Greetings all,
Recently the organization with whom I work celebrated its 15th anniversary, and while I am in the process of writing a blog post reflecting on peace-building via inter-denominational cooperation , here`s a really great summary of our celebrations this past weekend, written by MCC SALTer Kelly Miller (thanks Kelly!). You`ll find the article posted on INESIN`s website (see link below).
Peace to you……
Sometimes I`m just plain tired. Sometimes it seems that the day`s or week`s agenda is a bit too crazy. And sometimes it seems that the sticks, cards, ropes and other play toys just can`t stay in their boxes…….hence there you have it, life as a family, strewn about. If and when I think more critically about this, I fall to the trap of comparing our normal routines to that of the MCC utopian experience, which I like to describe as combining all the wonderful elements and positive experiences of MCC workers over decades and packaging it up into one family’s 3-year term…….certainly not realistic I know but hey, I`m still prone to dreaming.
HOWEVER, as a family serving with MCC in Chiapas, through our regular routines, conversations, and even one-off experiences, there is a particular dynamic that occurs in serving as a family unit. I deeply appreciate MCC`s vision and willingness to send families as volunteers. Yes it can open doors to understanding a new culture, and yes it closes doors too due to family committments and time constraints. And while in no way am I trying to compare the service of MCC workers who are single to those who are in immediate family situations, I wish to summarize a few thoughts and experiences that have significant meaning for us as a family. So, in no order of importance, here`s a smattering of photos and comments that reflect the more sublte side of our time to date as service workers.
Through a broader approach to our specific work assignments:
At times we all enjoy helping out at Rick's INESIN garden - Rick has developed this space which has allowed INESIN to demonstrate some technical aspects of the community workshops in their own backyard.
An experiment in soap making - perhaps its better to try something yourself first before trying to teach others!
Jacquie and the kids joined Rick in one of his communities to do a pizza and banana bread workshop in March. Only two of the participants had ever tasted pizza – and what an experience for us to bake in a clay oven! In the end we all were able to learn something new.
Hilary loves any and all textures: dirt and sand, flour, sugar, laundry soap, water, scrap of satin cloth etc. etc. Here in Mexico, everyone loves Hilary's green eyes and blond hair!
Through community and church activities
Students, teachers and parents of Pinguinos school at a local park to video-tape the pre-schoolers yoga routine
We joined the crowd in the nearby barrio to honor Good Friday as we observed a reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ.
Picnic, roasted meat, stream-hopping.....very natural way to deepen friendships!
Jacquie singing in our church's Easter choir
Through participation in areas of interest and passion (recently, at a Kid’s Bible Camp)
Jacquie leading a morning devotional - "The Heaven's declare the glory of God" - Ps 19:a
Ecology Class - Rick focused on learning about trees, here the kids are measuring out the girth of the largest Mexican tree.
Hilary is still saying how much she misses her "amigas"
Rick also had all the kids make name-tags out of recycled material and the next day adopt a tree
“Cuaresma” or in English “Lent” came quickly this year, perhaps because I am still learning to think ahead in these 40 some days before Easter. Living in a Latin American, still predominately Catholic, country has seemed a good time to develop more firmly such traditions in my life and with my family.
Admittedly I had failed to prepare for lent before it actually arrived and so those first few days following Ash Wednesday (Feb 23) I prayerful considered how to give credence to these liturgical days of the christian calendar. While I do think the more common tradition of depriving oneself of something cherished during this time has its merits I had wanted instead to add something to my life that might allow God more space to speak to me anew. Perhaps this is due to the book I read last Lenten season in which the author understands the idea of penance as a time to “to change one’s heart.”
My prayers as to how to utilize this season were clearly answered one night while I washed that day’s dishes. I had been enjoying listening to a Jon Buller (and other artists) CD labeled “A Hymn Project” on other occasions and returned to it once more . While listening to a number of well know hymns including “I’d Rather Have Jesus” the simple answer given to me was – Jesus, add Jesus. I give you two of its’ verses and its’ refrain written by Rhea F. Miller in the 1920′s.
