Guacamole Casserole (perhaps)

Day 1- December 20

Awake to the alarm clock at 2:30 am. Stumble to the shower and as soon as the water washes over me I can open my eyes. The house starts to crawl with sleepy bodies carrying suitcases all around and then out to the vehicle. Then off thru the warm-ish snowy world we go. Happy chattering- soon arrive at the airport and check in all our seven huge bags. Some of them contain blankets for a hospital and clothes for children. Once through security we had breakfast. I chewed on fresh fruit, vanilla yogurt and granola. Boarded the plane, de-iced, and then took off with sun slowly rising in the east. Brothers were excited to be flying again. All the way across the U.S. we flew to the red dirt of Texas. Green grass and 17 degrees celsius greeted us in Houston. For seven hours we toured that airport. Rode the train, sampled different kinds of food and got slightly bored. Just after dark we lifted off again in the plane and flew across the Gulf of Mexico to Guatemala. They served us chicken sandwiches and salad on board. At one point during the flight I tipped my salad container so Levi and I got it on our laps. As we were getting lower and ready to land I saw a collision on a busy highway. That was interesting to see from the air. We landed in the humid air and walked into the airport. Quite a modern building with dim lighting. We collected our baggage. Walked into the warm night air to a crowd of people all behind gates waiting for their families, friends, and loved ones. Jillisa was a smiling one and we met all of Dwight & Christi's family- Trenton 14, Janae 11, Kate 9, Stacie 4, and lil 4-month-old Karli. We would learn to know these people very well in the next two weeks. Luggage & people piled into a big white rented van and went laughing through the streets of Guatemala City. We zipped past colorful buildings with much character that deserved to be photographed or painted. The windows were open wide, bucketfuls of air poured in and brought unique smells to the nostrils; mango tree blossoms, moist air, burning garbage, and fumes from traffic. The vehicles surprised me. I was expecting very old but most were surprisingly nice. In the city there were even quite a few luxury vehicles. Up and down the mountains we went. Approximately two hours later we arrived in the sleeping town of Guastatoya. The mission house is mostly open to the outdoors with many hammocks there is a luscious courtyard in the middle with banana trees, palms, and other beautiful things. We headed for bed soon and thus ended the travel day.

Day 2- December 21

Rooster crows; I awake. Eat a breakfast burrito and sip on fresh coconut milk with a straw out of the coconut. Loaded up blankets into the back of the little Nissan pickup and Jillisa, Mom, Dad, Christi, and I went to the little blue hospital down the road. They were extremely pleased to receive blankets and everyone's face was smiling. One lady with a brilliant pink shirt gave a tour of the place. Came home then walked the cobblestone tree-lined streets to the market. Bought fresh vegetables for lunch. Jillisa and I walked to a neighbor with a lil tortilla shop and she made us some fresh white corn tortillas. Mexican chow mein for lunch was unique. In the afternoon all the males got into the brand-new Nissan SUV to go to El Rancho. About a 15 minute drive through gorgeous mountain scenery. Picked up a man named Ferdinando and together with him we set up two steel buildings. One of them will be used for services every Monday. After sweating in the sun we stopped at an American-style ice cream place. Then looked at the wreckage of a huge steel bridge that the flood had washed out. Went back to Guastatoya. The boys played soccer in the street. Had a supper of ground beef, rice and sweet & sour sauce before getting ready for church. Dad drove the little pickup with people piled into the back. We picked up even more people on the way and got into a comical little traffic jam that was Dad's fault. Drove down narrow and steep streets with people sitting outside of their houses before arriving at church. All the Sunday School children put on a program for us. I had fun singing in Spanish. All the members just feel like normal people but the language barrier is such a difficulty! All I can say to them are simple things like 'Hola!' and 'Buenos Noches' Every one brought food for after church so got to sample much Mexican food. Including their favorite Christmas punch with cooked fruit floating in it. The taste resembles apple cider. Drove home thru the warm night, brilliant colored flowers and trees, freshly painted houses for Christmas- every color of the rainbow. All of us boys sleep in one room so there was a rowdy pillow fight before settling down for bed.

