Sunday

Jerry Richter, one of the chaperones on the trip, knocked on my door early. Last night I slept very well in my own private room. This place is luxurious compared to other places we've been in Guatemala. There was a delicious breakfast buffet waiting for us in the hotel restaurant.

As we left the motel, loud firecrackers were being set off to announce that the Chici markets were now open. We walked down the city streets to the St. Thomas Church. There were men in front of the main church doors burning incense . The air was filled with it, as was the church. Mayan families filled the pews, often stopping to light a dozen or so candles and offer some rose petals at various places in the church. Their faith seems very alive. Their audible petitions seem so heartfelt and desperate, even though I cannot understand the Mayan language.

The priest spoke Spanish as well as the local Mayan dialect. He preached while flanked on either side by local church leaders. His homily was very long, especially because it was unintelligible to me both times he gave it (once in Spanish, once in Mayan).

It was fascinating to see how these people, who live in an entirely different world than I do, can still come together and celebrate in this way. Things are different here, but our faith is in many ways the same.

After Mass, we spent some time in the Chichicastenango markets. It is chaotic in the market. Around the outside of the square, booths catering especially to tourists sell figurines and t-shirts. But toward the center of the square, the locals do their shopping. It occurred to me that this is their equivalent of "Super Wal-Mart." Fresh meat, chalk (freshly crushed), tools, clothing, fruit. You name it, it is probably for sale somewhere in the market. The market was very colorful and interesting, so I took many snapshots.

Women selling flowers:
Overlooking the Market:
Pots, Pans, Beans, and Cloth:
Stocking the shelves the hard way:
Colorful Masks for Sale:

Eventually, I met up with Fr. Richter and Fr. Shea. We shopped for a bit before hopping in a Took-Took (a small three-wheeled taxi) and riding back to our hotel.

Once we all gathered in the hotel, we boarded our bus and rode back to Antigua. For supper, Fr. Shea took the chaperones out for supper at the Casa Santa Domingo. Casa Santa Domingo is a five-star hotel in Antigua. The place is very nice. Rooms range from $170 to $360 per night. Our dinner was somewhat expensive as well, but a steal compared to something similar back in the U.S. What a contrast from the rest of the places we have visited!

Tomorrow, we head on a bus to San Juan Sacatepequez to visit a malnutrition center for children.