Family Project to Read and Learn from Stories of JesusWhile I do not negate that Jesus has been an increasing part of my life since I was a child I still desire to grab more a hold of Jesus, to know who he is and how he calls me to follow him, to learn how to live in and give more of his love, and to understand in heart and mind the greatness of his life, death and resurrection. My hope is that during these weeks that God will continue to change my heart and allow me to more fully say and live these powerful words, “I’d rather have Jesus than anything This world affords today.”
After a lengthy hiatus from any form of blog communication, we finally found enough energy and time to put together a smattered reflection of some of what has kept us on our toes and out of the blog world for the past 6 weeks. During this time we experienced two significant events that we had either known about or dreamed of…..interestingly both occurred in Guatemala! I (Rick) rang in the New Year with my good friend Rogelio by hiking up Volcan Tacanà, a non-technical climb that reaches just over 4000 m. While we left the trailhead in Mexico, our route (surprise!) took us over the border into Guatemala for the remainder of the ascent…an enjoyable border crossing without a single request for documentation! Then, about 10 days later, along with Kelly and Miriam (MCCers here in San Cristobal), our family travelled to Santiago Atitlàn (central Guatemala) to participate in a week-long MCC regional retreat (Mexico and central American countries). Whether it was travelling, hiking, retreating, or a host of other activities in which we were engaged, it gave us an opportunity to learn more about our southern nieghbours and similar culture (Maya) with distinct regional characteristics.
Visiting Guatemala for the first time left me with a couple of impressions……………………….. 1) while I only experienced limited geography of the entire country, the region around Tacanà as well as the route through the highlands to Lago Atitlàn could be described as either a mountain bikers dream, or a road-builders nightmare. The ruggedness of the terrain was impressive, yet not as much as the local folks who navigate the trails and roads daily on foot, by donkey, bicycle or truck. As Rogelio and I often struggled to catch our breath due to the altitude and the ascent, we would meet local folks (who live on the mountain) going up and down with the same ease that one walks to the nearest tortilleria on a Sunday afternoon. Our trip to Santiago Atitlàn also impressed upon me the resourcefulness and resilience of the Guatemalan people, many for whom life on rugged, only somewhat arable land was not their choice, having been forced off their fertile homelands due to civil war, and government and big business interests.
2) colour colour everywhere! The persistence of Indigenous highland culture was very evident, as much perhaps if not more common than here in Chiapas. Whether it was the finely woven dress of both the women and men in town, or the tarps that offered a night`s shelter in the crater of Tacanà, vivid colours were commonplace. In terms of language, certainly the local Mayan dialect (sorry I forget how its spelled) was more commonly spoken, with fewer Spanish-speaking folks. And while the food was very good at our retreat location, I did miss the variety of salsas and range of flavours that I have become accustomed to here in Mexico. We also noted that we are a tad spoiled in San Cristobal, with convenience stores on nearly every block that carry a wide range of food and, well, conveniences! – this was not the case in Santiago Atitlàn. But not to complain…..because I can say without a doubt that the beans (with a bit of onion too) and tortillas that was served on a small plateau on Tacanà at 13,000 ft was some of the best and most needed nourishment I can recall.
Rugged terrain of the Guatemalan highlands seen from mid-way up Tacanà
Local textiles on display in Santiago Atitlàn
Fresh tortillas and beans at 13,000 ft? Buen provecho!
Not the type of volcanic crater I was expecting....
Team MCC Mexico - January 2012
Ricardo and David (Nicaragua), nervously joking about going cliff diving
While on a project tour, Ez and Hils couldn`t help but add to their collection of volcanic rocks that float!
Jacquie with one of the daughters of a family who is part of the MCC-supported cooperative in Santiago Atitlàn
Nuff said….may we share His peace within our communities……..
Lago Atitlàn, from Panajachel looking south
Our Little Shepherd Girl
And suddenly there was an Angel...
During these days we also joined in the festivities of the Dia de La Virgin de Guadelupe on December 12th.
Iglesia de Guadelupe
Rides to Celebrate Dia de La Virgin de Guadelupe
Celebrating our 2nd Christmas in Mexico
Christmas Party at INESIN
And then another set of festivities began with the arrival of the Gingras family from Vernon, BC – Robere, Michele, Luke, Caitlin and Oliver (who celebrated his 3rd Bday Mexican style).
