Podcasts about Guatemala City

Year C – Fourth Sunday in Easter – May 11, 2025 Pastor Megan Floyd                 John 10:22-30; Acts 9:36-43   Grace and peace to you in the name of our risen savior, Jesus Christ, who consistently shows us how great God's love is for those we have pushed aside. Amen. *** Earlier this week, at our Tuesday Bible Study, we took a deeper look at this passage we heard today from Acts. It's always fun when a story we may have overlooked surprises us with details that seem to rise to the surface… in a new way. For us, this week… it was this beautiful story about this disciple… Tabitha. She is the only woman in scripture to be specifically named a disciple, even though some translations have converted the word ‘disciple' into ‘woman.' She was, in fact, a named disciple of Jesus. And she cared for those who were vulnerable and marginalized… she cared for them out of her own resources… the widows and the poor. She cared for them with love and offered them dignity in a very practical way… by weaving and sewing their clothes. This is significant. In first-century Rome, a person might only have one or two pieces of clothing at a time, and those pieces likely would have been made for them. So, the making, washing, and repair of clothing – a basic human need – was a serious business in the ancient world. Through giving of her time and skill, Tabitha was able to elevate her community of widows into a community that clearly cared for and supported each other …while surrounded by a society that would sooner have them pushed aside as objects. We are familiar with the social hierarchy of first-century Rome. A widow without a son was at the very bottom… they were the most vulnerable, and it is a recurring theme in scripture and Christian history that we, who follow Christ, must care for them. I have seen many examples of ministries that go above and beyond to care for those who are incredibly vulnerable and in need… the widows of our time. I would say our Parish House is one example of a ministry that goes above and beyond to restore life and dignity to those who are so incredibly vulnerable. And yet… how often do we encounter aid and ministry that assumes the ones being served will always depend on that aid? How often do we evaluate programs… and find that they consider those they serve to be objects of charity, rather than potential agents of ministry? Why do the stories of helping widows tend to fall short of imagining ways for them to become prosperous… or even simply… ways to reduce their vulnerability? You see… I think this was what was so special about the disciple, Tabitha. She understood Jesus' command to love and care for others, especially those who are vulnerable… She understood this to be a mission to not only provide for basic needs but also elevate them and restore their humanity and dignity. She understood the command to love those on the margins as a command to bring those who have been pushed aside… back into the center. This is what Jesus did. Again and again. Jesus healed people by restoring them to their community… and he usually did this by curing the illnesses that kept them apart. This is what Jesus did, he loved people and restored their dignity… and so this is what his disciple, Tabitha, did. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, loves us so deeply that we are more than mere objects of charity. Jesus' love for us is so abundant that we are restored… renewed… and transformed… and commissioned to carry that love forward to others. This kind of love not only sees and cares for the vulnerable on the margins, but it pulls them back into the community and calls them beloved and valuable. *** There is a community of women living near Guatemala City. They are the widows of those men who were disappeared during the great wave of violence and terror that the Guatemalan government perpetrated against the indigenous population in the 1980s. The community is called La Esperanza, which means “hope.” The women came together to offer mutual support and care for each other and their children. They would not accept direct charity, but they did accept funds from a Presbyterian program to build one durable building in the center of their community, which houses a day care center, a preschool, a health clinic, and a weaving cooperative. They have divided the responsibilities necessary for running their community, such as caring for the children, cooking, cleaning, sewing, and weaving clothes for themselves and to sell for income. Some have trained as dental hygienists and nurse practitioners to care for the community's health needs. These women have a dignified life… they were cast aside, but through love and care for each other, the kind of love that comes from Christ, their lives are renewed. *** I imagine that if the disciple, Tabitha, lived today… we might find her in a community like La Esperanza. …we would find her in a community centered around hope. We would find the disciple, Tabitha, where we find other disciples… in places where hope in the risen Christ is transformed into loving action for those in need. The kind of loving action that transforms a person from an object of ministry, into an agent of ministry… Transforming people who have been lifted up into those who can, in turn, lift others. This is the power of Christ's love working through us… through Christ's disciples. And all of this is remarkable… but we haven't even reached the most remarkable part of the story. The disciple, Tabitha, was so important to the community of widows… and so important to the community of Jesus' disciples… that when they sent for Peter after her death, he came immediately. And through Peter… Jesus restored Tabitha, back to life. Because she lived, the community of widows would not be left alone. This story about the disciple, Tabitha, teaches us something about the nature of Jesus… about the nature of God… That God's love for those on the margins is so great, that God will not leave them abandoned. And yet there is more… Because Tabitha lived, the community of widows understood firsthand that with Jesus, death does not have the final say. Reality is no longer bound to life and death, but rather, by Jesus' promise that through him, all things are made new. Those widows in Tabitha's community were no longer beholden to society's vision for them at the bottom of the social hierarchy… they were newly caught up in Christ's vision for them… as valuable, worthy, and beloved. A legacy that was surely carried forward into the community at La Esperanza. Through the resurrection power and love of Christ, we, too, are always being made new… remolded and remade… reminded that we are worthy and beloved. Through Christ's love… we are transformed. Amen.

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday in the Octave of Easter Lectionary: 266The Saint of the day is Saint Pedro de San Jos BetancurSaint Pedro de San José Betancur's Story Central America claimed its first saint with the canonization of Pedro de San José Betancur. Known as the “Saint Francis of the Americas,” Pedro de Betancur is the first saint to have worked and died in Guatemala. Pedro very much wanted to become a priest, but God had other plans for the young man born into a poor family on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Pedro was a shepherd until age 24, when he began to make his way to Guatemala, hoping to connect with a relative engaged in government service there. By the time he reached Thavana, he was out of money. After working there to earn more, he got to Guatemala City the following year. When he arrived, he was so destitute that he joined the breadline that the Franciscans had established. Soon, Pedro enrolled in the local Jesuit college in hopes of studying for the priesthood. No matter how hard he tried, however, he could not master the material; he withdrew from school. In 1655, he joined the Secular Franciscan Order. Three years later, he opened a hospital for the convalescent poor; a shelter for the homeless, and a school for the poor soon followed. Not wanting to neglect the rich of Guatemala City, Pedro began walking through their part of town ringing a bell and inviting them to repent. Other men came to share in Pedro's work. Out of this group came the Bethlehemite Congregation, which won papal approval after Pedro's death. A Bethlehemite sisters' community, similarly founded after Pedro's death, was inspired by his life of prayer and compassion. He is sometimes credited with originating the Christmas Eve posadas procession in which people representing Mary and Joseph seek a night's lodging from their neighbors. The custom soon spread to Mexico and other Central American countries. Pedro died in 1667, and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in Guatemala City on July 30, 2002. Calling the new saint an “outstanding example” of Christian mercy, the Holy Father noted that Saint Pedro practiced mercy “heroically with the lowliest and the most deprived.” Speaking to the estimated 500,000 Guatemalans in attendance, the Holy Father spoke of the social ills that plague the country today and of the need for change. “Let us think of the children and young people who are homeless or deprived of an education; of abandoned women with their many needs; of the hordes of social outcasts who live in the cities; of the victims of organized crime, of prostitution or of drugs; of the sick who are neglected and the elderly who live in loneliness,” he said in his homily during the three-hour liturgy. The liturgical feast of Saint Pedro de San José Betancur is celebrated on April 25. Reflection As humans, we often pride ourselves on our ability to reason. But as Pedro's life shows, other skills may be an even more crucial element of our humanity than a clever mind: compassion, imagination, love. Unable to master studies for the priesthood despite his efforts, Pedro responded to the needs of homeless and sick people; he provided education to the poor and salvation to the rich. He became holy—as fully human as any of us can ever be. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

My Antigua, Guatemala Travel Guide: Budget Tips, Awesome Activities, Low-Cost Hotels and Great CoffeeWelcome back to the Winging It Travel Podcast — your go-to show for spontaneous adventures, budget travel tips, and honest tales from the road. I'm your host James, and this week I'm taking you to one of the most photogenic and culturally rich cities in Central America: Antigua, Guatemala. This charming colonial town is a favorite stop for backpackers, digital nomads, and curious travelers looking to soak up history, sip incredible coffee, and explore some epic volcanoes.In this solo episode, I break down everything you need to know about spending 5 days in Antigua — from getting there, finding budget-friendly accommodation, navigating local transportation, and, of course, where to eat and drink some of the best coffee in Guatemala. I also share my experience with one of the best lookout points in Central America, a unique coffee farm tour that supports local growers, and a quick recap of the Acatenango Volcano hike, which I covered in full detail in the last two week's episode. Whether you're just passing through or planning to stay a while, this episode is packed with practical travel tips and inspiration to help you make the most of your time in Antigua.

Kinsella on Liberty Podcast: Episode 458. The meat of this talk is only about 15 minutes, if you skip the first couple minutes of setup and the Q&A at the end. As mentioned in Speaking at APEE IP Panel in Guatemala, today (April 6, 2025) I spoke on a panel at the APEE 49th Meeting in Guatemala. The theme of this year's meeting was “The Economic History of State and Market Institutions,” April 6-8, 2025, Guatemala City, Guatemala (program). My panel was Panel 50. [1.E.06] “Intellectual Property: Old Problems and New Developments,” Monday, April 7, 2025, 3:50 pm-5:05 pm, Breakout06. Organizer: Monica Rio Nevado de Zelaya, Universidad Francisco Marroquín; Chair: Ramón Parellada, Universidad Francisco Marroquín. My full panel: Intellectual Property: A Randian Approach Warren Orbaugh, Universidad Francisco Marroquín Non-Traditional Trademarks Cristina Umaña, Universidad Francisco Marroquín Copyright versus Innovation in the Market for Recorded Music Julio Cole,Universidad Francisco Marroquín Patent and Copyright versus Innovation, Competition, and Property Rights N. Stephan Kinsella, Center for the Study of Innovative Freedom The immediately preceding panel was also on IP, which I attended: 36. [1.D.06] [General] Intellectual Property and Information Technology Monday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | 06. Cafetal II Organizer: Lawrence H. White, George Mason University Chair: Osmel Brito-Bigott, Datanalitica Technological Innovation and Service Business Models: Impacts on Private Property Institutions Osmel Brito-Bigott, Datanalitica; and Laura Marie Carrasco Vasquez, Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra Five Arguments for Intellectual Property Adam Moore, University of Washington Ideas Are Not Property: A Cross-Country Analysis of Institutions and Innovation Lucca Tanzillo Dos Santos, Florida Atlantic University I recorded my 15 minute presentation on my phone as well as the Q&A which mostly was aimed at me. One gentleman was not happy with my remarks and my Adam Moore, a panelist on the previous panel, and I had pretty opposite views, but many others liked my perspective and expressed this to me. I thoroughly enjoyed attending the APEE meeting, if only for one full day. https://youtu.be/B4TrV44K9b4 My notes are below, as well as the Youtube transcript. Patent and Copyright versus Innovation, Competition, and Property Rights Stephan Kinsella APEE 49th Meeting “The Economic History of State and Market Institutions” April 6-8, 2025, Guatemala City, Guatemala Panel 50. [1.E.06] “Intellectual Property: Old Problems and New Developments” Monday, April 7, 2025, 3:50 pm–5:05 pm, Breakout06. Based on my forthcoming book “Copy This Book: The Case for Abolishing Intellectual Property” and also “The Problem with Intellectual Property.” (( The latter will be in Handbook of the Philosophical Foundations of Business Ethics, 2nd ed., Christoph Lütge & Marianne Thejls Ziegler, eds. (Springer, forthcoming 2025; Robert McGee, section ed.), update of “The Case Against Intellectual Property,” in Handbook of the Philosophical Foundations of Business Ethics(Prof. Dr. Christoph Lütge, ed.; Springer, 2013) (chapter 68, in Part 18, “Property Rights: Material and Intellectual,” Robert McGee, section ed.). )) OK, let's see how much damage I can do in 15 minutes. I've been a patent attorney for over thirty years, and have prosecuted hundreds of high tech patents over that time. Intel, GE, UPS, Applied Optoelectronics, etc. Also about thirty years ago I concluded that all forms of intellectual property, or IP, ought to be abolished. I published many articles and even books on pure IP law—patents in the oil and gas industry, a trademark treatise—but at the same time wrote articles and books critical of IP law, including Against Intellectual Property. (( See Against Intellectual Property + Supplementary Material;  https://stephankinsella.

