Markets and Hikes

Sunday morning I left Coban. It's beautiful to know that I have a family there, now. There are many opportunities for ministry there, many opportunities to love on people and serve them. There is a clear division between the indigenous tribes and the Guatemalans. Almost all indigenous families live up in the mountains in wooden shacks. They eat tortillas, cheese, beans, and rice everyday for every meal. The farm and they make homemade goods. They don't eat the vegetables and fruits they harvest because they know they can sell them in the market for profit. And as a people group, they are not seen and they are not heard. They work to serve society and that's their only role. To me it seems that the church has to respond. Even Jesus served his own disciples. Where's the church to serve these indigenous peoples, these servants. 

Upon learning all this and seeing it first-hand, my rash and impulsive self wants to learn K'iche (one of 23 tribal languages) and work with families who live in the mountains. 

There is lots of work to be done with the women of indigenous tribes. They work and raise children and are often abused and violated by men in their families. Children are dying of malnutrition and starvation. Most don't have access to much education. Those that do can barely afford it.

Young girls (Mayan descent) in the market selling bracelets. 

Open-air market in Panajachel, Guatemala 

Mom and I are currently taking a slight detour/vacation in Panajachel, Guatemala on Lake Atitlan. I celebrated my birthday yesterday by hiking through this rain forest on the Lake. It was breath-taking. 

Lago Atitlan

Just a little suspension bridge on the hike:) 

Gearing up and getting things arranged for a youth team coming from New Hope CPC on Saturday. Don't be fooled by all the gorgeous pictures: there's still work to be done ;) 

Blessings,
Micaiah