Guatemala by Ethel T. Nowlen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 9, 1908

Guatemala

By Ethel T. Nowlen

GUATEMALA CITY.—One’s heart can but be saddened, as he sees the number that are continually going into some of the many large cathedrals here, seeking in different ways to atone for their sins, and he longs to be able to point them to the great Burden-bearer. We watched them one morning recently. One white-haired old lady in particular went from the image of one saint to that of another, repeating prayers before each one, and I wondered how many years she had been going through that same form. The harvest is indeed white in this country; and not only are the laborers few, but great wisdom will be needed in order to work without creating alarm and prejudice. The one comforting thought in it all is that the battle is not ours; but the Lord’s, and that though there are great walls to be encountered, his Word can cause them to fall, as did the walls of Jericho.

We already have made quite a start on the language—not altogether as a matter of choice, but of necessity; and now if the school work opens up as Brother E. L. Cardey anticipates, I see no reason why we should not soon gain an entrance to some homes and hearts.

This certainly seems to be a beautiful climate, and we already feel much better for the change. The air is cool and bracing. There is an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables all the year round; in fact, we counted in the market between thirty and forty varieties the names of which we knew, besides many native fruits. All kinds of foodstuffs are very cheap. Imported goods, especially clothing and furniture, are much higher-priced than in Belize. We are making most of our furniture from dry-goods boxes and native wood.

We have a good native woman go to market every day and do any other errands we require, for six dollars paper (not quite thirty-six cents gold) a week, and this is considered good pay. All the labor is equally cheap.

Mr. Nowlen was not able to come up here with us, but had to stay at Puerto Barrios for nearly a week longer, to get our goods through the customs and on the train. He is here now, and expects to stay a week or so, before starting out to canvass again.

ETHEL T. NOWLEN.