If you look up pictures of Antigua, Guatemala (not to be confused with the resort town on the coast) you will find a town that reminds you of Savannah, GA or Chatleston, SC with a Spanish twist. The cobblestone roads make for a very bumpy ride and the public parks are flooded with people from all over the world.
We are going to this beautiful town today to let the students shop, eat, and see the city after a long but rewarding week.
Last night I was able to see a church meeting the people where they are. Iglesia El Camino, the church that we have worked with a good bit this week, took food the the Guajeros (spelling?), or the people that live in the landfill. The children and adults formed two long, twisting lines waiting for their one scoop of rice and leftover pizza, chicken, or hotdogs. I couldn't speak, or see for that matter through the tears, as I watched two year olds carry a bowl, cup, or a piece of paper that they found in the dump to get their portion. This is so real! Poverty is so real...not that I doubted, but it seems so much more real now.
The smell of burning trash, smoke blowing directly through the area we were standing, small children with clothes that do not fit (if they even had clothes), and trash blowing in whatever direction the wind carried it are just a few of the things that our senses picked up all at once. It was needless to say OVERWHELMING. But this is where these people live all day, everyday.
The day wrapped up with a special farewell service just for our group. We were presented with medals that read "Honor de Merito" and have our names printed on them. I couldn't believe that they were giving us medals (with their very limited resources no doubt). It felt backwards...they should have been the ones receiving medals not us. They are the ones living and serving here everyday year round.
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