Lake Michigan
Saturday, we drove onto West Olive, Michigan. Just outside of Holland. We're staying with the DeWitts. long time Stewart friends. After an hotdogs and hamburgers, we walked down close to the dunes and made s'mores on the campfire. What fun!

VIEWS of the ARCH in St. Louis
Friday we arrived just after lunch time at the Mississippi River in St. Louis to go up to the Arch. Karen and Gary took the tram ride to the top. Nice view.

As we were walking back to the car, and heading on to Chicago, we ran into Don and Janie Reeves and Doak and Gloria Jones from TEXAS. Small world. They flew up on AA earlier in the day and were strolling through the park and had come to the park bench to rest a bit, when we showed up. AMAZING!

KAREN'S SPECIAL MUSIC at Mimosa Lane Baptist Church
Yesterday, was Karen's last Sunday at her deaf church. She signed for the sermon and during the offertory she signed "Worthy is the Lamb". I love to watch Karen when she signs. She has so much expressions and you can tell she loves it!

Later this week, we'll be driving up to Chicago to drop off Karen at Moody Bible Insitute. She'll continue her college education ~ majoring in Applied Linguistics. She already has her dorm information. Houghton 7!

Sunrise looking out over our 2nd story patio
This morning, about 6:45am I opened up the vertical blinds in my office and look what I found. Spectacular! Amazing! Wonderful!

An evening with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Guatemala
Last night, we attended the orchestra performance at the Guatemala music hall. There was a special violin soloist from Belgium that was just wonderful. Normally cultural stuff like this is not my bag of tea. But we all enjoyed it.

INTERNET PHONE
So I put out this mass email, advertizing that for the first 20 folks that would call us on our Internet phone, we would mail them a bag of delicious Guatmemalan coffee, and wouldn't you know it, the phone is not working this morning. Glenn called the phone company and said that it should be working before noon. So, who knows. If you tried to call us, try again. Sorry you couldn't get through. Its just one of those things we deal with. So far, we have plenty of coffee to give away. And I don't even drink the stuff. Try again and give us a call.

WHERE DO WE EAT?

Last Friday, as we were driving out of town, it was about lunch time and we needed to find a place to eat. Glenn and I stopped at the Pradera (Mall) Chimaltenango. We were amazed, that in this little town about 45 min. outside of Guatemala City, there was this nice shopping mall. Although it wasn't your 2-4 story mall with glass elevator, it was a nice split level shopping mall with small specialilty shops and a nice food court. I heard there were movie theatre there, but I never saw them. Wow, look at the choices where we could eat. Taco Bell, McDonalds, Subway or even Dominoes Pizza. You name it, the mall had it.

A WEEKEND IN PANAJACHEL
Friday, we followed behind the Cokers for a 2 1/2 hour drive to the small village of Panajachel on the banks of Lake Atilican. Gorgeous place. Right next to heaven. Here we visited with the Cokers.

On Saturday, we drove out with Maria to the camp worksite to help her deliver pizza to the guys that were helping with construction. The picture is Glenn working with the wter pump to make koolaid. Never a dull moment.

Scenes from Antigua

Ellen in Antigua
On Monday, we drove up to Antigua and registerd Ellen in a one week language school course, truely a refresher course for Ellen. She is living about 7 blocks from the school with a Guatemala family. She has a private room and has a little living and study area. There is even hot water for the shower. I know she'll enjoy her Antigua experience.

BIRTHDAY PARTY

This evening we were invited over to Oscar Campos to celebrate his 50th birthday. He has a tradition of celebrating it each year with co-worker, Bob Kasper, who also works at SETECA. We had Texas Fajitas. I loved the beans and rice.

We also met Juan Medina who just arrived from Bolivia and is the CIET director with SAM. Here is Juan and Bob Kasper, a former GMU missionary from Argentia and Bolivia. Small world, Big Family Juan is in the DMin program and is here taking a course here at SETECA Juan knows all of our SAMBO friends like Jeff Hause, Paul Kienzle, Jeff Orcutt, Steve Vanderswaag, and Kenny Krestan. He thinks Jeff O is just terrific.

