Yesterday we visited Acteal, a significant site to those fighting for indigenous rights. Tensions between the Mexican government and groups such as the Zapatistas and Las Abejas (bees) had been growing for several years. The Zapatistas and Las Abejas recognized their common struggle for peace, justice, and dignity for indigenous communities, although Las Abejas are a faith-based organization that reject the use of arms. On December 22, 1997, paramilitary forces (trained in the United States) surrounded a small church in Acteal where many people, mostly women and children, were praying. They opened fire, killing 45 people in a massacre that lasted several hours. The two truckloads of policemen nearby did nothing to stop the attack. In the van ride to Acteal, I attempted to prepare myself mentally for what I assumed would be a very sad and difficult visit. I was surprised to see, upon our arrival, a long line of men, women, and children smiling and marching proudly towards the church. We came on a particularly special day--El Dia de Las Mujeres--and there was a special march and mass in honor of the women. Most of us got out of the van to march. People were carrying flowers and banners saying "Vive Las Abejas." It was a much more festive scene than I was expecting. We went down several steps to an outdoor platform where the mass was just beginning. Many people were dressed in their traditional garb--the men in white gowns and hats with colorful ribbons and the women in woven skirts and ribbons in their braided hair. The mass took several hours and was conducted in Tsotsil and Spanish. It was a beautiful ceremony with singing and music and speeches. 
Acteal 2009
After lunch we met with the Mesa Directiva of Las Abejas to talk with them about the organization. They told us their history, the make up of the organization, their view of immigration, and their goals of today. Then they led us to the church where the massacre occurred and to the memorial of those who died. Being in these places made me feel sad until the man who was explaining the significance of the memorial said that he is not sad because he knows that those who died are together in the house of God. I think that Las Abejas view the massacre as a terrible event but that instead of dwelling on the hurt of those deaths, they see the massacre as a seed--a moment of growth and strength. This makes me think of something our wonderful driver, Julio Cesar, said: "Quisieron enterarnos, pero se los olvido que somos semillas" (They tried to bury us but forgot that we are seeds). In response to the attacks, Las Abejas declare: "It is time to harvest, time to construct!"
After lunch we met with the Mesa Directiva of Las Abejas to talk with them about the organization. They told us their history, the make up of the organization, their view of immigration, and their goals of today. Then they led us to the church where the massacre occurred and to the memorial of those who died. Being in these places made me feel sad until the man who was explaining the significance of the memorial said that he is not sad because he knows that those who died are together in the house of God. I think that Las Abejas view the massacre as a terrible event but that instead of dwelling on the hurt of those deaths, they see the massacre as a seed--a moment of growth and strength. This makes me think of something our wonderful driver, Julio Cesar, said: "Quisieron enterarnos, pero se los olvido que somos semillas" (They tried to bury us but forgot that we are seeds). In response to the attacks, Las Abejas declare: "It is time to harvest, time to construct!"
The students in Guatemala
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