Thursday, July 01, 2010

Ooopss.....it's down time.


The families left homeless by the mudslide are safely ensconced in a place that will work for now, and I've spent the money donated by friends in getting them shoes, some clothing, some work tools, and so on. We've had our every-six-weeks giveaway for the 15 mothers in our project, so I have no more work to do for that. And Feria has set in to San Pedro la Laguna all week and, I hear, next week. Therefore all my local friends are involved in things that have nothing to do with me (processions, for one)and I am feeling....a little at loose ends. My two closest gringa friends are out-of-country, I've already visited the two couples I know..... So this is one of the places you come to when you live in a country that is not your real home.

When I first got to know some of the local people I was very excited to think we could create good friendships across cultural and linguistic barriers. That feeling lasted for probably 9 months or so until we ran into some of those cultural things that separated us - language, for one. We speak spanish together, and have great conversations on sometimes deep personal topics. But when they are all together, and especially when they party together - like during Navidad and Feria - they speak Tz'utujil. So I am just left out, or they have to exert extra effort to translate for me. Both happen, but neither are completely comfortable; I notice I am not invited as often. And when there are local activities, like the traditional dancing, or a procession from the church - well I can watch, but I am not part of what is going on, and my very watching sets me apart. Reality sets in...on both sides, I suspect.

My dishes and my wash are done; I've swept the floor. So now I can read, I can write to friends at home (although the longer I live here the less energetic that becomes,) or I can blog - as I'm doing. I can meditate - and on a grey day like this one has become (after a week of heavy rain) that would feel good.
And I can practice living in the present moment even when the present moment is quiet and a little empty. Good practice.

And I can upload an image from last week's procession in San Juan la Laguna - the pueblo to the west. Which I did attend, with local friends.