A Lil' Recap

Friends and fam, please forgive us for the lack of posting. We went away for Semana Santa (Holy Week) and it feels like ever since we returned life has been in fast forward. Our trip to Antigua was truly lovely. We saw lots of beautiful and intricate alfombras (carpets) and many processions. We were blessed with *free* accommodation and were able to splurge a little on some delicious meals. Overall, it was a restorative time and a nice change of pace. We made it back in time to enjoy an Easter meal on Sunday and to spend some time reflecting and resting.

One of many alfombras we got to see :)

SUSHI!?!?

An alfombra on Antigua's famous arch street

The past week or so has been busy with everyday life. Dan has been teaching and working at the restaurant, while I have been plugging away at Mayan Families. Nothing too exciting to report on my end, just doing a lot of office work lately. I have started hiking every Sunday with two friends I have made here. It's a really nice way to get to know them and get some exercise. Plus, the hike takes us up above the lake so we get amazing views!

Isabela, me, & Kathryn

Since we have tourist visas, Dan and I have to renew our visas every 90 days. This Friday we are headed to the department of San Marcos to visit a friend, an MCC worker that I met when I was first here in 2008. We will hang out with him, go hiking, and cross the border into Mexico. Please pray for our safe travel and that everything goes smoothly. I don't do so well on those curvy bus rides, and most of you know what happened the last time I went on a long hike in Guatemala.... haha :)

Last but not least, I want to lift up in prayer a couple friends of mine. An old friend from high school recently lost her husband very unexpectedly. Also, our friends here just got some awful news today that their friend and child died in a fatal car accident. I know you don't know their names, but God does so please just lift them and their families up. Thank you! 

Gearing up for Holy Week!

Here in Guatemala Semana Santa- Holy Week is a HUGE holiday. It's even bigger than Christmas. Most people (Guatemalans and foreigners alike) have off the entire week and use the time to travel, visit family, etc. Hordes of people go to the town of Antigua because it is famous for its processions and alfombras- carpets made on the street of flowers, plants, and colored saw dust. They are absolutely beautiful! Dan and I are hoping to go see some later this week. I think it's worth facing the crowds because they are truly beautiful.

An alfombra illustrating Mayan culture

Word on the street is that many people come to Pana since it is a popular vacation spot. I hear it's like a week long party so I am bracing myself for loads of drunk people on the streets. Kind of sad since it's suppossed to be a week reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice, but at least it's good business for the restaurants and all the street vendors.

This week will probably be crazy for us at Mayan Families. We are handing out over 500 Easter baskets to our clients which have been donated by various donors. This will be my first time distributing baskets (they also give Christmas and Mother's Day baskets), but I hear it is CRAZY! Please pray that things go smoothly and safely.

The past two weeks I have spent a lot of time outside of the office working with groups of short-term volunteers (usually a week or two). First, it was a group of high school students from St. Louis. Last week it was a group of adults from a church in Southern Indiana. Although being with groups can be exhausting (translating, answering 2 million questions, coordinating transportation), I truly enjoy helping them learn about Guatemala and being a type of bridge- connecting them and the local people. I participated in building some fuel efficient stoves with the first group. The group from Indiana visited some of Mayan Families' pre-schools and sang songs with the kids. All of the pre-school students are adorable! Also, they visited our Elderly Feeding Program. Here are some pics below. Also, I am working on creating a separate site that will be exclusively for sharing our photos with family and friends. Stay tuned!

Happy Semana Santa! May you find time to reflect on this special season and on Jesus' ultimate sacrifice- He died so that we may live. Amen.

Erika- one of our sponsored students & one of my favorites :)

The St. Louis group brought coloring books for all of the kids.

What a cutie!

Singing a song with kids in our San Jorge Pre-school

The little boy in front is named Mariceo & is so cuddly.
He's adorable!

One of the elderly women in our feeding program.
This is Doña Gregoria.

Waiting to sing some songs w/ the gringos. 

Pure joy 

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