Guatemalan Independence Day

Today and tommorrow my beloved Guatemalans will celebrate their independence.  Today they travel in caravans from all over the country to come to the Obelisco, a monument to their independence that is perhaps a hundred yards from where I sit in the Area Offices.  They come as groups from schools and colleges, churches, civic organizations, or communities and at the Obelisco they will light a torch that they will then carry as they run back to their point of origin, even if it is clear across the country (they will run in a relay).  I walked over to the Obelisco this morning and watched the groups of students coming with their head bands saying 100% Chapin and other messages.  Most carried Guatemalan flags, had face painted messages, and were blowing whistles and horns.  They love their country and celebrate her birthday in grand style.  I didn´t see anyone protesting their flag here.