Mis entrevistados en este episodio son Anny Gabriela Ventura Puac y Jairo Chamalé Lemus. Anny es ajquij(guía espiritual), politóloga e investigadora, actual curadora en jefe de Espacio/C. Nacida en Chuwila, Chichicastenango, Quiché, Guatemala. Es mujer Maya Kiche con identidad diversa, sanadora y contadora del tiempo. Tiene estudios en Ciencias Políticas y Sociales, Relaciones Internacionales y una especialidad en ODS para Naciones Indígenas. Es confundadora de Espacio C, en dónde se ha desempeñado como gestora cultural desde 2013 y curadora en Jefe desde 2023.En Guatemala su trabajo está presente en diversos espacios sociales, políticos y culturales, como consultora independiente para organizaciones no gubernamentales, trabajando con niñas, mujeres y adolescentes mayas y no mayas a nivel nacional, en temas concretos como empoderamiento político, salud (diabetes / VIH) y sanación desde la Cosmovisión Maya.Jairo es persona disidente, del territorio Poqomam de Mixco, viajero e investigador se la religiosidad popular, las expresiones culturales y la espiritualidad de su contexto cercano. Es guía de turismo y estudiante de antropología.Notas del EpisodioAnny y Jairo y el Cristo NegroEl camino de peregrinacion entre Mixco y OaxacaQuirio Catano y las origines del cristo negroLas diversas formas de sacrificar y bailarLas colonizaciones de EquipulasEl base de cristo negro en el mundo maya/mexicaEl crisis climatico y la falta de ofrendasLas consecuencias de la perdida de hospitalidadLa memoria vivida del intercambio intercultural antiguaTarea Abisaí Navarro María Jacinta Xón / Proyecto Tux Cocina Gourmet de OrigenHoja de Pacaya - InstagramLos Cofrades Chichicastenango - Instagramespacio/C arte+memoria - InstagramTranscripcion en espanol (English Below)S6 - Anny Puac & Jairo - Peregrinacion a EsquipulasChris: [00:00:00] Bienvenida y bienvenido al podcast El Fin del Turismo Annie y Jairo. Gracias a ambos por acompañarme hoy. Me encantaría que pudieran contarles a nuestros oyentes desde dónde llaman y cómo aparece el mundo ahí para cada uno de ustedes.Anny: Muchas gracias, Chris y buenos días a quienes nos escuchen o buenas tardes o buenas noches, dependiendo su zona horaria.Mi nombre es Anny y yo le saludo desde el territorio maya K'iche' de Chuwila, K'iche' Guatemala específicamente.Jairo: Buenos días a ambos, para mi un gusto estar por acá. Sawe ta inteer winaq (Buenos días a todas y todos) mucho gusto desde el territorio pues Poqomam de Mixco y también desde las cercanías a la ciudad de Guatemala, pues gracias por esta [00:01:00] oportunidad para compartir conocimiento.Chris: Y gracias a ustedes dos. Yo estoy aquí en Oaxaca y el mundo parece obviamente un poco raro. Bueno, quizás no es obvio, pero parece más raro día por día. Estamos aquí hoy para hablar de Esquipulas en Guatemala. Y Esquipulas es el lugar de varias iglesias que han abergado al cristo negro de la ciudad, que es famosa por sus supuestos milagros durante los últimos cuatro siglos.De manera similar, la peregrinación al santuario es la más grande de América Central y la segunda más grande de las Américas, con lo que leí, 5 millones de personas que lo visitan cada año. Ahora, para empezar, ¿Estarían dispuestos a explicar que impulsó a cada uno [00:02:00] de sus intereses o relaciones con este lugar y la práctica de la peregrinación?Anny: Sí, por supuesto Chris. Pues, yo desde como mi relación, digamos personal o individual como familia, yo tengo, digamos, como clara la idea de cuando inician estas peregrinaciones, de pronto, cuando yo ya tenía unos siete u ocho años de edad, así, para decirte que yo tengo claridad, pero cuando yo retrocedo a los archivos de la familia, pues veo que el tema de peregrinar a Esquipulas, pues comienza con mis abuelas.Jairo: Entonces yo te podría decir que dentro de mi familia, la peregrinación a Esquipulas , así quizá llevará mínimamente unos 80 años presente en la familia, sobre todo del lado de [00:03:00] mi abuela materna. Que ella es de un territorio K'iche' de Quetzaltenango, en donde pues empezaban el viaje, en conjunto, allá fuera un viaje de barrio organizado por el barrio, o era un viaje familiar, entonces se iban uno o dos buses en aquel tiempo cuando no había tanto transporte, verdad? Era un lujo también irse por alguna ruta en donde hubiera paso para bus. Y pues, lo que no se pudiera transitar ya en bus, pues se hacía caminando, se hacían burros, pero, más o menos por ahí viene un poquito la historia de de cómo inician estas rutas de peregrinaje en mi familia, digamos. Con el caso de nosotros, yo no tengo conciencia de pequeño de haber, pues, llegado a Esquipulas. Bueno, hay un dato bien interesante, cuando yo cumplo 40 días de haber nacido, mi familia decide llevarme a [00:04:00] Esquipulas, eso pues está en el archivo fotográfico de la familia como agradecimiento, porque al final nací con... nací bien.Jairo: Y entonces la familia decide peregrinar es el dato más cercano que tengo de la personal de las idas a Esquipulas. Claro, esto siempre lo he tenido muy familiarizado dentro de mi contexto cercano, puesto que la gente pues de mi municipio suele ir justo organizada en excursiones de las diferentes organizaciones religiosas que hay en mi municipio.Estas, pues designan fechas y son buses llenos de aproximadamente 50 personas. Cada bus suelen llegar hasta tres, de acá de Mixco, pues que se van para para Esquipulas. Y ese es algo bien interesante porque es pues, parte de la modernidad, digámoslo ir en bus, pero hay muchas anécdotas de las personas de acá del pueblo que [00:05:00] cuentan cómo, pues iban de una forma más rústica, verdad? Que podía ser, pues en peregrinaje caminando, que no era la única peregrinación, de hecho la del cristo negro de Esquipulas. Hoy puntualmente, vamos a hablar de ella.Pero pues están también las peregrinaciones Antigua Guatemala que está aquí cerquita, aquí detrás de nosotros hay un cerro que es el cerro Alux. Este cerro se cruzaba, pues caminando, todavía lo hace la gente caminando porque detrás del cerro está, pues la bajada para llegar a la Antigua Guatemala.Chris: Gracias. Gracias a ustedes. Pues así, por conocer un poco más de sus historias, como de peregrinación, me gustaría saber un poco más si se podrían ofrecer algo de la larga historia de Esquipulas, del cristo negro y pues, ¿Cómo se originó la la peregrinación? ¿De donde viene esa historia?.Jairo: Bueno, como lo mencioné antes, diciendo algunas [00:06:00] palabras en el idioma poqomam. Es el idioma que se hablaba, pues en nuestro pueblo. Lo voy a decir nuevamente más despacio para, pues, describirles que es lo que dije, técnicamente es:Sawe' ta inteer winaq, kiroo wilkee' chipam ma' q 'oriik taqee, reh ma' ojeer winaq reh qatinimiit Mixko' buenos días a todos. Qué gusto pues poder compartir estas palabras y también un poco de la historia de la gente antigua de nuestro pueblo. Porque pues, la verdad es que el peregrinaje a Esquipulas está muy relacionado e intrínseco con la gente de Mixco y justamente también con el territorio oaxaqueño. Mi nombre, pues es Jairo, Jairo Andrés Chamale Lemus. Yo pues pertenezco a este territorio, a la gente maya poqomam. De acá es la mitad de mi familia de mis antepasados. Y , pues me dedico al turismo. Yo soy guía [00:07:00] de turistas de hace aproximadamente ocho años ya desde que me gradué muy joven. Y, pues me he dedicado justo a peregrinar para que las personas conozcan también el contexto histórico de Guatemala y de las diferentes expresiones culturales, religiosas y también de resistencia de la gente en el territorio de lo que ahora conocemos como Guatemala.Pues también, soy estudiante de la carrera de antropología, de la licenciatura específicamente en antropología, y pues me he dedicado también a estudiar el caso del idioma maya poqomam en Mixco, que es una comunidad muy cercana a la ciudad de Guatemala, que hemos tenido pues un impacto, demográfico y social, pues bastante fuerte, pues debido al crecimiento del área metropolitana de la ciudad de Guatemala. Es algo a lo que me he dedicado a estudiar durante los últimos años. Y también, pues, a [00:08:00] documentarlo, porque tenemos muchas prácticas culturales y espirituales en nuestro pueblo, que han ido desapareciendo conforme este avance demográfico de la ciudad, muchísimas gracias. Rontyoox aq'oo taAnny: Bueno Chris. En realidad hay un registro, digamos histórico, donde dice que el primer peregrinaje que se inicia a Esquipulas, fue en Marzo 1595, cuando la imagen sale del taller de este señor escultor Quirio Cataño, que sale hacia Esquipulas, hacia Chiquimula. Esto está al oriente de Guatemala. Nosotros lo conocemos como la zona caliente de de Guatemala. Pero es la zona, digamos, como caliente árida. Es un territorio en donde hay comunidad Xinca, Popti', si no estoy mal Chortí también. Y pues, la producción que se [00:09:00] tiene por las tierras de por allá, estamos hablando de frutas de algunas plantas, de algunos tubérculos más o menos, pero más que todos se dedican a la fruta, verdad.Esta primera peregrinación la documenta y la registra el cronista, que se llama Miguel Álvarez. Y él dice que, cuando cuando salióó del taller y se dirigió hacia Esquipulas la imagen iba haciendo diferentes milagros en todo el recorrido hasta llegar a la basílica. Entonces habían personas que le pedían justamente que, que por favor que la imagen pasara por lo menos una noche dentro de la casa de las personas para, bendecirlo. Y Y más o menos se calcula cada año, digamos en la actualidad, ahora en Guatemala y en alrededor de 300 mil personas de todo el mundo, más que todo entre México, Centroamérica, países del sur, por ejemplo de Perú [00:10:00] de Ecuador de Ecuador, Bolivia, si no estoy mal, es como mucha la cantidad de gente que llega, más o menos entre noviembre, que ahorita es como una fecha de noviembre y diciembre y todo enero, digamos, esas son como los tres meses de muchísima más afluencia de personas que llegan llegan a la basílica, verdad? Entonces se le puede llamar romerías, se le puede llamar una peregrinacion que peregrinación, usualmente, pues ahí si que las personas que visitan puede ser que hagan así como un día de visita nada más o puede ser que pueda prolongarse una visita hasta por 10, 15 días, verdad?De la ciudad de Guatemala, hasta Esquipulas hay una distancia más o menos como entre unos 220 a 250 kilómetros y se recorre, si vas como en romería, pasando por lugares como muy puntuales de toda la peregrinación, en promedio [00:11:00] cada día tú vas haciendo un tramo de 40 kilómetros, al día, digamos si tu intención es ir en peregrinaje así. Entonces eso es más o menos como más datos históricos y el relato, verdad?Chris: Y estoy un poco curioso, dentro de las estancias, al llegar a Esquipulas, si yo fuera peregrinando, por ejemplo, ¿ Qué haría? ¿Se van parando para hacer sus rezos? Me gustaría saber por alguien que nunca ha hecho una peregrinación, como aparecía esos días antes de venir.Anny: Bueno, yo te voy a contar un poquito el relato de de mi familia porque mi abuela materna, ella sí era una señora, pues muy católica, no? Entonces, pues ella, su peregrinaje, digamos para ella, era su sacrificio, verdad? En el año, decir bueno, por agradecimiento [00:12:00] a mi salud, a los milagros que me concedió, porque era como muy devota. Era el hecho de salir en ruta de peregrinaje. ¿Qué implicaba esto? Inclusive, preparar comida para no digamos como perder el tiempo, tú pensando en qué comer durante el camino, porque la idea para ellos y para ellas era, pues, ir en como en recogimiento, en rezo constante, en oración, digamos en petición, ir como parando cada cierto tiempo, verdad? Cada 40 kilómetros, porque que ya dentro de la comunidad, católica-cristiana, hay puntos que están como marcados dentro de la ruta en donde tú puedes ir parando con cada familia, porque puede ser que tengan una réplica de la imagen del cristo negro, porque de hecho, cuando fue la primera peregrinación, puede ser que esta familia haya sido una de las [00:13:00] familias que recibió por primera vez el cristo negro.Entonces se convierte como en ese punto de de parada, verdad? Entonces, cuando hacen ese punto de parada, pues ya bajan. Bajan a hacer oración, bajan a platicar y a convivir con las personas de pronto, a compartir un alimento. Ya sentir, pues, así que también como su fé, su devoción, pero al mismo tiempo su convivencia, su alegría en este, en este tramo de compartir no?.Entonces eso digamos, es lo que usualmente, pues se ve. Yo también he visto otras personas que, por ejemplo, ya cuando quedan unos, son los últimos 20 kilómetros de recorrido por ejemplo, descienden de sus vehículos y caminan de rodillas esos 20 kilómetros hasta llegar a la basílica. Entonces, pues, los ves, ya puede ser que sea solo el papá con con el hijo, o el papá y la mamá, o pues la diversidad de personas que puedan llegar, que van y que pues hacen su penitencia, y [00:14:00] entregan digamos, pues su sacrificio de esta forma. Así como hay personas que puede ser que, que durante toda su ruta de peregrinaje, hay un ejemplo de unos, de unas personas cercanas a nosotros que tienen un conjunto de marimba, de música, y pues lo que hacen es que van con un vehículo y van ejecutando música todo el trayecto hasta llegar a Esquipulas, y ya cuando llegan a la basílica, bajan con sus instrumentos y se dedican a cantar ya sea una canción, un tiempo, verdad?Ahí, entonces, pues yo creo que depende, varía mucho de lo que te puedas tú dedicar o el agradecimiento que tú quieras pues dar, o a lo que, pues, lo que tu corazón salga, no? En mi caso como muy puntual, pues nosotros hacemos el recorrido completo los 220 kilómetros en vehículo hasta llegar a Esquipulas. Y luego, pues ahí ya, o sea, nos establecemos [00:15:00] y como nuestras dinámicas son un tanto como diferentes porque yo no soy católica. Yo soy de la cosmovisión maya, y pues ahí he crecido buena parte de mi vida. Mi concepción como de ver esta ruta de peregrinaje es diferente, porque si bien es cierto el que el cristo negro, pues es una figura de un cristo crucificado cristiano, Jesús, nosotros aprendimos a ver cómo la historia del pueblo Poptí y Chorti y Chortí, en cuanto a que esta ruta de peregrinaje es bien interesante, porque durante toda tu ruta más, más o menos, me atrevería a decir que tal vez un 70 de la ruta, tú vas encontrando montañas de obsidiana, entonces es una ruta que en sí es una ruta de sanación y para nosotros, digamos dentro de la cosmovisión maya está muy relacionada con el Nahual Tijax, que es la obsidiana y para [00:16:00] quizá buena parte de Oaxaca o de su Istmo o de la cultura Náhuatl, por ejemplo, está relacionado con Tezcatlipoca que era justamente esta veneración de esta mujer que decían que era brillante y color de cobrizo y de nigriso verdad? Y por tanto, Y pues tú sabes que ambas piedras o estos relatos que nos cuentan, pues es justamente sanación y de ahí que nosotros creemos que por eso el cristo negro es tan milagroso cuando se trata de temas de salud.Jairo: Desde nuestro lado, por así decirlo, forma parte ya de un peregrinaje que no solamente se hace el 15 de enero. Claro, el 15 de enero es el día establecido para hacer el peregrinaje de cristo negro de Esquipulas. Pero pues, muchos de los grupos que les comentaba que son bastante diversos acá en Mixco, grupos religiosos principalmente católicos, o pues sincretizados de [00:17:00] alguna forma, establecen también estas visitas como parte de su organización dentro del grupo de personas que inciden.Y entonces si, justamente dentro del bus, también se suele, pues, ir rezando el rosario, que es esta práctica de ir rezando las novenas con un orden establecido con cantos y la gente, pues suele ir desde que salen de ciudad de Guatemala o desde que salen de acá desde Mixco, que hay que cruzar la ciudad y luego la ruta hacia el oriente de Guatemala, la gente va haciendo estas oraciones cada cierto tiempo, pero depende mucho del grupo y de qué tan católico sea de alguna forma, porque hay grupos que solamente lo hacen como una excursión claro. El fin principal es de la visita, pues a la basílica del cristo negro y la veneración de cristo negro como tal.Y, pues solamente llegan en en el bus hasta la basílica y algo que caracteriza mucho a la cultura de [00:18:00] Mixco, es el, la quema de pólvora. A nosotros nos fascina la pólvora y cuando llegamos a Esquipulas justamente esa es la premisa, no? Llegar a quemar bombas de sonido, de sonido estridente en aviso que la gente de Mixco ya llegó.Y también fuegos pirotécnicos de colores. Es bien curioso porque depende mucho del grupo y a lo que el grupo, pues aunque sea católico o sincretizado con lo maya, a lo que este grupo religiosamente se dedique, encaminado a eso va la actividad que se va a realizar allá.Tengo conocimiento de un grupo que, de hecho, ya se documentó a gracias al CECEG, al Centro de Estudios Culturales de la Universidad de San Carlos, de Guatemala, es el grupo El Baile de Moros de los Seis Toritos, que es básicamente un grupo de danza tradicional que nace en la aldea Lo De Bran que está acá en Mixco siempre dentro [00:19:00] del área metropolitana y ellos, pues se dedican a bailar El Torito. El Torito es básicamente la representación de una danza que se hace en alusión a dueños de una finca y el trato hacia los animales. Entonces los animales tienen una especie de de revelación contra este dueño de la finca, una historia bien, sutilmente contada desde lo maya también. Y entonces van a hacer esta representación de la danza a Esquipulas. Esto lo hacen justamente para la fiesta del cristo negro. Bailan todo el día, durante tres días seguidos frente al atrio de la iglesia de Esquipulas, mientras millones de personas visitan la basílica de cristo negro y en ese momento ellos están bailando ahí.Chris: Qué fascinante. Me encanta ese sentido, esa onda que, que hay tanta diversidad, en la forma, los caminos, las celebraciones que se niegue un poco [00:20:00] ese sentido occidental que es como de siempre asumir o buscar una sola respuesta, una sola historia, una sola manera, de actuar, de entender.Y así fue sorprendiente para mí por leer, por investigar las historias de Esquipulas y de las peregrinaciones porque encontré muchas historias diversas. Entonces voy a leer un poquito de lo que encontré y me gustaría escuchar de ustedes, si se podrían comentar un poco de si hay sentidos de "eso es como puro chisme o es un rumor" o si hay capas y capas dentro de las historias de Esquipulas y las peregrinaciones.Entonces, pues la primera va que "en la ciudad sagrada de Copán se celebraban grandes fiestas en honor [00:21:00] a dios maya Ek-Kampulá que significa: 'el que empuja las nubes', pues se le atribuía el poder de alejar las lluvias y permitir los días del sol necesarios para preparar la siembra.Ek-Kampulá que era de color negro, estaba rodeado con una antorcha en la mano izquierda. Su figura se puede apreciar en las graduadas de uno de los templos de Copán." Ahora, el segundo."Algunos relatos dicen que la figura del cristo negro fue ordenada por los conquistadores españoles en Guatemala en ese momento para facilitar la conversión de los pueblos locales al cristianismo."Ahora, el próximo. "Las leyendas piadosas afirman que la imagen se oscureció debido a los misioneros españoles que deseaban convertir a los [00:22:00] nativos que adoraban a la deidad nebulosa pagana Ek-Kampulá en el área que también era representada como una figura oscura." Entonces, supongo que mi pregunta es como, ¿Cuántas de estas historias han escuchado Y ¿Cuáles historias son las meras meras verdaderas según ustedes? O si hay capas y capas y capas de historias en qué todas merecen su lugar.Jairo: Yo creería que, Copán tiene un papel bien importante dentro de lo que estamos hablando. Ahora es un sitio arqueológico del área residencial o el castillo, por así decirlo, y los templos de la gente maya de ese tiempo, recordemos que es el clásico. Y pues esta ciudad fue colonizada por otra ciudad que se llama Quiriguá, que está siempre en las riberas del Río Motagua, un río muy [00:23:00] importante que comunica toda la parte de las montañas de Guatemala con el Caribe. Y en Copán si hay muchas expresiones espirituales. Seguro, Anny nos va a ampliar un poco más de esto. Pero lo que yo he visto son muchas expresiones, rituales espirituales y también, un centro de peregrinaje como tal ya fungía Copán. O sea, ya era una capital política, religiosa y cultural muy importante que está muy cerca de Esquipulas. Es increíblemente como un sitio maya tan importante del clásico está tan cerca a una ciudad, que es tan importante para todo el área mesoamericana. Es decir, desde México hasta Costa Rica, conocen al cristo negro de Esquipulas. Y pues también algo que a mi me llama la atención relacionado a lo que acabas de decir es como, Esquipulas, pues si es un referente para la gente pues católica, la gente católica que no es maya va [00:24:00] también a Esquipulas como una forma de peregrinaje, pero, a mi me llama mucho la atención, la práctica también de la espiritualidad maya y otras espiritualidades que se llevan a cabo en Esquipulas, no?quizás no es tan directamente relacionado con la figura que acabas de mencionar, que yo he escuchado como Ek-Chuah, sino que es esta figura de la piedra de los compadres, que es una leyenda, no? Una leyenda de adulterio, por así decirlo, en el cual hay dos piedras que están pegadas en alusión a dos amigos que llegan al peregrinaje de cristo negro de Esquipulas y en un acto sexual, estos compadres se quedan pegados como castigo por haber cometido el adulterio. Esa es la leyenda. Y en esa piedra, pues se practica la espiritualidad maya, es decir a pocos ni siquiera un kilómetro de la de la basílica del cristo negro de Esquipulas, puedes ver esta piedra donde la gente coloca, [00:25:00] pues, sus candelas, su incienso y hay altares dedicados completamente a la espiritualidad maya dentro del mismo pueblo.Entonces esto va un poco aunado a lo que nos decía Anny no? Como la figura de cristo negro, también es muy representativa y es la reminiscencia de algo que se practicó muy fuertemente durante la época prehispánica.Yo no descartaría del todo, pues el valor de Ek-Chuah dentro de estas prácticas espirituales y que sí, definitivamente los españoles, trataron de tomar elementos de la de la espiritualidad maya que ya eran importantes para imponer la religión católica. Pero la gente maya, yo siempre lo digo, fue muy estratega y lo es hasta la fecha para continuar resistiendo, practicando, pues la espiritualidad tamizado con elementos católicos y con este significado profundo.Anny: Sí, yo también voy a coincidir un poquito en el [00:26:00] tema de no descartaría la relación que se tiene con Ek-Chuah, porque está asociado con la deidad Chortí. El otro punto que tú hablabas del tema, un tanto político, sí hay algunos historiadores, políticos que justamente, enuncian este uso de figuras que está asociada con el trabajo y sobretodo, digamos a la carga y explotación laboral de los campesinos, y cómo también estas zonas fueron como fuertemente impactadas durante el tiempo de la colonia. Entonces eso, yo tampoco lo, lo descartaría y tampoco diría que es un mito. Por ejemplo, yo, sé que la antigua población de Esquipulas, fue una de las ciudades en este punto incendiadas por los españoles durante la invasión aquí a Guatemala el 1525 verdad?[00:27:00] En el centro de la plaza de Esquipulas, según cómo lo relatan, decía que habían, cuatro árboles de de pochotl que es la ceiba, que la ceiba pues ahí si que para nosotros es un árbol sagrado, verdad? Porque bajo sus sombras, siempre se han realizado ceremonias vinculadas con prácticas agrícolas, que duraban desde el solsticio de invierno hasta el equinoccio de primavera.Entonces se iniciaban más o menos también en esta zona por el 21 de diciembre, pero tenían ritualidades más unciosas, por ejemplo, como el 15 de enero. Y de ahí que parte que una de las fechas propicias para visitar Esquipulas sea 15 de enero. Entonces, las otras fechas de celebración que iban entre el equinoccio y el solsticio.Del 15 de enero al 25 de febrero, más o menos 40 días. Porque en 40 días estábamos viendo que se operaba el paso del sol por el cenit en la otra banda del [00:28:00] trópico, en un punto en donde estaba hasta cierto punto equidistante del círculo máximo de la tierra, donde según la posición del sol, se tomaba la medida del tiempo en que se produciría el fenómeno de la tierra que ya fuera el fenómeno del niño o de la niña, como se le nombra, verdad?Exactamente, se hacía esto dentro de los días comprendidos del 20 al 31 de enero, que es cuando se operan como los fenómenos en los hemisferios, y de ahí es como de donde viene esta creencia de las cabañuelas, de cuando muy va iniciando el año más o menos por ahí, entonces hay como una relación también ciclo-agrícola y por eso es que a mí no se me hace como un mito el hecho que está asociado con Ek-Chuah porque Ek-Chuah de hecho está asociado con en este, no me gusta llamarlo Dios, pero con la energía del trabajo, verdad? Porque me parece que esa es como la expresión correcta. En cuanto a lo del señor de Esquipulas, la [00:29:00] relación de las ceremonias con la natividad de cristo, digamos, así como el establecimiento de la festividad del señor de Esquipulas el 15 de enero, pues si siguen teniendo continuidad con las formas religiosas prehispánicas en el área maya guatemalteca, los antiguos habitantes de Esquipulas, si hay un relato, de Castañeda que lo mencionan en lo en el 55 que se dice que , "adoraban a un Dios que era el protector de las siembras de la cosecha y del trabajo."Esto lo dice, este historiador "que seguramente él dice no pertenecía a las deidades mesoamericanas, especialmente al panteón mexica, universado en momentos previos a la llegada de los españoles. La representación antropomorfa de las deidades no era desconocida en Mesoamérica, por el contrario, era abundante y generalizada desde Sinaloa hasta Honduras. [00:30:00] Además, 'del Dios principal,' el comenta fray Diego Durán, 'él hace como una alusión, con Tezcatlipoca, que él dice era una piedra muy relumbrante y negra como azabache obsidiano. Piedra de la que ellos hacen navajas y cuchillos para cortar.' Además, ciudades era de palo entallada en una figura de un hombre todo negro de las sienes para abajo con la frente, narices y boca blanca, de color de indio bestia" dice él, "de algunos atavíos galanos a su indiano modo a lo primero que tenía era unos ojeras de oro y otras de plata. En el labio bajo tenía un bezote de laverde cristalino en el que está metida una pluma verde y otras veces es azul, que después de afuera parece esmeralda o rubí. Era este bezote como un geme de largo encima de coleta de caballos que tenían la cabeza. Entonces, lo que se puede apreciar en esta descripción [00:31:00] de Tezcatlipoca corresponde casi literalmente a lo que se pudo percibir como la primera figura del cristo negro, especialmente en la representación de las imágenes talladas en madera que se veneraban en las ciudades periféricas del imperio mexica. La diferencia en el atuendo de ambas deidades radican las connotaciones religiosas de cada una de las culturas, materias, simbologías, espirituales y atributos, pero en esencial es parecido e indescutible indiscutible.Recordemos que la celebración principal, digamos de la obsidiana de Tezcatlipoca y de lo que tú mencionabas relacionado con el tema de las lluvias, pues era justamente esto, la petición para que lloviera, sobre todo por ser tierras en este punto, muy áridas, muy secas . Y bueno, yo me quedo por aquí.Chris: Bueno, muchas gracias Anny y Jairo, para explicar un poco de eso. Entonces, [00:32:00] así, me gustaría preguntar cómo dar los cambios en los objetos de los mayas a los cristianos y la naturaleza de la peregrinación, hacia el turismo. Es una pregunta rara, pero, ¿Ustedes creen que los viejos alimentos, o energías, o antepasados todavía se alimentan?Es decir, para vivir en un lugar ya una década que tiene una sequía, que también saqueo, que va empeorando y empeorando, poco a poco me voy pensando si hay una falta de rezos de conocimiento, de recuerdo, de memoria, de ofrendas. Anny: Bueno, yo es en realidad esta sequía saqueo, esta crisis climática y toda la crisis alrededor de la tierra, a mí, en lo [00:33:00] personal y tanto en lo comunitario, a mí me parece que es una crisis a nivel comunitaria, nacional, mundial en donde todos los territorios, se han visto afectados. Por ejemplo, así como aquí en Guatemala, que tenemos zonas como muy áridas, muy secas, que por su propia condición geográfica en donde han estado, sin duda se ha intensificado en estos últimos años, derivado del saqueo del recurso natural, sobre todo en estas zonas del oriente de Guatemala que son montañas que están, pues ahí si que dedicadas a la explotación de material para la construcción. Hablemos de piedra, hablemos de arena, hablemos de cal, por ejemplo, y de otros elementos que son para la explotación minera. Así como hay otros aquí en Guatemala, donde pues la zona es bastante húmeda, pero sus montañas son [00:34:00] propicias para el oro, para la plata, para el cobre, para el zinc y para otros elementos. Entonces, yo si siento que aparte de que falte de repente un toj, un pagamento, o un Xukulem, como nosotros decimos, dar la gratitud a la tierra que sin duda, pues es evidente cuando, y eso es evidencia no solo en la explotación de la tierra, sino que es evidencia en el sentir de las personas, porque usualmente, se piensa que un peregrinaje únicamente es ir a ver una figura, verdad? O una persona, una deidad, un cristo, ir a esa energía y sentir la energía para yo recargarme, sin considerar que yo al momento que también me voy a recargar de esa energía, estoy siendo un tanto extractivista muchas veces con mi práctica. Pero mi práctica también va más allá de enajenarme de qué está pasando, porque si bien es cierto, tengo ahí al cristo negro frente a mí y soy muy devota, pero entender que el cristo negro también puede estar [00:35:00] presente en las montañas, en los ríos, en los valles, en los lagos, en las cuencas y en todo eso que a mí me da de comer, en todo eso que a mí me permite vivir. Entonces, yo creo que más allá de que falta un rezo, yo sí creo que falta mucha conciencia, mucho trabajo espiritual de hacerle ver a las personas, a los peregrinos, a las peregrinas que mi ruta de peregrinaje, o sea, por donde yo paso, existe porque hay un territorio, un territorio que es ajeno a mi territorio, pero que aun así yo paso porque voy a ver algo en específico, pero que eso también tiene un impacto y que eso también tiene una responsabilidad. Preocuparme por todo lo común que pasa alrededor de de mi territorio, de mi país, del mundo, por ejemplo. Entonces, Mas allá de yo decirte si mira, Chris, falta que la gente reze, falta que la gente ofrende para que ya no haya sequía, que si bien es cierto, tiene una parte súper importante, es muy espiritual y que nosotros que [00:36:00] hemos visto que es verdad. O sea, no es un mito, no es una mentira, sino que es verdad, pero tiene que ir de la mano la ritualidad con mi práctica, tiene que ir de la mano mi discurso con lo que yo estoy haciendo y con los enunciados y los postulados que yo tengo en mi compromiso con la tierra, verdad? Osea, para mí ese es como, como el punto focal, verdad?Jairo: Sí, Chris y Anny pues, también he de añadir que, mucho de la modernidad y la facilidad para poder llegar a establecer una ruta de peregrinaje, también, pues influye dentro de las prácticas sociales y culturales, y pues si de tal vez, una ofrenda o un rezo, también estoy de acuerdo con Anny en ese sentido, es la conciencia de las personas, no? Y no se trata en el caso de la gente, pues católica de ser anticuados y de decir, bueno, vamos a irnos callados todo el [00:37:00] camino, aunque eso es una práctica que hacía la gente antes, verdad? Lo nombro como la gente antigua de Mixco lo dice. Ya no se tiene el respeto, dice la gente, por llegar y ir en una ruta de oración y de pedir o de agradecer. Y pues, por tanto, llevar una actitud de respeto, sino que ya se toma como un viaje de excursión