More photos of Guatemala

Judy
judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

BIRTHDAY LUNCH WITH PAUL PHILIPPI



Last week, Glenn and I invited Neil and Dianna Thomas to join us for lunch at Hotel Colonial in Antigua to celebrate Paul's 76th Birthday. We had a great lunch. Nice relaxing time of fellowship and food. We even got to watch the Volcano Agua spew a few times.

Judy
judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

Volcano Activity - December 18

Last week, Glenn and I were up in Antigua for a few hours. As we were eatting lunch, I noticed that the nearby volcano, Fuego (which means Fire in Spanish) had just "burped". The smoke was billowing out from the top. Along the peak of the cone, the mountainside is covered with ash from previous explosions.

As we were driving into Antigua an hour before, we had noticed the active volcano was "spewing" up smoke.



This is a different Volcano, Agua (water in Spanish)- view from Antigua


Antigua is decorated with Christmas wreaths all through out the city



Judy
email judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

Its Christmas time and the police are out in full force to get some extra income.


Dec 18, 2007 - Stopped by Police

What do you do when you get stopped twice in 1 week by the police? The first time, we were driving across the bridge to San Cristobal, here in the city, near the Armadillo church (because the building looks like the back of an Armadillo. Glenn showed the police all of our up-to-date documents on the vehicle. The police said we needed an authorized copy of the papers. Graciously he left us drive away without a ticket.





Two days later, we were driving to Chimaltenango and was stopped by the police. This time, the police said we needed to carry our passports with us. Glenn explained we don't like to have the orignial papers with us, in case we get robbed or the vehicle gets stollen. The Policeman was getting his pen out to write Glenn a ticket, then Glenn explained that we were missionaries here in the country. We were here to help the Guatemalans. That kinda got the policeman's attention. Then Glenn explained about SETECA and GBS (CAM's 2 Seminaries here in the country) and how we apart of that organization. The policeman smiled and said he was familiar with SETECA. Next time, we will "plug" TGNA radio station, because we're aware that many folks listen to this CAM Radio Station.

Thankfully, the policeman reminded us to get an authorized copy of our car papers and let us continue on our journey. NOTE: Glenn visited the lawyer earlier this week and got the "much needed" authorized copy of the papers.

More,

Judy
email judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17

Saturday evening, Gary flew from DFW to GUA. He was one of the last one to board the airplane. And before Gary turned his cell phone off, he called me here in Guatemala and said "Mom, what are the chances that Don Stackpole could be my pilot tonight?" I said "no way!" Then I heard in the back ground the spanish version of the flight attendants giving their "spill" about safety and all and I heard the flight attendant say "Don Stackpole as captain!"

I then encouraged Gary to give a note to the flight attendant to let Don know he was on the plane. Gary said "ohhh, no, Mom!"

The flight arrived around 9:30pm, however, Gary didn't come through immigrations for another 45 minutes. He just had his backpack and carry-on luggage with him.

At the new International Terminal at the Guatemala Airport, everyone and their brothers were there to meet someone off the flight. It was like a maze to try to get through the crowds and find who you are looking for. My neighbor, Kelly, told me that she was out at the airport the other day and she saw a car, not a van, that had 15 people get out of it. Amazing.

We did connect with Don as he was getting on his airport shuttle to the hotel where the crew stays. We told him that after we get Gary, we'ld come over and visit with him. We visited with Don at the local McDonalds (Gary was hungry) for some time. I told Don that the next time he works the DFW-GUA leg, I'ld fix him my Mexican Caserolle.

We first met Don through Cameron Hitchcock about 15 years ago when he flew down to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Don would often come and eat a meal at our house, we would often times include another missionary family too. On his long layover in Bolivia, Don and Glenn would play raquetball.

Small world? No big family.

Judy
email judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

POINSETTA DELIVERY

Last week, Glenn and I drove up to Chimaltenango, about 45 - 1 hour outside of the city, depending on traffic. We stopped along the side of the road and purchased several poinsetta plants. We enjoy giving these plants to the folks we minister to. We stopped by to see Shirley and Wilfred Johnson and also Clyde and Edith Murphy. Both of these couples have a rich history serving at GBS (Guatemala Bible Seminary) for 30+ years.

We were glad to be able to visit with them for a few minutes. Touch base and see how their holiday plans were coming along. Both couples have adult children and many grandchildren.

It is an honor to work together with them. I believe they appreciate the kind gesture of the poinsetta plant. On our way back to the capital city, we picked up Chris's vehicle and dropped it off at the mechanic's place. Never a dull moment, huh.


More later,

Judy
email judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

December 13, 2007


OH CHRISTMAS TREE OH CHRISTMAS TREE

All year long, we have had our gardner shaping the back yard tree in a shape of the traditional Christmas Tree. Last week, he strung up the Christmas lights on the tree. The only sad part of this story, is that no one can see our tree, except us.


