Day 5 Guatemala
Today we wrapped up our time in San Lucas, which in some respects was sad. The people were amazing everywhere we went, the group I was blessed to be with, we had many connections, and most off all, we would begin our journey back to the airport. However along the way, we were scheduled for a day of recreation in Antigua. As usual, I was fortunate enough to have an amazing day, maybe even miraculous day, thanks to God being in the center of it all as always is my intention when I plan anything.
Upon arrival at the UNBOUND center they encouraged discerning if we would feel called to sponsor another person. In addition many of the people had a good chance of being available to meet us if they were sponsored. There was a woman named Virginia that popped up on my radar out of the dozen or so profiles. As I read her profile, it mentioned she was a widow, and she was a person dedicated to God and catechism. That chimed me that she must be Catholic, and with all those connections her profile jumped out. I felt a small inspiration of Blessed Michael J. McGivney, who founded the Knights of Columbus in the USA to serve the widows. However I was honestly still hesitant, and decided to wait another day. Tuesday night after seeing the great good I experienced with Nircia, as I was beginning to write the blog, I just felt the stir “stop wasting time, and just do it” and so I did, I signed up to sponsor Virginia. From my understanding if I did it sooner, I was pretty much guaranteed to see her Wed, but because I waited, I thought I might have missed my opportunity to meet her.
However things worked out for her to come to Antigua and it was a memorable day for the 6 of us. Yes, her sister and daughter came with her, the translator and the community worker. Since Virginia hasn’t traveled at all in her life, except to move once, this was a pretty unique moment for me to share a pilgrimage with a woman I just met, who’s faith would be rewarded today in many respects for me personally. However by the end, I could very easily see for her too. She was willing to visit the cathedral which I mistaken for the tomb of St Hermano Peter, patron saint of Guatemala. Adoration was going on and she said some prayers there with me. Then we walked about 10 minute to the tomb of Guatemala’s saint. There just happened to me a Mass happening at the moment and sat for the entire homily in front of the saints tomb, while I walked around a little and bought some candles for us, one to light, the other for her and I to take home.
After this we went to a cafe and enjoyed a nice lunch. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and from here we went back to the church to take a picture in front, since we missed it earlier. To my surprise I saw this church was also designated as a Holy Door by Pope Francis for the jubilee Year of Hope. It was very providential and we went in to say our prayers in honor of the indulgence for the Year of Hope. I was able to share many details along the way of our day, and all was a reminder that with God at the center of all things, little miracles will happen, and now we are both praying for each other that bigger miracles will come.
We said goodbye, and just as Nircia and her family said “thank you so much, we wish we could return the favor". I was grateful to be able to say “I am returning the favor, I had nothing when I returned to the Church, but the Catholic Church gave me everything I have through the kindness and generosity of so many people. I am now returning that favor to others.” I closed with saying “Virginia, please pray for Brandon in Virginia.” She gave me her blessing and we went our ways. I know big miracles are coming, Lent is always a dry season, but whoa! if this is the dry season, I can only imagine what’s next.
I spent my final couple of hours roaming around and grabbing a cup of coffee for myself, a bag of coffee for my Egyptian friend, who day 1 at my farmers market said “Guatemalan Antigua coffee is the best”. In addition since I hear there was great chocolate in Guatemala, I grabbed something for my wife and basically called it a day. We hopped on our bus and made great time to Guatemala City where we enjoyed a final dinner together and said our goodbyes since many are leaving at all different hours. This culture has now found a place with me, and I’m looking forward to visiting the Pollo Campero next to my home to rekindle a small piece of my visit. I had no clue that was a Guatemalan place.
