The Temple of the Mayas

This weekend we visited Quetzaltenango, the unofficial "captital of the Mayas."  It is also known by its Mayan name, Xelajú (meaning "under ten mountains") or simply Xela for short.  It sits in a beautiful, agricultural valley high in the mountains (7,600 feet in elevation), surrounded by volcanoes, hills, and mountains.  Every inch of it and its surrounding hills is cultivated and produces rich harvests of corn, coffee, and all types of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.  The population is predominantly Mayan and traditional Mayan dress is the norm.  It is the second largest city in Guatemala, but it is not Americanized like the Capital; it is much more traditional.

We attended the temple on Saturday morning.  It really is the temple of the Mayas!  I can't describe how beautiful the temple is!  It sits atop a hill overlooking the city surrounded by expansive and beautifully manicured grounds.  It is built on the theme of the Mayan temples of antiquity both in its architecture and in its appointments.  It is such a beautiful and peaceful place!  On Saturday it was teaming with Mayas, most in traditional dress, and large youth groups doing baptisms.  It was moving to see them in their temple and so filled with the light of Christ!  It truly is the Temple of the Mayas.

We visited the beautiful central plaza and other sites in the city and attended church in a vibrant ward near our hotel.  On the way home we stopped and visited the impressive property "Las Colinas" which is the stake camp near Chimaltenango where they hold SOY (like EFY) and other youth camps and other church gatherings.  It is a most impressive property with first class facilities.  I haven't seen anything like it before, even in the States.

We travelled this weekend with our friends here, Ross and Kari Sanford, who serve with Mary Ann in the Dental Clinic.  It was a very enjoyable trip.