Friday September 21, 2007

The down time today waiting at DIA and the Houston Airport, along with the time on the airplane, was time to look at questions that seem to be bubbling up as I enter into this experience.

1) Why am I doing this? I am on the path toward ordination as a Deacon. During the probationary period a mission trip is required, but there is more to this story than just fulfilling a requirement. As Christians we are called to serve, which means that we take on tasks that allow us to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. I wanted my mission experience to take me out of my comfort zone and be something totally different from my career of being a servant as a social worker. I wanted something that took me to a different country and culture that I have never experienced. I have not experienced travel outside of mainstream Europe. For the most part the places that I have been enjoy a level of comfort similar to the United States. I really have no idea what life is like outside the walls of where I live.

2) What am I expecting? I am expecting to meet new people that I might not have met if not for this mission opportunity. I am really trying to get expectations in check and just “go with” the experience and not try to fit what is happening into “my plans.” I am working hard not to anticipate. I know that I have a tendency to over plan, worry and seek control of a given situation. I feel God needs to be in charge of the details. My challenge is to get out of the way and allow that to unfold.
• I am looking forward to learning new skills through the building that we will be doing.
• I really haven’t had much chance to use my camera and I am looking forward to leaning how to use it and revisiting my interest and passion in photography.
• I am looking forward to being revived from a soul that is a little tired.
• I am looking forward to a break from work and daily routine — the thousands of small things that seem to drive me crazy and keep me from what is really important.

3) What do I hope to accomplish? We will be finishing two homes for pastors in the local community. It is a smaller part of a larger project to provide these men who work as farmers in addition to their roles as pastors with a home. I want these families to know that God cares and I care, and they are loved children of God. We will be doing a Bible school at two different locations. It sounds like this will be a huge learning experience for both us and the children.

4) Things that I am grateful for: After walking through the airport I am very glad
• That I have lost the 60 pounds and started exercising regularly in February.
• That the planning and packing went well and so far we have missed only one thing, which considering how rushed things were and how stress-filled the last two or three days were, we did very well.
• That this is a trip we a doing together. It seems right since Michael has been with me throughout the journey; it would seem odd doing this alone.
• That I have an opportunity ahead for my eyes to be opened and to learn.
• That I will be coming to the end of the first leg of the journey and a long travel day is coming to an end.
• That I have the courage to do this.
• For safe travels today.
The landing at the Houston Airport was a new experience. As the wheels were just about to touch down, the pilot aborted the landing and went up to circle again. Apparently there was another plane on the runway we were going to use, so we had to wait our turn to land.

5) Things I want to pay attention to as we travel through this together:
• Any Ah-ha moments where the light bulb goes on.
• Special moments when I feel God’s presence with me
• Moments when I feel just a little overwhelmed.

I am pretty sure I am going to sleep well tonight—I am exhausted. As we entered the Seminary, the Central America Theological School, it was pouring and we ran from the bus to a near by covered walkway to our rooms. I look forward to morning when the sun will be out and we can see this place where we are spending the night.

Saturday September 22, 2007

We were able to see the seminary in the light of a new day and without the rain. There were two beautiful court yards that seem full of color and peaceful places to sit and drink in the peacefulness of a new day. We gathered for breakfast and began sharing with each other a little bit of who we are and where we are coming from. The favorite question was, ”Is this your first mission trip?” I was immediately amazed that for the folks at my table, Michael and I were the rookies of the bunch. The morning devotion was focused on our humanity as we share it with others. We said the Lords Prayer in English with the hope that by the end of this experience we would share it with one another in Spanish.

We pack up and headed out of Guatemala City. It looked different from what I was use to through my work with social services. My work takes me to the harsher sides of Denver but it has no comparison to this town. The traffic was very different. Drivers didn’t seem to mind cutting in without any notice or signal. Then we got out of the city. We went through the smaller towns with people working hard and getting by, field after field of corn, farmers with horses loaded down, women walking along side the road with us going in the same general direction. Our paths crossing for just a moment from lives that are worlds apart and couldn’t be more different. Yet as the devotional this morning suggested, we have the same shared humanity and I would see us each loved by God. We beat the road construction and stopped at a restaurant along the way for lunch.

What an adventure! I for one, had no idea what I was getting and just trusted it would be wonderful, which it was, and what could be better. It was a real treat to start with the desert first—apple pie—with hot chocolate that put Starbucks to shame without question. Then the main platter of meat, rice, fried banana, and avocado. It was all a taste adventure!

