Written by Pam English

Times were extremely tough in Guatemala as restrictions were unbelievably enforced overnight. Curfews from 4:00 pm through 4:00 am were enforced.  In additions there was a curfew from Friday 2:00 pm through Monday 4:00 am. Said curfews were not suggestions but orders to not leave your house.  All people over the age of 60 were prohibited to leave their residences. Leaving in these conditions could result in fines starting at US$20,000 or extensive jail times. Masks were not optional, even riding in a vehicle alone or walking alone on a street. As a person would leave his or her house, he or she had to wear a mask at all times in all places.  The three airports were closed, which meant nobody could get in the country and nobody could get out of the country. Of course, churches, schools, and restaurants were closed. Grocery stores were allowed to remain open for minimal hours.  

On a personal note, we actually had an airline ticket to come to the US on a repatriation flight. On the other hand, as we were switching our light off to sleep, the cell phone beeped with an announcement from United saying that our 7:00 am flight was canceled.

One other vital means was closed: public transportation. The majority of Guatemalans use “chicken buses” to get from point A to point B daily.   Since public transportation was halted, essential jobs were as well. “Common” people could not get to jobs, doctors, etc.   Therefore, hunger and violence increased.  Very disheartening and concerning. Even private vehicles could only get out every other day and one could not drive between counties. 

We are in belief that God is in total control through it all. Isaiah 41: 10, “I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  And Proverbs 16:9 encourages, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” As we cannot/could not fathom why overnight the country was put under strict restrictions, God remains in control. 

Written by Pam English, Missionary in Guatemala

March 13 put a super change and stop on everything in Colegio Metodista La Senda, Sumpango, Sacatépequez, Guatemala.   The first case of Covid-19 was diagnosed in the country.  With this the ripple effect began:  churches closed; schools closed; masks were suggested; public transportation was stopped; restaurants were closed; curfews began; faces masks were enforced; etc.

La Senda currently is a school to 200 students and a boarding house to 9 boys and 4 adult children who grew up there.  But with Covid things dramatically changed as no longer daily classes could be taught, devotions could not be given, and rooms and food could not be provided to the boarders. Initially it was believed that this would not last but a few weeks.  As it was evident that longevity was unavoidable, adjustments were made.   Buying internet happened for the students who live in rural areas and/or dirt floors.  Teachers learned how to use and perform zoom and the like classes.  Books were sent home. Computers were rapped up.  Pews and desks remained empty.  The walls and halls became quiet and lonely. 

At La Senda, Steve and I began advising and instructing our staff in how to move forward and not to give up.  We tried to teach parents to not live in fear but in calmness.  The country was in deep, frantic fear of the unknown.    

Ultimately, we initiated a continuation of the daily chapels and individual counseling sessions by grades.  I continued to lead teachers in staff meetings, classroom planning and scheduling and classroom online observations.   But overall, we tried to bring the Word of God and spread words of peace to each student and staff in this time of uneasiness.    II Thessalonians 3:16 became our shared and targeted verse to strugglers, “ .. May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”