Guatemala, November 1, 2012

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 02, 2012

Billy and his kite

Thursday, November 1-Flying Kites

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1:8 (NIV)

November 1 is All Saints Day in Guatemala.  It is the day when Guatemalans remember their deceased loved ones by decorating the cemeteries with flowers and wreaths.  They also have picnics in the cemetery and sometimes, spend the night there.  Another way they celebrate the day is by flying kites.  Some Guatemalans believe that on Halloween, the souls of the dead are released from the tombs to travel around the world and that on All Saints Day, they must be guided back into their tombs.  They fly kites, some very large and elaborately made of tissue paper, in the cemetery to show the souls where they need to return.  While I believe that when we die, our souls are not left to wander the earth, but go directly to heaven or hell depending on whether we have given our lives to Jesus Christ, I do like seeing the kites and even flying them at the Malnutrition Center with the children.    I was at the center this same time last year, so knew about the tradition.  Before I left, I searched for kites and finally found them at the Dollar Store where I bought forty-two little ones for fifty cents each.  I was also given two nice big kites that are supposed to fly even on days with little wind. On the morning of All Saints Day, we eagerly got out the kites along with some that another team member brought and took the older children including my little chicks outside for some fun. Unfortunately, there was no wind.  Occasionally a faint breeze would blow through and we got all excited, but it was not enough to get even the lightest or most expertly designed to stay up in the air.  I am not sure who was the most disappointed, the children or the adults, but we didn’t give up and instead, everyone began running down the road dragging kites behind them until they got enough speed to take flight.  The bright colors looked so pretty against the blue October sky.  Everyone was having fun, but once the person running stopped to rest, the kites immediately fell to the ground.  In order to stay aloft, a lot of effort was required and before long, we were all too tired to fly them anymore.    Out of breath and with red cheeks from all the exertion, we collapsed on the front where the children waited for their lunch.  The meal was late being delivered, and as I watched them fall asleep at the table before their food arrived, I thought about how often in life, I run until I am exhausted trying to keep “all my kites in the air.”  Trying to do ministry, work, or relationships on my own strength only results in exhaustion and failure.  It is only when we ask God to breathe His life in us through the Holy Spirit, we get all the power we need and fresh wind to take us where we need to go.