However, the story gets better. Glenn had our gardner put together our artificial Christmas tree in our house. You know how you just hate that time consuming task of getting the branches out of the box, laying the branches out and matching the color codes of the hard metal sticks, and then poking them into the frame of the tree? Well, this year, our gardner did it for Glenn. Glenn was quite pleased.



Merry Christmas
more later,

Judy
email judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

NATHAN AND LUKE MOCKLER'S VISIT
DEC 10, 2007

Last week, Nathan and Luke flew down to attend a friend's wedding here in Antigua. Nathan and Luke are #1 & #3 out of 11 kids of Danny and Kathy. Kathy and I were classmates at Moody 30+ years ago. We helped them get to Antigua and kinda orientated them a bit. Nate rented a car and was willing to take on the challenge of driving here in this crazy country. He did just fine, besides getting lost.

Saturday night, the boys came to stay with us for 2 days. We enjoyed visiting with them and hearing about the wedding experience the night before in Antigua. On Saturday, they climbed up to Pacaya, the active volcano just outside of the capital city.

Sunday, after attending Union church, we drove them to the Relief Map so they could get a perspective of the country and the mountains.

Sunday afternoon, we were hoping to be able to watch the Dallas Cowboys, but they were not being broadcasted down here. Or at least we couldn't get a channel to watch the game. Sunday night, we were able to watch my favorite episode of Amazing Race over at the Soderling's house.

While they Mockler boys were in Antigua, we introduced them to Paul Philippi. Besides visiting Paul with us, the boys got together again with Paul to learn more about his ministry and service here in Guatemala.



Judy
email judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

DECEMBER 7, 2007

Hospitality Check

Last Tuesday morning at 6:00am, Glenn and I drove to GUA airport and picked up Luke Mockler. Luke is here for a wedding in Antigua this weekend. Once he came through custom and immigration, we threw his carry-on luggage in the back of the van and headed straight to Antigua. Since we were leaving town, we drove "against" the traffic.

The drop-off point was the Central Plaza in Antigua. As we drove into the historic town, we turned onto Paul & Ruth Philippi's house. We called them up, they keyed their electric front gate, and we parked on their front yard. The Philippis' were just fixing to sit down and eat breakfast. I love it when people are "spur of the moment" type. We joined them for baked oatmeal and fresh fruit. And of course we had to listen to Paul's jokes. "If it wasn't true, it should have been!"

We dropped off Luke at the Hostel where his brother Nathan was staying. As we were driving to the Kendal's house, I noticed a pick-up truck with poinsettas. We purchased several. Gave one to Forrest and Carol, another one to Philippis and the last one to the Footes.



The Footes are new missionary couple, attending language school in Antigua. Paul and Ruth drove with us about 10 min. outside of the city to find the Footes new house that they are renting. We enjoyed our short visit with them.



We hadn't actually planned our day out like this, but we felt it was encouraging for the Philippis, Kendals and Footes and even our visitors, Nathan and Luke. We never know how each day turns out, but this was a sucessfull day.


Judy
email judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

DECEMBER 1, 2007

The CAM Guatemala Family celebrated Thanksgiving Day in the historic old village of Antigua, just 45 minutes outside of the capital city.

We had the gathering in the back yard of Ruth and Paul Philippi's house in Antigua. Perfect location. Perfect weather. Perfect food.

I must say, Glenn did all the organizing of this gathering. We brought up old used tables and chairs from CAG to put out in the yard. Ruth did the table setting arrangements. 4 turkeys were prepared by different families.


After the feast, we had a short devotional time out under the huge palm trees in their front yard. Elisa S handed everyone Christmas gifts.

We're thankful for the CAM Guatemala family here in Guatemala.

Judy
email address judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

November 21, 2007

OH, the miles we have covered. Glenn and I were in USA for "Quest" meeting (CAM Leader development program) out at the Alert Academy in East Texas. During the week long session, we were able to connect with Ellen several times, either in Longview at Papacitos, or at the Beets' home. We even sneaked in on the choir rehersal, listening to the church choir practice their Christmas music. Beautiful.

Glenn and I took a quick 2 day trip up to visit with Gary up at John Brown University. We stayed with Matt and April (Orcutt) Timboe. It was good to see Gary in his college environment. And as usual, we ran into more folks with connections and stuff.

And on top of all this, we were able to visit with Thomas and Karen. Karen picked out her wedding dress. She will be a gorgous bride. While in Chicago, we got an email from Wildwood Church in East Moline that were considering taking us on for support and had some financial questions for us. Glenn and immediately wrote back and asked if we could join them in their Mission committee meeting on Monday night. We rented a car and drove out to the church, sharing with the committee our journey in missionary service and all. That evening we had learned that the church will be joining our support team. Praise the Lord.



