Left, outgoing President Alvaro Colom and right, President-elect Otto Perez Molina

However, this year brings a change in administration.  Every 4 years, there are national elections for local, regional, and national leaders including the President.  The last four years, national politics were run by a moderate left administration under Alvaro Colom who ran on a platform promising to help Guatemala’s poorest populations mainly indigenous.  This year brings a shift back to a hard right positioned leadership under Otto Perez Molina who ran on a platform of the strong fist (la mano dura) of security.  He is an ex-military official with questionable connections and a spotty history.  So what is in store for these next 4 years?

Here are two interesting articles that review Colom’s administrative history and what might be coming with Perez’s administration.   The one bright spot – Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz (yes a woman!!) who was appointed under Colom and has an interesting record of trying to counter corruption and organized crime.  President-elect Perez has confirmed that she will continue in her current role, which is a good sign.  Let’s hope she’ll be able to do her work freely with this new administration.  Read over the articles to get a better idea, and as always, I welcome insights you’d like to share!

Justice in Guatemala. From Americas Quarterly. Published Jan. 9, 2012.

From the Army Base to the Presidential Palace: What to Expect of Guatemala’s Otto Perez Molina.  From Council on Hemispheric Affairs. Published Jan. 10, 2012.

ADVENT POST

Daily scripture taken from Presbyterians Today, 2011 Advent Calendar

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you.”  Romans 15:7 taken from the daily reading Romans 15:4-13.

I’ve been reflecting often during this Advent season about how the many emotions and feelings that brim up during this time of year may shed light on how we accompany one another in mutual mission.  This is a season full of promise but also full of waiting.  For me, mutual mission is much of the same – full of promise and potential but also LOTS of waiting.  I often find myself wanting to push things along rushing to jump into something, to feel movement.  However, God does not work in the same way, and God’s movement is often happening without my noticing.  Advent season is about slowing down to reflect, to wonder about the promises ahead, and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

So, I’m trying to take my time and reflect on what promises, what potential lies ahead in this mission journey I’ve agreed to join.  It’s hard for me not to feel personal frustration when I do not see the movement I would like when working with the Union Sinodica (Presbyterian Women of the Guatemalan Presbyterian Church).  But, I must be honest and remember that things are happening, and I am not able to see them just yet.  And I also give thanks for the many blessings that have been shared with me that have brought about personal, spiritual growth, because again this is a journey of mutual partners where both are meant to be transformed.  Yes, I must remind myself that I continue be touched and changed by the faith of many Guatemalan Presbyterian women.  Their dedication, patience, and conviction are gifts I can never repay.  They have welcomed me into their lives as another sister in faith.  I am forever connected to them.

Although the season has passed, you can still order the Presbyterians Today 2011 Advent Calendar at http://store.pcusa.org/1211611011.  It was a wonderful tool for myself and my family.  My son loved moving Mary and Joseph on their journey.

And an act of peace you can do – remember that the International Peacemakers (IP) are in the United States right now – take a moment to pray for them.  They’ll be starting their travels and visits on Friday.  Juana Herlinda Yac Salanic,  the IP from Guatemala who is accompanied by mission co-worker Karla Koll, is in the initial stages of orientation with the other IPs.  Seeing Juana and Karla or another IP is a wonderful act of peacemaking.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE TO YOU!

This year Guatemala made the list.  Although there is some sadness in this invitation since it is a country embroiled in the chaos of violence.  However, this invitation also solidifies the notion that people in Guatemala are working hard to find alternatives to the violence, to confront the injustices, and to create spaces of peace and reconciliation.  And much to my delight, a very special woman will be representing Guatemala: Juana Herlinda Yac Salanic.

I want to highlight why this invitation holds such powerful significance.  Juana Herlinda is the first woman to represent the Guatemalan Presbyterian Church (IENPG) for this program.   She is the first indigenous woman from Guatemala to participate in this program.  And she is the first female elder from a Mayan language speaking presbytery of the church to go as well.  This is exciting news for a culture and church that struggles with discrimination, racism, and sexism that are so imbedded in Guatemalan society.  This is the chance for a woman to represent a voice and an experience often silenced in Guatemala, but now she is invited to share her voice, her ideas, her experiences.  God really is good!