Ellen visits in Guatemala

Ellen arrived on July 6th and will be with us for 2 weeks. Next week she will be taking a refresher Spanish course at Christian Spanish Academy in Antigua. She will be living with a Guatemala family for the week. On July 19, Ellen will be heading back down to Nicaragua via a 16 hour bus ride.

We did take an official tour of SETECA, CAM's seminary here. It is the largest seminary in Central America. After the tour, we had lunch with CAM missionary, Laura Maki, at the famous Pollo Campero restaurant.

July 4th in Guatemala
This afternoon, we drove across town to see Cammie VanRooy. She's been a short term missionary working at Casa Bernabe this past month.

The orphanage is just 25 km outside of Guatemala City on the way to El Salvador on some gorgeous rolling hills. Cammie showed us her class room where she teaches music. There are 150 kids and 2 little bitty ones were dropped off there yesterday. We enjoyed our short visit and walked away encouraged and thrilled to see how the Lord is using Cammie. For those that don't know, it was at Cammie's Grandparents house, John and Elaine Beekman, where Glenn and I met 28 years ago. And our Gary is named after Cammie's uncle. So, we go way back.

Earlier in the afternoon, we celebrated the 4th of July by going to TGI Fridays and watched the World Cup soccer game. Gary was wearing the Italy soccer shirt that I had bought him last year, however, he did have a shirt underneath to wear, just in case Italy lost. I am rooting for Italy, now that Brazil and Argentina are out of the World Cup. Glenn is rooting for Portugal.

EMAILS up and RUNNING
Today, Tuesday, just 6 days after arriving here in Guatemala, we got our computers all wired up and connected with the internet. The speed is NOT as fast as what we were use to in Dallas, but, wow, at least we have email. Glenn is still working on the reception of the IP phone. It seems to be very choppy, so bear with us, and hopefully that will be resolved.

So, far, we have moved completely into the house. We've been eating off of paper plates and making do with the limited utensils that we have. I still need to buy some dishes, pots and pans, cookie sheets and good knives. We have been creative in our cooking these last few days. However, that hasn't stopped us from having friends over.

On Saturday night, we had Dr. Un-Young Wang (from MBI's Music dept) and Mona Coalter along with Chris Pater here for our first hosted meal for company in our home.
I fixed the cranberry chicken recipe that I got from Kathy Shea. It was pretty good. Then tonight, we had 2 single guys over for beans and rice, a Stewart tradition that we would eat once a week when living in Bolivia.
They call it Winter here now, because it is rainy season. It rains nearly every day, normally in the late afternoon, and sometimes all day. That means, I need to make sure the clothes are off the line and that the wind doesn't blow the rain into the open windows. My office door to the outdoor patio leaks. Note to self: keep rag nearby, especially during the rainy season.

More later about our adjustments to Guatemala.

HOME in GUATEMALA
Dear family,

Just want you to know that we arrived safely, uneventful, here in Guatemala. By the time we had to take our shoes off, unload the lap top and get the desk top computer inspected at the security check, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, it was time for us to board our airplane.

Watching "Walk the Line" and eating Fish for dinner was a good relaxing time for us. The 2 1/2 hours went by quckly.

Bob Henriques was there at the airport to pick us up. As we got in the van, I asked Bob to point out some landmarks so we'll be able to make the airport run with no problems some day. I need to buy a map of this city.

Tomorrow morning we'll have breakfast, and Bob will take us over to our house. On Friday morning, Glenn will be taking Bob to the airport (He is going to Esteban Pommier's wedding in Mexico) and then we'll use the van until Monday when Glenn picks Bob up again at the airport.

This evening, as we flew over Guatemala City, it hit me that this was now HOME. Having been "uprooted" for the past several weeks, I'm looking forward to getting into my own house and being a family again. We're so grateful that we have lots of our house already furnished from purchasing the stuff from the Merritts last month. We are still praying about a "temporary" car to use until our Van becomes available in August. Someone mentioned recently, "Imagine Glenn with out a car?" We laugh, especially since Glenn sold 2 cars yesterday and several others over the past 3 weeks.

