Happy Independence Day, Guatemala!

I have not blogged yet about the surgical clinic that we had last week in Montellano but I want to tell you about the events of today. Guatemala proudly is celebrating, for a few days, their independance from Spain since 1821.

The streets were packed for blocks getting ready to watch the parade.  We did have a few sprinkles of rain but it did not slow down the events of the day.

The cultural Guatemalan masks used during festivities.

As I went up and down the street I spotted some people that I new.  This is Jaime and Tomasita.  I have rented the house their house for a little over ten years. Jaime saw me on the other side of the street as Tomasita finished taking her photo.

This is the Montgomery family and they live a block behind me.

This man was among the traditionally dressed men.  He danced in the circle of the formally dressed Chichicastenango men.

The schools had signs for different classes that they participate in.  They had a horticulture department but no agriculture.  Kristi, they are waiting on you!

Every parade needs a few clowns.

And ever clown needs a few balloons.

It is nice to see a school allowed to mention Jesus.

The events continue into the evening, as runners run with torches in the road that leads to Santa Cruz.

It is common that people throw water balloons and cups of water on the runners.

Sometimes they slow down and wave.

The traffic has been really congested for two days with the parades..............and do not be concerned because tomorrow we will have another day of them!

Marie, guess where you and Linda were in 2014??  You guys had come to Chichi to see the clinic in Lemoa.  As we left my house, it began pouring!! We took this photo as we headed out for Clinica Caris.

One year, we were down in Montellano for a surgical clinic and it was the last night of clinic. Glenn, Neva and I volunteered to cover the unit as everyone had the last devotional for the week.  As we would hear the runners begin to pass the clinic, Neva and I ran down to the street to cheer the runners on.  We knew that the patients were in the capable hands of Glenn. 

Congratulations Guatemala!