Always living in the same place, I knew there were things that were universal, I just didn't know what. Coming to a place like Guatemala, I assumed a lot. Poverty is common, so I assumed there was grief in their hearts and not much to joke about. Wow, was I wrong! So here are six universalities I have discovered...
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| My favorite person to joke around with! |
Although Guatemalans are extremely joyful people, before coming here, I just did not realize that humor is definitely universal. I think my sarcastic attitude and being able to joke around was helpful here. Learning a language is difficult, so being able to laugh at yourself is actually quite important! Many of my Spanish-speaking friends and I have relationships that started with humor. It is one of the easiest ways to get to know someone, and a great way to grow a relationship. I discovered one Spanish pun at the start of my classes, and it has stayed my favorite:
John Cena
John Almuerzo
John Desayuno
(It only makes sense if you know Spanish!)
2. Laundry
Unless you are crazy, nobody likes to do their laundry. It is universal. Obviously, it is a bit easier when you have machines to do it for you, like we do in the U.S. I have been humbled by how hard they work to just do simple daily tasks, such as cook and clean. When you do not have machines for everything, it takes a lot longer to simply wash your clothing or dishes.
3. Entertainment
In today's age of technology and social media, the definition of poverty is changing. Nearly everyone has smartphones now. My neighbors, who live in a house made of metal sheets for walls, and dirt for floors, have smartphones. Yes, there is poverty here. But it is different now. Instead of saving money for education, food, and housing, people have phones. This need for entertainment is sad, but universal. Of course, there are people that do not have these privileges of having a phone. However, we do all find entertainment in one way or another. Here in Guatemala, even if people do not have a phone, they will find it in live music, TV, or even fireworks.
4. Post-It Note Pranks
Alongside the topic of humor, I discovered something very interesting. There are not many cars here, especially compared to the U.S. In America, you may see a post-it note prank every once in a while. Surprisingly enough, it is the same way here! One day, as I was walking, a car covered in post-it notes drove past. I had to laugh at the fact that this joke may be funny wherever you are!
5. Jehovah's Witnesses
Everyone knows the Jehovah's Witnesses for their widespread door-knocking and brochures. They even found my house in the middle of nowhere back home! When I arrived here, I had never even thought about that. They are in my town in Guatemala every day. As I talked to a Guatemalan friend, she was telling me about their widespread door-knocking here. I had to laugh when she told me about not wanting to answer the door, because I have definitely been in the same shoes.
However, I do not say this to offend anyone. I actually was recently talking with my host mom about this very topic. She is encouraged by the fact that they all go to the ends of the earth to proclaim their beliefs. Obviously, her and I both have many disagreements with the religions. But what if we, as Christians, always followed God's call? What if we shared the Gospel wherever we are? What if we went wherever He called us?
6. One Amazing God
The biggest lesson I learned here deals with unity and love. God's grace and love stretches to all places. One of my favorite verses, Acts 4:32 says, "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common." No matter where I am, He always remains. When I came here, I had nothing in common with anyone here. We could not even speak the same language! But when we find unity within Jesus Christ, we have everything in common. We are no longer strangers, but fellow citizens within the household of God.