Back on the road again, we all watch in total amazement when a young man climbed out of the back of a bus very much like ours, and climbed up to the roof all as the bus was traveling 30-40 miles an hour and the driver navigated hair pin turns. He had a smile on his face and didn’t show any concern about what he was doing.

We arrived in Chichicastenengo in time to look around and change money at a hotel. We made it to the Methodist Camp in Lemoa. We unloaded suitcases and settled in to our rooms for the next six days. We heard some warnings about the dogs who had already tugged at my heart strings. It was hard to hear that these little guys who looked hungry could get aggressive and attack. You really couldn’t take a risk of petting them because they had fleas or rabies. I am glad that this information was passed on before I got any more attached. The dogs were there waiting and hopeful for some kind of handout.

After we settled into our rooms we went to the orphanage that was in walking distance. Each of those little faces that we encountered has a story; each seemed glad for the company and wanting to have attention. Some standing off at first, not sure, uncertain and watching . The grounds had chickens and roosters that seemed free to roam and a faithful dog who was guarding the gate. The newest child to join the orphanage was a new born. During the time that we were there, the staff was getting a bottle ready to feed her. My first thought was, “Oh, could I?” but being tentative about asking and how long we were going to stay, I didn’t ask, which was a small regret later.

We got back to camp just before the rain which started around 5 and was still going strong at 9PM as I am writing this. Dinner was at 7 and was BBQ beef, vegetables and bananas. I wasn’t very hungry since lunch was so huge. The conversation during dinner was drowned out by the rain on the metal roof. As dinner closed the ladies brought out their beautiful homemade shawls and placemats. I realized how hard they worked to make them and it was good to see that the group strongly support the efforts that went into creating them.

We got tips for the market and the timeline for tomorrow. It will be great fun going to the market. I am hopeful that we can find plenty. The trip has been an opportunity to move out of my comfort zone an inch or two. In one day I have been transported to a different place where the rules I have been always accustomed don’t apply, where things seem and feel slightly turned upside down.

Mark told us a little bit about each of the children we met at the orphanage. One little boy had alcohol put in his bottle. A little girl and been found wandering the street at the age of four. One boy had a disease that made his bones very brittle and his parents just could not care for him or afford the appropriate medical care for him. They felt the best thing for their son was to turn him over to social services. Until recently, the boy had been in a wheel chair. It tool courage for him to walk with crutches, because if he takes a fall, he will almost certainly break both legs. As I thought of the layout of the orphanage and the children running about and the uneven surfaces, it did seem to be an act of courage and faith to choose to use the crutches instead of playing it safe in the wheel chair. The children’s needs are being taken care of there, and it was clear that they are family that watches out for each other.

Sunday September 23, 2007

Somehow I woke up at 5:00AM. I didn’t wake up at all last night at all. The sun is just coming out. This is really different; perhaps there is a morning person hidden inside me. It was a treat to see that first light hit the lake. We were warned that we might hear dogs barking or the roosters crowing—perhaps they take a sabbath too. It was nice to have a few moments of silence before we were off and running.
We were served a wonderful breakfast by Maria and Carmelita. They will be our cooks for the week. We requested local food—it was the feeling of the group that we could always have the American type cuisine. By my early start, I was the first woman at breakfast.

Following breakfast it was off to the market by 8:00 so that we could have some time to look before the big tour busses arrived. We had from 8:30 to 12 at the market. The crowd was manageable until about 9:30 when a lot of the tour busses starting showing up. Then it became really challenging navigating from place to place. I felt compelled to be “polite” but this plan quickly got me nowhere, and occasionally run over. This crowd didn’t give me the usual feeling of claustrophobia I get because most of the crowd was my height. Mark directed us first to a store that had clergy stoles that were beautiful and not like what I have seen in the states.

The market was an incredible experience of the senses. There was lots of noise and beautiful colors of fabric or fresh fruit or flowers. There were live chickens for sale. People were carving out their survival, which made it seem odd to be bartering with them over price. Children were busy trying to sell goods. One member of our group wanted one of the carriers they use for babies. She wanted different colors than were available and explained that she wanted one like the woman was using. The woman immediately took the baby out and sold the carrier to her. Some members of the group went to the Mayan/Catholic Church and experienced a different style of worship and of course in such a crowd the pick pockets were out in force. Another member of the group lost a small amount of cash from his pocket.

