There are some places in this world that defy beauty. Places that almost seem other worldly. Lake Atitlan is one to put on that list. When we arrived there on Sunday afternoon, I thought I had stepped into a bit of paradise. You could say it had lush gardens (that one's for you, Nacho). And a whole lot more…a lake surrounded by volcanoes, mountain waterfalls, picturesque views. I spent hours wandering around finding new discoveries at every turn. I have only one regret…bug spray, i forgot to put on bug spray. I'm still itching about 50 bites later. Bummer. Oh well, it was a small price to pay.
This next image is one of a few favorites from the trip. On one of my explorations I saw a dirt road and at the end, a field with people working. As I got closer, I could see it was a group of women tilling the dirt. I watched for a while and then got up the courage to talk to them. They were preparing the soil for onions to be planted. They were quiet, kind, beautiful.
Something about them really affected me. Their life is so different than mine. Yet somewhat the same. We are women toiling and laboring in our plot of earth to make it better for our families.
Perhaps what I loved the most was that sweet little girl watching from a distance. Their children are close to them wherever they are.
I love that.
9 Comments
You caputured it, Cherie. Yep. We cried. LOVE the photos. So beautiful! And the spirit of the people. Thank you, THANK YOU!!
PS: A comment on the beauty of Lake Atitlan– Someone just told us today they heard that Pres. BKP had said as looked out over the lake and took in the incredible beauty of his surroundings, “What if we get to heaven and it isn’t this beautiful?” Later they had the opportunity to ask him if he had said it and he confirmed that he had. So we heard it from the people that heard it from him!!!
You’re right, it is surreal! I sure hope heaven is at least that beautiful! You really captured some great pictures. Each one was post card perfect!
Your parents went, too? Luuuucky!
i love it!! you really caught awesome pictures! it’s fun to see it through your eyes, and to hear your thoughts. i guess i didn’t even see half the gardens. the last picture is prize winning. i love everything about it, cherie! i think the chigger bites might have been worth it. (but i’m dang sorry you got eaten.)
Breath taking! Your pictures are amazing!!!!
Cherie, I don’t know if you remember me but we were in V2 together and Tricia Aina told me about your blog. She knew I would be interested because I served my mission in Guatemala and actually I started my mission minutes from Lago Atitlan in Solola. Thank you for sharing these amazing photos. I am in tears as I remember my time there. I want to return so desperately. Looking at these images and your descriptions if the next best thing. Again, thank you! Love, Kristi Fletcher
Hi Kristi!! So good to hear from you!! Wow. I would love to hear all about your mission. I can only imagine how amazing it was! We passed through Solola. I’ve got a few pictures from there too. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hope to keep in touch!
I can totally hear you saying it! 🙂 Love you, Melanie!