Chiapas

We came back from Tzajalchen yesterday. Even though I don't speak Spanish or Tzotzil, I spoke with the men, women and children there.

Soccer is a universal language. Food, body language, and gestures of kindness are languages too. We talked together, then, about many things. They are my friends, and we are theirs. Every time I think back to my experiences with the people in that community, I am continually awed by their resilience and goodwill. In contrast to the material poverty present there, the strength of the people of Tzajalchen has allowed them to build and maintain a tightknit, healthy community.

Even in the face of increasing outmigration, sinking coffee prices, and increasing water scarcity, to be with these people is to remember what it is that we want to save in our fight for social justice. Their humor, family values, and generosity (especially, with what little they have) spoke volumes. Their culture and community captures something many of us have lost: the ability to enjoy life, even when our livelihoods and families are at serious risk.