y puede llegar a pasar, cualquier cosa dentro de ese viaje a excepción que se visita a la basílica y se visita a cristo negro. Pero dentro de ese viaje también de muchas personas ya no toman en cuenta el significado, o siquiera la ruta en la que están atravesando, verdad?Creo que es parte de la influencia occidental, de alguna forma de los medios también, que no han difundido pues, esta historia, porque esto que estamos hablando no te lo cuentan en los medios de comunicación. Ni siquiera dentro de la iglesia católica. La iglesia católica te dice que está cristo negro de Esquipulas, que es un día reconocido [00:38:00] dentro de la espiritualidad, por así decirlo, guatemalteca, religiosidad popular, como querramos llamarlo, pero no te hacen este trasfondo histórico que hay dentro de él, verdad?Pues la iglesia católica se encarga de lo litúrgico si vamos a llamarlo de esa forma, se hace una misa, se participa dentro de las misas. Pues hay frailes franciscanos que están constantemente bendiciendo lo que se compra como souvenir dentro del lugar. Pero que más que una oración que haga falta, creo que si hace falta entender un poco más que es lo que estamos haciendo, pero pues es parte del cambio socio cultural influido, como digo por lo occidental de alguna forma, que está permeando pues esta memoria histórica en cuanto a la visita del cristo negro. No digo que deje de ser fuerte porque esto tiene muchísima fuerza todavía dentro del contexto mesoamericano.Chris: Claro, claro, [00:39:00] gracias a ustedes dos. Pues la mayoría de las pláticas en el podcast, son críticas, de lo que falta, lo que no hay, en en el mundo, en la cuestión del movimiento de viaje de devoción también, y agradecimiento.Bueno es obvio como las dinámicas transaccionales o capitalistas, etc afectan los movimientos de la gente. Cómo se proceden, como llegan, como piensen en sus movimientos, también queremos pensar en otros mundos, y parte de eso, tiene que ver con lo que algunos llaman la hospitalidad radical. Es decir, como lo más básico, según yo, la hospitalidad local, enraizado, para el extraño o extranjero o extranjera, etc. Entonces, tengo curiosidad por saber ¿Qué tipo de hospitalidad [00:40:00] radical ustedes han encontrado en Esquipulas o en la peregrinación, si es que han encontrado algo.Anny: Bueno, no te voy a hablar como mucho de esto, porque no tengo como una experiencia, porque no ha sido mi búsqueda también, como encontrar esto. Siento que es como un paso como más personal individual, quizá de de soledad, pero de de sentirte bien en el, así que solo, en el buen sentido.Te puedo decir que hay gente que tiene como muchas experiencias, verdad? De de encontrarse con las personas que abren las puertas de su casa para que estén, para que visiten, para que entren. Claro, ahorita pues mucha situación ha cambiado. Siento que la seguridad ya no es la misma. La situación que atraviesa Guatemala. La conflictividad que se ha ido acrecentando en estos últimos años con estas [00:41:00] miradas fascistas también, con la división entre iglesias, por ejemplo, entre protestantes fascistas, radicales, y protestantes neopentecostales. Y todavía medio que la iglesia evangélica presbiteriana, que es la que intenta mediar entre ambas y la iglesia católica. Todo esto, además que el oriente de Guatemala está catalogado como zonas de bastante menudeo de narco, corredores de narcotráfico también. Entonces, todas estas situaciones políticas y geopolíticas han ido modificando mucho el hecho de que tú busques tu propia protección y que la gente también, cuando no son épocas de de peregrinaje, no tiendan a abrir sus casas, sino que quizás las abren más como para cuando hay un poquito más de afluencia, pero ya es como muy poco ver este tipo de dinámicas. Lo otro es que mucha gente mayor, digamos de la zona ya ha [00:42:00] fallecido. Y pues ha quedado como gente joven, inclusive gente que no es ya de Esquipulas, sino que por tema laboral ha migrado ahí, entonces ya va perdiendo como un sentido de pertenencia, verdad? De como ese sentido de comunidad. Pero si algo yo puedo rescatar de hace como mucho tiempo y que nos queda de repente el bonito recuerdo y la historia que quizá Jairo quiere hablar ahí un poquito, es de cómo se fueron tejiendo ciertas rutas comerciales entre por ejemplo, Oaxaca, Mixco y la gente de que aprovechaba para ir a Esquipulas. Y también como pensar cómo fueron cambiando también los productos de consumo, porque ahora, pues, vemos una invasión de productos plásticos, verdad? Provenientes de China, de estas grandes pirámides de estafa que y de explotación de mano de obra en Malasia, que te viene producto chino también de por allá o de la india, por ejemplo. Vemos como la entrada de mucho de este, [00:43:00] de este producto, verdad?Entonces tampoco es que podamos estar hablando como de esta comunidad, o de encontrar como redes de comunidad en cuanto a la economía o en cuanto a la producción, porque es ahí si que tú sabes que el capitalismo es voraz y la globalización y todos estos factores que están pasando en este momento son muy crueles con las dinámicas y las formas de vida de acuerparnos, de querernos, de apapacharnos y que se intensifica cada vez más.Creo que ahí si que lo importante es, nombrarlo para que si alguien quizá no se había dado cuenta de cómo se han ido afectando las dinámicas. Pues ahora lo, se se pueda ver, verdad? Y que a veces también es un poco como egoísta de mi parte, porque ves ahí vamos al hecho de que, como yo solo lo voy una vez allá, pues no me importa al final, como si tejo o no tejo, verdad? Puede ser que sea el pensamiento de alguien, verdad? Bueno, yo [00:44:00] solo voy una vez, yo voy a lo que voy y no me importa pues si hay alguien ahí que me pueda acuerpar, recibir o lo que sea.Entonces también como estas dinámicas, estos pensamientos frívolos que también por la misma dinámica de la vida, de la economía y demás, se intensifican no? Entonces, pues yo pues yo, eso te podría decir.Jairo: Si, dentro de como el capitalismo, el sistema capitalista, ha influido también dentro de estas dinámicas. Yo puedo nombrar puntualmente durante las últimas veces que he ido a Esquipulas, justo desde acá de Mixco, como pues lo económico ha afectado, o sea, el nivel socioeconómico también determina lo que vas a llegar a hacer verdad? Porque muchas personas de que vienen de acá, ni siquiera pues ya piensan en hospedarse, sino que van en la noche, madrugada de un día, y se quedan en [00:45:00] el bus o solo van y peregrinan, rezan, dejan sus candelas, no se paga hotel y regresan, verdad? Eso ha sido en un par de ocasiones. Si bien, pues hay ahora opciones de hospedaje digámoslo de diferentes tipos, que se suelen reservar con anticipación. También está esta otra situación, que también deja un poco de lado a lo que se solía hacer de preparar comida, de llevar ya huevos duros, como le decimos nosotros, huevos cocidos con salsa de tomate, eso es muy de viajar en este contexto de Mixco, los tamales de viaje que les llamaban también que es básicamente pasta de maíz cocida con la tusa, que es la cáscara del maíz. Estos tamales, pues servían para eso, para poder mermar el hambre mientras se llegaba a Esquipulas y que ahora esto ha sido poco a poco reemplazado justo lo que nombraba Anny, por productos pre-elaborados, frituras, que no tienen ningún [00:46:00] sustento, ni siquiera enlazan, con la memoria de la cocina, sino que técnicamente es algo que se desecha. Y claro, la basura, también otro papel importante, porque tenemos poca educación o ninguna en cuanto al ambiente y las empresas que nos hacen responsables de sus paquetes, de sus sobrecitos, de sus botellas y todo esto, resulta en los caminos y, pues sí, es una ruta de peregrinaje, pero también hay basura plástica, verdad? Dentro de esa ruta de peregrinaje. Y, pues, nombrar también, este era un poquito la cereza del del pastel que yo quería dejar para esta conversación, porque, como las dinámicas económicas han afectado rutas comerciales y de peregrinaje que puede que lleven alrededor de 2 mil años de existir, verdad? Tu que te desenvuelves en Oaxaca, puedes preguntar sobre cristo negro de Esquipulas y vas a encontrar a mucha gente que es devota al cristo negro de Esquipulas [00:47:00] y que probablemente tengan una réplica, pues en varios lugares de Oaxaca. Sobre todo el área, pues de el Istmo, verdad? En el, en el área también, zapoteca, vas a encontrar mucha gente que es devota y producto, pues de ello eso, ya lo tenemos, pues registrado antropológicamente. Ya no se da, pero gracias a las abuelas de mi pueblo esto sobrevive y es como nosotros, como Mixco estamos en medio de una ruta comercial entre básicamente, el centro de México y el oriente de Guatemala que está hacia allá. Entonces, pues Esquipulas está casi, en un punto distinto a esta ruta, verdad?Pues hay una memoria de de cómo nuestra gente antigua de Mixco interactuaba comercialmente con gente que venía del centro de México. Y esto lo tenemos evidente en el uso de la indumentaria maya del Poqomam de Mixco, que tiene muchísima influencia de la indumentaria que viene del pueblo [00:48:00] zapoteca, y del pueblo mixteca, en Oaxaca y producto de ello, sé que en el audio no saldrá, pero lo voy a describir. Tenemos acá estas fajas, estas fajas vienen de santo Tomás Jalieza en Oaxaca. Las famosas fajas de Jalieza, que se utilizan en Oaxaca y que formaban parte de la indumentaria antigua de Mixco. Esto cambió más o menos a mediados de los años 60s.Hay memoria, yo escuché de boca de muchas de las señoras antiguas de acá de mi pueblo que decían, venían las mexicanas a vendernos ropa, técnicamente, pero no es la ruta de Tapachula moderna, ahora que se va por la costa, sino que se refieren a textiles. Y esto encontramos fotos, inclusive fotografías del siglo 19, de finales del siglo 19, principios del siglo 20 en el que vemos el uso de estas fajas, y las reconocemos técnicamente por esta figura que seguro, pues ya la, la verás más representada en en Oaxaca. [00:49:00] La gente acá en Mixco le dice a esto los bailadores, en Oaxaca les tienen un nombre, ahora específicamente, no lo recuerdo, pero es gracias a este danzante o bailador que reconocemos las fajas que vienen de ese lugar porque en Guatemala no encuentras ninguna otra faja que sea de este material, porque es lana, o bien puede ser bastante grueso el tejido en telar de cintura con estos diseños.Entonces, gracias a Abisaí Navarro, que ojalá pueda escuchar este material, es un amigo que es de Oaxaca, quien conocí por las redes sociales, en quien básicamente se ha dedicado a documentar las expresiones culturales también de Oaxaca y de la espiritualidad en los pueblos mixteca y zapoteca. Y él me envió estas fajas desde Oaxaca. Osea, yo ya no puedo decir las compré con señoras oaxaqueñas. Yo como mixqueño, no las compré con ellas porque ahora vienen en bus, la dinámica comercial cambió y además en Mixco ya no se usa la [00:50:00] indumentaria maya, de uso diario. Este es por un lado, y por el otro lado, también tenemos a este otro lugar que se llama Yalalag, que es gente zapoteca también, en el cual usan esta prenda sobre la cabeza, ellos le llaman tlacoyales o rodetes, que consiste pues en lana cruda, de de oveja teñida, colocado sobre la cabeza, que es la emulación, pues a una serpiente. Esto, pues, tampoco esto no lo traje de Oaxaca, esto lo conseguí pues gracias a una historiadora justamente de Chichicastenango que Anny conoce, María Jacinta Xón, ella pues su papá se dedicó muchísimo tiempo, y ella también se ha dedicado, pues a la elaboración de hilos y a la obtención de la seda, y el papá de ella que ya descansa, pues fue con quien pudimos investigar un poco de dónde venía esta lana. Esta lana ya no se produce ni siquiera en Chichicastenango, en el contexto de Anny, sino [00:51:00] que básicamente esta es la última que él tuvo la oportunidad de teñir, pero es exactamente la misma lana que inclusive él desconocía su procedencia sin pintar, de dónde venía.Y ahora esto ni siquiera aquí en Guatemala se consigue, entonces es la evidencia de cómo Mixco en medio de una ruta comercial entre básicamente todo el área de el Istmo y la costa sur hacia el oriente de Guatemala, que es otro mundo que, de no haber llegado la invasión española y de no haber este sistema que de alguna forma ha ladinizado decimos nosotros, o sea despojado de su identidad a la gente maya. Y, pues, tendríamos una gran diversidad también de personas en aquel territorio. Y pues es un poco de las dos prendas que acá en Mixco se utilizan todavía por las mujeres que participan en las cofradías, pero los nos hace pensar en las mujeres de Oaxaca también. Es bien curioso. Tengo un video que lo describe, si gustan lo pueden ver allá en mis redes sociales, [00:52:00] aparezco como "hoja de pacaya" y hay un video donde hablo de esto del tecoyal justamente.Anny: Si, Chris y algo que yo, quería como agregar nada más a la conversación. Es el hecho de que, en medio de esta forma de turismo que muchas veces es gentrificador y que también como que estas dinámicas de ir y venir hace que justamente todo alrededor de lo que sucede en Esquipulas pues cambie su dinámica Si bien es cierto, ahora cuando vas tú a Esquipulas, ya hay hoteles de repente, tal vez no de cadena, pero si de cinco estrellas. La gente ha intentado mantener hoteles que sean como de su familia. Pero eso no quita, por ejemplo, que ya haya más lugares de recreación, de consumo, de compra y de intercambio comercial.Porque pues tú sabes que al final, la situación económica, creo que a nivel mundial no es del todo buena para ninguno, [00:53:00] verdad? Entonces, pues siempre se busca la manera como de irte agenciando de ciertos fondos. Pero, ahora que lo pienso mejor, digamos en esta conversación, yo si puedo ver algo muy especial. Por ejemplo, aquí en Guatemala, hay dos lugares más en donde hay peregrinación a ver a cristo negro, que no tienes que ir a Esquipulas y que lo encuentras, aquí, de de donde yo vivo más o menos es a una hora, se llama Chinique de Las Flores. Y luego de Chinique de Las Flores a más o menos como unas tres horas, puedes llegar a Cunén. Cunén, también aquí en K'iche', que son estas, rutas de peregrinación para ir a ver también, réplicas del cristo negro de Esquipulas, pero que entonces ahí si te puedo decir que estamos encontrando aquello que una vez encontramos en Esquipulas [00:54:00] hace más de 400 años por así decirlo, 300 años.Entonces, lo estamos volviendo a encontrar ahí porque, claro, son zonas todavía de pronto un poco más pequeñas, en donde todavía el ambiente es más, comunal, comunitario, en donde, pues todavía es de pueblo, le decimos nosotros, todavía sí que está la esencia conservada de un pueblo. Entonces no se convierte en un lugar para ir a quedarte y pasar ahí una semana, que sé yo, sino que se convierte en un lugar de visita, de recogimiento de sí, ir a hacer tu tu peregrinaje, tu oración, tu penitencia.Entonces, a mí me parece que ahí todavía es en donde, donde se encuentra una esencia muy, muy rica.Chris: Pues, gracias a las energías, a los dioses y dioses que todavía hay lugares y gente que honran esas, esas tradiciones y las de también como Jairo [00:55:00] mencionó, que pues la memoria también está pegado dentro del textil, de tejido, justo tambien he visto como una una bebida chocolatosa tradicional aquí en Oaxaca que, según algunas personas tiene su origen en en el K'iche'. Aunque, se dice que ese proceso, esa receta no existe en el K'iche' ahora, pero todavía la memoria existe dentro de esas prácticas no? Entonces la cuestión de la hiper movilidad y el sentido de guerra constante en muchos sentidos en el el mundo contemporáneo, ¿Cómo piensan que, la peregrinación o las posibilidades de peregrinar pueden ofrecernos una manera, o maneras, o caminos a [00:56:00] socobar, la hiper movilidad, a la guerra, la comida chatarra como mencionaron, estas dinámicas y estructuras económicas que, pues nos están matando poco a poco? ¿Qué clave puede tener la peregrinación en un mundo donde queremos vivir?Anny: Pues yo creo que la responsabilidad de cada uno de nosotros que, que vamos con llevar también mensajes de esperanza, o sea, siempre hay rutas no? Está la ruta migratoria, está la ruta de la mariposa monarca. Está que esa peregrinación que hacen, van y vienen, y estas peregrinaciones que nosotros también hacemos como personas humanas, independientemente de si seamos cristianos o no, pero siempre hay una ruta que tú buscas de peregrinaje para sanar tus [00:57:00] dolores, tus enfermedades, tus traumas, tus miedos, así sea que tú vayas a peregrinar a una montaña, un volcán, un cerro, a una iglesia, a una basílica a donde sea.A mí lo importante, y lo que me parece a mi súper esperanzador es que tú tengas como también ese compromiso de compartir una luz con quienes tú te vayas encontrando en el camino. Puede ser que también tu peregrinaje entonces no parta desde el hecho de, ah voy a ir pensando solo en rezos, no, sino que, ¿Qué también puedo yo compartir en el camino?O sea que otras rutas también puedo ir yo dejando, mencionando, creo que esto lo hemos logrado con bastante efectividad cuando pensamos en las rutas migratorias y como podemos echarle una mano a les compas migrantes verdad?, Entonces a mí me parecería que una estrategia pues muy parecida, podría ayudar bastante, a ver esto con otros ojos y a ver esto, pues más allá de, [00:58:00] o sea, que que siempre podemos hacer varias cosas, cuando tenemos de repente solo una finalidad, pero al final podemos ir haciendo como mucho, entonces yo creo que como mensaje yo, eso te dejaría, o sea que, pues al final en medio de toda esta hiper movilidad, pues que la aprovechemos, no solo para quemar codos, sino para ir dejando otros mensajes a la gente, verdad? De cómo también nos vamos moviendo, movilizando, qué vamos pensando y qué está pasando alrededor del mundo. Jairo: Sí, bueno, entender que nuestras dinámicas han cambiado con el tiempo, que somos una generación que nos tocó ver cambios abismales dentro de las dinámicas de como nos hemos relacionado con otras personas, cómo aprendemos incluso porque ahora pues gracias a la hiper movilidad también, inclusive, pues a la tecnología conocemos nuevas cosas, pero no dejar de lado el en el caso, pues de la gente que peregrina, verdad? Las [00:59:00] reflexiones que hacíamos, el por qué se hace, un poquito, y también el que hacer de nosotros cuando vamos a un lugar y cuando nos movemos, verdad? El hecho de verdad estoy comprando con las personas que son de allí o me estoy yendo a meter un supermercado, de verdad esto beneficia la comunidad o esto beneficia a una empresa, pues que al final explota personas y que les compra super barato y regateado el producto, verdad? Creo que se ha mantenido, pues al menos en Esquipulas esa dinámica de consumir, pues lo que es de allí, la gente, pues esfuerza mucho porque saben que hay, personas de muchos contextos que vienen a ese lugar, por lo menos una vez al año. Entonces, entender estas dinámicas, creo que es un reto también dentro de nuestro contexto y entender también que el humano siempre se ha movido. Gracias a las personas [01:00:00] antiguas que se movieron hace 3 mil años hacia acá es que nosotros tenemos estas evidencias históricas y aprender de esas movilidades también, cómo nosotros generamos un buen impacto cuando nos estamos moviendo, pienso.Chris: Que vamos aprendiendo y recordando a la vez, cómo movernos con respeto y agradecimiento y devoción a lo que nos da vida. Vamos a asegurar que las imágenes de esos textiles hermosas, van a salir con el episodio, en el sitio web web de El Fin del Turismo. Y también los nombres y contactos si quieren de los compas que mencionaste Jairo. Y pues ha sido como un gran conversación, y me dan muchas ganas de seguir con esa [01:01:00] cuestión de peregrinación.Y en el nombre de de nuestros oyentes, me gustaría ofrecerles mis a agradecimientos más sinceros a ambos ustedes por acompañarnos hoy, y estar dispuestos a enfrentar y luchar con algunas de las contradicciones y pues también las colonizaciones que han afectado al acto y al arte de la peregrinación en nuestros tiempos. Si los oyentes tienen ganas a conocer más de lo que ustedes hacen en la vida, ¿Hay una manera de comunicar o conectar?Anny: Sí, por supuesto, en nuestras redes personales, yo soy la curadora en jefe actual de Espacio C, en Chichicastenango, entonces pues por ahí pueden , encontrarme en Instagram, o en Facebook, se escribe [01:02:00] ESPACIO/C ARTE+MEMORIA. Y luego en mis redes personales, por si alguien pues también desea buscar. Yo me encuentro en Instagram como "Anny Puac," así me pueden encontrar a mí también en Instagram para que pues vean, de pronto un poquito también de, de mi trabajo y, luego en nuestras redes comerciales como Los Cofrades Chichicastenango, así me pueden, nos pueden ir encontrando y pues ahora Jairo.Jairo: Gracias. Yo he tratado de crear contenido no de lleno, tampoco tan comercial. He hecho reflexiones en cuanto a estos elementos, ahí sí que de ambos lados, verdad? De la espiritualidad en Guatemala en general, tanto de lo católico como de lo maya, y cómo esto tiene un punto medular, es un poquito lo que ha sido mi [01:03:00] premisa durante los últimos años, evidenciar que no es netamente todo católico, cristiano y que hay elementos pues de la espiritualidad maya que prevalecen como lo que hablamos hoy.Me pueden encontrar pues, como Hoja de Pacaya en las redes sociales. La hoja de pacaya es la que se usa para decorar en las puertas de las fiestas acá en el contexto pues de Guatemala. La pacaya es una palma. También se come la flor durante los viajes, justo durante los peregrinajes. La flor de la pacaya se envuelve con huevo y se le pone salsa de tomate encima y es algo muy para viajar. Y pues, a la hoja de pacaya le dicen dentro del contexto guatemalteco a las personas que les gusta la fiesta y que no se pierden ninguna.Entonces es un poco la premisa de mi usuario, porque pues sí, me gusta documentar las fiestas, pues que se llevan a cabo en Guatemala con trasfondo, quizá de análisis [01:04:00] y de reflexión. Y pues, gracias por el espacio. Estoy muy agradecido por ello, a ambos. Chris: De nuevo, muchísimas gracias a ustedes dos por sus tiempos hoy, por sus reflexiones y sus compromisos en el mundo, en la vida. Anny: Qué gusto conocerte también. Y pues ahí estamos siempre en comunicación. Yo te de con un fuerte abrazo y no haber un fuerte abrazo a tierra que de Oaxaca también.English TranscriptionChris: [00:00:00] Welcome to the podcast The End of Tourism Annie and Jairo. Thank you both for joining me today. I would love for you to tell our listeners where you are calling from and what the world looks like there for each of you.Anny: Thank you very much, Chris, and good morning to everyone listening, or good afternoon or good evening, depending on your time zone.My name is Anny and I greet you from the K'iche' Mayan territory of Chuwila, K'iche' Guatemala specifically.Jairo: Good morning to both of you, it's a pleasure to be here. Sawe ta inteer winaq (Good morning to all of you) a pleasure from the Poqomam territory of Mixco and also from the outskirts of Guatemala City, thank you for this [00:01:00] opportunity to share knowledge.Chris: And thank you both. I'm here in Oaxaca and the world seems obviously a little weird. Well, maybe not obviously, but it seems weirder by the day. We're here today to talk about Esquipulas in Guatemala. And Esquipulas is the site of several churches that have housed the Black Christ of the town, which is famous for its supposed miracles for the past four centuries.Similarly, the pilgrimage to the shrine is the largest in Central America and the second largest in the Americas, with, from what I read, 5 million people visiting it every year. Now, to start, would you be willing to explain what prompted each of [00:02:00] your interests or relationships with this place and the practice of pilgrimage?Anny: Yes, of course Chris. Well, from my personal or individual relationship as a family, I have, let's say, a clear idea of when these pilgrimages began, suddenly, when I was about seven or eight years old, so, to tell you that I have clarity, but when I go back to the family archives, well, I see that the issue of going on pilgrimage to Esquipulas, well, it begins with my grandmothers.Jairo: So I could tell you that within my family, the pilgrimage to Esquipulas, well, maybe it has been present in the family for at least 80 years, especially on my maternal grandmother's side . She is from a K'iche' territory in Quetzaltenango , where they would begin the trip, together, there was a neighborhood trip organized by the neighborhood, or it was a family trip, so one or two buses would go at that time when there wasn't much transportation, right? It was also a luxury to go by some route where there was a bus stop. And well, what couldn't be traveled by bus, well, it was done on foot, they used donkeys, but, more or less that's where the story of how these pilgrimage routes began in my family, let's say.In our case, I was not aware of having arrived in Esquipulas when I was little. Well, there is a very interesting fact, when I was 40 days old, my family decided to take me to [00:04:00] Esquipulas, so that is in the family's photo archive as a thank you, because in the end I was born with... I was born well.Jairo: And then the family decides to go on a pilgrimage. This is the closest information I have about the person going to Esquipulas. Of course, I have always been very familiar with this within my immediate context, since people from my municipality tend to go organized in excursions from the different religious organizations that exist in my municipality.These, well, designate dates and are buses filled with approximately 50 people. Each bus usually arrives up to three, from here in Mixco, well, they go to Esquipulas. And that is something very interesting because it is, well, part of modernity, let's say going by bus, but there are many anecdotes from people from here in town who [00:05:00] tell how, well, they went in a more rustic way, right? It could be, well, on a walking pilgrimage, which was not the only pilgrimage, in fact that of the black Christ of Esquipulas. Today, specifically, we are going to talk about it.But there are also the pilgrimages to Antigua Guatemala, which is very close by. Here behind us there is a hill called Alux Hill. This hill was crossed on foot, and people still do so on foot, because behind the hill is the descent to get to Antigua Guatemala.Chris: Thank you. Thank you all. So, to learn a little more about your stories, like the pilgrimage, I would like to know a little more if you could offer something about the long history of Esquipulas, of the black Christ and well, how did the pilgrimage originate? Where does that story come from?Jairo: Well, as I mentioned before, saying some [00:06:00] words in the Poqomam language. It is the language that was spoken, well, in our town. I'm going to say it again more slowly to, well, describe to you what I said, technically it is:closely related and intrinsic to the people of Mixco and also to the Oaxacan territory.My name is Jairo, Jairo Andrés Chamale Lemus. I belong to this territory, to the Poqomam Mayan people. Half of my family and my ancestors are from here. And, well, I am dedicated to tourism. I have been a tourist guide for approximately eight years , since I graduated very young. And, well, I have dedicated myself to pilgrimages so that people also learn about the historical context of Guatemala and the different cultural, religious and also resistance expressions of the people in the territory of what we now know as Guatemala.Well, I am also a student of anthropology, specifically a bachelor's degree in anthropology, and I have also dedicated myself to studying the case of the Poqomam Mayan language in Mixco, which is a community very close to Guatemala City, which has had a very strong demographic and social impact, due to the growth of the metropolitan area of Guatemala City. It is something that I have dedicated myself to studying during the last few years. And also, well, to [00:08:00] documenting it, because we have many cultural and spiritual practices in our town, which have been disappearing as the city's demographic advances, thank you very much. Rontyoox aq'oo ta Anny: Well Chris . In fact there is a record, let's say historical , which says that the first pilgrimage to Esquipulas was in March 1595 , when the image left the workshop of this sculptor Quirio Cataño, heading towards Esquipulas, towards Chiquimula. This is in the east of Guatemala. We know it as the hot zone of Guatemala. But it is the zone, let's say, like hot arid . It is a territory where there is a Xinca, Popti' community, if I'm not mistaken, Chortí as well . And so, the production that is [00:09:00] They have in the lands over there, we are talking about fruits from some plants, some tubers more or less, but most of them are dedicated to fruit, right ?This first pilgrimage is documented and recorded by the chronicler, who is called Miguel Álvarez. And he says that, when he left from the workshop and headed towards Esquipulas, the image was performing different miracles along the way until reaching the basilica . Then there were people who asked him precisely that, please, that the image spend at least one night inside the house of people to bless it. And more or less it is estimated every year, let's say currently, now in Guatemala and around 300 thousand people from all over the world, mostly between Mexico, Central America, southern countries, for example from Peru [00:10:00] from Ecuador from Ecuador, Bolivia, if I'm not mistaken, it is like a lot of people who arrive, more or less between November, which right now is like a date from November to December and all of January, let's say, those are like the three months with the greatest influx of people who arrive at the basilica, right? So you can call it a pilgrimage , you can call it a pilgrimage, what pilgrimage, usually, well there if the people who visit can do like a day's visit only or it can be that a visit can be extended for up to 10, 15 days, right?From Guatemala City to Esquipulas there is a distance of approximately 220 to 250 kilometers and if you go on a pilgrimage, you go through very specific places along the entire pilgrimage, on average [00:11:00] Every day you are doing a stretch of 40 kilometers, a day, let's say if your intention is to go on a pilgrimage like that . So that's more or less like more historical data and the story, right?Chris: And I'm a little curious, inside the estancias, when I arrive at Esquipulas, if I were on a pilgrimage, for example, what would I do? Do they stop to say their prayers? I would like to know from someone who has never made a pilgrimage, how it looked those days before coming.Anny: Well, I'm going to tell you a little bit about my family's story because My maternal grandmother, she was a lady, very Catholic, right? So, for her, her pilgrimage, let's say, was her sacrifice, right? In the year, to say well, out of gratitude [00:12:00] to my health, to the miracles that she granted me, because she was very devout. It was the fact of going on a pilgrimage route. What did this imply? Even preparing food so as to not say waste time, thinking about what to eat along the way, because the idea for them was, well, to go in a kind of contemplation, in constant prayer, in prayer, let's say in petition, to stop every so often, right? Every 40 kilometers, because within the Catholic-Christian community, there are points that are marked within the route where you can stop with each family, because they may have a replica of the image of the black Christ, because in fact, when the first pilgrimage was, this family may have been one of the [00:13:00] families who first received the black Christ.So it becomes like that stopping point, right? So, when they make that stopping point, they go down. They go down to pray, they go down to talk and to socialize with people, maybe, to share a meal. And to feel, well, like thei