The Gingras' Travel to Mexico
It was great to be able to reunite with one of my sisters after more than a year…we visited, shopped, laughed and yes when she left we cried.
They rented a house close by in the barrio of El Cerrillo and we spent much of the 10 days together walking around San Cristobal, playing at the cancha (bball courts), trips to San Juan Chamula and Rancho Nuevo, but perhaps more importantly simply visited in our homes and enjoyed good mexican food!
11 am - gotta have that pan dulce
Christmas Day shoot-around
We all celebrated a memorable Christmas Eve on the 23rd at our church where Jacquie sang in the choir.
Noche de Paz, noche de amor, todo duerme en derredor; entre los astors que esparcen su luz bella, anunciando el ninito Jesus, brilla la estrella de paz, brilla la estrella de paz.
For the 24th we headed out to Rancho Nuevo and took in caves, horseback riding, the big slide, some good eats, and the ladies snuck in a bit more Christmas shopping.
Oliver´s First Love - Mango
Weeeee!
Christmas Eve we took some time to sit around the tree to share the Christmas story, exchange gifts and in good Mexican style headed out to the street to set off some firecrackers. While I didn’t include a picture to prove it, we also worked hard Christmas day to put together a yummy Turkey dinner.
Thanks for the gift Cuz
Everyone got into the Firecracker Action
Earlier in the week we went on a tour of Pinguinos – a great experience for all but especially interesting for the big cousins and Robere (a teacher) to see a very different school setting.
Visiting Pinguinos
For our last couple of days we headed to lower altitude and even hotter sun to enjoy two really relaxing days together in Tuxtla, including a trip to Zoomat, a zoo dedicated completely to flora and fauna of Chiapas.
Poolside in Tuxtla
the boys checking out the iguana
Walking at the Zoo with Auntie
Yes, it was a full and wonderful time together, great for siblings and cousins to have time to play and reconnect and for the Gingras to see life here in San Cristobal.
Day Hike at Moxviquil
There is fellowship…..friendships are born….much food is prepared with much care….culture and customs are shared….laughter and learning come naturally….”first-fruits” are offered….music abounds…..others pass by with curiosity…..guests leave with full hearts and full stomachs…..and families from the hosting group collapse into hammocks……
While the lines above could be representative of many types of gatherings that occur, these are written specifically to describe the happenings of the 2011 Encuentro Intercomunitario that took place in Pablo L Sidar November 22-25. Participants from all 7 community groups were present for 3 full days of workshops, presentations, games, retreat, and convivencia, that is, fellowship. The work (MCC project) I am involved in through INESIN values the mutual encouragement and capacity building that takes place when members of like-minded groups come together for shared learning. For folks like myself, working with an organization accompanying these groups, an encuentro such as this also offers a unique perspective into how our work takes a particular shape in each community.
Participants seated around the traditional Mayan offering
Only whole foods here! Fresh tamales eaten later that day as we relaxed by the river
What happened during the three days?
Day 0 – along with an INESIN counterpart, I drove approx. 500 kilos of food in a rental car with little suspension, crossing approx. 85 topes (speedbumps) over a 6-hour route, and then back to San Cristobal = s.t.r.e.s.s.f.u.l.
Day 1 – everyone arrived, presentations of each community, short films on agroecology, followed by marimba and dancing
Day 2 – working sessions on a) the “fruit” or impact of this project, b) historical and current trends in land tenure/management, and the pressures communities and campesinos are facing today, and c) peace-building via consensus decision-making, followed by marimba and dancing
Day 3 – retreat, games and food along a forested stream, followed by workshops on a) SOIL and WATER conservation, and b) PIZZA via CLAY OVEN, then marimba and dancing
Perhaps you noticed the trend there…yes everyone was elated that the families from San Jose Las Palmas came out with their Guatemalan marimba. It served as a wonderful accompaniment to all the gathering, laughing, and yes the dancing!