When it felt like we had enough of the growing crowd, we went to the Hotel Santo Tomas for chocolate. It was a few moments of peace after a hectic morning of shopping. The chocolate was delicious and as I return to the states, I certainly know Starbucks Chocolate will never taste quite the same!

Lunch was back at the camp, and then we changed for church. At two we went to the town of Lemoa and met two Catholic sisters, one of whom was in Guatemala during the revolutions in the 1980s. Connie, the youngster at 72, and Helen, 87, shared stories of that time, their contemplative prayer ministry, and their outreach ministries with us. Connie works with the widows of the war who had nothing after the war and no place to live. Helen is attempting to help young students find money to continue school. At age 87, she is an avid digital photographer. Her face showed the great joy and enthusiasm she has for life.

They shared with us some lemonade and chocolate chip cookies that Helen had made. It was offered with such an abundance of grace it felt like communion. They talked some more about local politics and hopes that the elections would bring in a government that would care about the poor and help them. They presented the choices as “an army guy, most likely corrupt, or a drug dealer—not much of a choice”. They explained that just recently in a local election a person won because he had a major impact in getting the people clean and safe water. They felt obligated to vote for him, even if in the long term he wasn’t the best choice for the position.

Outreach was a secondary ministry for both sisters. The main ministry was prayer. Prayer for personal issues, local issues and world issues. They expressed a firm belief that prayer does make a difference. It was hard to imagine a day primarily focused on prayer. Getting up in the morning between 4 and 5 and having an hour to two hours of silence, then verbal prayers for an hour. The day closed with evening Vespers. They had a room set aside for prayer. Their total commitment to doing this was very clear, and their prayer room was a small peaceful place. They were both so focused on what their ministry was. They seem to have deep concern for the world and were fully aware of how great the needs were for the poor in Guatemala, but they weren’t overwhelmed by it. They somehow choose to not allow it to rob them of their joy of life. They took time to send us on our way with a hug. A huge hug that felt so sincere and honest.

Then we were off to town for church. The service was in Spanish and we all agreed that these folks had an enthusiasm in their worship. Some of the songs sounded familiar even though I did not know the language. There were lots of families and lots of children. The children’s choir sang a song. The sermon was translated for us by one of the Lay Leaders of the church and was based on our relationship to Christ and to others (Colossians 1:3-14). The congregation warmly welcomed us following the service. We visited the Weaving Project, which were crafts largely made by the women in the congregation. I found another stole that was very unique, and a book cover. It was awesome stuff and the things we bought will remind me of this trip each time I use them.

Monday, September 24, 2007

We woke up and had breakfast. Packed up a lunch and we’re ready to go. It was about a half hour or so drive and all of a sudden we stopped and the announcement was made, “We’re here!” Everyone took a moment to look around and wonder where exactly is ‘HERE.” We were directed to a small quarter-mile path through the forest and corn fields that lead back to a home where Tomas lived with his extended family. Before we started, Tomas, the pastor, offered a prayer of thanks for what we were doing. We had some slow time in the beginning as we mixed mortar & things were set up to begin work. There was scaffolding set up—I had never worked on scaffolding—then the cinder blocks, which we had to set in place with the aid of a string line to keep things straight. Getting slightly off made a huge difference down the line, and could be a big problem to correct. I’ve never done this before.

I had to take ‘pictures’ for the trip. The camera was new and I hadn’t used it before. The work site was full of possibilities — it was hard to know where to start. The kids were so thrilled to see themselves. They ran to see the picture as soon as it was done, laughing and excited to see themselves on ‘film’.

Right on cue—3 p.m.—the rain rolled in and started to pour. The day was called, but we got a lot accomplished. We hiked the quarter-mile back down the trail to the van as the skies opened up on us! I was glad to have my rain gear. As we walked down the path the children waved good bye. They also had a big day—we brought them notebooks and crayons and this was a major thrill that held their attention for most of the day. It was amazing to see this small two room house that will seem like a mansion to the family who share a space about the same size with extended family. This will be a space of their own.

Today was a day of firsts and learning things—

1) Making and getting on scaffolding, and making cement totally by hand.
2) Learning to use a trowel.
3) Traveling to an even more rural part of this area on dirt roads outside of Chichicastenango and off that down a quarter-mile path.
4) The building of the house; placing blocks and lining them up.
5) The pastor’s young son, 10-11 years old, was helping alongside us and his father to build their house, smiling, happy, proud, looking up to his father. It was very touching to see the strength of family and how much they gain from being with each other. In regard to worldly goods they had very little; in terms of love and family bonds they were very rich.

