The purpose of my blog is share snapshots of my life here in Guatemala. As it may surprise some of you (hint of sarcasm) having blonde hair and blue eyes I don't look like anyone from Guatemala. :-) When I first arrived here in Guatemala it would bother me when I was walking in the parking lot or walking through the grocery store and people were staring at me. I knew they were probably staring at me because I looked different them. I have fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes, and they were all probably wondering why I was in Guatemala.
During the summer I went to Payless with the STEP girls, because one of them needed a pair of shoes. As I was helping them find shoes, one of the employees asked us if we needed any help. At the time we were just looking, so I thanked the employee, but told him we were just looking. He then went on to say (like a good employee), "Well, I am here if you need any help." We continued to look at shoes, and one of the girls needed to ask if they had shoes in a certain size. So our new friend who worked at Payless was right there waiting to help. So, I asked him about the shoes and he started looking. He started up a conversation with me and asked why I was in Guatemala, introduced himself to me. This is quite common here in Guatemala, for someone to start a conversation with you. People here are very friendly, something I really like about Guatemala. Well...In the middle of the conversation, the Payless employee stops talking and puts his hand on my arm and says, "You are so beautiful...You have the most beautiful eyes." When he says this, I say thanks and try to keep the conversation going, but he goes on to say that whenever I come to Payless he will be there to help me and give me a good deal. All, I could was laugh about it afterwards. It's not like it happens all the time, but the Latin culture is just different here. There are times when I go to the movies or to a store that the guy behind the counter will make a comment about my eyes, and how beautiful they are.
So...because of this happening it got me thinking. I know they are just interested because I look different them, and I can't help to think that when I am in AZ and I see someone who looks like they are from another country I am interested too. I start to think...what is their story? I wonder why they are here. People from other countries are interesting. I know living here in Guatemala I will never look like a Guatemalan, and I will never "fit in." I will stand out, which a lot of the time can be uncomfortable, but it's amazing how God can open doors because I look different.
