VALUING LIFE AMIDST DEATH & DESPAIR

SANTO TOMAS, Guatemala—So, I did it. Yesterday, despite much reservation, I accepted an invitation to travel with my host family to the gravesides of their relatives and friends to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Quite frankly, I was in no mood for tears and gloom. The last time I stood at a graveside, I was shoveling rich red dirt unto the coffin of my Zulu homestay sister, Celiwe. My spirit was in search of a revival, and I could not see how remembering the dead would provide the renewal I so desperately craved. I abandoned reluctance and went to the cemetery because I wanted to stretch my cultural sensibilities, overcome my fears and experience a new religious phenomenon. Moreover, I wanted to see how Pentecostals would respond to this longstanding religio-cultural celebration.

Now that I am back home indulging in the sinful goodness of sweet pineapples and watermelons, I can truly say that I am glad I journeyed to the local cemetery. I learned a valuable life lesson: to appreciate and honor life amidst death, disappointment and despair.