But then again, I am not sure if that is a very distinguishing feature because every day was as well. Worst problems could definitely be had :)
We attended mass at the 400 year old (yes, four hundred...whoa) parish church at the Mission. Uniquely, the back of the church is completely open. There are no doors, which I think is pretty cool because of it's literal interpretation that the doors of the Church are always open for everyone and anyone. Whether or not that meaning was intended...I have no clue ha. Nonetheless, it was very inviting. Also, it was awesome to see the church overflowing with parishioners. There were locals spilling out of the church (I guess that is another advantage of no doors..) onto the courtyard, but still ready to participate in mass.
Finally, our trip to Guatemala was truly a cultural immersion experience and part of that experience was learning all about the Mission of San Lucas. The mission is very integral in the community because of its many projects and efforts to help the people of Guatemala to have adequate and dignified living situations. We watched a movie, A Father for All, on the history of the Mission and mainly about Fr. Greg, the man who made so much possible for these people. He was originally assigned to Guatemala with a 5 year assignment, but he ended up staying for 48 years! He lived out radical discipleship for the Lord and had a huge impact on these people's lives. Some of the Mission's projects include: an orphanage (no longer needed!), a school, the stove project, the coffee project, the clinic, women's center, and reforestation. The faith that Fr. Greg displayed for the duration of his life is so inspiring. There is an underlying attitude of all those living and working at the Mission is that God provides.
After mass and breakfast, we took a boat tour around Lake Atitlan to a couple other villages including Santiago and Panachel. The lake is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes (not the usual sights to be seen here in the Midwest!). The view was breath-taking and the journey was so peaceful. God manifests Himself so intricately and beautifully in the world around us.
Finally, our trip to Guatemala was truly a cultural immersion experience and part of that experience was learning all about the Mission of San Lucas. The mission is very integral in the community because of its many projects and efforts to help the people of Guatemala to have adequate and dignified living situations. We watched a movie, A Father for All, on the history of the Mission and mainly about Fr. Greg, the man who made so much possible for these people. He was originally assigned to Guatemala with a 5 year assignment, but he ended up staying for 48 years! He lived out radical discipleship for the Lord and had a huge impact on these people's lives. Some of the Mission's projects include: an orphanage (no longer needed!), a school, the stove project, the coffee project, the clinic, women's center, and reforestation. The faith that Fr. Greg displayed for the duration of his life is so inspiring. There is an underlying attitude of all those living and working at the Mission is that God provides.
Throughout the week, the idea of "God providing" kept popping up unexpectedly. I felt God was providing me with a lesson in having total faith in Him and His works. This is something I need to incorporate much more frequently and honestly in my own life. This trip and the people I encountered offered me so much wisdom in ways I never could have imagined and for that...I am eternally grateful.
(all photo credits: Rebecca Keeven)
So here's to faith in God providing...He always does :) cheers.
Love, AL