Juana will be accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Karla Ann Koll, who has served as a mission co-worker in Guatemala for over 10 years.  Karla serves as professor of history, mission and religions for the Latin American Biblical University in San Jose, Costa Rica and the Evangelical Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA) in Guatemala.  These institutions work together to train church leaders to minister in ways that lead to the transformation of individuals, churches, and communities.  Juana and Karla have worked together for many years learning from one another, guiding one another, and sharing in joys and struggles together.  They are a dynamic pair that will have much to share about violence and peacemaking in Guatemala during their visits.

Their International Peacemaker Schedule of Visits:

1. September 23-September 29 – Presbytery of Western North Carolina

2. September 29-October 5 – Chapel Hill Triangle Area

3.  October 5-October 12 – Heartland Presbytery

4. October 12-October 16 – Shenandoah Presbytery

If you are interested in learning more about these particular visits, do let me know and I’ll connect you with those in charge of planning.  There are other International Peacemakers traveling around the United States from September 23-October 16th.  Be sure to check your presbytery’s website for information to see if one is visiting near you.  They are definitely worth hearing! 

May we keep Juana Herlinda and Karla and all of the International Peacemakers in our prayers throughout this next month.  May their travels be safe and may their words and stories enlighten those who’s ears hear them.  May we learn that peacemaking and justice-making are possible when we strive to reach out to hold one another’s hands.  This is a difficult journey, but God calls others to accompany those in the midst of conflict and violence.  May one day we live in a world that chooses love and understanding over violence and hate.

The world has become a much smaller place, with people traveling across the globe with ease.  That has meant a change in the face of mission for many church and parachurch organizations.  It is now possible for almost anyone to plan a mission trip to anywhere for a week or two.   This new kind of mission brings many opportunities but also many problems.  It is important that as people of faith we share in God’s grace, love and goodness with care and respect.  It is also just as important to be aware not to harm those whom we hope to help.

Those of us “doing mission” often want to do just that – DO.  However, what we often don’t realize is that in our haste to do we often end up harming those who we had hoped to help.  It is a tricky dance we must do when in mission, however, in Presbyterian tradition, we hope to dance together not causing our partner to trip, stumble or fall.  We strive to do mission mutually and to understand that both parties are givers and receivers.  If we enter into the relationship thinking that those of us coming from the US bring everything and those we visit receive everything we will miss out on the joy and richness that can be achieved through mutual mission.  We tend to react to problems, out of good intentions, without understanding fully the root causes and give solutions that aren’t sustainable locally.  Communities around Guatemala are stuck with projects or programs that they don’t have the resources to run or don’t see the value in keeping up.  Not only do we often miss the mark in providing programs that are locally appropriate, but we miss the opportunity to let the spirit move among us.  In our rush to “fix” things, we overlook the essential ingredient in mission – God’s accompaniment. 

God’s mysteriousness is not always as appreciated in the US context as it is in Guatemala.  We tend to feel like we have acertain level of control in our lives, and that God works within controlled boundaries (i.e. we only turn to God when we can’t make sense out of life).  In Guatemala, so much is out of one’s control that it is only God who is truly in control.  People put their complete faith in God’s ability to care for them, to provide for them, to keep them safe.  And it is a daily exercise to witness God’s miraculous good deeds.  They thank God when they arrive safely to their destination, they thank God when they have found work, they thank God for the gift of waking to a new day.  If we do not take our time, we miss this opportunity to learn how to embrace such a spiritual deepness in our personal faith; we miss the importance of the mutual relationship;  we miss the understanding that as partners we both have much to give and much to receive.

A mutual relationship should mean that both parties grow and transform because of the relationship.  I think that can happen when we let down our guard, let go of the need to “do”, and become true collaborators in mission.  And when talking with those who have been truly touched by a mission experience, they often see that there is more work to “do” at home than there is in the places they travel.  I like  to reflect on mission as said in Luke 12:22-26.  We can worry so much about doing without realizing that it is God who will ultimately provide.  Once we take the time to sit, share a meal, share stories, share our lives, allow the Holy Spirit to move among us, then we can start the work together.  Trust and friendship are built.  Guatemalans teach us to slow down, and we teach Guatemalans that God gives us initiative to demand change.  Guatemalans teach us that we need to allow problem solving to come from the local context, and we teach Guatemalans that they already possess the resources necessary to problem solve.  Guatemalans teach us that life is fragile, and we teach Guatemalans that if life is fragile we must encourage each person equally (regardless of gender or age) to strive to be the fullest person they can be.  Guatemalans teach us to trust God more deeply, and we give thanks!

