This past weekend we had a much needed 3 day weekend. Well, not that we needed much more rest after a month of rest in the states, but we needed some time at home. Lucky for us the Nebaj fair is this week and the health department gave Monday off to all of their employees, which now includes Lisa! We have always wanted to enjoy those government holidays, just did not expect to enjoy them in this manner.
Saturday was pretty much a blow off day which was nice as we stayed around the house and just piddled in house stuff. One of our friends and employee's, Manuel, also came by the house to greet us and see how we were doing. It made us feel good that we have developed strong enough friendships for people to take the time and come and speak with us.
On Sunday we did our market shopping and went to church. The excitement for us happened at church when one of the elders asked to pray for us while we were away. The demonstration of support and care we have received from those we work with here in Guatemala has been incredible. Not only do we have many people back home praying that God will bless the situation, but we have many here as well. Who could ask for anything more! We had many "oh really", "oh no" and "we really feel for you" comments from our Guatemalan brothers and sisters.
We are very encouraged by everyone's support both stateside and here in Guatemala and want to thank each and eveyone of you for your support and prayers. We feel comfortable with the situation and now just continue to pray that Lisa will have more guidance as to her responsibilities in this new role.
Monday was weed eat the grass day! Remember the 3 times rule - well it still applies! We needed this day as the grass since we left in June was now knee high. We should have taken a picture but did not think about it.
We headed back to Nebaj Tuesday morning and entered the "feria" zone. My (Kemmel's) internet restaurant was closed for feria as many businesses, and as a result I did not feel extremely productive that day and ,I took the oppurtunity to take in the culture of feria. I never experienced fair as I experienced it here. The families come from all over and mill around the square and market with kids, parents, grandparents, etc. I am sure there is quite a bit of drinking and the like happening, but what was more noticeable was the way the families enjoyed the day.
Here are a couple of pictures from around the square. It filled with more people towards the end of the day.
On special weeks like these, part of the custom is to celebrate with traditional dances and apparently some other dances abit more modern. The traditional dance is what you would expect; however, today there was also some dancing in costumes that were quite shocking. Somewhere along the way some of the traditional celebrations have taken on this more modern dance and music which includes costumes of movie characters (this is where we enter the feria zone). Just think of a Star Trek convention but with people dancing in the streets. Very strange and maybe one day we will get the meaning of it. Anyway, here are some pictures. Enjoy.
Yes, this is Luke Skywaker in Nebaj. Go figure!
This is the leader of the group in what I think is a Last Samurai costume. Note the masks, everyone wears masks and some are pretty lifelike.
And it would not be complete without Chuckie!
Costumes include Pirates of the Carribbean, Chicken Little, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Wars, wierd aliens from some movie, etc.
I must apologize for the sarcasm but we really do not understand this part of the culture. I am sure there is plenty strange with us Americans as well! Anyway this is way too long! Have a great day!
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