At the center of the mountain/volcano was a sacred lake. Human beings are not allowed to swim or go into this lake. This lake is believed to have positive energy and be connected to the Pacific ocean. There was a Maya ceremony of the "Mam" people going on while we walked along the lake. The "Mam" are the second largest Maya group. "Quichè" are the largest. There was music and they were in a circle with the spiritual guides in the center. I felt rude walking by their ceremony, but our guide, Amaro, said it was ok. We sat on a small beach area, you can see up ahead in the photo. There we ate our lunch and Amaro talked about his experience in the guerilla forces. He spoke about sleeping in the forest, going without food, but being a part of a just cause. He spoke of his father and how his father was a leader in his community and a leader of the Catholic church. His father was taken and tortured for ten days by the military and survived. He remembers being eight years old and seeing his dad covered from head to toe in blood and bruises. Amaro made a point to say that this part of Guatemalan history is not taught in school, so there are many people who are unware of the massacres and stories of people like he and his father. Amaro told a moving story, but what stood out to me was his love and dedication to God. He spoke of his spirit and how we need to thank God for everything we have. God has provided us with all we need, just look around. His spirituality has given him strength, love, and a full heart which can not be filled with material riches. After he told his story, somehow we began to chat one on one about life, God, and people. Its amazing how we come in contact with so many people and never know their story. It was a clear sky that morning and the lake was perfectly still. From behind the forest, a massive body of fog began to move over the trees and toward the lake. It moved quickly and seemed to move as if it had a spirit, a purpose. I have never seen anything like it in my life. Within ten to fifteen minutes the fog covered the entire lake falling on us like a soft blanket. I was in awe...and yet completly annoyed at the chatter going on in the background from our group of "tourist." I walked to a quiet spot, underneath a tree to watch the fog move so smoothly. There I weeped (just a little) wiped my tears with the scarf around my waist, and wished I had a friend with me.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Laguna Chikobal
At the center of the mountain/volcano was a sacred lake. Human beings are not allowed to swim or go into this lake. This lake is believed to have positive energy and be connected to the Pacific ocean. There was a Maya ceremony of the "Mam" people going on while we walked along the lake. The "Mam" are the second largest Maya group. "Quichè" are the largest. There was music and they were in a circle with the spiritual guides in the center. I felt rude walking by their ceremony, but our guide, Amaro, said it was ok. We sat on a small beach area, you can see up ahead in the photo. There we ate our lunch and Amaro talked about his experience in the guerilla forces. He spoke about sleeping in the forest, going without food, but being a part of a just cause. He spoke of his father and how his father was a leader in his community and a leader of the Catholic church. His father was taken and tortured for ten days by the military and survived. He remembers being eight years old and seeing his dad covered from head to toe in blood and bruises. Amaro made a point to say that this part of Guatemalan history is not taught in school, so there are many people who are unware of the massacres and stories of people like he and his father. Amaro told a moving story, but what stood out to me was his love and dedication to God. He spoke of his spirit and how we need to thank God for everything we have. God has provided us with all we need, just look around. His spirituality has given him strength, love, and a full heart which can not be filled with material riches. After he told his story, somehow we began to chat one on one about life, God, and people. Its amazing how we come in contact with so many people and never know their story. It was a clear sky that morning and the lake was perfectly still. From behind the forest, a massive body of fog began to move over the trees and toward the lake. It moved quickly and seemed to move as if it had a spirit, a purpose. I have never seen anything like it in my life. Within ten to fifteen minutes the fog covered the entire lake falling on us like a soft blanket. I was in awe...and yet completly annoyed at the chatter going on in the background from our group of "tourist." I walked to a quiet spot, underneath a tree to watch the fog move so smoothly. There I weeped (just a little) wiped my tears with the scarf around my waist, and wished I had a friend with me.
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"God has provided us with all we need, just look around. His spirituality has given him strength, love, and a full heart.." Ain't that the truth! When you think about it that way, know that you always have a friend, love. Take care!
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