Day 3- December 22

Loud traffic driving and the voice of my sister saying "Pancakes are ready!" I get to the table and Find out it is French Toast~ not a big deal.. Sang a Spanish song and read the Santa Biblia for devotions. Jillisa took our familia shopping in the market. Travis and Levi bought little bags of squishy cold jello to eat. We hired a tuk-tuk (a little red taxi thing pictured below) to take us to the new market. All seven of us piled in. Bernabe, the youth boy there, works in a meat shop there so stopped to talk to him. Brother Isaiah was also there. Bought a few things and then hired another tuk-tuk to bring us home. Jillisa and I zoomed to buy picnic stuff- lime iced tea, ham, Doritos, etc. then rushed back home in record time. Everyone loaded up into two vehicles and headed down the streets and out of town ont o the busy highway. Stopped once for gas and a lady came by and gave us tamales to buy so ate a little bit of that. Kept driving 'til we arrived at a beautiful park called Agua Caliente. Cobblestone streets and walkways, sloping lawns, handmade walls and stairs, luscious trees and flowers, everything perfectly manicured. There were also some animals in cages; monkeys, raccoons, toucans, and some other UA (unidentified animals) that looked kind of like ant-eaters maybe. Peacocks also floated around on the lawns, including an albino one that was perfectly white. We had our lunch in a huge concrete camp kitchen thing. A meowing cat wandered around us, hoping to be fed. Over one part of the park is a tall curving bridge for the highway above. Under that bridge we played a lively game of soccer until sweat poured. The kids all went on some hilarious rides that were maybe more fun to watch than be the one riding. Dwight's family went home and we continued on to Palencia mission where Eldon & Sharon are missionaries. As soon as we got there Eldon took us up the mountain. We drove for quite aways past many houses and smiling people. We parked the pickup in a friendly man's yard and then started the trek to the the top. As I hiked right through everything barefoot, I just felt right 'IN' it. Gorgeous flowers and plants once more. So delicate and beautiful. I made a necklace out of a vine and some leaves. When we arrived at the top, our eyes stayed open. The mountains were covered with little fields of hand-planted crops. Three volcanoes could be seen in the distance, one of them letting out small puffs of smoke. A big concrete cross was on top of the mountain so you could stand on that as well. Then back down we went. Sharon was busy cooking supper when we got back. The roof of that mission house is flat so we hauled a table and some chairs up there and also some lanterns and lamps for the sun had already set. Justo & Thelma, an elderly couple that are the only members there, came for supper. Yummy chicken enchiladas and rice. After supper we sang in Spanish and English before going to bed. Aaaah~ sleep is great.

Day 4- December 23

Sharon served us French Toast on the roof. The view was very beautiful in the morning! Volcanoes and Guatemala City spreading over the hills in the distance. After breakfast was cleaned up, Sharon, Jillisa, me and my brothers all went to the neighbors house. They are extremely poor so Sharon decided to buy a chicken from them. Their yard is mud and garbage with laundry hanging on ropes everywhere. In one little hut a teenage girl was frying tortillas on a little fire. The rest of the family chased the chicken around the yard 'til they successfully captured it. The hen's feet were tied with yellow yarn and she was put in the back of the pickup. The rest of us got in- parents in the cab, rest in the back. Not very far down the road the hen pooped in my croc. That was not joyful. Eldon gave me some newspaper and that kind of cleaned it up. Then up the windy mountain road we went. We yelled out Spanish greetings to people as we passed their houses and yards. Some people like to try out the little bit of English that they do know, "Hi!" they say, then laugh and chuckle. Many of the people up on this mountain had never seen white children. Missionaries are all they ever see. Past more hand-planted fields we go; steep mountain-sides carefully tended to. Many a pig is losing its Life today to prepare for a Christmas feast. After 40 minutes of bouncing bodies and wind-whipped hair, we arrive at the home of Filomena. She is a very generous mountain lady with a primitive, yet beautiful yard. A fence of small palm trees, bamboo, and other plants makes a fence around her yard. She has chickens with tiny chicks that cruise all around, a pig that woofs like a dog, and some VERY beautiful flowers- blue and white Hydrangeas, perfect pink roses, huge cala lilies, and Christmas poinsettias. We brought the chicken to kill and prepare. She made it into a soup with other vegetables including potatoes. She also prepared coffee from her own bushes and some rice. The whole process took approx. 3 hours. She had a lush pine tree decorated with balloons for her Christmas tree. After the meal we continued up the mountain. Filomena came with us. The fields kept getting more beautiful the higher we went. Soon arrived at home with many children waiting for us. Eldon & Sharon did the story of Christmas with flannel-graph. These children were so dirty and cute. These people are so much poorer than the ones in Guastatoya. Eldon took all 27 of the children for a quick ride in the pickup before we headed back down to the town. Our family got in the SUV and headed back to Guastatoya. Ate a taco stand for supper with everyone. Sat on the curb of the busy street and keeping our feet tucked in as tuk-tuks, motos, and all manner of vehicles roar past. Soda out of tall glass bottles was fun to drink. Then we all got in the pickup and went to pick up Pocholo and Bernabe to go caroling. First we went to Brother Felipe's house he lives quite aways out of town. We drove beside a wondrous river in the dark. Huge palms and other majestic trees lined the shore with nature's Christmas lights (fireflies) twinkling in their branches. Sang at one more place out by Felipe's then headed back to the bustling town. Flor and Christi, two of the youth girls joined us on their motos. (mopeds) Sang all over town and then headed to bed at home.

