Funny Guatemalan Moments

There are many differences between Guatemaltecos and North Americans.  If I tried to make a list of these differences then you could be reading this for a long time.  This week I came across an interesting and amusing cultural.

I was asked to photograph headshots of all the pastors under Apostal Jacobo’s covering.  These pictures were only meant for identification cards, meaning they are only going to be the size of my thumb.  

North American Shelby thinks, “This will only take 20, 30 minutes tops.  Everyone will jump in front of the camera. Uno, does, tres, Snap!  Next.  Done.”  Right?  I mean, that’s how it would be in North America.

HA HA!  If only it were that simple.  But oh no, we’re in Guatemala and here, things are really different.

So, here’s what really happened.

As stand and wait to take each pastors and pastoras (pastor’s wives) I begin to look around.  A few came up to get their picture taken and then there was a long pause and no one came.  So I began to look for some of the pastors I know, who also happen to be teachers at the school.  I asked if they wanted to go but apparently there was a specific order.

OH an order, well then who’s next?

They pointed out the man that was supposed to go next so I went to see if he was ready.  He promptly told me that he was waiting for the Jacobo.  I had no idea why, but I assumed if he was waiting for but it must be important.  So I wait for 10 minutes.

Finally, Jacobo comes running in with three different tie choices.  We were waiting for the right tie!!!  You have to have the complete package, apparently.  

Now for a little quiz.  Can you spot the things that are the same in these pictures?

 

If you guessed same tie AND same jacket, You're right!  Give yourself a pat on the back.

Not only that, but these ties made their way from pastor to pastor, along with a suit jacket, that magically seemed look good on all the pastors.  At least they care about the total package!  Always a good thing, I'd say.