Guatemala Slide Show

News Wrap-up

Video

Stay tuned for the video. It should appear in about a week or two.

Lee

Updated Schedule

Hey all,
I tried to update our "tentative schedule" post below to reflect what we actually did. Please let me know if I missed something or got something wrong. It's amazing how hard it is to remember when we did what!
JJ

On the bus

We are through customs and on the bus. We should be home sometime around 1:00 am.
Attached is a picture of everyone singing "Father Abraham." As far as I am aware, these kids have not had caffeine. Therefore since they have been traveling for the last 12 hours I can only assume that they are running on adrenaline.

Lee

We made it

We are at the Newark airport at 9:30 pm. which is a few minutes early. All we need to do now is make it through customs and then take the two hour bus ride back to Lancaster.

Lee

On the way

We are packed up and ready to leave for the airport. Yesterday there was a protest and the only road to the airport was blocked from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. During that time the protesters did not allow any vehicles across their protest line which was inconvenient located across the main highway. Hopefully that will not happen today. If it does we will probably not be able to make it to the airport. Our local sources say that protests do not usually occur on Saturday. (Apparently protesters only work weekdays 9-5.)

Our flight leaves at 4:50 pm Eastern time. It arrives in Newark at 9:59 pm Eastern time. We will probably be arriving in Lancaster sometime after midnight. (Assuming that we do not run into any protests along the way.)

This will probably be the last post until we land in Newark. The wireless internet access at the Guatemala airport does not work.

See you soon.

Lee

Beauty Untouched by Words

At 7 a.m. we traveled from our dorms to Atitlan Lake in Panajachel. The drive was about two hours. We had to take an alternate route because of a protest in the streets (FARMERS UNITED!). When we finally arrived, we beheld the famous lake. It was created by a volcano, now in-active. It was such a beautiful place, that pictures do no justice. We loaded up on a boat and prepared ourselves for a 45 minute to an hour ride. As we sat on the boat with our feet hanging over the edge, we sat in awe at the wonderful works of God. Green mountains shot straight up from the waters dotted with farm fields. Along with the scenic area were many intricate buildings.

We soon reached our destination. We spent the next hour walking through market streets full of life and color. We rode the boat back to the other side of the lake to eat lunch. After hot sandwiches and Guatemalan drinks, many decided to shop the streets a bit more. While some were content at this market, three of us (Allison, Thea and Emily) decided to look for other adventures.

We made our way down to the lake and looked longingly at the cool, clear water. We decided to wade in up to our knees, but Emily thought that wasn’t enough. She chose to go all in, for a full swim (ask for details later). The water was so refreshing and worth the wet jeans. Alas, then it was time to leave. We drove home, making a few quick stops for pictures of the scenic views from the mountain. All in all it was a well spent day, with pizza to top it off for dinner. Tomorrow we head home. Continue to pray for our safety, health and smooth airport relations.

Much love,
Thea and Emily (and all of us)

Should Have Took a Tuk Tuk

Today we started out with delicioso pancakes made by John, and headed out once again to the preschool to review colors, numbers, and names with the students. We met up with the middle school students that we interacted with yesterday and went over their English lessons. Around ten thirty we went back to the preschool for RECESS! Boy, what utter chaos! Just picture mucho loudo screaming, kids hanging on our necks, chasing us around the building, and tons of pictures…pretty crazy, but us and the preschool kids loved every minute of it, and were extremely sad when we had to say goodbye for the last time.


After recess came to an end, we crossed the street to the high school, to talk to the Bilingual secretary students in tenth and eleventh grade, to help sharpen their English skills, which were lacking. It was difficult sometimes, not knowing which words to use, but all in all, it was good, and an awesome way to get to know the girls. We ate packed lunches in la biblioteca (library) and split up into our work groups, just like yesterday, painting, varnishing, covering books, and making certificates.


When we had finished with our work, we walked through the local market searching for excellent deals and interesting finds. On our way back to the dorms, a few of us took an alternative, scenic route and got a little carried away. Needless to say, we were on dirt roads, nothing familiar in sight, and walking aimlessly up and down the streets. Finally, the boys gave in to asking for directions. We found a man and his son going for a walk, who graciously led us back to the hospital. It was such a blessing from God that he was there, and we were then able to bless him by paying him for his time. Moral of the story, we shoulda taken a tuk tuk (cross between motorcycle/car/tricycle)!!!


Dinner was ready when everyone arrived back at the dorms, and everyone got their game faces on to play the Guatemalans in soccer….talk about rivals! We played them in soccer and basketball, and only came out with a few injuries. Unfortunately, Darell was elbowed in the nose, and Austin pulled a muscle in his back, and can barely move and needs mucho prayer. After having a really good time being creamed in soccer, we came back here to the dorms, had devotions, and are now getting ready for our day tomorrow of sightseeing. Once again, thanks for all your prayers, and keep on praying. Goodnight!