I wish that I could have done more but I can tell I am not use to the physical work. My muscles don’t hurt all that much –the sunburn on the back of the neck is a totally different matter and I guess tomorrow I will remember to use the sun screen. Later, after dinner, we had a meeting to discuss the upcoming Bible school. The meeting brought out some good points to remember!

1) Have a good time
2) The children should see Christ in us
3) Don’t focus on perfection –go with the flow.

The reflection tonight covered and connected with the devotion this morning on “call”. We were asked to share any moments when God was there with us. People brought up the caring for each other. In the care the family showed to us, by sharing the only chair they had so that we could sit and eat lunch. One team member saw pastor Thomas standing to eat his lunch. We saw Christ in the faces of the children as they anticipate a place of their own.

Mark shared the story of a man who had health issues that was going to keep him from working for at least six months and perhaps longer. This was going to create a horrible financial hardship on the family, so we took up a contribution to help him through this crisis. It really brought home how close to the edge these folks live, and one doesn’t know what waits around the next corner. Then again, that can be said for each of our lives – but there is just a world of difference in terms of resources at hand to help confront a crisis.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Following breakfast, we made lunches. We made sure that we made a few extra sandwiches for the work crew—and some sandwiches for the children. Then we were off to the work site. Somehow today the quarter-mile trail to the house didn’t seem as long. More of the pastor’s family showed up today. A leader of the Guatemala Methodist Church arrived with his wife, Pastor Juan Pablo and Maria Luisa. The wife shared some beautiful weaving that she had finished. The family had turkeys hatch during the night—6 little chicks. Tomasa carried these chicks in a pan. These chicks were going to provide the family with food in the near future.

The doors and windows arrived-and the team carried them up from the road. We didn’t install them, but perhaps tomorrow. I was part of the bucket brigade to provide those with cement for the posts and beams. It went a lot faster by working together. Then I got to mix cement by hand. This was a new skill and I have to admit I was far from great at it. The faucet on the family’s sink broke and it was challenging getting the water shut off. A note was made of the size and we stopped along the way home to pick up a replacement.

We met to hear about the upcoming Bible School tomorrow. It rained which was very relaxing. The house is really coming along and beginning to take shape. It is actually looking like a home. The family is working with us and watching as the house is taking shape. It is fun to interact with the children each day and learn a little more about them. It is such a different world as we see there are two rooms and the kitchen with a wood burning stove. They have electricity and running water. Water is a huge thing and a precious resource. The family has been so gracious and welcoming to us.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

We had to pack up all the Bible School stuff. Our van didn’t have a luggage rack so the other van carried it to the work site and we took it on to the church. Today was a day of mixing cement and sharing that task of mixing by hand. The work on the house went well and as a team we traded off jobs. I am really getting a lot of sun and have to make sure the sun screen goes on. I did some work on the ‘patio’, moving dirt and emptying the wheel barrow a couple of times.

The day at the work site always begins with prayer. This is a really a way of focusing and remembering about the fact that this isn’t about us. We are here because we were sent to Guatemala to be God’s hands and feet.

The first day of Bible School was a lot of fun. The faces of the children showed joy in its most basic and simple form. I was apprehensive about the language barrier, but you didn’t need words all the time to get a message across. I loved watching them learn ‘Red Light, Green Light’. Sibling groups of three or more children, arms linked together, ran forward but couldn’t stop so all three were pulled forward. Then we watched as they learned ‘Simon Says’ and followed what the leader was doing. They seemed to have fun, even if things got lost in the midst of the translation the kids had fun. Through fun, laughter and smiled, hopefully they experience God’s abundance. They are very high energy and ready, open to the unknown and new things; others are somewhat shy and withdrawn.

I saw one little guy, 3 or 4, sitting totally alone. He didn’t participate. I went over and took his picture and showed him. Now, all the other children (at both sites) get excited and I have to protect my camera as they want to see their picture. This little one was lethargic and uninterested. I felt him and he was really warm to the touch. I brought this to Mark’s attention, wondering if we should tell someone. Mark explained that he was most likely sick. Medical care doesn’t happen unless the situation is far more life threatening. Their view is that hospital is a place you go if you are dying. Medicine like antibiotics are far too expensive. I guess coming from such abundance, I take too much for granted.