So as you think about planning a mission trip, whether to Guatemala or any other part of the world, take a look at the following resources to help you do more good than harm: 

1.  Tools for trip leaders provided by the Presbyterian Church USA

2. “When God’s People Travel Together” — a three-volume set of booklets including a leader’s manual, a resource to help participants reflect on their experiences and Bible studies on partnership a collaboration between World Mission and the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.

3.  Taking Wolves Among Lambs: Some Thoughts on Training for Short-term Mission Facilitation. Written by Rev. Dr. Karla Koll, PCUSA mission co-worker serving in Guatemala.

4.  Passion for Mission and Justice: A Context for Mission Today. Written by Dennis Smith, PCUSA mission co-worker serving as Regional Liaison of Southern Cone and Brazil (South America).

And always remember to take your time – God’s time is patient and kind – and always ask that question, “am I doing more harm than good?”  There are also resources in the field with Presbyterian Church (USA) mission personnel serving in more than 100 countries.  Chances are there are mission co-workers in the places where you do mission.  Although we don’t have all of the answers, we do live among those you wish to serve and are able to assist in being bridge builders and cultural interpreters.  We also have contacts on the ground that can be helpful to your mission work and partnership.  We work to serve both the partner organizations and the Presbyterian Church (USA).  So feel free to contact those in the field for help.

And it is true, those of us living in the field do see all sorts of outcomes from mission trips, but we celebrate and give thanks to God for the good that is a result of the hard work, dedication and faithfulness of countless individuals.  I know that women in the Guatemalan Presbyterian Church enjoy leadership positions in part due to the relationships with ordained women elders and pastors from the Presbyterian Church (USA).  I also know that people who have visited Guatemala on mission trips have been forever changed and continue to work on justice issues back in the United States because of what they experienced on a mission trip.  God becomes alive, and we experience our faith in a new way when outside our place of comfort.  Connecting with God’s larger family is vital to our lives as global Christians, may we trod softly and humbly.

PCUSA Moderator Cynthia Bolbach with Guatemalan Presbyterian women, staff of CEDEPCA, Mission co-worker Karla Koll and Director of the Office of the Stated Clerk Loyda Aja

“The highlight thus far this month has been the visit of Cynthia Bolbach, the moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA)to CEDEPCA. Cindy was in Guatemala to be part of a seminar for Presbyterian Hispanic pastors from the United States. She and Loyda Aja of the Office of the General Assembly came to learn about CEDEPCA’s programs on the morning of July 14. Cindy is a ruling elder. We decided to bring together women ruling elders from the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala to share their experiences with Cindy. The women shared their stories of struggles and their joy in serving in the church. One woman present, Dina Donis, is the first woman moderator in Suchitepequez Presbytery. All of these women had taken courses in CEDEPCA’s Women’s Pastoral Program. Two are also studying theology in our university-level program. We rejoice that CEDEPCA has been part of training and encouraging the leadership of women in the Presbyterian church in Guatemala as well as in other denominations.”

Karla serves as professor of history, mission and religions for the Latin American Biblical University (UBL), an interdenominational institution located in San Jose, Costa Rica, which has been training Latin American church leaders for more than 80 years. The UBL placed Karla with the Evangelical Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA), an associated institution in Guatemala.  You can read her entire prayer letter on facebook.

Many who come only briefly to Guatemala may not immediately see the impact of their visit.  However, I have the unique opportunity of working with those who receive groups.  Again and again, I marvel at what the women of the Presbyterian Church of Guatemala take away from those visits.  It renews them.  It gives them energy to dream.  It inspires and motivates them to continue in their specific ministries.  And visits from PCUSA women in ordained leadership roles transforms the landscape of the leadership in Guatemala, too.  The impact is huge, and it should be celebrated.   Thank you, Cynthia, for taking the time.  Thank you, Loyda, for helping to make it happen.  Thank you, Karla, for getting everyone together.

Two Kekchi women working on a beading project with a child looking on.