Now we are back in Guatemala, gearing up for Thanksgiving. More pictures later. We're having a Thanksgiving CAM gathering at Paul and Ruth's home in Antigua. I'm making my carrott casserole.

Happy Thanksgiving. Go Cowboys!

Judy
email
judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

OCT 23, 2007
Random Photos of Guatemala

October 15, 2007






Oct 6 - Chimaltenango, Guatemala

Glenn and I attended the graduation ceremony of the Guatemala Bible Seminary on a Saturday afternoon recently. The gym was full to capacity. There were even folks standing around on the side.

This year there were about 30 Guatemalans that received their degree from GBS. And there were others who recieved their Bible certificate. And when you think about how these people will go into all areas of life, proclaiming the Word of God, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude toward God.

This year, Ann Henriques, CAM missionary here in Guatemala, is retiring from her "Dean of students" job that she has held for so many years. The students have been blessed to have her leadership and wisdom. We appreciate the years of service that Ann has dedicated to the school.


Now, Ann is transitioning into another area of ministry. She'll be focusing more on her writing and other ministries. Besides, her aging mother, will be moving down from the states and Bob and Ann will be her primary care giver. Will you pray for the Henriques in their many ministries here in Guatemala?

October 14, 2007

Last week, when we drove out to Panajachel, I was amazed at the corn growing on the side of the hill. The farmers plant their corn right up to the front steps of their homes.


Flowers are just gorgous here.

More later.

Judy
judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

Wednesday, October 10, 2007
We're finally back home. Back in Guatemala! The summer was quite long for us, however we are thankful for the opportunity to have been around church members, family and friends.

What didn't we do? We experienced every emotion imaginable. Emotions from sending our "baby" off to college (we are now empty nesters:), to the emotion of working with Ellen and her illness and being her primary caregivers for several months, to the emotion of watching my mom have major hip surgery and helping granddaddy as the primary caregiver these past several weeks, to this most recent emotion of seeing the smile on Karen's face as she got engaged to Thomas Bartz. Wow, those are strong emotions that just want to make me cry.

We returned to Guatemala and hit the road running. After arriving late Friday night, we drove to Chimaltenango to attend GBS graduation service on Saturday afternoon.

Monday, we drove 5 hours to Panajachel, (including the 1 hour road repair blockade and being stopped by the police because they said we didn't have the correct papers for our van). We ate lunch with the Cokers at their camp house and got caught up with their summer ministry here in Guatemala and heard of their future work teams that will be coming to help out. While at LBN, we have visited with newly arrived missionaries, Neil and Diana Thomas who are the guest host/hostess at Las Buenas Nuevas here on the edge of beautiful Lake Atitlan.

Oh, they have cable TV at LBN now, so we had the exciting privilege to watch Monday night football. We couldn't believe the last 2 minutes of the game, but we're excited that the Cowboys won despite the 5 interceptions. The Buffalo Bills stands for Boy I Love Losing at the Last Second.

We're at LBN for several days, so we can concentrate on my MDLC paper that I am needing to write. All day yesterday, I was doing research and composing the main body of the paper. I was so exhausted that around 2pm, I layed down for a nap. The nap lasted 3 hours.

More later.

Judy
judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

QUICK SUMMER UPDATE

Next week, we'll be driving Gary up to John Brown University, where he'll start his college experience. He'll be attending early in the "International/MK" orientation. Last week, Gary spent 6 days at a "re-entry MK" camp in Colorado. While he was at the Golden Bell Campgrounds, Ellen, Glenn and I were up in Estes Park at the Perkins Cabin. We had a great time walking thorugh the trails at Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a relaxing time, especially since we didn't have cell phone or email connection.

Judy
judy.stewart@scbbs-bo.com

MORE GRADUATION PHOTOSTom and Marilyn Hilgeman, Gary's Kindergarten teacher from SCCLC and Highschool director from Bolivia, attended Gary's graduation last week.
Senior Class of 19
Joe Rossa, the director of CAG, lead a discipleship group during the past year
Gary and Kelly, our next door neighbor. They just love Gary

GARY GRUADUATES FROM CAG


I can't believe my baby has graduated from High School. On Saturday, the Graduation was held at the Thomas Gym on the CAG Campus. We had to wait an extra 10 minutes for one of the parents of the HS graduate to arrive.



Different flags were represented by countries for the graduates. As the flag was displayed, the HS band played the national anthem. Besides Bolivia, the USA, Korea, Guatemala and Sweden flags were honored.


Grandmommy and Granddaddy have been here for 1 week now.
Thomas (aka boyfriend), Karen, Ellen, Grandmommy, Gary, Glenn, Me and Granddaddy.