Our Time With Michelle

During the month of July, we had the honor being "parents" to 15 year old Michelle, my sister's youngest daughter.

While she was here, we did a myriad of activities.  We incorporated her in several team projects.  She joined Bob H's Mission Exposure Adventure Team adventure and was able to share in several ways by participating in service projects, seeing the Casita Benjamin child care program, helping out by painting at the Samuel Center project, helping one afternoon by handing out shoes with the Rio Hondo Team with Northwest Bible Church, etc, etc, etc.

Besides having Michelle participate in these mission projects, we also did some fun things such as climbing up Pacaya, an active volcano.  I rode on the horse named "Chocolate" with our Guatemalan guide, "Domingo".  So, I called it a Chocolate Sundae.  I packed some marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey's Chocolate bars to make S'mores over the open cracks where there was heat enough to roast marshmallows produced by the molten lava.  Fun.

We also spent several days out at the "most beautiful lake in the world", lake Atitlan in Panajachel.  Here we went to the local village of San Antonio Palapo and Michelle got "dressed up" in the local Guatemalan typical dress.

While in Panajachel, we enjoyed some entertainment at Mike's coffee shop, called Cross Roads Cafe.

And the trip wouldn't be complete if we didn't go to Casa Del Mundo for Brunch.

Also, Uncle Glenn and Michelle went kayaking on the beautiful lake.

 Sunrise

 Sunset

And while at the lake, Michelle was so adventurous that she did the zip-lining challenge!  Way to go, Michelle!

And what's a trip to Pana, if you don't get in a Tuk-Tuk ride?

Michelle had never seen the Pacific Ocean, so we spent 1 night out in Monterrico and enjoyed the swimming pool, and early morning sunrise walk on the hot BLACK volcanic sand.

Of course we took Michelle to the famous touristy town of Antigua.  We ate lunch up at Cerro San Cristobal.

Thanks, Michelle, for coming to visit us in Guatemala.  You were a blessing to us, the teams you worked with and the Guatemalans whose lives that you touched.  Don't forget to "Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you".  Come back and visit.

 

And now just some random shots to close out this L-O-N-G Blog post!

San Lucas Intersection

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It is normal to have to wait at the "cross section" in San Lucas.  I looked up.  There is a new Taco Bell restaurant in San Lucas. The McDonald's has been there for several years. 

What are some more "Signs of the Times" do you observe?

Shoe Distribution and Men's Cook-Out Part 5

NBC brought down a "boat load" of shoes for the kids in the community.

Michelle was able to help size the feet and hand out the perfect shoes for the kids.

Then later in the afternoon, Glenn helped with the men's cook-out.

Our One day in Rio Hondo Part 4

On Saturday, July 8 we reconnect with the group from Northwest Bible Church, and followed them down to the town of Rio Hondo.

 Susan, double checking everything.

Buses were all loaded with the 100+ work team from Northwest Bible Church heading towards the Atlantic/Caribbean coast to the small town of Rio Hondo - 4 hours down the road, provided there are no road construction delays.

There was a one hour delay, as the road construction crew stopped traffic both ways and we just sat there.  This tests your patience.

Finally, after arriving at the hotel, we enjoyed our lunch.

Media Cancha with Folks from NBC Part 3

Glenn, Michelle and I picked up the "early birds" from Northwest Bible Church in Dallas. 

We had enough time to share Media Cancha... 

the Best Steak ever.

Then we showed the two families the near-by, fancy, Oakland Mall.

Michelle in San Juan, Sacatapequez Part 2

Michelle got to stay with Natalie, living out in San Juan.

She arrived at Natalie's house on July 4th, just in time to help Natalie with her English speaking class.  Since this was USA's Independence day, Natalie and Michelle taught about the history of United States of America.

They served Hot dogs, watermelon and enjoyed teaching about 

the good ole' US of A.

3 days later, we re-connected with Natalie and Michelle in San Lucas.  Michelle had a blast.  She was the tallest person in the classroom.  The Guatemalan students were shy at first in practicing their English, but soon learned that Michelle had a heart for the students.

I told Michelle, "Wow, living out in this small village...you are a real missionary!"

Thanks Michelle for helping Natalie.  And thank you, Natalie, for opening your heart, home and classroom to Michelle.

Michelle's Trip to Guatemala Part 1

 My 15 year old niece, Michelle, (Sherrie and Steve's baby daughter) is here for 25 days.  So, for the next few posts, I will be journal-ling about her time with us here in Guatemala.

This was Michelle's first overseas flight.  She just got her passport a few weeks ago.  She flew all by herself.  I'm so proud of her.

We had a bracelet made with her name on it.

10 minutes later = all for 10.00 Quetzales - just little over 1 US dollar. 

Michelle will be having a variety of experiences as she'll dove-tail with several projects, teams and ministry during the next few weeks.

Michelle has been a gem. 

 She's tried new foods,

 experienced culture shock,

 learned the definition of the word flexibility

met new friends,

learned to throw the toilet paper in the trash can

lived without running water in our house for 24 hours

 and has volunteered to help out where needed.

The next few blog posting will be about the 25 days that Michelle has experienced here in Guatemala with her Aunt Judy and Uncle Glenn.

50 Year Celebration of Work

Several weeks ago we attended the 50th year celebration for the ministry of Paul and Jean Sywulka. 

 They have served here in Guatemala for 50 years.  

Way to go!

There were laughs, tears and gratitude for God's faithfulness for this fine couple.

Their adult children journeyed to Guatemala to join in the celebration.

Click here to view a great presentation honoring Paul and Jean Sywulka.

3 on a Motorcycle with an Umbrella

Oh, the things you see here in Guatemala!

In the rain, a family of 3, on the motorcycle with an umbrella.

Things can't get any better than this!

John Brown University

Recently, Glenn and I attended a Banquet here in Guatemala City for Friends, Family and Alumni of John Brown University.  What a fun evening we had celebrating God's blessings on JBU!