Two nights ago I was studying in my room. There seemed to be more commotion around the house than usual, but I didn't think anything of it. As I was practicing present subjunctive verbs a beautiful noise came seeping through the walls. My family and several members of the community were standing around the dining room table singing to God. In our churches we sing, but not like this. This brought me to tears. This was the real thing. This was the sound of hope given to a less fortunate people. You could hear the love in their voices. Just by listening it was very apparent that this was a very intimate gathering for God. Not to say they did their religious duty or to put on a show. This was a meeting of souls sharing a beautiful and mutual love, and I mean the deepest of love, for their creator who provides for them in a country that doesn't have much. Their voices mingled and shouts rang out to the heavens.
The love and care in this country is humbling. Yes, there is crime and violence, but the love that is persistent through all odds is that much more astounding and divine. Families care for each other mas que los families en los Estados Unidos. I have only been with my host family for five days, but I really feel like part of the family.
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On a completely different note, last night a few of my friends and I went to a Xela (Quetzaltenengo) soccer game. They are the Super Chivos…or Super Goats. It was insane. There was no alcohol allowed in the game, but fireworks, road flares, and things you smoke besides cigarettes were free game. We sat in the middle of the stands with the diehard fans who jumped up and down and sang the entire time. Everyone around us used a profanity every other word and sang crude songs. they even had their small children singing them. When the Super Chivos scored a goal fireworks and flares went up all around the stadium and people climbed to the top of the fence and ripped their shirts off. It was also normal to throw drinks and other objects at the opposing team's goalie. In fact, someone lit a road flare and threw it onto the field…they just kept playing. A swat team that had to escort the opposing team off the field at half time and at the end of the game. There was one guy in our section that yelled something about the Super Chivos that did not sit well with the masses…I thought I was going to witness a murder. It was scary.
Nearing the end of the second half, the game was tied 2-2. However, in the last minute the Super Chivos scored the winning goal and chaos broke out. Fireworks and flares were lit, people yelled all kinds of profanities, confetti rained down on the crowd, and everyone was jumping around and hugging one another.
It was definitely an interesting experience!
oh my yod!
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