An Early Thanksgiving

Luke Penner, an MCC SALT worker along with us, accepted an invitation from Carlos Caal, one of the Bezaleel graduates, to attend a graduation party in his community in the Cahabon area.  Carlos’ father is a Catholic leader in their community.  After driving for two hours we parked our car and were met by Carlos’ younger brother, Santiago, who led us for the two hour walk up the mountain to their village.  The scenic view was partly obscured due to fog in the valley that day.  We were indeed grateful that it didn’t rain.

 

The family warmly greeted us and made us feel at home.  We arrived at noon and after eating spent time getting acquainted with the guests as they arrived from afar.  The party was planned to be an all night affair, but we wanted to get back to our car before dark.

The scenic mountains

 

Santiago had brought a container of hot chocolate to satisfy our thirst.

Walking the trail

On the top, but we trekked another half hour around the mountain.

We arrived.  The community school is in the background

The hide from the cow butchered the day before

Cooking the meat

Preparing to feed 300 people

More pots cooking outside the house 

Note the coffee along the side of the picture

Warming up to the extended family.

Another student, Carmen, who attends Bezaleel School.  She walked three hours to come to the party.

 

Gathering oranges for us.   A boy in a nearby tree was throwing the oranges one by one to Carlos.

 The oranges tasted so good!

 “We got pineapple ripening too”, Carlos proudly showed us.

The house was crowded with guests.

Galen shared God’s Word . . .

and than presented the Bible to Carlos

Eating the “thanksgiving meal” in the smoky kitchen.   Note the sleeping baby hanging in a cloth behind us.  The generous family sent us home with fruit and the extra meat we couldn’t finish eating.

 

The worship part of the celebration finally started around 3 pm and we didn’t get off until 5 pm.  The first hour of our hike back was beautiful in the deepening shadows.  The last hour down the steep mountain was in the pitch dark with only one small flashlight.  The night animal sounds and the rushing of the mountain stream nearby were special but the trail was slippery and muddy.  Were we ever glad to finally reach the car!

We returned thanking God for the beauty of  creation and the physical strength to enjoy it.  We realized that we had experienced a different and unique aspect of the culture and community.  What a blessing to be included in such a special event at such a special place.

We wish you all a very happy thanksgiving with your family!