Allen Chase

General Comments

• September 13, 2006

  I have gone to Lago de Atitlan the past two years on short term mission trips. The best thing the people of that area have going is a life unspoiled by so many of our modern "conveniences". I personally envy their simple lives that revolve around hard work, love of family, and love of God. I pray for their safe keeping, but also that the number of non-native Guatemalans stay at a minimum there. The few North Americans and Europeans there now are a cancer to the natural beauty and spirit of the Guatemalans. One only needs to spend time with the people of the tiny villages like San Juan, San Marcos, San Pedro, etc. to know the true values of life. If you go, go to blend in, learn the culture, and meet the people, not with the attitude that you can improve their lives. We have little of value to offer in that regard, rather we can learn a lot from them about what is important and valuable. Those affected by hurricanes and earthquakes in Guatemala are a much stronger and less spoiled people than our "disadvantaged" in the U.S.
  Image: Guate 094.jpg
  
  -- (September 13, 2006) on Lago de Atitlán