travel Directors, an international group travel company. His dedication to family and growth helped start a men's support group (1982) and grew to a second vocation as a life-coach. Steven is president of the non-profit ChADD Twin Cities, dedicated to enriching lives of persons with Attention Deficit Disorder. Most recently, he enrolled in a theological masters program focusing on spiritual growth. Steven and Kate have a son, Garrett (15), and a daughter, Alanna (19).