Julian Castillo is an urban architect with Siudad, a company in Guatemala City that proclaims that CITY (spelled "Siudad" instead of the grammatically correct "Ciudad") "is a positive mindset to improve city life." They believe that Guatemalan cities have the opportunity to become successful urban hubs, bringing economic prosperity, well-being and health to their citizens and visitors. Siudad is committed to facilitating, educating and empowering Guatemalans to plan, design and build the cities of the future. Julian Castillo was our guest on episode 155 of the Agents of Innovation podcast. You can learn more about Siudad at: https://siudad.org You can find Julian Castillo online at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julián-castillo-holzheu-9a002599/ You can also WATCH this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/c82rDVMvOUQ Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org/

As if Thomas didn't have enough projects going on thatyear, he and his co- elder Steve, had been scouring the newspapers for a new meeting place for our church. When I consider our lives at that time, it's like Thomas had two families, that he was responsible for. Fortunately we had agreat team of dedicated men and women, who worked together on the church developments. Most of us had the example, of growing in ministry by encouraging the various gifts. The underlying goal, was to reach the people of our city,with the gospel.  For the Munich church, one avenue in equipping and teaching, was the “Ernte” (The Harvest) newsletter. There was a regular section titled “Gebetskammer” (the prayer room). In a designed scripture box, at the top of the page was the verse from Matthew Chapter 6, “But when you pray gointo your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”In one particular issue there was a list of prayer needs for our friends in different countries. “The England team is still having struggles and delays concerning work permits and visas. Please pray for the team that went to Guatemala City after the earthquake. They have built housing for many people and in the process started a church. But they have to endure constant dangers within the city. So far they have been protected, though the political situation is chaotic, and there have been many terrorist attacks in the country.“For the Munich church, Thomas wrote: “We absolutely need a new location where we can hold our church services on Sunday morning. Besides the fact that meeting on Friday evenings is not typical, it is important, that all of the families with children are able to join us.” 

