Adiós Antigua

Antigua has been a wonderful place to study Spanish. We've

fallen in love with this beatiful colonial town, it's

fun atmosphere and friendly people.

But now we are excited to move onto a new adventure, and our real purpose for being here in Guatemala. Tomorrow we move to a region called the Ixil Triangle in the state (or departamento) of Quiché. We will live in the town of Cotzal and work with Agros International in the villages, or aldeas, surrounding Cotzal. Please pray for a safe journey, a secure place to live, and a warm welcome from the villagers and our soon to be neighbors.

We will have more limited internet access in Cotzal, but will do our best to keep you updated with details about the ministry, prayer requests and our adjustment process. All our love to everyone back home! Thank you for your support and encouragement!

Last Day of Language School

It's hard to believe, but today is our last day of language school. The past seven weeks have seemed to fly and drag by all at the same time. We've been studying at the Christian Spanish Academy in Antigua, Guatemala.

The school was founded in the early 90's for missionaries preparing to minister to Spanish speaking people. Over the years, the school has expanded it's program to teach students with other goals as well, but the majority of the students are still missionaries. We've each been blessed with our own private teacher, and have spent between 4 and 6 hours a day studying with them.

Jeannette paritulcarly loved her teacher. The two hit it off and probably spent more time talking about life, faith, family, friends, and "girl stuff" than actually studying formal Spanish grammer...but it was great practice at using the language in everyday conversation.

Jenny Star!

There is a video store across the street from our host family's house that we've frequented often on weekends. A bright young woman named Jenny is the proud owner! Jenny moved here from New York in 2002 with her parents who retired to Antigua, and she opened her own non-profit store. She donates all of her proceeds to disabled and poor children in the area. We have really enjoyed getting to know Jenny, her family, and having a little touch of home in the American DVD's. Check out Jenny Star at www.jennystardvd.com

Lago Atitlán

Aldous Huxley, famous British writer and author of Brave New World, called it "the most beautiful lake in the world." After spending a weekend basking in its beauty, we have to agree: Lake Atitlán is stunning!! This was our last full weekend in this part of the country (we only have 5 more days of language school) so we decided to take a little retreat.





We spent the weekend in reflection --- praying, reading our Bibles, and mentally preparing for our move to the Quiché region. We kayaked and swam in the lake. We lay around in hammocks. It was wonderful!

We stayed at an amazing cliff-side hotel called La Casa del Mundo (the World's Home) and the first night we figured out why it was given that name. Dinner is served at the hotel family style. We sat next to and talked with travelers from all over the world. Some of the people were here in Guatemala volunteering their service just like us, one woman was here to adopt a baby girl, and others were just traveling around to see the world. We also made friends with a friendly, little gatita that Jeannette named Dulce.

The hotel is accesible only by boat from Panajachel across the water. Three breath-taking volcanos appear to rise out of the lake, and sheet lightning storms lit up each night's sky. It was such a beautiful place for reflection, rest and relaxation!

Two Days to Remember...

Guatemalans spend November 1st and 2nd remembering those who have gone before us. November 1st is called Día de los Santos. It is the day to remember all the children that have died. November 2nd is called Día de los Muertos, and it is when they remember everyone else who has passed away.

Guatemalans spend these two days with family and friends. Some go to the cemetery and decorate the graves of their loved ones. Some go to church and pray. The entire family comes together and eats a traditional food called Fiambre, made only once a year just for this occasion. In many ways these two days remind of us of how we might remember a beloved grandparent each year on the anniversary of their death, or remember those who fought and died in battle on Memorial Day. The Catholic Church had a procession (or parade) through the streets, carrying a symbol of Mary with the Baby Jesus. They prayed aloud for forgiveness of their sins, today and in the hour of their death. Others have different beliefs about these two days, including the belief that the spirits of the dead actual return to spend the day with their families. We’ve been told that in some of the more rural areas they fly huge (some 25 feet wide) kites. Some people believe the kites guide the spirits home for the day. Others believe they help lift their prayers up to God.

All our lives we’ve heard about the Day of the Dead as if it were something satanic, occult and morbid. While we must say that there are some practices, beliefs and theologies that we do not agree with, all in all we’ve been thankful to share this beautiful day of remembrance.