Interview with Marjory & Peter Bankson
Who goes on Pilgrimage?
People who go on a pilgrimage want to be engaged in something that makes a difference. We’ve had all kind of pilgrims – young and old, active and not so, teachers and high school students. The pilgrims are curious about Guatemala, about the people and their culture and the beauty of the place. Some of them are looking AT changes in their lives, and others are looking FOR a change.
What is the spiritual heritage of Pilgrimage?
Pilgrimages have been part of the spiritual life for centuries. People of faith have sought out and traveled to holy places, to beautiful places, to places where they can watch for the presence of the Holy Spirit in a special way. Our pilgrimage combines action and reflection – helping others and letting ourselves be changed by the experience.
You’ve been leading for a while – how have you seen God working in Pilgrimage?
We see God working in the lives of the pilgrims, as our knowledge of and care for the Mayan people grows deeper. We’ve seen God working in the staff of PAVA as they live out their vision to help the people of the highlands of Chimaltenango improve their ability to live fuller lives after decades of violence. And we always see God at work in the lives of the lovely, hospitable hard-working people who are committed to a better future for their children and welcome our presence and our help (such as it is!)
What brings you back?
Hope, and beauty; joy and the satisfaction of hard work with good people – gorgeous land, beautiful people, creative crafts and time to enjoy them – openings for growth and a fresh sense of God’s call.
What are your hopes as leaders?
We hope to offer those who join us the opportunity to experience this special kind of work, play and worship what we’ve come to love, to build community and to help each pilgrim find that next step on their own spiritual path.
Have you seen people change?
Oh my, yes. For some it’s the triumph over travel anxieties and unusual meals. For others it’s an opportunity to learn a new skill like bending rebar or singing children’s songs in Spanish, mixing concrete or playing jump rope or the nose flute. And for each of us there is the opportunity to learn from each other how God’s love is offered so freely and in such infinite variety.
What is it about being of service that changes us?
I think the work helps us learn in deep, visceral ways that we are part of God’s larger Creation, sisters and brothers with the noble people of the Guatemalan highlands. Their hope, their dedication to the future for their children, and the progress we make together give us a tangible sense that God can do it … we can help.