Having children in Guatemala is a very STRONG societal norm.  A man’s masculinity is in part judged on the number of children he has, and a woman’s sense of worth is based on the ability to provide said number of children.  The majority of women who participate in the Union Sinodica (Presbyterian Women of the Guatemalan Presbyterian Church) have children.  In fact, most women are invited into local women circles when they have children, regardless of age, and many times women who do not have children are not invited to participate, regardless of age.  It is common to hear that a woman has 3 or 4 children.  It is just as common to hear that a woman has 8 or 9 children.  She assumes immediately the role of caring for those children – making sure they have food, shelter, clothing and attend school.  She is their main caregiver and protector.  It is she who passes along culture and religion.  Men are mostly absent from this private sector working long hours in the fields, in the office, in Guatemala City, or in the United States.  Gender roles are strict and clear.  Once a woman marries or has a child in Guatemala, they give up their autonomy, their freedom, and often their own dreams.  So, celebrating motherhood seems contradictory to me.  I understand the love that comes with a child – caring for them, watching them grow and seeing the world differently through their eyes.  But, seeing the sacrifices and suffering of Guatemalan women, I wonder why they would want to celebrate this day with such fervor.  There is little to no recognition of Father’s Day.  It’s not a national holiday, and school children do not make gifts.

This is my conclusion: on this one day each year Guatemalan society as a whole takes time to recognize the sacrifice and suffering, and they give thanks.

me with my mother and father

Guatemalan culture is changing slowly.  Just as other cultures where we experience greater gender equality, the fight and struggle to get there will be long and hard.  I am grateful for the women who fought for what I am able to take advantage of and sometimes take for granted.  And I am also grateful to be in Guatemala to see the process unfolding before me.  It will be a journey full of risk and sacrifice, and I hope people of faith will be allies on this journey.  I hope faith communities can be safe spaces where women can find security, support, encouragement, and inspiration.  I hope these communities can celebrate what it is to be a woman (whether they are mothers or not).  Mother’s Day should be a day when we remember the sacrifices of all women who have struggled, fought for, and demanded a different world for the sake of the next generation.  So today I say, thank you, Mom, for all that you have done for me!  And I say, thank you to all the women who have taught me, supported me, inspired me, motivated me, and pushed me to be the full woman God has created me to be (sorry I don’t have enough space to list everyone).  Because we know we have many mothers – God’s family is full of them!

As we remember this very important day, I invite you to do something on behalf of millions of mothers worldwide.  Below are several suggestions about what we can do for our own mothers and /or for other mothers:

1. International Violence Against Women Act

The International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA), first introduced in the Congress in 2007, has yet to be passed. It passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in December 2010 and is to be reintroduced to Congress this year. It would, for the first time, make stopping violence against women and girls a priority in United States diplomacy and foreign aid. The legislation is designed to stop the brutal violence against girls and women that afflicts communities and countries across the globe—domestic violence, rape, acid burnings, so-called honor killings and other gross violations of human rights.

What you can do
Urge your legislators to cosponsor the International Violence Against Women Act when it is reintroduced.  The Presbyterian Office of Public Witness has a few easy ways for you to get involved.
Visit the Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence Network to learn more about what the network and local churches are doing.
For more on Presbyterian Women’s justice and peace efforts, contact Meagan Manas, PW’s justice and peace program specialist, 718/839-3782, meagan.manas@pcusa.org.

2.  Make something special for your mom this year.  Treat her to spa products that are healthy and environmentally friendly.  This will require some extra work on your part, but think of the love that is mixed in with each recipe.  The Healthy Spa toolkit from the Eco-Justice Program of the National Council of Churches even suggests holding a spa event.  What a great idea – a special girls day for those who are way too busy to take time for themselves.

3.  Take time to pray for the important “mothers” in your life.  Pray for the women who have touched you in some way and inspired you to be the person God desires you to be.  Reach out and remind them of the importance they have played in your life.  Let us give thanks for everything they have done and continue to do.

4.  Pray for the women and men that will take the difficult path to push for an alternative to the grave inequality in this country.  It is only through working together that change will come.  However, it will be the women of Guatemala who will carry the more difficult burden, risking personal safety and security, risking alienation and comfort, to demand this change.  It will be the tireless work of mothers who will raise their children, both girls and boys, to see, perceive, and live in the world differently.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS IN YOUR LIFE!

Mark Koenig, Director of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, has compiled numerous resources that can help as you reflect on your own feelings and your desire to respond.  As Presbyterians we deeply value the actions of studying, learning, and praying.  Taking time to allow God to speak through us is important so that we may act out of a faith grounded in love, respect, and understanding.

I would invite you to gather others to accompany you during this reflection time.  It is true that our response is much richer when we have other voices at the table.  And if you find other resources that are helpful, please do share!

Today my prayers go out to everyone affected by violence.  And may we learn to do the hard work of peacemaking and peace building to ensure that no one else will be victims of violence and that one day our world become whole.