Day 5- December 24

Devotions on the porch, then a breakfast of moist banana bread and baked eggs. Levi, Jillisa, and I went shopping once again in this loud town. We had delicious frozen fruit dipped in chocolate. Levi and I had strawberries. Jillisa had pineapple- Refresh* The line-ups were extremely long in the store because of Christmas Eve. Got home and all piled into the pickup to go to El Rancho. A family that always attends the services in El Rancho had invited us for lunch. Their house, (except for one wall) was washed away in the flood. So now they live in a tiny hut that does not even have proper walls. Oscar & Lydia are their names and they gave us tamales for lunch. They are so kind and giving even tho' they practically have nothing. After lunch us boys played soccer with their son and then we all sang Spanish Christmas songs together. Drove back home as the sky started to get gray. Relaxed for the afternoon. Bernabe and Pocholo came over with a new Honda dirtbike to give rides and let people drive it so that was fun. Had a very delicious supper of marinated pork in a tomatoey sauce with little bits of pineaapple mixed in as well. Had this in tortillas with beans, salsa, crema, and guacamole. Embarrassing moments were told by different people at the table. Had some 'roll on the floor' laughs! The evening sped by. We went out in the street to light sparklers, little fire-crackers, and some Roman candles with the neighbor children. They were delighted. There is a large field across from the house and every night it is just aglow with fireflies! I'd go out there many times to see it. Fireworks boomed all evening and at 12:00 it really got noisy and beautiful. Christmas had arrived. After most of the excitement had died down we snuggled into our beds.

Day 6- December 25

A breakfast of scrambled eggs, fresh tortillas, and beans was eaten. Got ready for church and then drove through the streets littered with all kinds of paper scattered about from the fireworks. A big job for the street sweepers to clean up on Monday. Church was interesting and nice. Some people were rather late because of the exciting night previously. Came home and I had a tiny nap. Made red and green triangle place cards for the table. Then us children all played a game while we waited for Christmas dinner. Eldon & Sharon finally arrived at 4'o'clock and we could eat! A big ham, mashed potatoes, strawberry lettuce salad, green bean casserole, and fresh rolls- delicious and I ate way too much. Jillisa's class did a program in the evening and us boys helped say some of the parts. The youth also came to listen. I went to sleep early while everyone else kept eating Christmas food and candies and chocolate. I was sick, you see. I slept and slept.

