Independence Day

Food, fireworks, and flags are all hallmarks of Independence Day that I am familiar with as an American citizen. In rural Guyana Independence Day includes none of these.

It was May 26 and Catie, Savie, (missionaries in Mashabo) and I were all enjoying yet another day off from school in a country that takes every holiday imaginable off. We were slightly unsure of what to do to celebrate so we settled on using the day to do some outdoor work at the newly built mission house. Just as we were getting ready to go several school children came up the stairs to our kitchen. Sitting quietly at our table they watched us prepare to leave. Finally one of them asked in a quiet voice, “Can I have a mango?” A bit surprised we asked “Did you eat breakfast today. “Although it was midmorning, her answer was “no.” She explained that they were out of food and her mother had gone out to the coast to get more. The boat returning to town wouldn’t be in until 5pm, meaning that she and her smaller brother would not eat all day. After fixing them some breakfast we all set out for the mission house.

Although the land was cleared for building there are numerous stumps and roots sticking out of the sand that need to be removed and burned. By the time we completed our half mile walk to the house we had a small entourage of children eager to help. Setting to work with shovels, rakes, and cutlasses (machetes) we began to cut weeds and clear the area. The children put us to shame with their enthusiasm and energy. As the hot sun lulled us into lethargy the children happily wielded the cutlasses and worked together to remove small stumps. With lunchtime approaching the children stripped to their underwear and we all dove into the lake to cool off.


After lunch we again returned to the water: this time with the intent of decreasing the ratio of water vs. slime and algae in the little clear water creek where we bathe. Once more we were joined by a small train of children eager to help. As we pulled the algae and plant life off the bottom with rakes and pushed it down the creek, the children darted between us helping and catching fish in small bowls for our three kittens.

After several hours we admitted that the task was too great for one afternoon and settled down for some fun. And what is more fun than cooling off AND bathing at the same time. So we soaped up, swished around, and laughed until we were certain that it was the best Guyanese Independence Day we could possible have.