Maya Life: Tortillas and Joy
November 18, 2007 | Category: Guatemala
By Kat Vaughan
Espiritu de Santos (Holy Spirit in English) is my friend from San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala on the shores of Lake Atitlan, a place I call my second home. Corn tortillas are a main staple for the Mayan people and they are eaten at every meal. Most of the men in the village work in the fields harvesting the corn, green onions and other vegetables to provide for their families and sell in the open market. These farmers work long days, leaving at sunrise with machetes and shovels to work the fields. On average, they make about $2.50 a day. Mayan women are responsible for making the tortillas (a lengthy process), backstrap weaving, washing clothes, raising the children, going to the market, and cleaning the house. Many homes have open fires for cooking and many have dirt floors and no bathrooms. Water must be hauled in from the lake for washing and purchased for drinking. Life is so very different amongst the poor, yet as you can see by Espiritu de Santos' lovely countenance, there is a purity and a joy that she wears that comes from peace and gratitude within. Her smile is not uncommon on the faces of many living in poverty. Joy from within, flowing out to all.
Espiritu de Santos (Holy Spirit in English) is my friend from San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala on the shores of Lake Atitlan, a place I call my second home. Corn tortillas are a main staple for the Mayan people and they are eaten at every meal. Most of the men in the village work in the fields harvesting the corn, green onions and other vegetables to provide for their families and sell in the open market. These farmers work long days, leaving at sunrise with machetes and shovels to work the fields. On average, they make about $2.50 a day. Mayan women are responsible for making the tortillas (a lengthy process), backstrap weaving, washing clothes, raising the children, going to the market, and cleaning the house. Many homes have open fires for cooking and many have dirt floors and no bathrooms. Water must be hauled in from the lake for washing and purchased for drinking. Life is so very different amongst the poor, yet as you can see by Espiritu de Santos' lovely countenance, there is a purity and a joy that she wears that comes from peace and gratitude within. Her smile is not uncommon on the faces of many living in poverty. Joy from within, flowing out to all.
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