Community and Gratitude

By Deb Bermingham, Limestone Presbyterian

Buenos Dias!

Our fifth day in Guatemala began with our bus traveling uphill on a winding mountain road.  Most of the road was paved but there was a patch of a very bumpy and dusty dirt road. Great job navigating the dirt road by the bus driver who was with us all week.  Thank you, Marvin!

We were lucky to have employees and volunteers of the Association join us on the bus at different stops along the route. We were on our way to meet some of the Association groups at their homes and fields and learn about their life. What we saw and learned:

◦ One of the four sewing schools

◦ The stoves built and delivered by AJPU

◦ Cows (for breeding or fattening)

◦ Chickens (for breeding or fattening)

◦ Vegetable products-carrots, potatoes, cabbage

◦ Reforestation project

Our first stop was one of the Association’s four sewing schools. The teacher at this school attended the school herself and is now the teacher! The school is open three days a week and currently has 17 students. We saw the girls and ladies in action at their Singer machines working on their projects! See the students saying  “Thank you, Ana Finch!” Ana Finch and Aldersgate United Methodist Church members donated these new sewing machines! 

We visited Dominga’s home, where she told us how much she loves her stove. The stove is a great cost-saving as it uses half of the wood her old stove needed to cook the family meals. And the vent keeps the smoke smell out of the home!

At another home with chickens, Margarita showed us her chicken coop and some of the chickens walked around us as we sat on the grass and heard her story.  She told us that due to her success with the project, she is not afraid to go anywhere now because “I have my own money in my pocket.” We loved hearing how she feels about herself and her independence! 

One member who joined the Association eight years ago shared how the project helped her get started with her project. She let us know she is now self-sufficient and has returned the funds back to the Association so someone else can have the same opportunities she had.

Gratitude was displayed throughout the day by all the women we visited. They shared gratitude by thanking the Association and by sharing gifts of food. We had a morning snack (at a home), a warm healthy lunch at the local Presbyterian Church, and an afternoon snack (at a home). There were tears of gratitude throughout the day by the women and teary reactions from us as we learned how they are growing and benefiting and gaining independence with the Association’s support!

Time of fellowship (and more food!) at a home. 

Bus conversations, meal conversations, and reflection time added to our memorable day.  We have formed our own small traveling community.

PS Fun fact: Cindy and I found out we both attended school at Lakenheath Air Force Base in the UK at the same time during our father’s military careers. 😊