It's yet another full day of news that includes a bus crash in Guatemala City, a possible break in the Hamas-Israel ceasefire as well as a possible breakup of US and Russia, the NSA is hitting delete on a whole bunch of websites, tariffs have kind of been announced, and the federal funding freeze hits another judicial roadblock. All while Trump wants to get rid of the penny, Kanye's back to his old rhetoric, and Ed Sheeran is a rule-breaker who doesn't deserve to be in this sentence with those other two guys.Bus Crash in Guatemala City -via ABC News Hamas Accused Israel of Violating Ceasefire-via AP News and NBC NewsRussia Says US Relations Are Near Collapse-via NBC News The NSA is About to Hit Delete-via Popular New Tariffs-via CNN Federal Funding Freeze-via ProPublica Trump Wants to Get Rid of the Penny-via NPR Kanye's Antisemitism-via Rolling Stone, CNN, and NPR Sheeran's Busking Shut Down-via CBS NewsTake the pledge to be a voter at raisingvoters.org/beavoterdecember. - on AmazonSubscribe tothe Substack: kimmoffat.substack.comA full transcript (with links) is available at kimmoffat.com/hwh-transcriptsAs always, you can find me on Instagram/Twitter @kimmoffat and TikTok @kimmoffatishere

"PREVIEW: BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP: Colleague Professor Richard Epstein explores a hypothetical about American citizens having a child in London or Guatemala City. More tonight." 1808

In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, host Jaime Cruz welcomes Leslie Mujica, Executive Director and Chief Marketing Officer for the Southern Nevada International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Labor Management Cooperation Committee (LMCC), also known as Las Vegas Power Professionals. Leslie shares her inspiring journey, from being born in Guatemala City and immigrating to the U.S. as a child to attending Hollywood High School and earning her degrees in Journalism (PR focus) and Sociology from Cal State Northridge, followed by a master's in public administration from UNLV. Her dedication to community outreach and workforce development has made her a key advocate for skilled union jobs, safety, and workforce training in Southern Nevada.Leslie's career path took her through the construction industry, where she discovered her passion for labor relations and workforce advocacy. She speaks about her early work experiences, starting at McDonald's at 15 (after forging her mom's signature for a work permit!) and balancing jobs in retail and the movie theater industry while pursuing higher education. After working in construction management, she transitioned into her current leadership role, where she champions union careers, apprenticeship programs, and industry safety standards. Leslie also serves on multiple community boards, including the Governor's Workforce Development Board, the Clark County Planning Commission, and the Governor's Regional Transmission Coordination Task Force Advisory Board. Outside of work, Leslie enjoys watching sports, cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Boston Bruins, and Las Vegas Aces, and attending NASCAR and NHRA races. She dedicates much of her free time to community engagement and mentorship, believing strongly in giving back. When asked about advice for young professionals, she encourages them to never give up, strive to be the best version of themselves, and not let others steal their peace.Leslie also highlights upcoming workforce events, such as the Junior Achievement Inspire Event at UNLV (Feb 19-20) and NCA/AGC Career Day (Feb 28), which provide hands-on opportunities for students and young professionals. She leaves listeners with two powerful quotes that reflect her dedication to growth and service: "Success must include two things: the development of an individual to his utmost potential and a contribution of some kind to the world" (Eleanor Roosevelt) and "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive—with passion, compassion, humor, and style" (Maya Angelou). These words perfectly capture Leslie's journey and commitment to building a stronger workforce and community.Las Vegas Power Professionals:Las Vegas Power Professionals – Leading the Electrical Construction IndustryUpcoming Events & InitiativesJunior Achievement Inspire Event – February 19-20 at UNLVJA Inspire Nevada | Junior Achievement of Southern NevadaNCA/AGC Career Day – February 28Construction Career Day 2024-2025Union Apprenticeship Programs – Showcasing hands-on opportunities for young professionals

Join Captain Jeff, Dr. Steph, Captain Nick, Producer Liz. Enjoy! APG 648 SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS AND PICS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:06:15 NEWS 00:06:32 Numerous Fuel Emergencies after Starship Explosion Over Caribbean 00:14:18 FINAL REPORT - United B763 at Houston on Jul 29th 2023, Hard Landing 00:25:04 Copa B738 and Avianca A20N at Guatemala City, Near Collision on Go Around/Takeoff 00:36:42 FINAL BULLETIN - West Atlantic AT72 Enroute, Rudder Restriction 00:46:26 FINAL REPORT - Emirates B773 at Dubai, Overran Runway on Departure 01:02:52 FINAL REPORT - American A321 near Charlotte, Turbulence Injures 4 Cabin Crew 01:13:46 Qantas B738 near Brisbane, Turbulence Injures 3 Passengers 01:19:03 FINAL REPORT - PIA AT42 at Gilgit, Runway Excursion on Landing 01:39:26 GETTING TO KNOW US 02:09:21 FEEDBACK 02:09:29 Tom T - Things You Say 02:10:14 Chet - Boeing Whistleblowers 02:11:58 Triple H - Bad Piloting And Bad ATC At Teterboro 02:22:21 Roberta - Coincidences 02:28:47 WRAP UP Watch the video of our live stream recording! Go to our YouTube channel! Give us your review in iTunes! I'm "airlinepilotguy" on Facebook, and "airlinepilotguy" on Twitter. feedback@airlinepilotguy.com airlinepilotguy.com ATC audio from https://LiveATC.net Intro/outro Music, Coffee Fund theme music by Geoff Smith thegeoffsmith.com Dr. Steph's intro music by Nevil Bounds Capt Nick's intro music by Kevin from Norway (aka Kevski) Doh De Oh by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100255 Artist: https://incompetech.com/ Copyright © AirlinePilotGuy 2025, All Rights Reserved Airline Pilot Guy Show by Jeff Nielsen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

On the streets of Guatemala City, gang members became Edgar's family.  But he dreamed of a different future.  To leave the gang was a death sentence.  Coming to the USA was his last hope. De Novo is a limited series adapted from Houses on the Moon Theater Company's acclaimed documentary play of the same name and tells the true story of Edgar Chocoy, a Guatemalan teenager who faces deportation after fleeing to the U.S. In 2002, fourteen-year-old Edgar Chocoy Guzman fled his barrio in Guatemala City, when MS-13, the largest gang in Central America, put a hit on his life. He traveled over 3,000 miles to be reunited with his mother, who had left him when he was a baby to go work in the United States. Detained by Homeland Security, Edgar, whose nickname was Lil' Silent because of his timid demeanor, spoke clearly and loudly about his fear of being deported: “I'm afraid to go back. They'll kill me.” A pro bono immigration lawyer helped Edgar argue his asylum case in front of a federal judge and the facts of Edgar's case are reconstructed by actors working with verbatim text from immigration court transcripts, interviews, letters, and other documents from this real-life asylum case.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your angel wings and get ready for revolution! Jonny and Aileen talk about the Guatemalan film, Rita. At an institution for troubled girls in Guatemala City, Rita finds herself at the center of an uprising by the seemingly-magical groups of girls who are sick of being exploited. Jonny and Aileen also discuss Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamente, human trafficking, and the real life incident that inspired this film. Remember to subscribe, rate and review! Follow our redes sociales: Insta: @uyquehorror Twitter: @Uy_Que_Horror TikTok: @uyquehorror Find all the películas we cover on our LinkTree. Join our Patreon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the streets of Guatemala City, gang members became Edgar's family.  But he dreamed of a different future.  To leave the gang was a death sentence.  Coming to the USA was his last hope. De Novo is a limited series adapted from Houses on the Moon Theater Company's acclaimed documentary play of the same name and tells the true story of Edgar Chocoy, a Guatemalan teenager who faces deportation after fleeing to the U.S. In 2002, fourteen-year-old Edgar Chocoy Guzman fled his barrio in Guatemala City, when MS-13, the largest gang in Central America, put a hit on his life. He traveled over 3,000 miles to be reunited with his mother, who had left him when he was a baby to go work in the United States. Detained by Homeland Security, Edgar, whose nickname was Lil' Silent because of his timid demeanor, spoke clearly and loudly about his fear of being deported: “I'm afraid to go back. They'll kill me.” A pro bono immigration lawyer helped Edgar argue his asylum case in front of a federal judge and the facts of Edgar's case are reconstructed by actors working with verbatim text from immigration court transcripts, interviews, letters, and other documents from this real-life asylum case.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 105 - God Showed up in Guatemala This episode is a part of our December Testimony series. A series of short testimonies of times that God showed up upon set or in ways related to the film-industry. In this episode, Matt Chastain, writer, director, and podcast host, recounts a miraculous event that occurred during the filming of 'Small Group' in Guatemala City. He describes how the team incorporated real ministry work by Nathan Hardeman from Engadi Ministries into the film, and faced a tight shooting schedule amid impending rain during the rainy season. Despite the stress, Chastain shares a moment of divine intervention where the rain miraculously held off, allowing the crew to finish shooting just in time. Chastain emphasizes the importance of the work done by Engadi Ministries, urging the audience to support their mission.smallgroupmpvie.comhttps://www.instagram.com/smallgroupmovie/https://engadiministries.org/Content Christian Media Conference 1-Day Event https://www.christianmediaconference.com/content1day-programVIP Producers Mentorship Program: https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorshipThe Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors. It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email Notifications Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-servicesCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