Katelyn y Stephanie

Today es Wednesday!

This morning started off with alarm clocks…sleepy eyes…and bagels with cream cheese. We then got ready to head over to the Utatlan Preschool to teach English. The focus for today was numbers and review of previous lessons. After that the crew went over to the 7th grade English class to help them with telling time in English. Even though it was a challenge, the students enjoyed conversing with us and watching us attempt to teach them. It was funny to watch the Guatemalan girls whisper about our boys and the Guatemalan boys giggle about our girls. We did this with two 7th grade classes. Needless to say..our brains hurt. Mucho.

AND THEN CAME THE GREATEST THING EVER! RECESS! ..with the preschoolers J. After much yelling…ring around the rosey..piggy back rides…duck duck goose..and little kid shrieks, It was time to head back to the big kids. They pared us up with one or two girls from the bilingual secretarial class. We talked with them about life, school, and Jesus. It was filled with stuttered English..stuttered Spanish…mucho spanglish..and awkward silences. BUT, it gave them practice with their English and a chance for us to get to know them better. One cool thing a lot of us noticed was that when we asked if they would change anything about their lives, they said nothing. It was neat to see how satisfied they were with life. Again, we did this with two classes..the 11th and 12th grade Bilingual secretarial classes. Next came lunch! After lunch was work projects…they split us up into 4 different groups. Two groups helped to paint and varnish some rooms at the school. Another helped to cover library books in protective plastic. And yet another helped with making certificates that get handed out by pastors to village kids. These certificates have verses and a picture of Jesus on them and mean a lot of the children.

AND THEN CAME THE NEXT GREATEST THING EVER! CHICKEN!...and fries…and ice cream. We went out to dinner at a restaurant called Pollo Compero. Our mode of transportation to the restaurant was not a plane..not a train…not a bus..not a tuk tuk…but a truck! 33 crazy Americans stowed away in the bed of 3 trucks..quite a sight, we know. The night was filled with laughter, good food, hot sauce, sticky water bottles, and ridiculous pictures. Right now everyone is playing cards..relaxing and getting ready for devos. The Lord provided yet another safe and productive day. Our week is halfway done..or as Travis likes to say..the glass is still half full. Thanks for your prayers. Much love from Guat!
Over and out..

Marisa and Brittany.

Worky Work, Busy Bees!

6:30- That’s when we woke up this morning ready to start our day. We packed our lunches and headed off to breakfast. We ate at a local hotel where we were served fruit, eggs, beans and freshly squeezed orange juice. After eating, we walked to the Utatalan school where we helped teach the young children English. We covered colors today.

This is when our backs and hands began to hurt. For the next six hours we mixed, wheeled and smoothed concrete. Everything was done by hand. While some where doing concrete, others were painting. Lee also worked on some of the broken down computers at the school. Others who didn’t have any work to do, hung out with the children. There was a soccer field on top of the school where we kicked around and played soccer with the children and got to know them a little. It was a good time :)

Though we became famished for our intense labor, our stomachs were soon stuffed to the rafters! We were fed delicious comida (food) for lunch. The guys worked mucho (lots) speed to finish up our cementing (about 6-7 yards), while the rest of them headed home and got ready for the evening with the dorm students. We finished cementing a little late but we still finished with precision and excellence.

We headed up to the local school for a fiesta (party)! A skit was put on by the students, and sparks flew…. Literally! For real, fireworks were lit on the stage. Yes, the building could have burnt but the Lord was there. Then we all sang cinco songs for the students, and Derek became a rock star. Every, I mean… every girl wanted a picture with him.

Kyle Meck and Peter Rowe

Painting, Teaching, and Concrete

Hello from the beautiful land of Guatemala! As I write, I am inside the common room of the medical dorm at the hospital Santa Elena where we are staying. The dorm is used primarily to host medical teams and we are very privileged to be in such a beautiful location. J As some of you are aware, it is the rainy season here, and yes, it is raining! The past few days it did not rain, but now the rain has started again. Although it is raining, everyone is in good spirits! That is such a blessing!

Today we were very busy. Everyone in my room woke up at 6AM to the sound of an obnoxious alarm clock. By 7:30AM Guatemalan time, we were on our way to an elementary school where we all worked hard to teach some English phrases to preschoolers and kindergarteners. For me, as a translator for the group, it was interesting to work between languages as we taught children words such as “Hello”, “Goodbye”, and “Good Morning”. We also taught the kids to sing the song “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”. Thankfully God gave us the grace to translate clearly to everyone!

