Last weekend our good friend and co-worker Hilda asked Toby and me to come pick apples and other fruit with her in Chitatul. In this very nearby town her family owns property and rents out a small home where they lived as children. On their land they have apple, lime, orange, and newly planted papaya trees. They also grow squashes, corn, beans, and tomatoes. It's more than the family can eat themselves, so they sell some of the produce in the Quiché market.
About 20 years ago, during the civil war, the rebel Mayan groups were trying to gain more support and members. However, often when men in the community declined their invitation, the rebels would murder them. One day some rebels came to Hilda's house looking for her father, but he was away. Hilda's mom hid her children in the temascal to protect them from the guerrillas. (Note: The temascal is a home-made mud brick sauna/steam room fed by a wood burning fire. Apparently, it is common for indigenous women to use the temascal during their labor with children - Hilda's mom being one example.) After this episode, Hilda's family moved into the city for greater safety.
Personal accounts like this are what make being in Guatemala really special for us. We get to learn the stories of the people, their history, and culture. It was really fun for us to pluck so much fresh fruit from the trees. But, more importantly for us we had quality time with Hilda, which we took advantage of further by crossing the street and enjoying the lovely Libelula (dragonfly) Restaurant. Being one of the nicest restaurants in Quiché we couldn't resist enjoying a coffee and time on the playground and trampoline. What a perfect way to spend Sunday afternoon!
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