The activities really didn’t go just as planned, but I was glad that, as a team, we were flexible and just dealt with it. The number of children was small enough that it was very manageable. Everyone chipped in and had some positive experiences with the children. The activities were a huge hit, the kazoo especially, marching around the room. Jan led them with a look of total joy. Musical chairs required some creativity, because with benches you can’t really take one chair out. Instead, the team entered in and sat down, so that left fewer places for the kids. The theme was about friendship, and Jesus being our friend always. I enjoyed the faces and expressions in the photos I took.

We had a special treat as Sister Helen was able to join us for dinner, it is still amazing that she is so active at 87. If I make it to that age, I want to be as sharp and active as she is, and as involved in life. I want to be as peaceful as she is in my soul. I want to be able to continue to do things. I can’t imagine doing a mission trip like this at 87, but it sure is a wonderful goal to have. She was so content with her life, something I deeply envy, it really is hard to remember she is 87, she really is an inspiration.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

At the work site, as we pulled up, Pastor Tomas was there with the roofing material that needed to be hauled in. Ray began singing, “Happy Days Are Here Again”. I was going to try to pitch in, and carry one. It was something that could mess up the back, which I have had problems with, so I was handed a shovel to carry. The quarter mile seemed very short today. At midday lumber, posts that will be used for scaffolding, arrived. I was there when the request came for volunteers to carry the posts. I thought I would be part of a team, but I was alone. Halfway up the trail, Michael came up and carried the post the remainder of the way. I was doing okay, but the trail was getting to me, and I was glad he took over.

We had Pastor Tomas’s three children join us for lunch. When the handy wipes come out, they find a place among us and wait. It was amazing to see how appreciative they were of being given a sandwich and a piece of fruit. It also seemed important to join with us. The time I have spent with them these past few days has meant a great deal to me. Watching them play together, it is clear how very connected they are, and the love and concern they have shown toward us shows me that they have been shown a great deal of love. They have very little materially, but they have an abundance in so many other ways.

We had slightly fewer kids at Bible School—we counted twenty-seven to thirty—due to it being market day. The kids had a great time playing with the balls outside. Ray entertained them with a ‘Lion Hunt’ and they followed the actions to the game very well and just loved it. This was followed by the ‘Hokey-Pokey”; when it got to putting your butt in, they howled and laughed with glee. They loved the ‘play dough’ and were very creative with the animals and designs that they made. They were thrilled to take home the things they made along with the extra ‘play dough’. Since ‘musical chairs’ was such a huge hit yesterday, we decided to do it again today and they loved it.

There was a young girl, ten or eleven years old, with her two-year-old sister wrapped in one of the traditional carriers. She wanted to be able to really participate in the games, but, with the little girl, couldn’t. I went over and tried to help, but baby sister would have nothing to do with a stranger and clung really tightly to her sister. The boys loved playing outside with the balls and the Frisbee. The ball went over the high fence onto the nearby roof. They thought nothing at all of climbing out and over the fence, and even venturing onto the roof. This no doubt was something they were comfortable doing, and had confidence and skills to do it, even if it made some of us just a touch nervous. They all played with great joy, looking at their faces which expressed a great joy and excitement about life. It was hard to know the family connections, but they absolutely took care of one another, hooking arms and walking around exploring the new things to do together. They shared crayons and ‘play dough’. They spent a great deal of time on activities like coloring.

It occurred to us that American kids would get bored in maybe five minutes and want to move on to something else, and start creating problems, or at least distractions. I saw an ability to be content, and an appreciation for getting to be with us and with each other. The time with them seemed to go by very quickly. It was fun to see. Ray especially loved being with the children. Both days he has been a pied piper, and whatever he was doing, the children were eager to follow.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Before going to the worksite today, we stopped at the John Wesley School. As we entered into the school courtyard, I was taken by surprise at the student’s warm welcome. As we walked in, they were lined up and applauded for each of us. They were dressed in uniforms for the most part, or traditional dress. The director of the school spoke and expressed appreciation for our willingness to work this past week, and then we got time with the kids.

I was sitting alone and a wonderful little girl came over and sat down next to me. She was speaking Spanish, so I couldn’t tell what she was saying. Finally we started walking around the different classrooms. I got it across that I would like to see her classroom. When we got to the room, there was a picture of Mickey Mouse on the wall. I showed her my Mickey Mouse watch, and turned on the theme song it plays. She quickly smiled and laughed. She showed me what I think was her reader, but didn’t seem comfortable with reading out loud. I did quick motions of the picture, including animal sounds which made them laugh.

