THE MERMAID OF SAMABAJ AND THE CASTAWAY OF NAWAL IMOX MAZARRIEGOS It all began on April 25th, a day of great celebration in San Marcos La Laguna, Sololá, Guatemala. Outside the beautiful waters, people danced to Guatemalan music from our beloved hummingbird of Central America; bright colors were everywhere, there was delicious and wholesome food, and laughter could be heard from afar, all the way to the Ferris wheel. While everyone celebrated on the shore, Kali, the most curious mermaid in all of Mayan Atlantis, heard from the depths the joy emanating from the fair in our beloved San Marcos. Filled with curiosity, she swam slowly to the shore and gently peeked her head out among the ducks and flowers of the lake… and there she saw him! It was Heberson Kent, a boy who loved spending time in the lake more than anything else. He swam faster than the fish, greeted the sun at dawn and dusk, and every morning gave thanks to the water that embraced him. That day, he was on the shore preparing a cacao ceremony, singing joyfully… Suddenly, through the reeds, he saw Kali. He didn't scream or run away! He smiled from ear to ear and said with wide eyes, "Wow! A real mermaid!" He wanted to greet her in every way he knew. He said hola in Spanish, then hello in English, bonjour in French, hallo in German, ciao in Italian… and he also said saq'ari in Kaqchikel and chokoltik in K'iche'. He spoke and spoke in several languages, one after another, with a big smile hoping she would understand him. Kali looked at him with sparkling eyes, gently moved her tail in the water, and let out a sweet giggle. She approached little by little and said softly, "Hello! I only understand Spanish… and the language of the water." Our friend burst out laughing and said happily, "Then let's speak in Spanish! My name is Heberson!" And so, with a smile, without fear, and speaking the same language, their great friendship began. "Where are you from?" Heberson asked. The mermaid replied excitedly, "I come from Samabaj, 'the Mayan Atlantis.' More than 2,000 years ago, it was an island teeming with life, and today it rests beneath the waters of the small lake like a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered by everyone. I heard that from some people who were diving the other day! And I also learned that National Geographic named it that. Its name is very special: Sam comes from the surname of the person who discovered it, Samayoa, and Abaj means 'stone' in the Mayan language. So Samabaj means 'Stone of Samayoa'! I want to ask you something... if you ever visit the Lake Museum in Panajachel... please tell me what you like most about the pieces from Samabaj!" Heberson smiled and said, "Of course! I'll go very soon and tell you what I liked most." And now, mermaid… I also want to tell you about our culture, starting with sports. Did you know that the ancient Maya played a sacred game? The Mayan ring toss. They had to pass a ball through a stone ring… without using their hands! It's very difficult,And that's why they said that before achieving it, you had to train a lot, be patient, and put your whole heart into it. Can you imagine that playing it in the water would be impossible, haha. Our lake is so deep that in some places it reaches over 300 meters. There would be more than a hundred people standing on top of each other! I should also tell you that the cacao and coffee we drink are lovingly cultivated at the perfect altitude we love so much, between the sky and the water, right at 1,600 meters above sea level. … the ancients called it the drink of the gods, and it was worth more than gold! In San Marcos, have you seen how the waters sparkle at night? It's not just the moon… I ask because I like to sing to the stars, and I love it when the water is filled with light! At that moment, Heberson looked at Kali with wide eyes and asked her: Where would you hide your greatest treasure? Up in the sky? —No! —said the mermaid—. Airplanes fly by, and everyone would see it. —Then in the lake? “Or under a distant sea?” he continued. “No! The pirates would come and dance away with it.” Kali smiled. “Then where do we keep it?” he replied, smiling. “We hide it in the most secret place in the world: inside our hearts.” The following year, Heberson sat by the water, waiting for Kali with affection. When the mermaid arrived, she said, “I’m so happy to see you. I want to tell you everything I learned this year. They say that each person has a special guide. They are called Nawales. There are twenty of them. I’ll tell you about them one by one: I am Imox… That’s why the lake and I are inseparable friends. Iq’ is the wind: the