On the streets of Guatemala City, gang members became Edgar's family.  But he dreamed of a different future.  To leave the gang was a death sentence.  Coming to the USA was his last hope. De Novo is a limited series adapted from Houses on the Moon Theater Company's acclaimed documentary play of the same name and tells the true story of Edgar Chocoy, a Guatemalan teenager who faces deportation after fleeing to the U.S. In 2002, fourteen-year-old Edgar Chocoy Guzman fled his barrio in Guatemala City, when MS-13, the largest gang in Central America, put a hit on his life. He traveled over 3,000 miles to be reunited with his mother, who had left him when he was a baby to go work in the United States. Detained by Homeland Security, Edgar, whose nickname was Lil' Silent because of his timid demeanor, spoke clearly and loudly about his fear of being deported: “I'm afraid to go back. They'll kill me.” A pro bono immigration lawyer helped Edgar argue his asylum case in front of a federal judge and the facts of Edgar's case are reconstructed by actors working with verbatim text from immigration court transcripts, interviews, letters, and other documents from this real-life asylum case.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

En la superficie, la Ciudad de Guatemala es como cualquier otra, pero en sus profundidades hay grietas que comienzan a abrirse. Catorce años después de que un misterioso agujero transformara la vida de su barrio, Melisa Rabanales se interesa por saber qué esconde el alcantarillado de su ciudad.  En nuestro sitio web puedes encontrar una transcripción del episodio. Or you can also check this English translation.♥ Radio Ambulante es posible gracias a nuestra comunidad. Únete a Deambulantes, nuestro programa de membresías, y ayúdanos a garantizar la existencia y la sostenibilidad de nuestro periodismo independiente. ★ Si no quieres perderte ningún episodio, suscríbete a nuestro boletín y recibe todos los martes un correo. Además, los viernes te enviaremos cinco recomendaciones inspiradoras del equipo para el fin de semana. ✓ ¿Nos escuchas para mejorar tu español? Tenemos algo extra para ti: prueba nuestra app Jiveworld, diseñada para estudiantes intermedios de la lengua que quieren aprender con nuestros episodios. At first glance, Guatemala City seems like any other, but beneath the surface, cracks begin to show. Fourteen years after a mysterious sinkhole upended her neighborhood, Melisa Rabanales became curious about what secrets the sewage system might be hiding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 63-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,255 on turnover of $4.6-billion N-T. Foreign Minister Arrives in Guatemala on Five Allies Trip Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is now in Guatemala on the leg of his 11-day trip to five of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is Lin's first overseas trip since he took office in May. Taking to Facebook, Lin said he and his wife, together with a governmental delegation, were welcomed by Guatemala's vice foreign minister on their arrival at Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Lin will be meeting with President Bernardo Arevalo and Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez during his stay in Guatemala. According to the foreign ministry, President Lai Ching-te has appointed Lin as a special envoy (使者) to represent his government at celebrations to mark the 45th Independence Day of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Lin is also scheduled to visit Saint Lucia, Belize, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. He is scheduled to return to Taiwan on November 2. ICC Reports Mongolia for Failure to Arrest Putin A panel of judges at the International Criminal Court has reported Mongolia to the court's oversight organization for failing to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin when he visited the Asian nation last month. Putin's visit was his first to a member state of the court since it issued an arrest warrant for him last year on war crimes charges, accusing him of personal responsibility for the abductions (綁架) of children from Ukraine. Russia is not a member of the court and the Kremlin has rejected the charges. The court said in a statement that its member states are "duty-bound to arrest and surrender individuals subject to ICC warrants, regardless of official position or nationality.” What the assembly will now do remains unclear. While Putin was in Mongolia, a court said that the organization that is made up of all 124 of the court's member states can “take any measure it deems appropriate.” UN: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Out of Control A new United Nations report suggests that annual greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time high. The UN Environment Programme says urgent action must be taken to prevent catastrophic (災難性的) spikes in temperature and avoid the worst impact of climate change. Jody Jacobs has more from the United Nations in New York… Canada to Cut New Immigrant Targets Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada will significantly reduce the number of new immigrants in the country after acknowledging his government failed to get the balance right coming out of the pandemic. Trudeau's Liberal government had targeted bringing in 500-thousand new permanent residents in both 2025 and 2026. Trudeau now says next year's target will be 395-thousand new permanent residents, which will continue to fall in 2026 and 2027. Trudeau says immigration is essential for Canada's future but it must be controlled and it must be sustainable (可持續的). The country's immigration minister says the lower immigration numbers will help with the housing shortage in the country. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 高雄美術特區2-4房全新落成，《惟美術》輕軌C22站散步即到家，近鄰青海商圈，卡位明星學區，徜徉萬坪綠海。 住近美術館，擁抱優雅日常，盡現驕傲風範！美術東四路X青海路 07-553-3838 -- 《遇見，預見 》 Podcast 第三季重磅回歸！每週一 、五更新，一起制定人生實用策略。 由知性主持人曾寶儀與 8 位知名來賓，攜手大學生，透過分享一個又一個真實且深刻的故事，一起及早規劃，與世界告別的那一天，不留遺憾 。 https://apple.co/3NE81Ji 衛生福利部 廣告

This week James updated us on his recent work in Guatemala City, and spoke on Acts 8 and how we can learn from Philip how to share the good news of Jesus.

When gunmen ambushed a Mexican-Chinese businessman outside his Guatemala City casino in 2016, few outside the DEA paid much attention. But the shootout presaged the downfall of a man who, feds would later say, hadn't just made a tidy living out of money laundering, but pioneered it. But Xizhi Li, who grew up in the border town of Mexicali, was just one of a new army of Chinese money launderers who, tooled with millennia of underground banking skills, and China's own economic policies, have become the go-to guys for Latin American cartels looking to wash their dirty cash. And with fentanyl flooding America's streets, their work is becoming deadlier by the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, twenty-three lecturers in the highly successful Creative Writing program at Stanford were summoned to a Zoom meeting where they were first praised, and then summarily fired. One of the most surprising aspects of this purge is the fact that it was carried out not by top-tier university administrators, but by tenure-track faculty in the program. It was they who decided to brutally terminate their colleagues. On today's show we speak with two of the lecturers who have been told they will leave Stanford in nine months, and one of their students, a published novelist. They explain the devastating nature of this act and share statistics and histories that show this was not at all necessary.  Expediency for senior faculty trumped the survival of a carefully developed and nurtured community of creative writers.Here is the link to a petition we urge our listeners to sign and share as widely as possible to support this program, and these talented and devoted teachers.Sarah Frisch is a former Wallace Stegner Fellow and current Lecturer in Stanford's Creative Writing Program. Her work has been published in The Paris Review, the VQR, and The New England Review. She's won a Pushcart Prize and an Elizabeth George Foundation Grant for fiction and has been a finalist for the National Magazine Award. She holds an MFA in Fiction from Washington University in St. Louis.Malavika Kannan is a queer fiction writer who graduated from Stanford University in 2024 with a minor in Creative Writing, where she served as the Creative Writing peer advisor. Her work appears in Washington Post, Teen Vogue, and elsewhere and her YA novel was published by Little & Brown in 2023. From the Chappell-Lougee and Major Grants to the IDA fellowship and the Honors in the Arts program, Malavika feels thankful for the many opportunities at Stanford to nurture her craft and all the people who supported her. Malavika feels very grateful to her mentor Nina Schloesser Tarano, a Jones Lecturer, for all her support. Nina Schloesser Tárano was born and grew up in Guatemala City. She received her MFA from Columbia University. Her work has appeared in Fence and The New Inquiry Magazine. She was a Wallace Stegner Fellow in Fiction 2010-2012, and has been a lecturer in the Stanford Creative Writing Program since 2012

One of my greatest quiet joys is cooking from a well-written cookbook on a weekend night, music on the bluetooth and new scents and tastes filling the kitchen. My favorite cookbook that I've cooked from this year is Latinisimo: Home Recipes from the Twenty-One Country of Latin America by Sandra Gutierrez. Sweeping in its scope, it is an encyclopedia of the home cooking of Latin America today, and each of the hundreds of recipes is approachable and very doable for a cook like me. I'm not surprised. Sandra -- who grew up in Guatemala City but has lived in Cary, NC for decades -- is the former food editor of the Cary News, an historian, professional cooking instructor, and author of four cookbooks, including this latest. She is considered one of the top national experts on Latin American foodways, and she has a heart for the home cook. Sandra has been awarded the Les Dames D'Escoffier M. F. K Fisher Grand Prize Award for Excellence in Food Writing, and her work has been recognized as part of the permanent FOOD exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.  Other episodes you might enjoy:  Southern Fork Sustenance: Talking Cookbooks and Editor Judith Jones with Author Sara Franklin Diego Campos: CAMP, Modern American Eatery (Greenville, SC)  

Pablo Díaz is the chef and owner of the restaurants Mercado 24 and Dora La Tostadora in Guatemala City, Guatemala. His restaurants have never been about tasting menus or getting rankings but serving good food using the best ingredients at fairly reasonable prices. He has been one of the driving forces in Guatemala's modern culinary movement, helping small farmers and artisan fishermen connect with restaurants in the city in a fair way, while also changing the perception of diners of the quality of local ingredients.I first met Pablo in 2018 in Guate. It was my first time back in the country in years and it was just a quick stopover for a few days and it opened my eyes to how much was going on there at every level, from street food and markets to fine dining restaurants. I went with Diego Telles of the wonderful fine dining restaurant Flor de Lis on an intense whirlwind tour around the city and there was one very unlikely restaurant that stood out called Dora La Tostadora. It was a tostada shop, set in an old shoe store. I ended up writing about it for The New York Times and it was maybe one of my favorite restaurant stories I ever wrote there.There were just a couple of sidewalk seats and a sort of thrown together interior. “Inside the former shoe store are just a few wooden tables and a two-stool counter that's lined with a dozen or so bottles of different hot sauces,” I wrote. “The décor has a haphazard, thrown-together feel: Christmas lights, a poster of the ruins of Tikal on the wall, a cartoon cutout of Dora the Explorer, the tiny restaurant's namesake.”The restaurant began as a pop-up months before while his market driven restaurant Mercado 24 was in the process of moving locations and his staff still needed a job. I absolutely love tostadas, maybe even more than tacos, and these were some of the best I ever had. They had the absolutely right combination and proportions of proteins like fish and beef tongue with different herbs, oils and spices on a crispy tortilla. They moved to a larger location, and more recently into an even larger location, but it began with such a simple idea that makes so much sense, as does Mercado 24. Pablo's restaurants are creative and cool, but they aren't flashy. There are no tasting menus and he's not doing what he does for international appeal. He has been doing it for his community and after 10 years you can see the impact it has had.READ MORE AT NEW WORLDER.

Sofia Quintanilla is a theological educator in Guatemala who received her PhD with support from Langham. Originally from Costa Rica, Sofia now teaches at Central American Theological Seminary in Guatemala City. In her conversation with Chris, she shares about some of the major challenges facing the church in Latin America, the unique path that brought her to theological education, and a powerful, personal story about adoption, and how God used her own experience to inspire her PhD dissertation topic.

Creamos is a non-profit organization working to support the community surrounding Guatemala City's garbage dump in achieving economic self-determination.The organization was awarded the 2024 George W. Bush Institute Citation for its impactful work in its community and for inspiring others to take action to solve today's most pressing challenges.Executive Director of Creamos Hannah Sklar joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Laura Collins at the 2024 Forum on Leadership where she discussed the impacts of gender-based violence, the importance of mental health, and the work of Creamos.Hear more from Hannah on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content:CreamosMi eelo2024 Forum on Leadership

GOOD EVENING. The show begins in Kyiv, looking for long-range strike missiles to use against Russian logistic targets and infrastructure.  Then to Moscow, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and California. Next, to Gaza, Cairo, Jerusalem, Tehran, London, and The Hague. Moving to Mexico City, Caracas, Buenos Aires, Guatemala City, Lima, Havana, Tokyo, New Caledonia, the Solomons, and Papua New Guinea. 1906 Rudyard Kipling

Jacob E. Brubaker's vision of establishing a Mennonite mission in Guatemala came to fruition in 1967, with efforts concentrated in the Alta Verapaz Province and Guatemala City. The mission, a collaborative effort between the EMM and the Washington-Franklin County Conference, aimed to address the spiritual needs of the Kekchi Mayans, who lacked gospel access. Initial investigation highlighted the necessity of starting in both rural and urban settings to maintain connections with community members moving to cities for better prospects.

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan leads us through highlights from his trip to Guatemala—museums of Guatemala City, the pyramids (and howler monkeys!) of Tikal National Park, Antigua volcano hikes, and the part-devil/part-saint of Lake Atitlan. Plus, LOTS OF GORY CATHOLIC STUFF! Things we talk about in this week's episode: The Rick Steves Guide to Life https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/04/29/rick-steves-home-partner-philanthropy-washington/ US State Department Guatemala Safety Information https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Guatemala.html   Brief History of Guatemala's complicated political history and civil war https://cja.org/where-we-work/guatemala/   Palacio Nacional de la Cultura https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Palace_(Guatemala)  Museo Ixchel https://museoixchel.org/en/museo-ixchel-english/  Museo Miraflores https://www.museomiraflores.org.gt/  Museo Nacional de Arqueologia y Etnologia https://sig.muniguate.com/proyectosDIGM/cultura/museos/MUSEOS/Arqueolog%C3%ADa%20y%20Etnolog%C3%ADa.html  Tikal National Park https://www.tikalnationalpark.org/  Antigua https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_Guatemala  Santa Catalina Archi https://theculturetrip.com/central-america/guatemala/articles/a-brief-history-of-antiguas-santa-catalina-arch  Convento de las Capuchinas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_y_Convento_de_las_Capuchinas,_Antigua_Guatemala  Efrain Recinos sculpture park https://intothearmsofamerica.com/destinations/guatemala/antigua/the-little-museum-up-in-the-antigua-hills/  Lake Atitlan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Atitl%C3%A1n Maximon https://atitlanliving.com/guatemala-travel-information/how-to-visit-a-cofradia-in-santiago/  Michelin Star Analysis https://www.chefspencil.com/michelin-dining-costs-analysis/  Your iPhone's Hidden Noise Machine https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/iphone-tips-tricks/   

GOOD EVENING: The show begins in Ukraine and th pause while Russia builds up for the big push to Ukraine and beyond. Then to Gaza and the pause while Hamas , I am told, reinforces through tunnels into Sina. To Beijing and qstions for Tim Cook and other executives at risk with a China disorder. To Budapest Hungary where Victor Orban is under scrutiny. To Boca Chica for Musk plans to put 200 tons to low Earth Orbit. To the ESA for dreams of a Mars rover Franklin. To Quito, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Guatemala City. To Albi in France, to Milano and Moscow. To Seoul and Buenos Aires. 1927 Italia Claude comments: 1. Ukraine: The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing, with concerns about a potential escalation. Russia's military buildup along the Ukrainian border has raised tensions and fears of a larger-scale invasion. 2. Gaza: The situation in Gaza remains complex, with the militant group Hamas allegedly reinforcing its presence through tunnels into the Sinai Peninsula. This could potentially lead to further conflict with Israel. 3. Beijing: Apple CEO Tim Cook and other executives are facing challenges in China due to geopolitical tensions and potential regulatory issues. China's economic and political landscape is creating uncertainty for foreign companies operating there. 4. Budapest: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has faced criticism from the European Union and others for his government's policies, which some view as undermining democratic institutions and the rule of law. 5. Boca Chica: Elon Musk's SpaceX is working on ambitious plans to send large payloads to low Earth orbit from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. This could have significant implications for space exploration and satellite deployment. 6. ESA's Mars Rover: The European Space Agency (ESA) is planning a Mars rover mission named after Rosalind Franklin, a pioneering scientist. This mission aims to search for signs of past life on Mars and advance our understanding of the planet's geology and habitability. 7. Various cities: You mentioned several cities across Latin America (Quito, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Guatemala City), Europe (Albi in France, Milan, Moscow), and Asia (Seoul). Each of these places likely has its own set of political, economic, and social developments that are worth monitoring. These events and developments highlight the complex and interconnected nature of global affairs, with significant implications for geopolitics, technology, space exploration, and regional stability. It's important to stay informed about these issues and consider their potential impacts on the world stage.