Mary Ann ran hard with the children and they all had a wonderful time playing tag. Jenny began swinging a young girl and quickly had a long line form of students waiting to have their turn also. The young girl who was with me was willing to give it a try. I forgot how hard it was to do that, but it brought a smile and laughter. I took a picture of a group of boys who quickly began to build a pyramid, the last by carefully climbing to the top. They were proud of their accomplishment.

Mark explained that John Wesley was now the only school they sent challenged students to on scholarships. They found in the other schools the students really struggled because they did not have a good foundation, and were reading below grade level. John Wesley worked with handicapped kids, and with the smaller class size, those with learning disabilities or behind academically really flourished. The school was in need of renovations that were too much for future mission trips. It was in need of expansion because they had quickly outgrown the current space. The school was highly rated for the students performance.

The students sponsored by Pura Vida have to pass each school year. If they don’t, they are responsible for one year, after which they may reenter the scholarship program. Pastors are also sponsored for scholarships so they may further their education. Pastor Tomas was interested in doing this. He wanted to keep up with the youth he served.

It was time to leave the school, and the children ran up to give us a hug and say, “Adios!”

At the site, the family, extended family & congregation had worked after we left. There was cement to mix, and those who were skilled with the blocks and mortar did the last two rows. Kristen cut off the rebar that was sticking up, and one of the workmen motioned that she wad very strong. I took some final pictures of the kids, and as I walked up the steps to the trail, I slipped. All three of them scurried to help me up, and brushed the mud off. We laughed, and I tried to let them know I appreciated their help.

We took team photos with the family and the home at the point we had gotten it. They would be finishing the windows and doors, pouring a cement floor in the house and on the patio. We were promised a final picture showing the completed house.

There was a service in the church, so we were outside for Bible School. The rain held off until we were almost done. We had about thirty children. They played games outside. It was interesting to see the girls playing basketball sharing the ‘field’ with the boys playing soccer. There didn’t seem to be any rules or winners and losers., just everyone enjoying themselves as seen in the faces with smiles, the shouts and the laughter.

We had a banner for the churches back in Colorado. The children dipped their hands in red, blue, yellow or green paint, then made a handprint on the banner. Mark, assisted by Pastor Tomas, wrote the names carefully on the banner; then they cleaned their hand in a bucket of water.

There was a long sheet of paper for drawing, which the children did with a lot of care. I saw a group of four that seemed to be a sibling group, or form an extended family. The youngest I noticed the day before and tried to pitch in with watching so sister could go and play. She still wanted nothing to do with strangers though, and clung tightly to her sister. The oldest, I discovered, was blind and the younger sibling or cousin led her around. It was so common to see them walk arm in arm that it wasn’t noticed that she was being led. I asked it she was left without her guide as the guide went to do her hand print. Michael wasn’t sure what happened at that point.

The God’s Eyes were also a huge hit and they carefully worked on them, asking for extra for a sibling too young to do it. Helping those who had trouble getting the God’s Eye started. As I watched some older boys grab a bunch of the God’s Eye kits and run off I thought how similar children are around the world.

Once we closed the last day of Bible school the church Elders wanted to thank us for the work that we had done on the houses and for the Bible School. They introduced the Church treasurer and added that this was an honorary position because the church had no money. They wanted to express their gratitude by giving us a soda. This was a small gift but was given from the heart. We learned later that a future project will be building new restrooms because the ones that we had been using for the three days were in such bad shape and on the verge of caving in. We enjoyed the soda in a brief silence connected by our time together but living in very different worlds and cultures. In the moment of silence those differences seemed less important.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

We packed up today and headed to Antigua. The day was very clear and we were treated to a beautiful view of Lake Atitlan. We arrived in Antigua early enough to do some exploring. We started with checking into the hotel. We formed a line from the bus to the hotel to get all our luggage into the hotel. We headed out to the market and lunch. We found some great chocolate and coffee to take home. Then we went to bed early to be ready for the big travel day Sunday. The hotel was so welcoming with a comfortable bed and warm shower.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

We had breakfast in the courtyard-fresh fruit and breads. We had time after breakfast to go to the bakery a few doors from the hotel. We got apple and banana bread to take home. As we drink the coffee we bought yesterday and eat the bread we will remember our time in Guatemala — and all the people we had the opportunity to meet.

– Sarah Steidtmann