From there, we took another bumpy van ride to a school out in the country. The guys worked diligently busting up old concrete, and digging ditches to prepare for their concrete project. The main thing they will be doing tomorrow is building some concrete stairs from the first floor to the second floor. The girls were occupied with painting the front of the school a luscious melon orange. First, we used masonry trowels, a steel brush and old brooms to clean off the walls. Using our resourceful minds, we used methods such as standing on chairs, and leaning off the edge of the unfinished second floor to make up for our limited supply of ladders. We knew that if we slipped, we could fall off of the building into the yard below. Needless to say, we are really tired. Tomorrow we will continue the job.

Guatemala is a kaleidoscope of cultures. I am blessed to be able to bless people who not of my own culture in order that they might experience the love Christ has for them. God has been working in our group and I am pleased to be a part of what He is doing here.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28: 19-21

All for Him,
Allison Weaver

Sunday

Good evening. We have just finished up a delicious traditional Guatemalan meal. We felt out of place as our large group tried to walk nonchalantly through the city towards the church this morning. We were called up front to sing Mighty to Save with the guitar and drums. There were only a couple people who were able to sing along in English with us. It was really a neat experience to be worshiping with brothers and sisters of a different culture. The sermon was in Spanish so very few of us were able to understand the message. Emily Weaver was a great hit among young Guatemalan ladies.

After lunch at the dorm, we headed to the market in Chichi. This place was bustling with buyers and sellers trying to get the best deals. It was quite crazy but all in all we made some pretty good bargains. Many bought bags, blankets, hammocks, and some got machetes. We had the privilege to tour a hospital. This was different than anything I would have even imagined. It really showed me how incredibly blessed we are to have healthcare facilities as we need.

After dinner, we are relaxing, doing devotions, and preparing for the school activities we will be involved in tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers. Many have been answered but the week is far from over. Thanks again. We are very excited to tell everyone more details. Blessings and goodnight.

Rachelle Meck

Good Morning

Good Sunday morning. This is JJ. I am so proud of the attitudes of the teenagers. There were many upset stomachs and headaches during our five-hour curvy, bumpy van ride yesterday from the airport to our dorm. I spent most of the time with my head in a bag, trying not to throw up. One of the kids did get sick out the window. With the pollution from the vehicle exhaust and the erratic driving on the hairpin curves, the ride was, as someone in my van (the boy van) said, "Like a fun roller coaster ride that isn't fun." Despite it all, people showed up with smiles and no complaining. We had soup, rice, chicken, veges, and cooked peaches for dinner, made by our Guatemalan cook.

This morning we will eat an American breakfast (cereal and bagels) at our dorm and then walk to church at 9 a.m. We will eat lunch at church (I think) and then come back to change clothes and drive (uh, another ride) to a town to walk around and see a market.

Life is good.

Late Night Updates

Well we made it here safely! Everyone arrived at church around 5:15 where we loaded the bus, prayed, and began our journey to the airport. The two and a half hour drive was rather uneventful, but the airport process was new to over half of us. We had our bags weighed and checked with Peter’s cast being the only thing that had to be checked twice by security. After waiting for about 20 minutes, we boarded the plane with our adrenaline pumping. The thrust of the powerful jet engines launched us into the stratosphere beginning our flight.

When we arrived in Guatemala City, most of us were thoroughly confused…the signs were entirely in Spanish! We got through customs surprisingly easily because they did not even check a single bag. The next part of our journey was a 4 hour drive up and down mountain passes. Unlike America the landscape doesn’t change for the road, the road conforms to the mountains. We lost one bag along the way which we had to stop on a highway to pick up.

Tonight we made it to the dorms at around 7 o clock Guatemalan time (which is 2 hours behind PA time). After a luscious supper we got all the rooms prepared and our stuff unpacked. Then we got back together for a time of reflecting on the first day of the trip. We are all pretty tired and it is time for us to get to bed because we will be attending and singing at a local church tomorrow.

Thanks for all the prayers,
Austin Good

We Made It

We arrived safely on the plane in Guatemala City. We then had a 4 hours van trip on very windy and mountainous and we have finally arrived at the town where we will be staying.

Stay tuned for more updates later tonight.

We Are at the Airport

We board in 30 minutes.

Is she supposed to be flying the plane?

Letters!

The congregation has blessed us with letters for everyone that we'll open during our stay in Guatemala.