voice, freedom. It’s always good to speak the truth and keep our promises. Ak’ab’al is the dawn: there is always hope, and we shouldn’t be afraid, only have faith… K’at is everything that unites us with love, like the family we didn’t choose: our soulmates.” Kan, the wisdom that grows each day, slowly and strongly, that each day underwater I find something new. Kame is change: letting go of the past, forgiving, and starting anew with light. Kej is having a good and sincere heart. May nothing change you, no matter how difficult life may be. May nothing take away the good you carry within! Not the wind, not the rain, not the strong waves. Your goodness is yours, and no one can take it from you! Q'anil is the seed that grows slowly: perseverance, finishing what you start. No one sees them grow… but one day they are strong trees. Toj is the fire that gives warmth, gratitude, and balance. You can always start from scratch. Fire, light, warmth… and starting again! How beautiful! Tz'i' is being faithful, loyal, and a good friend. It means watching over your steps and listening to your words. B'atz' is weaving your destiny with love, step by step. In the end, something beautiful remains if you do it with affection, creativity, and love. E is the path you travel each day. Aj is the light that always guides your steps. You carry that light within you! You just have to let it out. Ix is nature that cares for you and accompanies you. The water, the flowers,The trees… we are family! Tz'ikin is to fly high, to be free and happy. Ajmaq is to learn and teach with patience and love. No'j is to think clearly and kindly: wisdom of the heart. Tijax is to cut away what hurts you and let it go. What harms you… we give it to the wind, and it carries it far away. Kawok is the rain that cleanses, renews, and blesses… like when you cry and feel lighter. Ajpu is the sun that shines after your effort and your love. After walking, trying, and not giving up. What a beautiful culture! —she said excitedly—. A whole year passed. Kali waited, singing on the shore. When day came again, Heberson appeared running: Kali! You were born on November 30th. Your Nawal is Toj: fire, gratitude, and balance. And your guardian animal is the shark! How brave you are! I know! Let's explore together: Panajachel, Santa Catarina Palopó, San Antonio Palopó, San Lucas Tolimán, Santiago Atitlán, Cerro de Oro, Santa Clara La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna, San Juan La Laguna, San Marcos La Laguna, San Pablo La Laguna, and Santa Cruz La Laguna. And also the San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán volcanoes. Then he gave him a gift: a toy dinosaur. This is for you. Dinosaurs and dragons are fantastic creatures… Just like any person, plant, or animal, we all deserve respect. Heberson sighed and looked at the water with slightly sad eyes: I would love to go down and visit you at your house… but I can't hold my breath for very long. At that moment, the wise Kachupín appeared, playing his flute, and told them: Before you can achieve what you desire, you must prepare your heart. When your body, mind, and heart are in balance… the water will open its doors to you, just as the ant works happily without asking why it has to get up early, the rooster crows without expecting applause, the sun shines without asking permission, and the butterfly flies beautifully… without worrying if its wings match. They all live in harmony with nature. You can too. From that day on, Heberson took care of his heart: he helped those in need, he gave thanks every morning. Thus he lived peacefully, strong, and happily. Until April 25th came again. The village was celebrating, and Heberson walked to the shore. He took a deep breath, looked at the lake with love, smiled… and gently entered the water. And the water welcomed him with affection! Since then, the fishermen say that when the sun sets, two bright lights can be seen swimming together underwater. They are Heberson and Kali, friends forever, united by balance, respect, love, and the magic of living in harmony. And always remember: Your greatest treasure is not far away, nor underwater, nor high in the sky. It's inside you. No one can get there without your permission… and the most beautiful mission of all is to discover who YOU ​​are. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063571267289 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C341FWvnA/ https://youtu.be/KuPzaF2Dqd8?si=pdbcxR6NSItfUV9N +502 59526655 Karla Mazariegos 4402048961 Banrural Savings Account IBAN Code: GT75BRRL01020000004402048961 https://buymeacoffee.com/mazariegosg ← Back to Fiveo1