Day 7- December 26

Woke up, looked at the time, went back to sleep. Woke up, showered, went back to sleep. Woke up, drank orange Gatorade that my Dad bought for me and a toast that tasted blah, went back to sleep. Everyone else went to the market except Travis stayed home with me. I went to sleep again and dreamt that I had gone to China. I had lots of fun there. People came home so I woke up again. They all had a serve yourself lunch @ 2:30. I had a small amount of peppernuts. Then I snuck out of the house to go for a walk. I was feeling dizzy and sick but it was worth it. I observed many people and dogs. The sun felt very hot and the music very booming all around. I walked down the double lane highway with trees in the middle and then around through the old market. As soon as I returned I just collapsed on my bed. Oh it felt so nice just to lay there again.. All too soon it was time to go to El Rancho for the Monday service. I was still sick but decided to go anyway. Bernabe and Isaiah were at the service too. The service consisted of flannel-graph, Spanish singing, and little black bugs that bite your ankles. A cooling evening breeze came to refresh us as we traveled back to Guastatoya. We picked up Bernabe and all of us went out for supper to a nice restaurant called tacotento. We ordered three big wooden platters full of five different meats fried in delicious spices. They also sent out a tray of toppings and sauces in cute little wooden bowls. We sat outside under a little roof with palm trees on one side. Bernabe came over after supper and Jillisa, me, and him sang Spanish and English songs together. Levi, Dad, and Dwight brought Bernabe home and the rest of us all packed up for the journey tomorrow, showered, then went to bed.

Day 8- December 27

 Rio Dulce Bridge (top)





Castillo San Felipe

 

Castillo San Felipe

Got up by 6:30, showered and then ate the most delicious banana muffins baked by my sister! (even tho' she forgot to put one egg in) Lucas and Trenton ran to the store to get bird seed and Agua Pura in bottles. Dwight went and got the big white van again so we could travel together. Loaded up all our overnight bags and left the town behind. Drove along beside a river for awhile. The air kept getting more moist and everything around just got more and more lush. Beautiful flowers once again. All the children played little weird electronic games to keep themselves entertained, Monoply, Checkers, etc. All the beeping and buzzing and talking and humming became part of the atmosphere. Stopped at one place where they were selling nice hammocks beside the road. I bought one that is green, yellow, red, blue, and cream. After hours of driving we arrived at the beautiful town of Rio Dulce (which means 'sweet river' in English). We crossed over a HUGE arching bridge (the biggest in Central America) and parked underneath on the other side. The Dads went to look for a boat to rent. I went down to the river and watched all the ladies wash their clothes in the clean water. So intriguing- a nice purple and yellow boat was rented for us and we piled all our luggage and bodies inside. We motored over to fill up with gas and then we were off! Skimming over the water with wind rushing everywhere. Very soon we arrived at Castillo San Felipe, a beautiful castle/fort. (pictured below) We pulled up to the dock and brought our picnic baskets and cooler out. We sat in the beautiful park and had ham sandwiches, lime iced tea, etc. Then to tour the castle we went! It was built of rough stones and wood. The roofs were all beautiful red tiles. It was just the right size to live in! I just wanted to make it into a house. There were little slots for cannons and there was also a dungeon and a chapel. We also found some mysterious tunnels that were pitch black. We felt our way through and always came up in random places. That was extremely enjoyable. There was even a moat and drawbridge by the entrance. The boat driver pulled up to the dock and we loaded up once again. Down the river we went. Water spraying, people smiling, some beutiful resort houses on the shore, some beautiful quaint and colorful houses on the shore. There were also a few islands in the middle. Most of them were full of birds. The one had three HUGE yellow iguanas up in the trees. We journeyed on and came to a place where blooming water lilies floated on the surface. We slowed down and little girls came out in dugout wooden canoes to sell us beautiful souvenirs that they had made. We enterd into a lush canyon soon with high walls full of foliage beside the river. Then suddenly the walls flattened out and we had arrived at the Caribbean Sea! So wonderful it was. Picturesque boats fishing floated by the shore waiting to go out to sea. We arrived at a hotel built on a hill and Dad and Dwight went in to see if they had vacancy- they did. So we got four rooms and changed into swimming clothes. Then out to sea we went. The water was warm and the bottom sandy. We could see Belize in the distance so that was exciting. While exploring the beaches we found trails of leaf-carrier ants carrying leaves :) Then we all settled down on the beach to build sand castles 'til dusk. Everyone showered and we walked into the town. This town, Livingston, has no roads to it so everything that is here has come by boat. We ate supper at a restaurant called Happy Fish. I had delicious garlic shrimp that were whole still. Lucas ordered fish and he got the whole thing including the head. We thought it was funny- he was NOT impressed. An extremely loud band came to give us entertainment while we ate. The used drums, sea shells, and even a turtle shell to make a tune. The people in this town have very dark skin and don't seem very much like the rest of the Guatemalans. For dessert we went to an ice cream shop. I had a tropical pina colada shake~ Oooh 'twas great. A soft rain started to fall as we walked back to the hotel. Lucas, Trenton, and I shared a room. soon we were sound asleep

