the gift of hospitality

This week was one of high highs and low lows. Monday was my high because we had a Mother’s Day party for the mothers and the women who work at the center! The mothers got their hair and makeup down by the caretakers and everyone got all dressed up. There was live music, catered food, decorations, cake, gifts, games, and prizes! The directors at the center definitely know how to throw a party!! It was so special to see the mothers celebrated. Rocking a child while I watched the mothers laugh in community together almost brought me to tears. This is what the center is all about. This center is a safe haven a temporary home away from home for the mothers and especially for these children. 

My low low was catching a stomach virus from one of the kids at the center this week and for the first time since arriving here being really sick. I texted one of the women that I was not feeling well and before I knew it the women were bringing me anything I could possibly need. I wanted to cry when one of the cooks softly knocked on my door with a platter with my lunch. I was able to rest all day which was the greatest gift they could give me. 

If my time in Guatemala has taught me anything it is the charism of hospitality. Another one of my patients welcomed me to her home this week. She lived up in the mountains, so it was a beautiful drive! Even though it was difficult to communicate with her and her husband, through her hospitality of showering me with delicious foods to try and showing her around her home I felt loved and cared for. I even got to make tortillas with her! I left with a “panza llena y corazon contendo” (a full stomach and happy heart- a common saying here) and of course a little tupperware with fresh cheese as a gift. 

Little acts of kindness that I have noticed in the people here I want to embody…. 

• The kind of person who sends a follow up text to check in on a sick friend and leaves them icecream (Esvin) 
• The kind of person who invites someone over for a meal because they know they are new to the community (Maura) 
• The kind of person who hangs their friend’s laundry just to be kind (Deisy) 
• The kind of person who treats every child like they are equally special to them (Sara) 
• The kind of person who makes cleaning fun with dancing and music (Desiy) 
• The kind of person who offers to make you coffee every morning (Yole) 
• The kind of person who invites you into their family (Marta) 
• The kind of person who is always ready to dance (Erik) 
• The kind of person who invites their friends over for hot chocolate and cheesecake after a long day of work (Sara) 
• The kind of person who is always ready for a hug (Josue)