La Verdad

Well, hello!

Yes, it's been quite a long while since I've written a personal journal entry. The truth is that absolutely nothing has happened here in Guatemala during the past couple of weeks.

And if you believe that, you're probably the kind of person who still expects that Bush will eventually find those darned elusive weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Speaking of truth...I went to see the "The Passion" last night with a friend. One of the more moving moments (in a movie comprised completely of moving moments) occurs when a confused and conflicted Pilate confronts Christ with the question: "what is truth?" In the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar", the conversation is even more extensive:

Jesus: I look for truth, and find that I get damned.

Pilate: What is truth? Is truth unchanging law? We both have truths. Are mine the same as yours?

I can definitely relate to poor Pontius Pilate. Guatemala constantly mocks me with its concept of "truth". In fact, I have come to the conclusion that anyone who says that they know THE TRUTH about Guatemala is either a liar or a fool. And very possibly, both. Guatemala has proven, time and again, to be a land of contrasts, concealment, coincidences, and complexity.

That doesn't mean that one should simply "wash their hands" of the whole situation. On the contrary, the search for truth should be ongoing and exhaustive... and perhaps, at times even exhausting.

With this page.... the photos, the news, my rambling comments... I hope to share moments of truth with you. Lately, I've spent a great deal of time (ok, way too much time) editing and uploading photos from the recent anti-CAFTA protests for my photography section. I hope you'll take a look, and let me know what you think.

I'll also make an effort to give more life to this journal section, and to share more glimpses of Guatemala with you. Because, despite the fact that Guatemala defies definition... or perhaps because of that.... I love this country.

And that's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

(So help me God!)