Today's show opens with our typical Friday format, a look through Tara Bull's Top 10 News items the Legacy/mainstream media likely didn't cover for you this week. Or, if they did, they likely glossed over it. Next we dive into a topic I have been warning my audience about for well over 20 years. The normalization of pedophilia has been a slow boil, but the Left has decided to ramp it up even more in the last few years. We have to stop this depravity from being accepted as healthy and natural. It's incredible to me that the Democrat leadership will fight tooth and nail for the rights of the pedophile, while completely ignoring the life of the innocent child. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the walking male member with eyebrows, was in Guatemala City, Guatemala, apologizing for what the state of Texas has been doing lately to protect the border. It's unfathomable to me that he is telling people in a foreign country that he is doing all he can to fight Texas so the border can be reopened. Breaking yesterday from a story in Forbes and discussed on Fox Business, it seems the DOJ has been asking Google to provide information on people who viewed certain videos on YouTube. This is unconstitutional and it's terrifying and it seems to be happening every day. And they are definitely getting information because now it seems the FBI has gotten into the habit of going door-to-door to police what people are posting on social media. A woman from Oklahoma City filmed three agents who wanted to discuss her Facebook posts. When asked they say this is something they do every single day. Isn't it nice to know the government's best crime investigative unit is more interested in policing social media posts rather than going after actual criminals. And they know they are not supposed to be doing what they are doing, but they are doing it anyway. How do we know that? Because of a new bit of information Elon Musk just dropped on the Texas Lindsay Show. Remember that portal that was discussed in the Twitter Files that allowed the government to have direct access to the back-end engineers so they could send requests for content removal and account banning? It seems that portal also erased any of those communications after a two-week timer. This is against the law per FOIA. Onto just how bad the economy is. Peter St. Onge, Ph.D has been looking at the numbers and the debt of our nation is staggering. It's so bad that he said the only thing keeping us afloat is the myth that the United States can eventually pay back it's debts. But, if those debts start being called in, we could see a crash far worse than what happened in 2008. In a Fox News poll, when asked to name Biden's top accomplishments, the highest answer at 38% was “Nothing.” Ironically, had Biden done nothing, we'd be better off. Instead, we know he reversed all of the policies that were America First, replacing them with America Last. Finally, we end on a funny meme about how a headline might read if it were around in the time of Jesus. It's important to keep the story of Holy Week in mind. Today is Good Friday and a reminder that people in fear of losing their power decided to put a man to death in a brutal an inhumane way. While we all go through trying times, we need to remember the whole of the story. As dark as it was, he rose from the dead and shone a light upon the world. Never lose the message of what this week means to all of us. Take a moment to rate and review the show and then share the episode on social media. You can find me on Facebook, X, Instagram, GETTR and TRUTH Social by searching for The Alan Sanders Show. You can also support the show by visiting my Patreon page!

GOOD EVENiNG: The show begins at Kfar Aza kibbutz in Israel, where the survivors of October 7 begin the rebuilding. Then to Tel Aviv.  To SOU with Cliff May; to Oakistan borderland with Arif Rafiq.  To Gaza, to Phonecian Tyre, to Melbourne.  To Yemen and the new emir of AQAP, to Kabul and the Taliban.  To Central Asia, to Moscow, to Brasilia, Lima, El Paso, Caracas, Buenos Aires, Guatemala City. 1928 Brazil

Note: This episode contains content about trauma. Listener discretion is advised.The path toward hope and healing is often charted through pain, suffering, loss, and grief.Coming from two decades spent studying post-traumatic stress disorder, researcher and clinical psychologist Dr. Cynthia Eriksson Cynthia has worked with individuals and communities in the wake of major tragedy. Her psychological and spiritual perspectives emerge from first hand experience with Cambodian children exposed to the atrocities of war, Ugandan refugees, Haitian victims of earthquake catastrophe and infrastructure collapse, or at home in Pasadena tending to frontline workers who are often left burned out and traumatized from relief work.Cynthia Eriksson discusses how to pursue resilience and recovery by reflecting on the role of faith and spirituality; habits and rhythms of life; and relationships and community.How should we understand the difference between resilience and thriving?Resilience focuses on the adaptive capacities that people need to bounce back from trauma, creating the capacity to bounce back, and the skills to increase one's ability and agility to recover. Whereas thriving refers to adaptive growth through adversity, trauma, challenges, and opportunities, all the while in pursuit of one's purpose.Both resilience and thriving recognize the complexities of life, and both affirm and require the actualization of human agency.In this conversation with Cynthia Eriksson, we discuss:How leaders and helpers and caretakers can identify trauma in themselves, and come to recognize, accept, and respond.The importance of paying attention to our brains, bodies, and environment.The 5 R's of resilience to trauma and recovery from trauma.Spiritual responses to suffering and pain—which can often result in incredibly profound experiences with God—and this includes expressing anger at God within a struggle.And practically, we talk about how to deal with avoidance, defensiveness, and blaming others or ourselves—basically, the potentially destructive nature of coping mechanisms.And we close with a beautiful grounding practice that connects us all to our bodies and emotions, to engage trauma, and stay on the path to thriving.Show NotesResource: "Thriving through Trauma: Five R's for Resilience and Recovery" (via thethrivecenter.org)Resource: "Practice: The Five R's of Resilience and Recovery" (via thethrivecenter.org)Resilience versus thriving—what's the difference?What is trauma? A threat to existence.Extending from trauma to suffering and helping other people build resilience and recoverCynthia Eriksson's personal experience of trauma (and not realizing it)Problem solving and seeking control as a coping mechanism and defense against acknowledging and dealing with traumaDissociationExperiencing trauma is not the same thing as being traumatizedFight, flight, freeze, or fawn (”tend and befriend”)The symptoms of trauma and areas of disruptionWhat happens in our bodiesWhat happens in our minds (thinking)What happens in our relationshipsWhat happens in our sense of meaning, justice, and making sense of the worldResilience“What are some of the things that we can all do that help us to build some muscles when it comes to navigating life's suffering?Resilience as a skill everyone can cultivate through personal growth, rather than a static trait“Neurons that fire together wire together.”The Five R's of Resilience Regulation: bodies and emotions Reflection and Right Thinking: truth and factual acceptance Relationships: community, connection, friendship, and support Respite and Rest: disengagement and Sabbath healing Reason: meaning and transcendenceHow to deal with big, overwhelming feelings in the wake of trauma.Grounding and settling practices: feeling where you are. “I'm here now, and I'm safe.”Lament as a healthy spiritual response to traumaAnger at and with GodSpiritual practice of lamentAsking a hard question of God: “Why aren't you here, God?”Lament and anger at God as a practice to stay in relationship with God“There's this tension of: “If I show up for God, will God show up for me?”Orienting to the pain and suffering of others: “How do I show up for the people that are around me who are in pain what does it mean for me to actually open myself up to the pain of others and stay present?”“Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.” (Micah 6:8)Coping mechanisms: substances, shopping, Netflix, avoidanceUnhealthy responses to trauma-based emotion: the dangers of replaying, ruminating, and regrettingRumination is not a constructive processing.What kind of grace can I show myself?Book: Resmaa Menakem, My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and BodiesBook: Lisa Najavits, Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance AbuseGuided meditative practice: GroundingExplaining the science behind Grounding PracticesPractical ways to get helpBook: Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Braim, Mind, and Body in the Healing of TraumaBook: Judith Herman, Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—from Domestic Abuse to Political TerrorBook: Resmaa Menakem, My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and BodiesNational Child Traumatic Stress Network (currently under website maintenance as of March 4, 2024; contact helpdesk at help@nctsn.org or in an emergency, dial 911)National Center for PTSDCynthia Eriksson on What is thriving?Joy and FreedomPam King's Key TakeawaysA life of thriving on purpose actually includes pain and sadness. A history of trauma is not a disqualification from thriving.Coping strategies are tricky. They tempt us towards avoidance, defensiveness, defensiveness, substance abuse, blaming, and self judgment. Our goal is not coping. Our goal must be thriving.Lots of R's here, but regulation, reflection, right thinking, relationships, respite, and rest, and reason are core components to developing resilience and enacting recovery.It's okay to be angry at God, and it helps to tell God that's actually the case.We can find emotional grounding and regulation through intentionally enhancing a deep connection between our bodies and minds.And the path to thriving is often one where our minds need to follow our bodies and all their glorious complexity.For more information about resilience recovery, org. In Cynthia Erickson's framework of five hours, visit our website at thethrivecenter.org.About Cynthia ErikssonCynthia Eriksson is Dean of the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy, and is a Professor of Psychology in the Clinical Psychology Department.Her research is particularly focused on the needs of cross-cultural aid for mission workers, as well as the interaction of trauma and spirituality. This work has included trauma training, research, and consultation in Monrovia, Liberia; Kobe, Japan; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Gulu, Uganda; and Amman, Jordan.Eriksson also collaborated with colleagues in the US, Europe, and Africa on a longitudinal research project on stress in humanitarian aid workers funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. She also participates in the Headington Program in International Trauma at Fuller.She has completed research on risk and resilience, exposure to stress, and spiritual development in urban youth workers funded by the Fuller Youth Institute.Eriksson and her students are currently exploring the intersection of cultural humility and culturally-embedded resilience practices through collaborations with ministry agencies and Fuller colleague Alexia Salvatierra. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking. About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

BEBBO emerges as the latest sensation from Guatemala City's underground scene. A youthful and adept dance lover, he meticulously crafts his performances, emphasizing robust rhythms and enchanting melodies infused with boundless energy and seamless harmony; his shows effortlessly enthrall even the most discerning audiences worldwide. 01. BEBBO - Reflections 02. Daniel Rateuke - Maroona 03. Motip White - What Do You Want To Say (Gespona & Djolee Remix)  04. Alexic Rod - Marabu 05. Meera - Telefon 06. Djolee, Gespona - Malabares  07. Space Motion - Requiem for a Dream (2024 Remake)  08. Agustin Giri & Djolee - Lost in Thoughts  09. Everything Counts - Sphere Of Influence  010. Tayllor - My Neck, My Back  011. Maz, Antdot, Jessica Gaspar - Brisa 012. Cioz - Dancing In The Night - (Lucky Shot Mix)


Guatemala's new president Bernardo Arévalo was inaugurated on January 14. But it did not come off without a hitch. Outgoing opposition lawmakers did their best to try to stymie the swearing-in of Arévalo and some of his party members. Arévalo's supporters rallied in Guatemala City. As we looked at in Episode 2, Bernardo Arévalo is the son of Guatemala's first democratic leader Juan José Arévalo, who ushered in the Guatemalan Spring. Bernardo Arévalo has promised to lift Guatemala once again, but… even after winning the election, he faced constant legal maneuvers, led by the attorney general, that aimed to overturn the results and block his inauguration.In this update to our reporting on Guatemala, host Michael Fox speaks with political scientist Jo-Marie Burt. She was on the ground in Guatemala City for Arévalo's inauguration. In this update, she takes us there, and looks at what it means for Arévalo's incoming government.Under the Shadow is a new investigative narrative podcast series that walks back in time, to tell the story of the past by visiting momentous places in the present. In each episode, host Michael Fox takes us to a location where something historic happened — a landmark of revolutionary struggle or foreign intervention. Today, it might look like a random street corner, a church, a mall, a monument or a museum. But every place he takes us was once the site of history-making events that shook countries, impacted lives, and left deep marks on the world.Hosted by Latin America-based journalist Michael Fox.This podcast is produced in partnership between The Real News Network and NACLA.Guests: Jo-Marie BurtEdited by Heather Gies and Maximillian Alvarez.Sound design by Gustavo Türck.Theme music by Monte Perdido. Other music from Blue Dot Sessions.Follow and support journalist Michael Fox or Under the Shadow at https://www.patreon.com/mfox

Guatemala's new president Bernardo Arévalo was inaugurated on January 14. But it did not come off without a hitch. Outgoing opposition lawmakers did their best to try to stymie the swearing-in of Arévalo and some of his party members. Arévalo's supporters rallied in Guatemala City.  As we looked at in Episode 2, Bernardo Arévalo is the son of Guatemala's first democratic leader Juan José Arévalo, who ushered in the Guatemalan Spring. Bernardo Arévalo has promised to lift Guatemala once again, but… even after winning the election, he faced constant legal maneuvers, led by the attorney general, that aimed to overturn the results and block his inauguration.In this update to our reporting on Guatemala, host Michael Fox speaks with political scientist Jo-Marie Burt. She was on the ground in Guatemala City for Arévalo's inauguration. In this update, she takes us there, and looks at what it means for Arévalo's incoming government.Under the Shadow is a new investigative narrative podcast series that walks back in time, to tell the story of the past by visiting momentous places in the present. In each episode, host Michael Fox takes us to a location where something historic happened — a landmark of revolutionary struggle or foreign intervention. Today, it might look like a random street corner, a church, a mall, a monument or a museum. But every place he takes us was once the site of history-making events that shook countries, impacted lives, and left deep marks on the world.Hosted by Latin America-based journalist Michael Fox.This podcast is produced in partnership between The Real News Network and NACLA.Guests: Jo-Marie BurtEdited by Heather Gies.Sound design by Gustavo Türck.Theme music by Monte Perdido. Other music from Blue Dot Sessions.Follow and support journalist Michael Fox or Under the Shadow at https://www.patreon.com/mfoxRead NACLA: nacla.orgSupport NACLA: nacla.org/donateFollow NACLA on X: https://twitter.com/NACLA

TONIGHT: The show begins in Gaza with information from Seth Frantzman of FDD and the JPOST. Then to Lebanon and watching for the War in the North to explode.  To Pakistan and Iran fir the exchange of missiles directed at the mud huts of the most poor Baluch. To Cairo, to London, to Yemen. To North Korea, to the tunnels of North Korea reproduced in Lebanon and Gaza. To Tehran and to Sana'a.  Then Brasilia, Guatemala City, San Salvador, Beunos Aires and the success of Javier so far. 1899 Argentina

TONIGHT: The show begins in the Red Sea basin where the Houthis are making war on the economy of the continents, disrupting the supply chain, raising costs, that will drag on for months is the supposition as the US continues to salvo at the Houthis launch sites. Then to memory of the Gulf War 1990-91 with Jeff McCausland, who led 3rd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery, Second Armor Cavalry Division, 7th Corps, against the Iraqi army.  To Taiwan, to Beijing, to Pyongyang.  To Quito, Guatemala City, San Salvador, Managua.  To Brasilia, to Buenos Aires and Davos.  And much attention why the Starship/Superheavy Test#2 failed to reach orbit, and to the last hours of the rivate Moon Lander probe Peregrine. https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/elon-musks-employee-update-released-january-12th/ 2016 Crossing of the Red Sea

#NewWorldReport: Guatemala awaits Arevalo.  Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @revanellis #NewWorldReportEllis https://apnews.com/article/bernardo-arevalo-guatemala-president-cabinet-election-29f8606f4880ca44d5ce74e2af22a462 1940 Guatemala City

TONIGHT: The show begins in California's San Joaquin Valley with Classicist Victor davis Hanson speaking of the cultural chaos these last years as a product of a confusing policy called DEI. Then to Moscow to hear of the Kremlin's campaign to encourage births.. To California to observe the Covid-19 spike with the Omicron variant JN.1.  To Taipei, Taiwan, to Seoul, Korea, to Washington DC, all watching the Taiwan Election in a few hours.  To Quito, Ecuador, to Brasilia, Brazil, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Guatemala City, Guatemala.  Then to Occitanie, France to celebrate 25 years of the Europ. To Boca Chica to battle with the NLRB. 1860 Visalia, California in the San Joaquin Valley

#NewWorldReport:  Guatemala transition remains in question by the Jurisdocracy.  Joseph Humire @JMHumire @SecureFreeSoc. Ernesto Araujo, Former Foreign Minister Republic of Brazil. #NewWorldReportHumire https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2024/01/05/guatemala-arevalo-transition-democracy/ 1940 Guatemala City

