(6/13-14) 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake But It's Fine

After the morning Spanish classes, we got to listen to Dr. Fredy Salanic speak about the Guatemalan health system and diabetes. As we listened to him speak about health and some of the prevalent problems Guatemala faces, it seemed like the country has adequate resources, maybe even an abundance. It's so unfortunate and bizarre that all these problems arise because they aren't being allocated fairly and because many Guatemalans just aren't aware that these problems even exist. My Spanish teacher also talked about how the health system is very good in theory, because treatment is free most of the time or at very low cost. However, it isn't working in reality because of corruption and lack of resources. It's frustrating because it seems like many of the problems can be alleviated if the wealth and resources were properly allocated. It's crazy to realize how crucial education and being aware of what's happening around you is to society. Even though Guatemala produces an abundance of vegetables and fruits, malnutrition is still so prevalent because most kids just don't know that the calories from a bag of chips aren't giving the same nutrition as the calories from vegetables or fruits. 

In the evening we went to Tacorazon for 2 for 1 margaritas! Good drinks, good people, good convos, it was a great time.

Okay, still can't believe this happened. After margaritas, when we came back it was around midnight, but I was still awake till 2 AM because I couldn't fall asleep. As I was laying in bed willing myself to fall asleep, all of a sudden the entire house starts shaking, and I can feel my bed shaking with more and more force. The lights go out and I hear our host family rushing to gather everyone downstairs. I scramble out of bed and we all convene in the living room. But I've never been so terrified as I was during the 18 seconds of the earthquake. Even though this earthquake was no where near other severe natural disasters, actually experiencing a fairly strong earthquake made me realize the extent of terror and fear natural disasters cause. I was frozen in my bed in complete shock until I the host family came to all of our rooms. Definitely the craziest thing that's ever happened to me. I was so shook so Elaine, Sofia, and I all slept together in my bed. 

Wednesday morning, instead of Spanish classes we went to a home to learn about weaving. It was incredible to see the extremely time consuming and intricate process of making the beautiful indigenous clothing. The family was so welcoming and sweet, and it was really incredible how even though we were all complete strangers from a completely different country, they said we were welcome to come again any time and that they are always waiting with open arms. It isn't easy to be so open and loving, but I've been amazed by how accepting and just kind the people of Xela are. 

After weaving, we visited San Simon, a saint that many people apparently pray to curse other people. Personally, wasn't a fan of the vibes in the room, but it was really interesting to see an aspect of the indigenous religion. 

For lunch, we stopped by Aqui Me Quedo, a kitchen that delivers healthy, good food and uses the profits to further HIV education and prevention in Guatemala. It was really cool to see all the different ways people help out these kind of causes.