You Are Welcome

Monday in Guatemala was a day of acclimation.  We spent time learning the customs and traditions of the people of Xenacoj, and we spent some time walking the streets of the village.  Monday was a holiday in Xenacoj, and all the schools and most of the businesses were closed.

Around mid day, we took a walk from the center where we stayed through the village until we ended up at the home of an important person in the town (who was somehow related to German).

As we approached the home, we were escorted through the solid gates protecting the private yard from the public streets.  We were immediately greeted by several older gentlemen who shook our hands and smiled as we entered.

Once we made it past the welcoming committee, we were shown to chairs that were placed along the edge of an open area in the small but clean yard.  It was almost like we were dignitaries at an important gathering.  The hosts immediately greeted us and then poured Coke and 7up for each of us as we settled into our seats.

 

Soon a band right behind our chairs began to play.  The band featured trumpets, saxophones, drums, a tuba, and a baritone.  As the music began to play, it only added to the chaos in my mind as I tried to get used to the culture, the language, and the people.

Next, the host and German brought out plates of fresh-cut fruit.  The plates featured pineapple, papaya, watermelon, and apple.  Honey was drizzled over the top of each plate of fruit.  Honestly, I was a little hesitant to eat it at first.  Was it safe?  We had been warned to be careful about what we ate in Guatemala as there are many bugs and bacteria found in the food of Guatemala that would not fare too well in our American digestive systems.  Our missionary host quickly signaled that this would be okay, and we enjoyed the offering.

While we were finishing up the fruit, someone brought out a bottle of some type of alcohol and a bunch of small plastic cups.  Our team didn’t partake in this part of the party, but it was interesting to watch as the bottle was brought around to others in the party.  You can tell that this was a big deal.  The host had brought out the best for his guests.

The band continued to play, and the guests began to dance in the open area of the yard.  Initially, two or three women from the village started dancing.  Then they pulled our missionary host and another man into the excitement.  Before we knew it, our whole team was dancing with the ladies and children.  At this point, the differences in our language and culture didn’t matter.  We laughed and smiled together as we danced to the music.

Before we departed, we took a few group pictures.  This short interlude into our trip was far different from anything I had ever expected.  It was strange, and it was uplifting.  I will always remember the feeling of being welcomed and treated so special.  This is how I want to treat people when they come to my house.  I want them to know they are welcome, important, special, and loved.

Walking away from the party, two of the woman went with us for a couple of blocks.  We talked despite the language barrier, and we finally said goodbye when our paths diverged.

I’m so thankful for this gathering.  It is one of the many experiences from our trip to Guatemala I don’t want to forget.

How/when has someone made you feel welcome, special, and important?  How do you make feel others feel welcome when they visit your home?