During training camp and the months leading up to the trip, we were all warned over and over to expect culture shock. To expect the unexpected. To throw our preconceived notions out the window. I thought I had done everything I could to avoid being surprised by my new surroundings in Guatemala. But honestly, how does one prepare for the unknown?
Over the past month here in Puerto Barrios, I have experienced so many new things and accepted them as normal. However, there are a few things that have taken more time to get used to. For example:
-
Lines in supermarkets. Cutting someone in line is far from taboo here, so busy days at the Maxi Dispensa take a bit longer than expected… And invading people’s personal space to keep your spot in line is absolutely necessary.
-
Babies on motorcycles. The majority of people here drive motorcycles to get around, so when you need to bring your baby, toddler, or both to your friend’s house with you, you just sit them in front of you and start the engine.
-
Birthday firecrackers. It’s the tradition in Guatemala to celebrate someone’s birthday by setting off firecrackers. The most common time to do so is 5:30 AM, but it could happen at any time. And with many neighbors and open windows, you hear firecrackers ALL the time. I still have to resist the urge to hit the dirt anytime I hear some go off.
-
Being stared at. I know this is one thing I was warned about time and time again, but it’s still unnerving. We can’t go anywhere without being stared at, honked at, whistled at, and/or photographed. It’s funny at times, but other times we feel like zoo animals.
-
Insects. They are everywhere! You know that feeling that you have ants crawling on you? For us, it’s not just a feeling. I’m still trying to figure out where they come from and how they get all the way up my arm before I notice them… Like everything though, it’s just become a way of life.
There have been some situations that have been harder to feel comfortable in than others, but, as I like to keep reminding myself, life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
As Christians, we weren’t called to live life comfortably or quietly. We were called for so much more than that, to be bold and to share our faith with others! Serving and sharing our faith with others can look different for different people, though. I am so thankful, personally, to have the opportunity to serve abroad and to be able to literally leave my comfort zone behind. At times it is difficult, but I know that this is what I was meant to do.
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” –Galatians 6:18
Participant Login
Donor Login