Melchor de Mencos, Peten, Guatemala.  August 8, 2011. In occasion to a trip to Holmul, Dr. Estrada-Belli gave a tour of the ancient stela monuments house temporarily under the porch of the old municipal office of Melchor de Mencos to a group of children from a local school. The monuments are part of a collection of stela confiscated from looters attempting to smuggle them outside of Guatemala some two decades ago. Among them are some of the best preserved relief sculpture from the great nearby city of Naranjo.  “These images tell a story of great maya kings and queen working to made their kingdoms great by conquering their neighbors”, said Estrada-Belli. In explaining 2012, Dr. Estrada-Belli encouraged the children not to be afraid as a new maya cycle would certainly begin wihout any catastrophe. As to the question: “What happened to the Maya?” “They are among us, today”- Dr. Estrada-Belli said.