Our Dorm Rooms

We are blessed to be staying in a dorm in Guatemala. Unlike some of our other mission trips (Canton, Ohio; Reading, Pennsylvania; Bronx, New York) where we've slept on floors and shared one bathroom, on this trip we'll all have a bed and every room has a bathroom. Granted, the bedrooms are small and the bathrooms are less than luxurious, but we will not complain about our good fortune!

Here are the room assignments:

Derek
Austin
Clint
Josh
Quinn
Travis

Dustin
Darell
Kyle L.
Kyle M.
Lee
Peter

Allison
Emily
Katelyn
Megan
Samantha

Rachelle
Andrea
Janae
Kelsey
Stephanie
Thea

Marisa
Alisha
Bridget
Brittany
Erin

Cheryl
Baby Emily
Carol
JJ
Esther

Prayer and Commissioning

The youth group was officially commissioned yesterday for our impending mission trip. Please pray pray pray!

Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Our Tentative Schedule

Saturday 7/18/09
5:15 AM - Meet at Church and load bus
5:45 AM - Drive to Newark International Airport
10:59 AM – Continental Flight 1532 departs for Guatemala City
1:51 PM - Arrive in Guatemala City (there is a 2 hour time difference)
3 PM - Travel by bus to Santa Cruz del Quiche.
8 PM – Arrive in Santa Cruz, have dinner and unpack.
9 PM – Introductions and Orientation
10 PM – Group devotions and reflection time

Sunday 7/19
7 AM – Breakfast
8:30 AM – Walk to Church
9 AM – Church at Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church in Quiche (Santa Cruz)
1 PM – Lunch with Utatlan students at school
2 PM – Visit local market in Chichicastenango
7 PM – Dinner at dorm
10PM – Group devotions and reflection time

Monday 7/20
6:30 AM – Breakfast & pack lunches
7:45 AM – Walk to Utatlan School
8:00 AM – Lessons with preschool children at Utatlan School
9:00 AM – Chapel service with Utatlan high school students
10 AM – Work projects at Chulumal school
7 PM – Dinner at dorm
8 PM – Group activities/Free time
10PM – Group devotions and reflection time

Tuesday 7/21
6:30 AM – Pack lunches
6:45 AM – Walk to hotel for breakfast 7:00 AM – Breakfast at hotel
7:45 AM – Walk to Utatlan School
8:00 AM – Lessons with preschool children at Utatlan School
9:00 AM – Leave for Chulumal school
10 AM – Work projects at school
5 PM – Dinner at dorm
7 PM – Service with Utatlan students
10PM – Group devotions and reflection time

Wednesday 7/22
6:30 AM – Breakfast & pack lunches
7:45 AM – Walk to Utatlan School
8:00 AM – Lessons with preschool children at Utatlan School
9:00 AM – English lessons with Utatlan students
1 PM – Work projects at school
6 PM – Dinner at Pollo Campero
8 PM – Group activities/Free time
10PM – Group devotions and reflection time

Thursday 7/23
6:30 AM – Breakfast & pack lunches
7:45 AM – Walk to Utatlan School
8:00 AM – Lessons with preschool children at Utatlan School
9:00 AM – English lessons with Utatlan students
1 PM – Work projects at school
6 PM – Dinner at dorm
8 PM – Soccer and basketball with Utatlan students
10PM – Group devotions and reflection time

Friday 7/24
7 AM - Breakfast
8 AM – Travel to Panajachel for a day of sightseeing
NOON – Lunch out
4 PM – Travel back to Quiche
7 PM – Pizza delivery
8 PM – Group activities/Free time
10PM – Group devotions and reflection time

Saturday 7/25
6 AM – Breakfast
7 AM – Pack for home
8:30 AM – Leave for Guatemala City
NOON – Arrive at Guatemala City Airport
2:50 PM – Continental Flight 1537 departs for Newark, NJ
9:59 PM – Arrive in Newark, NJ
11PM – Travel by bus to Strasburg, PA
1:30 AM (Sunday 7/26) – Arrive at Strasburg Mennonite Church

Preparations are Underway

Preparations are underway for our trip. We got together last night for a relaxing picnic... but the relaxation ends this week! We have a mandatory meeting (parents are welcome and encouraged to attend) Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at church. We will talk about what to pack, what not to pack, and other details.

Documents

Click here for flight information:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17012939/Flight-Itinerary?secret_password=1h90vj5ua6pk83relia4

Click here for seat assignments:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17013037/Seat-Assignments?secret_password=20vdu1b7tf4ydxnhdimc

Click here for medical release form:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17013104/Medical-Release-Form?secret_password=2z90fybfjpmbskn4vlv

Join Us

We will leave for Guatemala in less than three weeks! Things to think about now are making three prayer cards and getting them to church or to Lee Landis by this Sunday, July 5.