Nice to be here. Tired. Don't know when we'll have internet connection set up adequately at our house.

Good to be home.
Judy, Glenn and Gary too

Wednesday, June 21, Guatemala City Guatemala
Our travel plans will be to fly out of DFW on AA 2195 on Wednesday, June 21 at 5:17pm. Anyone in the Dallas area is welcomed to come to the new International Terminal at DFW at the check-in area for a "send-off".

These last 3 weeks have been very challenging as we have been moving out of our Grand Prairie house and moved into my folks house as a staging area. We've been selling our cars and updating our house and getting it ready for rental. We had a family farewell dinner and then watched the cowboys at the Mesquite Rodeo. That was fun.

I had a tremendous weekend of attending a Women of the Harvest Ladies Retreat at The Cove in Asheville, NC with 77 other missionary ladies and mothers that are serving literally all over the world. This was a great time of relaxation and reflection as I'm focusing on our upcoming ministry in Guatemala. I visited with Mary Beekman, old friend from MBI days, that introduced me to Glenn. I hadn't seen Mary in nearly 4 years.

We were planning on driving through Mexico to Guatemala this week, however we have decided that it would be best to fly. Pray with us for a "temporary" car/van to use until we purchase the Toyota Hiace in mid August. Pray for us as we settle into our home and get once again organized.

PHOTO OP Ellen returned on Tuesday from 1 year in Managua, Nicaragua, teaching ESL at Nicaragua Christian Academy. She plans to spend 1 week in Chicago and then meet up with us in Guatemala in July. Karen is busy interpreting for various agencys this summer.
All 3 kids
Good time for a family photo.

Friday, May 26, 2006
Cherise Beekman's High School Graduation. Cherise was the Saluatorian for her class of 24 kids. She also sang in a trio as part of the program.
Gary Stewart and Gary Beekman. We named our Gary after Gary Beekman, Cherise's dad! I think our Gary got some his mischieveness from his name sake.

BOLIVIAN REUNION
Top row: Glenn, Gary (heading to CAG), Karen (heading to Moody), Laurie (former Art teacher at SCCLC - Santa Cruz, Bolivia and John (current DTS student).
Bottom row: Millie (former HS English teacher at SCCLC), LaVerne (Ellen's 5th grade teacher and Gary's 3rd grade teacher), Judy (me) and Virginia (former HS principal and teacher in Bolivia)

MORE PHOTOS FROM GRADUATION WEEK


Ed Cannon and Dr. Gene Getz Ed Cannon is one of the head hanchos at MBI. He always has a smile on his face. Gene is one of my favorite people. He and Glenn play rball from time to time here in Dallas. I enjoy Gene's godly wisdom. Everytime I see him, I always ask which scripture he has been working on. He is working on a Principles to Live By Bible.
Lou and Carol from Moody. Dr. Barberie was my Theology teacher back in the 70's. They will be going to Israel this year and traveling with the other 12 tribes of Israel buses with the Moody gang this next week. He is an excellent teacher.
Bob and Pam McCrae both teach at Moody. Pam and Glenn were in Ben Lippen boarding school together back in the 70's.

Sign outside the Arch way on campus

Glenn and I took up a suitcase full of 2006 Spanish World Cup tracts to give to students and faculty. Marcos and his friend loved it.

George Verwer and Tom Shaw at board meeting. George is the founder and former president of OM and also Moody grad. Tom is the former Alumni director and is currently the VP of Student Services. I've done several Alumni gatherings and College fairs with him recently
Board meetings and luncheons can be very relaxed!
Me, Lori I. and Annette Moy Lori is Michael's assistant up on the 9th floore. Annette is the Dean of Admissions. She is my cheerleader as Glenn and I take additional college courses to get our degree from Moody in a few years


George Sweeting and Ian Leitch. Dr. Sweeting was my president while as a student here from 1975 -1978

Ed Cannon grabbed Glenn's camera and took a quick shot. Normally, I do get a photo of Glenn. Here he is with our friend, Michael.