Prepping the elote and enjoying the sights and sounds of a big picnic stream-side
Don Ciro and Mariano (and 4 others not shown) soothing the crowd with a rendition of Muñeca Viejo
One of the most memorable moments of the Encuentro happened the morning of the 25th, during the closing time, when all the bounty (harvest, first-fruits, etc) of the ofrenda was shared amongst all participants. First, three women elders from the host group were invited to divide and hand out all that had been offered – and they made sure that participants were each receiving a portion of the “fruits” that are not so common to their own region (remember Chiapas has hot and cool regions with differing native foods). Many folks then offered what they could in terms of bags and boxes so all had something to carry home their produce. To me it simply seemed that in the spirit of genorosity the produce, the first-fruits, had been mulitplied – each person it seemed was well-loaded, even over-loaded with gifts, one to another.
Sharing the "ofrenda" amongst all
And then it was over, and those of us from INESIN along with the families from Pablo L Sidar took some time to rest, and reflect. I am grateful to the group from Pablo for all the work they did, and for the resources provided by MCC and Centro de Estudios Ecumenicos (Mexico City) to make this event possible.
On a final note, I`ll bet that if you happen to pass through Pablo L Sidar (or a certain number of other communities in Chiapas) on the weekend, you may see some signs that say “Se Vende Pizza” (pizza for sale)!
I simply love seeing all this dough! We had a major pizza production using a traditional clay oven.
Pizza was a big hit....thus my workmate Sandra had to ensure the portions are all evened out!
This post is based on a portion of a letter written to share with our home church congregation in Saskatoon, SK.
One general theme that has seemed prominent and relevant to me in these past months is the several ways in which we are learning about service – appropriate since our title with MCC is “service worker.” I am reminded of the passage from Mark 10:42-44 – in which Jesus teaches his disciples to not abuse the power they are given but instead to be a servant of all. During our MCC training time in Akron we talked much about the reality of the power we inherently may have due to our race, gender, economic background, opportunity for education, nationality etc. etc….and while we can do little to change this reality we can do much about how we use this power we possess. We do well to learn from the example of Jesus, as the gospel of Mark testifies, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (10:45).
Pinguinos Work Day
In some ways coming into Mexico with much Spanish to learn has been a natural way for me to learn about service as I have been more limited in my capacity to speak or to take a more assertive role in my work or other life situations. This reality has also forced me to more often sit and simply listen to others – here I really need to focus on understanding before I can speak! While admittedly frustrating at time, I’m realizing anew how important simply listening can be in developing a servant attitude. Again our MCC training time reminded us we are not here simply to be givers of our resources, as if we have no needs or things to learn ourselves. Instead, we are here to walk alongside others, to listen to their visions and dreams of peace and justice, and then perhaps offer our skills and abilities in ways that empower them to reach these goals.
While we can learn from positive examples we can also learn from negative examples of what it means serve. I am continuing to learn that Mexican/Latin American history is rich in stories of foreigners coming to this land, believing they have the answers and ability to develop/enrich/better the lives of the people already present. Whether that be Spanish conquistadors, some missionaries/development agencies, or foreign government intervention…all seem, at times, to disrespect the voice of the people, give little credence to listening/learning/serving and seem fixated instead on control, power and superiority. While some of these groups obviously do not have the aim to “help” the Mexican people. Often even those of us coming with good intentions struggle to get past our own agenda or ideas of how we may want to give (and receive), and if so, might fail to empower those we have come to serve.
Lastly, I am realizing that many of my MCC colleagues or co-workers come with much more experience or education in living cross-culturally, working in some type of peace, justice, or development work and speak more Spanish than I. So I find myself needing to be patient with myself, my abilities, and looking for meaningful ways I can contribute that more than often are not in a leadership role (not that leadership does or should negate being a servant). Yet, what I am called to is faithfulness in serving God, my family and my community as 1 Peter 4:10 says: “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” While wanting to share some more of my experiences with you all, I also hope that my reflections on this aspect of my time here in Mexico can be an encouragement to you all as you continue to serve each other, in your families, in your church, in your work and in your communities.
Well after 6 months of failing to update our photo gallery I decided to commit some time yesterday and today and have added over 50 photos from April to these past weeks. 
