For those of you who do not speak Q'eqchi, or have not even heard of it, allow me to explain. Q'eqchi is the Mayan Indian dialect spoken in many parts of Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, and even, a little, in Honduras. It is very useful in those regions. Not so much, in the USA, where I live (with the possible exception of being able to make a comment that no one around you can understand!).
It is also the second/third language I learned to speak (simultaneously, with Spanish), when I was two and moved to Guatemala for 10 years. Though now a dormant language in my brain, it comes back to me in fits and spurts. I have been known to walk about the house speaking to myself in Q'eqchi, just to practice and to relish the sounds of the words. When I am plugged into the Q'eqchi culture again, as has happened a few times in the nearly 30 years since I've been back in the USA, the language comes back to me within hours...
I do not remember my first Q'eqchi words, but I am fairly sure that "bantiox" was among them. It is in a song that I sang again and again, probably nearly every Sunday, in church. It was uttered to and by the Q'eqchi people visiting our home. It is an important word, useful, and necessary to be used.
Bantiox is a Q'eqchi word that means "thank you."
I've named my blog "Bantiox," in gratitude to God for the life I have had, am still having, and will have. I have much to be grateful for. There will be times when this blog will not seem grateful, I am sure. I have named my blog "Bantiox" to remind me, during those times... Because I will ALWAYS have much to be thankful for. I have named my blog "Bantiox" because I am grateful to my family and friends for being who they are and the many ways they bless my life. I have them to be thankful for.
How can I but thank God for all that He has done for me?
Bantiox...
