During my visit to Guatemala last February with Olivia, I bought five yards of white cotton fabric at a shop in Antigua. The fabric was hand-made in Cobán, a municipality located in the central part of the country that is best-known for the spectacular waterfalls at Semuc Champey. In addition to its natural beauty, Cobán is a center for weavers who make a certain, delicate cotton fabric unlike any other made in Guatemala. I learned this through my friend, Gretchen, another adoptive mom who was in Guatemala and who led me to the shop.
As I write this, the white cotton fabric is being made into a dress for Olivia to wear next weekend at her First Holy Communion. This afternoon, we’ll go to her final fitting. When Olivia was baptized, I wore a multi-colored, hand-woven shawl from the region where she was born. For her First Communion, Olivia also wanted to wear something to reflect her Guatemalan heritage. When my friend Gretchen mentioned the Cobán fabric, we knew it would be perfect.
The photo above is of Olivia’s “Communion Banner,” which we made as a mother-daughter project last week at her after-school religion class. I worried about how it would turn out—I’m the opposite of “crafty”—but fortunately Olivia is talented enough in that arena for both of us. Her Guatemalan family will be proud.
ShareThisTags: Antigua Guatemala, Coban Guatemala, First Holy Communion, Guatemalan adoption
This is so unique and precious! I want to see a picture of Olivia in her special First Communion dress.
We’re glad we’re able to include an element from Guatemala in this small way. A photo, definitely. Thanks, Sveta.
I love the banner, sure to be a family heirloom. And using the fabrics from Guatemala for dress and banner was a terrific idea
You’re right, Marianne. The banner and the fabric feel very special. Thanks for the comment.