           

 Day 9- December 28

A knock on the hotel door at 7:20 by my Dad awoke me. I got up and went outside onto the deck where we were planning to have devotions. Lucas was the only one there so we went down the concrete stairs painted red to the beach. A few other people were down there and we cooled our feet in the Caribbean for a few minutes. Then back up to the deck we went. Devotions were held and then we moved downstairs to a different deck with a restaurant. Scrambled eggs and pancakes for me! And there were some black people from the States also eating breakfast there so it was interesting to speak English with them. Yesterday we had told the boat driver to be at the dock by nine. He was very punctual and we all climbed aboard. Off we went again- past the waving statue, past a swinging bridge, and past beautiful beaches. Then a dock came into view and we pulled up to it. The place was called Siete Altares, (Seven Altars) and when we pulled up to that dock, I had no idea what was waiting behind the trees. We walked for about three minutes and as I came up over a little hill I gasped! The sight was TRULY breathtaking! There were three waterfalls with three big pools at the bottom of each of them. One of the waterfalls had a cave behind it. The water was bluish-green, clear, and just the right temperature for swimming on a hot day. The deepest pool was eight meters deep so jumping and diving off the cliffs was wonderful.. There were palm trees, vines, large dancing trees, and all kinds of amazing flowers and foliage that I normally would just see in pictures. And here I WAS- right in this picture. Everything was tangible! I jumped into the deep pool, climbed up beside the waterfall, then dove from in the waterfall. I also climbed up rocks on the side and jumped in from there. Aaah! It was so enjoyable! (sorry for all the exclamation marks but it truly was grand) We followed the trail up the stream and swam in little pools and waterfalls along the way. We found another high waterfall to jump off before turning around. Swam for a little while longer in the 8 meter deep pool because that was the most fun. Then headed back to the dock where the purple and yellow boat was waiting. He took us back to Gil Resort where we packed up all our stuff. Then we waved goodbye to the happy town of Livingston as we spluttered off in the boat, chewing Ritz crackers with cheesy middles. Because who isn't hungry after swimming!? All too soon we were back in the scenic town of Rio Dulce. The van battery had gone dead so we all pushed as hard as we could and the van zoomed around the parking lot 'til it started! Yay! Jillisa and Christi bought sandwich ingredients at the grocery store and they were prepared once we were on the road. It rained for a little while and one vehicle slipped into the deep ditch because of it. When we stopped for gas the van would not start again. So we pushed for all we were worth once more. It just barely started. Some men sitting in a little porch thought we looked quite hilarious pushing the van so they had a great laugh. Back down the road we went. Taking in all the intriguing sights once more. I even saw a lady brushing her teeth right beside the road. We stopped for refreshing Coca-Colas at one point in the journey. And then we arrived in Guastatoya. So good to be back. Stacie and Christi were sick so Janae put frozen burritos into the oven. Jillisa cooked rice and cheese sauce. My Mom and me hung clean clothes up on the clothesline in the courtyard. Dad, Dwight, and Trenton worked on the van and they thought they had it figured out. So Levi, Trenton, Dad, and I pushed Dwight down the street in the van as fast as we could- nothing happened. So we had to push the van all the way back up the street. Supper was ready when we got back. Mom, Christi, Janae, Stacie, and Karli stayed home from Bible Study. The rest of us rode through the calm, dark town to church. About 16 people there altogether. The ladies all had a good chuckle when one Grandma made a mistake with words when she was reading a verse. Came home to eat mangoes and I squeezed some fresh lemons and limes into iced tea- so fresh and yum! I was so thirsty but what a quencher the tea was. Off to bed I went. 

