Power of the People

Michelle writes:
      I love to hear the stories of the people. The current story of this community is the power of the people in claiming their village from the extortionists. This January (2011), I was in communication with Kathy about visiting her in Santiago Ixcan in February. She was unsure about the timing, as people in this village were receiving phone calls with death threats unless they would pay sums of money. The recipients of these calls were the large cardamom farmers who have more money. 

      Once again, the community banded together, and the men of the village were organized to form a civil patrol. Those who had been threatened decided to invest the money into weapons rather than give to the extortionists. Guns were bought, the community mobilized, and a 9 p.m. curfew was put in place. Five men who had once been soldiers for the Guatemalan army were put in charge of training and strategy. All men between the ages of 18 and 50 were enlisted. Each evening, 15 to 20 men gather in the community center at 9 p.m. and prepare for the night watch until 4 a.m.. They divide into two bands and walk the roads of the village. Since the patrol, the phone calls have stopped.   

      The patrol and curfew has impacted the local drinkers as well. The 9 p.m. curfew and isn’t often regarded by a drunk. These unruly men are then picked up by the patrol and put in the local jail for the night, in addition to being fined. These monies are used to finance more armaments and a stronger patrol. The community has claimed their town. The citizens of Santiago Ixcan feel safe again. Other area communities are now looking to Santiago Ixcan as a model for combating the ever-increasing criminal activity common to Guatemala and the region.

      Because of the recent community patrol, I am able to visit this village. My timing to only arrive at the end of March made it possible. Once again, I know I am being guided and protected. Thank you for the prayers and love you send me. In my heart you are with me.

Another Hot Day in the Jungle

Michelle writes:

      Another hot day in the jungle; the cicadas are whirring their night song in this heat, at times piercing my ears like a school fire drill. My body is sticky with sweat. I haven’t made it to the river yet to bathe; it was a busy day with the jewelry women here. 

      Twenty-six women came by with their handicrafts: necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and Catholic rosaries. They range from  simple to exquisite. The beads are local seeds--grays, browns, black, and orange-red to a vivid red--varying in size from a nail head to half-dollar. I selected three pieces from each woman to take to the US and sell to my family and friends. All of the money from these sales will go directly to the artisans. They were disappointed I couldn’t take more, as this is their means of income, aside from their seasonal jobs hand picking cardamom in the jungle.

      Not many means of income in this remote village. They grow their own food and live very simply. Kathy has opened new possibilities for these women with this source of income (making jewelry). One woman bought a sewing machine, another a cell phone, one is buying land; on and on the stories go as the women are empowered to improve their lives. They are very grateful for the bridge to the rest of the world that visitors provide. Most don’t travel beyond this village, so when visitors come to carry the products to foreign lands, it is very exciting for them to dream of the possibilities that income can offer.

      Community is the backbone of the village. This morning as I was finishing my yoga at 6:30, the neighbor boy came by with fresh hot tortillas for our breakfast. Breakfast also included eggs that were a gift from last night’s dinner guests. Another woman and her twin sons stopped by with four chicken tamales and atol. When the women began to arrive around 9 a.m., we received more eggs, a bouquet of flowers, plantain, bananas, and squash.

      Every day people stop by to visit. We make a concentrate of hibiscus/lemongrass tea in the mornings to later dilute as we serve the hot, thirsty guests. Coconut milk is another common refreshing beverage. Today I used the machete to whack the end off two coconuts. I successfully accomplished my goal, pouring the milk into a glass and then splitting the coconut in two to scrape the moist meat: pure, satisfying enjoyment in the shade.

Dona Rosa, the Mayan Matriarch

Tonight, two of the neighbors, Dona Rosa and Rosa with her son Pedro,  joined us for a dinner of hierba blanca soup. This traditional vegetable, similar to chard, was a gift from Pedro Alvarado as he was returning from his farm this evening. Tomatoes and onions were added for flavoring. Over dinner, Dona Rosa shared with us that this meal was a staple 30 years ago before access to any processed foods. When she was in her 20s, she said that various hierbas were vital to their diet as they didn’t have maize available to accompany the variety of beans that was their primary food.