Dan and Laurie Anderson, CAM missionaries from Guatemala. Dan recieved his Masters degree today. The Andersons both meet at Moody back in the 90's and have served in Guatemala for many years. Now they are heading to Spain to work with Comibam.

Alumni office staff member, Nancy Hastings and 2 student workers, Danaka and Karen at graduation

MY FAVORITE ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS

Our Alumni Board meetings started this evening. I just love being around such wonderful folks. Ian and Hugo are my favorite! Ian always makes fun of me by the way I say "M-i-c-h-a-e-l" in my LONG southern draw! I quite frequently forget that Ian is not from England, but rather Scotland. Hugo sits next to me in board meetings and between these 2 guys we have lots of laughs. He introduced me to Blogging.

Moody Alumni Board meetings and Graduation

Glenn and I flew up to Chicago for Board meetings. We had hoped to fly on the 777, but they changed out aircrafts and instead we flew up on a 767. As we were boarding, we couldn't believe our eyes. Captain Don Stackpole was "dead heading" on our plane up to Chicago and then he was flying a MD80 to Atlanta. Wow, we hadn't seen him in about 2 years. We first met Don Stackpole in Bolivia back in the early 90's. Don would fly to Bolivia. Go out and witness in the city parks, then sleep. Then we would either have him over for a meal or go out to dinner. Don would do this routine several 2 or 3 times a month. Don is a believer and loved being with our family. We were able to catch up on his family and stuff. Small world. I'm glad we were able to run into him.

Tomorrow, we'll be having our Alumni Board meetings, followed by graduation on Saturday. More late.

PICTURES OF OUR GUATEMALA TRIP





Photos from our recent trip to Guatemala

May 5

Our trip to Guatemala was SUCESSFUL. We got so much accomplished. Glenn was able to meet our new landlord and sign a rental contract. We were able to bring down 7 pieces of luggage. Purchase some used furnishings. We lack a few large items, such as refrigerator, dryer and bed. But I feel good that we already know where we are going to live.

On Glenn and Gary's return trip, they got "stuck" in Miami and spent the night in Terminal D. They were glad to get back to Dallas the next day.

Now we are on the "home stretch", as we pack our house, find renters and move down to Guatemala. Lots of stuff to do between now and June when we hope to move.

I'll hopefully will write from time to time in my BLOG...so don't forget to come back.

Gary at his new school CAG in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Unloading our 10 pieces of luaggage at DFW

SATURDAY

this morning, we were downtown at the CAM Fellowship anual meeting. Bill Lawrence, DTS prof was our guest speaker.

We had a delicious lunch out on the patio. It kinda reminded me of the nice dinner we had in Mexico at their conference. In the afternoon, the men and women broke up and we had Lynna Lawrence speak to the women of CAM. There was special music and we had 1/2 hour of prayer time.

Tonight, we are on our way over to Lorenzes where we are having Pizza. Hopefully, Gary will be there with Ben too.

We forgot our attachment for the camera, so I have not been able to download pictures onto my BLOG. But maybe Glenn can locate an attachment.

Anyway. I'll write again, when I get a chance.

GUATEMALA CITY

Last night, we arrived with into Guatemala City with 10 pieces of luggage. We had no hassels going through immigration. The only problem was leaving DFW. We had completely boarded the plane and then had to deplay and reboard onto another plane, just 2 gates away. As Glenn say "I would rather have equipment problems on the ground than in the air!" Unbelieveable, it is only a 2 1-2 hour flight from DFW to Guatemala. Kinda nice, instead of the normal 12 hours to 15 hours that we are use to flying.

We are staying at the Henriques home for the week. Very nice to call it home for a few days.

Friday - Sunday, we will be attending the annual CAM Fellowship conference. The guest speaker is Dr. Bill Lawrence from DTS and Northwest Bible Church. We are looking forward to this.

I will write more as I get a chance.