"Lent is a time of grace, a time to convert and live out our baptism fully." -Pope Francis
Today is Ash Wednesday. Around the world, we join our brothers and sisters and commemorate this day by receiving a cross of ashes on our forehead. This symbol reminds us that we are made from dust and we will return to dust- a poignant message to help refocus our lives and motivate us as we enter this season of repentance.
To encourage us as we begin the Lenten journey today, we would like to share a prayer from St. Francis:
Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out Your holy and true command.
Amen.
Want to Support Guatemala Mission Through Your Lenten Giving?
Join us in connecting your fasting with giving by supporting the children of Guatemala Mission for only $15 a month. A sponsorship gives our students access to onsite training, which is critical in their development. Our goal is to add 40 sponsors over the 40 days of Lent, so join us today and tell a friend!
In imitation of our Master, we Christians are called to confront the poverty of our brothers and sisters, to touch it, to make it our own and to take practical steps to alleviate it. - Pope Francis
Today in the town where our kindergarten is all our children are together with their families and there is a lot of activity in the streets to celebrate Los Santos day.
Throughout Guatemala, families come to the cemeteries to visit their relatives, they have adorned the tombs in the days before, food stands are placed on the streets and the kites fly in the sky, they are colorful days full of flavor and tradition.
Hola Monseñor feliz día
Hoy en el pueblo en dónde está nuestra escuela de kinder todos nuestros niños están juntos con sus familias y hay mucha actividad en las calles para celebrar el día de Los Santos.
en toda Guatemala las familias llegan a los cementerios a visitar a su familiares, han adornado las tumbas en los días atrás, se colocan puestos de comida en las calles y los barriletes vuelan en el cielo, son días coloridos cargados de sabor y tradición
Quetzaltenango, also commonly known by its indigenous name, Xela, is the second largest city of Guatemala and is located in the southwestern part of the country. Our city is rich in indigenous history, and in natural beauty. We are surrounded by volcanoes, mountains, rivers, valleys and thermal waters. Xela is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Central America.
Xela has an estimated population of 224,703. The population is about 61% indigenous or Amerindian, 34% Mestizo or ladino and 5% European. Quetzaltenango is located in a mountain valley at an elevation of 2,330 meters (7,655 ft) above sea level at its lowest part. Our climate ranges from cold in the highlands to hot and humid in the south. Our year round temperatures average 70-80°F (21°C) during the daytime and 45°F (7°C) at night.
Our beautiful city attracts a more serious type of volunteers and traveler. There aren’t many English speakers in Xela, and typically our Volunteers are people who are more determined to learn Spanish and about indigenous culture than other travelers. We take pride in the fact that several of our mission workers remain here after visiting Xela to get involved in the many volunteer projects with which we are affiliated.
Xela also functions as a base for a range of spectacular hikes through the surrounding countryside including the constantly active Santiaguito volcano, and the picturesque and fascinating three day trek to Lake Atitlán to name a few. Guatemala Missions offer a guide that is certified by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute, and the travel and adventure possibilities are limitless. The guide's fees are paid by the mission worker who uses their service, and the guides are well qualified to make recommendations to maximize your experience with us in our mission work l and our country.
Guatemala Missions Xela we are very proud of the Mayan heritage, history and customs. We look forward to sharing with you the splendor of their natural resources and the beauty of our indigenous life.
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s with which we are affiliated.