Day 10- December 29

For breakfast we had crusty bread dipped in coffee and toast with strawberry jam. Just our family went to Isaiah and Clara's to watch the sausage making process. They are a happy couple and are both in the church. Next we went to Sister Letty's home. She has a nine year old grand daughter named Sarita that is very good at remembering phone numbers. If Letty can't remember a number, she just asks Sarita. On the way out the door Mom banged her head on the wind chimes and Dad kicked the watering can so we exited with a clang and clatter. Close to Letty's house is a swinging bridge so we walked across that to go to a pig farm. Alas; the gate was closed so we had to go back and wade through the river to get there a different way. On the farm there were Huge pigs and small pigs, sick pigs and tiny baby pigs that still have their long, whippy tails. Then back through the river we went to Elias & Delphina's home. Delphina is a member but they both attend church. They have a lush garden in the back yard and a spacious guest room with two beds that overlooks the beauty. They served us Coca-Cola and little sweet crackers. After leaving Elias' we drove thru the town to Flor, the youth girl's, bakery. A delectable smell wafted to our nostrils as we climbed the stairs to the second floor where her bakery was located. It is a very comfortable and airy atmosphere with a relaxing porch viewing the bustling street below. We ordered chimichangas and chicken quesadillas. When the food came it was set up perfectly on nice plates to look visually appetizing. And it didn't just look good, it tasted amazing! Us boys all ordered a second helping. We also ordered some Jamaica tea made from rose petals that was refreshing & unique. Flor's brother Selvin was at the bakery so we talked to him for awhile and he offered to take us boys swimming in the afternoon. After our delicious meal we all ordered amazing cheesecakes and then headed back to the mission house. Jillisa and I got in a tuk-tuk and went shopping 'til 4. Then she put me on a tuk-tuk by myself and told the driver to take me to Oho de Agua. I thought he would take me right to the pool but he took me alot further! Finally I didn't know how far he'd go so I stopped him and got out. I had been watching which way we had come so I could follow the trail back. Trenton, Lucas, Levi, and Travis came in a different tuk-tuk and when they arrived we all went swimming in a beautiful pool. The pool belongs to Isaiah & Clara's daughter and husband. There was a second floor porch above the pool so we jumped off there sometimes. Bernabe joined us for a little bit, too. Swam for two and a half hours before Jillisa, Mom, and Dad came to Isaiah's for supper. We had pork chops, tortillas, beans, Coca-Cola, and orange Crush. Then drove through the dark to our happy house.

Day 11- December 30

Pancakes- fresh strawberries from the market, and delicious whipped cream. Then loaded up mattresses and all kinds of things to bring to El Rancho in two vehicles. We saw a head-on collision between a large bus and a pickup. Sad. Soon arrived at the house where Andrew & Carmen Blosser from Pincher Creek will be living soon. It has a little yard full of trees, concrete stairs up to the flat roof, three spacious rooms inside, and a large kitchen/dining room. All the rooms have big wooden doors and there's a grand hallway through the middle of everything. We cleaned and cleaned all morning and into the afternoon. Then moved furniture and lots of kitchen stuff in. As I sat in the back of the pickup on the ride home, I took in all the surroundings. The air; rushing by at high speeds- filled with the fumes of busy tucks and highway traffic, the smooth highway- winding through these gorgeous green mountains. And then, Here I AM- in the midst of all this that I have become familiar with in the last days. But I miss my Canada.. Dwight took Christi and Stacie to the doctor when we got back to Guastatoya and the rest of us went out for lunch to a place by central park. I had delicious pulled beef in a crunchy tortilla with spicy salsa and to drink; a refreshing narajada. That is a slushy orange drink in a fancy glass with a cherry on top. Jillisa and I walked home through the town after. We went down hilly streets where she had never been before but we did not get lost. Dwight, Dad, and I took one more load to El Rancho. The one cupboard just barely fit through the door after much pushing and pulling. I do NOT envy the person who will take it back out someday! Came back home and I had a happy shower. Everyone except Christi and Karli went to Elias and Delphina's for supper. Bernabe was there as well. Had some marinated meat with tortillas and beans. We ate out on the nice porch with the luscious garden to gaze at on one side. Had a happy time, then came home to sleep.