I hope you enjoy seeing different aspects of our life here in San Cristobal, although you may notice an absence of Rick’s work photos, which he’d rather display in his blog posts in order to do more justice in providing the context of photos of life in rural communities. Our pictures have come full circle as we have now completed one year in Mexico – so as you peruse the main photo gallery (not the subset of pictures under the heading San Cristobal de las Casas) you will know you have come to the end of my updates when you reach the one of a carved pumpkin.
Enjoy! Jacquie
Are we for peace? Are we at peace? These are good questions. Henri Nouwen begins a work entitled A Spirituality of Peacemaking by quoting a psalmist: “Long enough I have been dwelling with those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for fighting” (Psalm 120:6-7).
As an MCC volunteer serving in MexicoI admit that I am still growing in my sense of what it means to be someone who advocates for peace….
I write this post in memory of my Grandpa Abram Tilitzky who passed away last Tuesday, October 4th in Abbotsford, BC, Canada at the age of 91. Grandpa T was born in Russia and moved to Canada at the age of 5, a story not uncommon among those of Mennonite cultural heritage. He met my grandma at 19 and they were married for 67 years! He was a great businessman and throughout life remained committed to serving the church and his community. Even though life was not always easy for Grandpa, he was a faithful follower of Christ, and was at much peace to pass from this life and be with his heavenly Father. Although I did not return to Canada for his funeral, thanks to technology and my sister Michele I have been able to listen to various audio and video clips of family gatherings and the service that took place this past Tuesday, as well as have some memorable phone conversations with my Grandma. As I think back on my own memories and listen to those of my uncles, aunts and cousins, my heart is enriched by the love my Grandpa had for his family and others as well as the deep knowledge he had of God’s love.
Grandpa T, Hilary, Jacquie and Ezra - Summer 2009
While I did miss sharing memories with my larger family, I was thankful for my own moments when I took time to remember, to think, to pray, to sing, to talk to my children about hope and the new heaven and earth. In particular I was drawn back to a portion of scripture in 1 Corinthians that was an encouragement to me a few years ago when a good friend died tragically. In Chapter 15 Paul focuses on the truth and importance of the resurrection. While there is an interesting development of thought regarding past and future resurrections what I find most inspiring is the last verse, which highlights Paul’s conclusions about where does all this talk leave us, in other words what are we to do in light of the hope of resurrection? I quote: “Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor 15: 58). These words became my prayers for all of my Grandpa’s family this past Tuesday as they met together remembering him and I sat in that little Mexican church far away in body but not in spirit.
I was also thankful for God’s providence in having chances to both hear and sing one of my Grandpa’s favorite songs in these past days – How Great Thou Art. In particular the fourth stanza brings much emotion and so I quote it below in the way I hear it here:
Cuando el Señor me llame a su presencia, al dulce hogar, al cielo de esplendor, le adoraré cantando la gradeza de su poder y su infinito amor.
As a way to share a more personal memory of my Grandpa T I leave you with a tribute I wrote and which my father in Canada read for me during a family sharing time last week.
This past week, perhaps like you, I have been pondering the significance of Grandpa’s passing, the change it means for us and especially for Grandma and also to some extent the sadness I feel in not being able to be with you all today. In this midst of these thoughts I remain thankful for the grand gift of eternal life Grandpa is experiencing now more fully and smaller spiritual gifts such as me hearing How Great Thou Art in the street here in Mexico the morning of Grandpa’s passing. I have had some good times remembering Grandpa this past week – as a child Grandpa and Grandma’s house was always a loving and fun place to come home for holidays, especially Christmas, and since we didn’t live in the same town visits from Grandpa and Grandma were even more special, even if it meant them telling us our rabbit had died or giving us strawberry flavoured medicine. One thing I also knew about Grandpa is that he was praying for us and especially in latter years we could count on those special phone calls where we heard his wonderful voice along with Grandma’s wishing us a happy birthday. I also am so thankful for the love and generosity he showed to my husband and children and we all remember fondly those good breakfast’s together at De Dutch. For all of these memories and more – Grandpa, I say thank you, thank you especially for your faithfulness to God, to your wife, your family and to me, your granddaughter. We love you and will miss you.
Jacqueline Leigh Block, October 8th, 2011