When Martin Mayorga first entered the coffee industry it was not as someone whose singular passion was the product, but the people and communities behind it that were unseen and more often that not, unrewarded for their work. He had and still has a mission to address this disparity. Born in Guatemala City to a Nicaraguan father and a Peruvian mother, Martin's early life was a mosaic of Latin American cultures and unique challenges, including losing everything to an earthquake in Guatemala and then again to a revolution in Nicaragua. This journey from Guatemala to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Peru, and finally the United States exposed him to a variety of perspectives and challenges faced by people across these regions while eventually providing him the opportunities unique to the United States Returning to Nicaragua at 18, Martin was confronted with the harsh realities faced by local farmers and their communities. This experience was pivotal, shaping his mission to uplift Latin American communities through sustainable business practices. Leveraging his education in International Business and Finance from Georgetown University, Martin embarked on a journey to make a positive impact for farmers in Latin Americas well as consumers in the United States.  Under Martin's leadership, Mayorga Organics has become more than a coffee company; it's a symbol of hope and empowerment for over 6,000 small farmers across 10 Latin American countries. The company's commitment to organic farming and direct relationships with farmers has not only improved the lives of these communities but also helped to transform consumer perception of ethical consumption in the U.S. Today we will be challenged, enlightened, and inspired as we get to explore the arc of Martin's journey and discuss the various critical components of what has gone into the mission that continues to guide Mayorga Coffee and more broadly Mayorga Organics- "To eliminate systemic poverty in Latin America through responsible trade of artisanal organic foods." Here are just some of the things we cover:  Martin's entry into the coffee industry Pivotal moments in Martins diverse upbringing that shapes his world view Values and vision for addressing the gap between consumer and farmer Why we need scale to make impact Being patient and steady in your goals in spite of naysayers  Giving regular coffee farmers options Competition and collaboration vs domination Considering the impact of investors on the long-term efficacy of a business  What to do now to make a difference in the future Links: www.mayorgacoffee.com @mayorgacoffee on Instagram  YouTube Video on Mayorga Coffee Related episodes:  Sustainability Series #1 : The Farm 294 : At Origin Roasting Revolution w/ Luis Fernando, founder of Amor Perfecto! 265 : Gaining Clarity on Transparency w/ Jonas Lorenz of The Pledge 060 : Serving the Coffee Plant w/ Hanna Neuschwander, World Coffee Research COVID-19 Focus: Perspective form Burundi w/ Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian, JNP Coffee 335: A Better Business Model for Coffee Farmers w/ Thaleon Tremain of Pachamama Coffee 447: Understanding the Business of Coffee w/ Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood Hire Keys to the Shop Consulting to work with you 1:1 to transform your coffee shop operations, quality, and people. Custom consulting for your unique business. Schedule a free discovery call now! https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   Thank you to our amazing sponsors! Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee   The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

  Amanda's passion for real estate began at the age of 19 when she purchased her first investment property while attending college. A graduate of Montclair State University, and former Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager, she leveraged that experience & knowledge as the foundation for her real estate career.   In Amanda's first full year as a real estate agent, she successfully closed over 20 million dollars in real estate transactions, earning the NJ Realtor Circle of Excellence Platinum Award. She has been featured on the cover of Top Agent Magazine and NJ Monthly Magazine as a Rising Star Real Estate Agent. She was named top 10 most active Real Estate Agents by Property Spark for the last 6 years, and was awarded a scholarship by the National Association of Home Builders for her work in the industry. To date, she has closed hundreds of transactions, totalling over $150,000,000 in sales.   Amanda sells commercial and residential real estate throughout NJ, with partners around the world. Her specialty is in working with home builders and buyer looking to purchase new construction. Living in NJ all of her life, and a former commuter, she is an expert on NYC Suburbs and transit into NYC.    Additionally, Amanda has personally purchased and renovated several properties, which has deepened her understanding of construction best practices, value added features/design, and creative financing solutions. As a result, she is a trusted life long resource for her clients, educating and connecting them even after the sale process.     Amanda is a Certified Crypto Agent, as well as a Keller Williams Sports & Entertainment certified agent. She has represented various athletes and celebrities throughout NJ. In addition to being a member of BNI, she is also a member of Park Ave Club, Executives Association of NJ, Fortunebuilders, Scott Scheel's Commercial Academy, and Tony Robbins Platinum Mastery.     When not selling real estate, Amanda's passions extend to food, faith, travel, and philanthropy. A portion of every sale goes back to non-profit efforts, including support for "Housing with Hope", a local organization that provides housing assistance to low income seniors, and"Potter's House", an international organization supporting housing and faith based services for a community in Guatemala City's trash dump living in extreme poverty.   IG: Amanda Nadia Abdelsayed| Real Estate Sales Expert (@iam_amandanadia) • Instagram photos and videos

TONIGHT: The show begins in the Federal Reserve building in DC then moves to the Biden re-election. From London to Havana ;from Guatemala City to Lima; from Brasilia to Mexico City, from Buenos Aires to sierra Leone and West Africa. Much attention to the Ukraine-wavering EU/NATO voices of Central Europe; and to the same doubts in the US Congress. And asking if the Federal workforce will return to the office? 1915 J.P. Morgan headquarters. CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9-915 #Markets:  Gasoline spiking as directed by Riyadh and Moscow.   Liz Peek The Hill. Fox News and Fox Business https://on.ft.com/45X6sxL https://www.ocregister.com/2023/09/18/la-area-gas-prices-rise-52-times-in-57-days/ 915-930 #Markets:  Loyal doubts about POTUS re-election.  Liz Peek The Hill. Fox News and Fox Business https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2023/09/13/david_ignatius_biden_should_not_run_again_in_2024_were_running_out_of_time_to_find_a_replacement.html 930-945 #LondonCalling:  In case of another 2008 credit event. @JosephSternberg @WSJOpinion https://www.wsj.com/articles/if-the-economy-collapses-do-you-back-biden-or-trump-for-2024-politics-election-president-voters-738939bb?st=syyyhgfzrsh1sj5&reflink=article_gmail_share 945-1000 ##LondonCalling:  John Bull turns away from the EV aspiration.  @JosephSternberg @WSJOpinion https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a49a7e16-5659-11ee-aed5-2d6419a1ef3d?shareToken=200ccf11c0903b8c7fa0234eff95c862 SECOND HOUR 10-1015 #NewWorldReport: G-77 meeting at Havana. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @revanellis #NewWorldReportEllis https://www.reuters.com/world/un-secretary-general-calls-equality-global-south-cuba-g77-summit-2023-09-15/ 1015-1030 #NewWorldReport:  Guatemala election interrupted; Peru disrupted by crime. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @revanellis #NewWorldReportEllis https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-calls-end-intimidation-efforts-guatemala-ahead-presidential-transition-2023-09-19/ https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/peru-declares-state-emergency-parts-capital-after-crime-spike-2023-09-18/ 1030-1045#NewWorldReport: The Hiollywood inspired mummy at the Mexico City. Congress Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @revanellis #NewWorldReportEllis https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/close-encounter-with-alien-bodies-mexico-2023-09-16/ 1045-1100 #NewWorldReport: Libertarian over Buenes Aires!  Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @revanellis #NewWorldReportEllis https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/wielding-chainsaw-huge-dollar-bill-argentine-radical-taps-into-voter-fury-2023-09-15/ THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 #SierraLeone: After the successful election/coup, President Bio Comes to America. Gregory Copley, Defense & Foreign Affairs https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/09/s-leone-president-says-us-pressured-him-to-interfere-in-vote/ 1115-1130 #Ukraine: Lord Michael Ashcroft reports the futility of the counter offensive, 75 meters at a time. Gregory Copley, Defense & Foreign Affairs https://www.lordashcroft.com/2023/09/on-the-front-line-with-the-drone-war-warriors/ 1130-1145 #Australia: Migrants without resources, skills or languages burden governments world wide. Gregory Copley, Defense & Foreign Affairs  1145-1200 #KingCharlesReport: Prince of Wales in waders in the Long Island Sound. Gregory Copley, Defense & Foreign Affairs https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/09/18/prince-william-earthshot-prize-un-assembly-new-york/ FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 #EU: #Slovakia:#Germany:  What's in it for us? Judy Dempsey, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Editor-in-Chief: Strategic Europe, in Berlin. https://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/90555 1215-1230 #France: #ECOWAS: #Niger:  The violent remains of the French colonial empire. Judy Dempsey, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Editor-in-Chief: Strategic Europe, in Berlin. https://www.politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-new-france-africa-policy-reduce-troops/ 1230-1245 #Ukraine: Zelensky beseeches s doubtful Congress for more of everything and money.  Cliff May, @FDD Press https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/18/world/europe/zelensky-ukraine-defense-shakeup.html 1245-100 am DC: Back to the office not so much. Francis Rose #Fedgovtoday.com https://fedgovtoday.com/2023/09/13/3537/

Dr. W. David O. Taylor joined the Fuller faculty in 2014. Prior to his appointment at Fuller, Dr. Taylor served as a pastor for ten years in Austin, Texas. Born and raised in Guatemala City, he has lectured widely on the arts in both academic and popular settings, from Thailand to South Africa. Taylor is the author of many books in the field of theology, culture, and the arts; his most recent book is A Body of Praise: Understanding the Role of Our Physical Bodies in Worship (Baker Academic, 2023), which forms the foundation for our conversation, after we discuss the short time he spent with Bono.

Mark Twain once said, “Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do the day after tomorrow.” As an antidote to that Ralph welcomes Professor Piers Steel, author of “The Procrastination Equation: How to Stop Putting Things Off and Start Getting Stuff Done.” Plus, Ralph urges listeners to sign up for The Capitol Hill Citizen Association, another way to organize citizens to put pressure on the branch of our government where things must get done, the United States Congress.  Dr. Piers Steel is one of the world's leading researchers and speakers on the science of motivation and procrastination. Dr. Steel is a professor in the Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources area at the University of Calgary, and is the Brookfield Research Chair at the Haskayne School of Business. He is the author of The Procrastination Equation: How to Stop Putting Things Off and Start Getting Stuff Done.The root of procrastination is impulsiveness. Impulsiveness is valuing the now more than the later… We're designed to value the now. And this was really adaptive for a long time. It's not a bad trait. It's just that we've designed a world to take advantage of every little flaw that we have in our decision-making system.Dr. Piers SteelYou have to deal with yourself as an imperfect, flawed creature and deal with the reality of that. We're not robotic angels of perfection. We have limitations. And when I actually act within my limitations, I get stuff done.Dr. Piers SteelWe're superstars of self-control in the animal kingdom. We're able to hunt and kill most anything because we're willing to actually put in the delay of gratification. That's really what makes us great. But we're still not ready for things that are happening even a year off, much less five or ten.Dr. Piers SteelMore people will listen to what we just said about becoming part of the Capitol Hill Citizen Association and say to themselves, “I'm going to get around to doing that,” than the actual number of people who do it in a prompt period of time. So it would be very good to listen to Professor Steel's suggestions and read his book, because we cannot afford procrastinatory citizens. We have a procrastinatory Congress, and the citizens have got to get them to anticipate, to foresee, to forestall so many of the omnicidal urgencies that are coming at our country and other countries around the world.Ralph NaderTo become a member of the Capitol Hill Citizen Association, click here.In Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DeSantis1. On August 28th, 20 groups – ranging from Left-wing anti-war organizations like Veterans for Peace to Right-leaning government transparency groups like R Street Institute – sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees demanding they maintain Rep. Jamaal Bowman's Cost of War amendment in the final National Defense Authorization Act. This provision “requires public disclosure about the cost of the U.S.' overseas military footprint and gives the American people greater transparency on military spending.” Hopefully, the left-right consensus on this issue is enough to maintain this amendment.2. In other Pentagon news, the Intercept reports that Rep. Matt Gaetz, Republican of Florida, has introduced an amendment demanding the Pentagon “collect information on trainees who overthrow their governments,” following the recent spate of coups in Africa. Gaetz told the Intercept “The Department of Defense, up until this point, has not kept data regarding the people they train who participate in coups to overthrow democratically elected — or any — governments.” This could become a flashpoint as Congress prepares to consider the 2024 NDAA when it returns from recess in September.3. As expected, tensions are running high in Guatemala following the upset victory of anti-corruption crusader Bernardo Arevalo. Opponents of Arevalo had urged the country's electoral tribunal to suspend his Semilla party on dubious legal grounds, which the tribunal resisted hewing to the letter of the law which dictated such actions could not be taken during the electoral process. After the election however, the party was officially suspended. Now, Reuters reports that suspension has been revoked, following a mass mobilization of Arevalo supporters in Guatemala City. It seems unlikely however that Arevalo's political opponents will accept his victory without a fight.4. In a dangerous, anti-free speech move, the Attorney General of Georgia has filed RICO indictments against 42 individuals involved with the Stop Cop City protest movement, the Atlanta Community Press Collective reports. This is the latest in a long line of attempts to quash opposition to the project, which has so far included trumped up domestic terrorism charges and arrests for handing out flyers.  5. Bloomberg reports that President Biden and Brazilian President Lula will jointly call for new worker protections at the upcoming General Assembly of the United Nations. While the article notes the two leaders have been “at odds” over China and Russia, they align on the topic of labor unionization. The two presidents have found common ground before, such as on the issue of climate change.6. Visual Effects workers at Disney have filed for unionization, per the Hollywood Reporter. Approximately 80% of VFX staff have already signed union cards, demanding an NLRB election and representation by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees or IATSE. This comes on the heels of a similar announcement by VFX workers at Marvel, a Disney subsidiary. In recent years. studios have increasingly relied on VFX workers in a rather blatant attempt to cut costs, as VFX workers have generally been non-union.7. At long last, the Department of Health and Human Services has announced the first ten drugs that will be subject to Mecicare negotiations to bring down prices. These are: Eliquis, Jardiance, Xarelto, Januvia Farxiga, Entresto, Enbrel, Imbruvica, Stelara and – crucially – several brands of insulin. HHS noted that “These selected drugs accounted for $50.5 billion in total [Medicare] Part D gross covered prescription drug costs, or about 20%, of total Part D gross between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023.”8. The Washington Post reports Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su has proposed new overtime rules intended to “extend overtime pay to an additional 3.6 million salaried white-collar workers in the United States.” According to current rules, workers are exempt from overtime if they make over $35,568 per year; the new rules would extend to workers making under $55,000 annually. If implemented, this would mean a whole new class of workers would be eligible for time-and-a-half pay if they work more than 40 hours per week.9. Per Republic Report: “The U.S. Department of Education announced…that it is cancelling $72 million in student loan obligations for more than 2,300 former students who attended for-profit Ashford University between 2009 and 2020.” Yet, even now the shady operators behind Ashford may still be able to squeeze money out of the taxpayers via a convoluted buyout by the University of Arizona Global Campus. Still, this marks a significant victory in a legal battle that has raged for over a decade, with Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa calling Ashford a “complete scam” all the way back in 2011.10. Finally, in more debt related news, the Philadelphia Inquirer has published a piece detailing how the nonprofit RIP Medical Debt was able to purchase – and forgive – over $1.6 million in medical debt. As the piece explains “When hospitals or physician groups have delinquent debts they have little chance of collecting on, they'll typically go to what's called the secondary market and sell their portfolios for pennies on the dollar.” It was on this secondary market that RIP Medical Debt was able to buy $1.6 million worth of debt for just $17,000. In celebration, “30 proud, self-described gutter-pagan, mostly queer dirtbags in their early 30s,” gathered for a ritual burning of an oversized medical bill. Someone chanted “debt is hell” and the crowd responded “let it burn.” Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Photo:  1923 Belgrad Hotel Moscow No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow TONIGHT: The show begins at the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan where hundreds of  hapless migrants waited in soaring heat to be called by the city for shelter and food.  Ranging from the Moscow suburb scene of Stalin's mass murder of the Communist Party in 1937 to a 2023 meeting in Moscow between Tehran's IRGC and the Russian Army.  Also visit Guatemala City, Quito, Buenos Aires and Brasilia.  End in Uganada and Somalia.

Photo: Klondike 1897. No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow TONIGHT: The show moves from Yerevan and Tblisi to the Black Sea, from Jerusalem to Washington, from Guatemala City to Quito. Attention to the accelerated Ukrainian attack. Watch on the bouyant American economy and the sinking PRC economy.

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow Bogota, Colombia TONIGHT; Speaking of Karnataka, India; Taipei, Taiwan; Vilnius, Lithuania; Toulouse, France; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Quito, Ecuador; Buenes Aires, Argentina; Bogota, Cololmbia and more;  and the surface of Mars.

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow Tonight: This host introduces the show ranging from Beijing to Vilnius to Quito, Guatemala City, Buenes Aires and Bogota -- to Syria, the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Hey friends! Welcome back to part two of our four part series, Unreached People Groups. Last week you heard how over 3 billion people around the globe have never heard the name of Jesus. Today I'm excited to sit down with Steven Morales and discuss the fastest growing church in the world! Steven is an amazing storyteller and pastor based in Guatemala City. He is passionate about spreading the Gospel around the nations and currently serves as content director for Radical. Steven hosts the documentary series, Neighbors and Nations, and friends if you haven't seen this series, click the link below and go watch it now! In today's episode Steven shares how the Gospel is spreading to the nations, and how the Iranian church is considered the fastest growing church in the world. Despite the possibility of losing their businesses, being kicked out of school, and even being disconnected from their families, Iranians are choosing to spread the good news of Jesus! Hearing the stories coming out of Iran was so encouraging to me, and also convicting! Would I chose this life of Christianity if I knew there was so much to lose? Would I be able to endure what the persecuted church is enduring? I'm excited about this series, and I hope the episodes are moving your heart like they're moving mine! I pray our hearts are pushing towards loving God's people more and living bold and courageous lives for the sake of the Gospel! Don't forget to share this episode with a friend and catch all of our interviews on YouTube.SHOW LINKS:Neighbors and NationWatch Jamie on YouTubeNoonday CollectionRadicalRadical's Secret ChurchThe 50 Countries Where It's Hardest to Follow Jesus in 2022The Power of Geography Everywhere Everything All At Once