Jeannette’s Birthday

This last weekend was Jeannette’s 26th birthday, so we headed down to Guatemala City to celebrate with our missionary friends. Together we went to TGI Friday’s – a big US chain restaurant so we could pretend we were back home. It was a lot of fun. Kyle, Nell and their two little girls have been a huge support to us this year! We enjoy crashing at their place, talking in English, and eating some familiar foods. Plus they’ve really helped us to process our experiences here in Guatemala. We are very thankful that we’ve had their support this year.

Coloring Fun!

Jeannette’s mom sent down a big box of crayons and some coloring books. They’ve become a huge hit with our neighbor kids.

Everybody loves to color!

Moon Men or Guatemalan Kids?

Since February we have been able to borrow a motorcycle from Agros from time to time. This has been a HUGE help in getting to all of the villages. We bought two helmets to keep us safe and they have been the source of endless curiosity amongst the kids. Someone is always clamoring to try them on --- producing lots of giggles, both from us and the kids.

Easter Weekend in Huehuetenango

We spent this last weekend at the home of Paola in Huehuetenango. Paola is a local Agros employee who is supervising our project, and has also become a dear friend. Her home, Huehuetenango, is a small city two hours west of the Ixil.

On Friday we went to see the local ruins of Zaculeu. Zaculeu was once a major culture and economical center for the Mam Mayan people.

We also saw the intricate alfombras (carpets) made of colored sawdust, pine needles and flowers, stretching nearly two miles through the streets of Huehuetenango. Every year on Good Friday, a procession representing the Death and Resurrection of Christ is paraded through the streets, following the path of the beautiful alfombras.

On Saturday we went with Paola’s family to a natural hot spring. The water was hot, but the site was overcrowded with holiday weekend visitors. It was still fun though. On Easter Sunday we visited Paola’s church where it was really nice to hear a sermon in Spanish (instead of Ixil). Paola was very proud to show off “her” Huehuetenango, family and friends. It was a wonderful weekend.