Day 4: Discovering we are not the center of the world after all.

It’s easy to imagine the rest of the world lives like we do, and if they don’t, that they’re doing it wrong.  We often equate sameness with rightness.  It’s been interesting observing how Guatemalans live daily life differently than us.  I’d like to share a few things.  What’s important isn’t necessarily the thing that’s different, but what that difference can teach us about this country and its people.


YOU CAN’T FLUSH ANYTHING


The sewer and sanitation systems in Guatemala and many other countries is not built to accept a Buick and keep on truckin’ like the U.S. sanitation systems.  In Guatemala, Costa Rica, and many other South and Central American countries, only waste is flushed.  All paper and hygiene products are placed in a waste basket next to the toilet.  This was one of the strangest adjustments for us, and I’ll admit I expected it to be gross.  But just like we have systems for proper sanitation, so does Guatemala.  Waste baskets are in every stall, they are lined and scented. The baskets are emptied and cleaned frequently.  Having these systems in place, it isn’t necessary to build infrastructure that allows its citizenry to send paper products through the sewer system.  And their backups are almost nonexistent compared to the U.S.


THERE’S VERY LITTLE DIET SODA


Wr definitely take choice for granted in the U.S.  We have dozens of types of soda available in the grocery, restaurants, convenience stores.  In Guatemala, you mainly find Pepsi, 7-Up, Miranda (an orange soda), and grape soda.  Coke and Pepsi Black are occasionally available, but not often.  The lack of Diet Mt. Dew is probably the greatest hardship in Pastor Jim’s view, as he’s a complete and unrepentant addict.


ROADSIDE MARKETS AND SIDE GIGS


One thing I saw in Mexico that I see here as well is a basic entrepreneurial spirit.  At home, we tend to use the word “entrepreneur” like some whispered worship at the altar of capitalism.  Here in Guatemala, entrepreneurship is a basic way of life.  From starting a business to hosting a roadside food stall to the young boy juggling for tips we saw this morning.  People wash windows and sell fresh fruit and offer beautiful homemade textiles.  There doesn’t need to be an entrepreneurship program or incubator office to get things going here.  People see a need they can fill, and they go out and fill it.


These are just three of the differences we’ve experienced.  I look forward to sharing more!

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