Guerrillas!
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The barrel of a machine gun was just inches from my face.
To the left was another, and another to the right. I met the gaze of the person aiming at me, and to my surprise, it was a woman! But her eyes did not look like human eyes; they were more like a wild animal’s—haunted and pursued.
“We are going to fill you with holes like a colander!” She was not teasing. I was traveling by bus in Guatemala, returning to university after Christmas.
Waiting for the bus that early morning, the passengers talked agitatedly about the guerrilla revolt. “Did you hear they captured nine gringos this week? They killed them all!” They eyed my blond hair. The arrival of the bus spared me from answering.
We all boarded, huddled together, resigned to the long trip ahead. When dawn broke, we were in territory disputed by the guerrillas. Suddenly, the bus jerked to a halt. Guerrillas! I saw them through the windows, appearing out of the jungle foliage, heavily armed. Oh, how I wished I was any color but white and blond. I whispered a one-word prayer: “God?” They ordered us off the bus, and as I jumped out the back door, a shout rang out, “Gringa!” Three guerrillas ran at me, beating me, insulting me, and promising death. I could not join the rest of the passengers, so I turned back toward the bus door. A tiny old lady stood in the doorway, hunched over from her long years. I held up my arms, “Come, I’ll help you down.” Her eyes were filled with terror, but she allowed me to lift her down, and she scurried over to join the other passengers. Next came a mother with small children, then another old woman.
With nobody else left on the bus, I had no choice but to turn around and face my captors. But their expression had transformed; their eyes were wide, jaws slack, surprised. Without a word, they motioned for me to join the others. Eventually, we were released and continued our journey. I do not know whether they saw an angel or were just surprised that a gringa helped others without regard for their weapons and threats. I only know I am alive today because God saved me. He was with me through the valley, and He will do the same for you.
His promises are true!
Diane Duncan de Aguirre