Day 12- December 31

Got up early-ish but the town had been buzzing for awhile already. I had toast to eat and we piled into the rental van once more except Karli, Janae, and Christi stayed home. Off to Guatemala City we went. First to a bustling underground double-layer market filled with beautiful things. I bought two Guatemala stickers, some little clay, handmade animal families, a black shirt that says 'di yus pikin glish?' and a beautiful hand woven textile rug with interesting pictures on it. On the lower level were fruits, amazing flower bouquets, and some pottery stuff. Everything was crowded because of New Year's Eve. For lunch we went to Wendy's! This American restaurant was a special treat. I was surprised that this city even has things like Subway and Starbucks. Wal-mart was the next stop on the list. We bought all the twin-size sheet sets they had. The Edberg Sunday School children gave the money for that. The sheets are for the same hospital in Guastatoya where we brought the blankets before. Across the street from Wal-mart is a huge 3 level shopping mall called Portales. Amazing stores that I did not expect to see in Guatemala. In every store I went into the workers immediately wanted to help me just 'cuz I was a white person. What a disadvantage! I would much rather just blend in with everyone.. Home through the busy traffic we went and had taco salad for supper. I read a book and went for a small walk in the dark. Mom started mixing up coffee cake batter for tomorrow morning. And I mixed up barbeque sauce for tomorrow's chicken. Dozed on and off, then woke right up at midnight when fireworks and firecrackers exploded the air! Felt even louder than Christmas* A soft rain started and drizzled 'til morning- making the town HUMID.

Day 13- January 1

Coffee Cake by Mom. & fruit to eat- yum. The air smelt smoky and felt like a sauna in a way. Then off to church we go. Not many people up and around yet because of another late night last night. Hermano Felipe had the message and he spoke so quietly that most people could not understand what he was saying. (I for sure couldn't understand because Spanish) Bernabe came for lunch of barbeque chicken, rice, salad, bread. He also has a 'di yus pikin glish?' shirt that he got as a gift so we both wore those. Sang English songs in the afternoon and relaxed. Bernabe left and Jillisa and I snuck out of the house to go for a walk. We walked around in Central Park and stopped for yummy naranjadas at the lil restaurant. Walked back to the house and all the children and my Mom & Dad drive to a different park downtown. That park was a beauty! The sun was just setting behind the mountains and it cast a golden glow on everything. There were large antique pillars with vines creeping and growing on them. Lanterns giving light to lush palms and other jungle foliage and flowers. The park is on an incline and at the bottom is a Roman-style theater with stone bleachers and dome-shaped stage. The stage has amazing acoustics! If you sit just right and whisper- everyone on the bleachers can hear you. Amazing~ We drove home and got ready for evening church. Dad preached- Dwight interpreted. Our family sang a song at the end of the service. Then we bid "Adios!" to tall the smiling members. Bernabe gave me some Domincan Republic money to keep as a rememberance of him- what a nice guy.. Jillisa fried up some fresh coconut for us as a night snack. Ooooh that was wonderful! I also squeezed lime into iced tea once again because that iLove. Jillisa read Br'er Rabbit stories to the children and off to bed everyone went.

Day 14- January 2

Woke up early and grabbed a quick breakfast. Said good-bye to everything and everyone that wasn't coming along to the airport. Christi, Janae, Kate, Karli, Blackie the cat, the birds, the weird barking neighbor dogs that off-white poodles, the turtles, the rooster that wakes me up each morning, the smiling people in the town. Good-bye all of you. We drove to Guatemala City and guess where we went! If you thought 'the airport' then you're wrong.. We actually went to two fabric stores and just loaded up with fabric of all different colors and textures. Mom wants to have a fabric sale at home. Then we could go to the airport. Said good-bye to Jillisa, Dwight, Trenton, and little Stacy. Checked in our bags and then had some breakfast for the third time that day. (the second one we had while waiting for Mom and Jillisa to finish at the fabric stores) Sat in the seats and waited for the plane. The black people from the U.S. that we had breakfast with Rio Dulce were also waiting for their flight so 'twas interesting to interact with them again. Soon boarded the plane and took-off in the misting rainy stuff. Flew over the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and then landed in familiar Houston. Had just enough time there to eat a supper and then took off once more. The sky was indescribably beautiful as the sun set in the west. Brilliant orange, red and blue colors stretched across the horizon. And they lingered long, perhaps because we were in the air? The flight was long and relaxing but finally we landed in our happy city of Edmonton. All our luggage was eventually collected even tho' the broom we brought home was sticking out. The air was not even very cold like I was preparing for. A shuttle brought us to our vehicle. We stopped at Tim Horton's for refreshments and then scooted along home.

Any comments or questions? click on the 'thoughts' button to let me know what you think..