I can’t believe it -- we’re finally off to Guatemala! It seems like we’ve been preparing and planning for such a long time that it is so exciting to actually be off.

This morning, we all met at DIA to check in our bags and then we got on our flights (The Stulls and Mr. & Mrs. Branch were on a separate flight to Dallas but then we met up with them there and now are all heading to Guatemala City on the same flight.) In DIA and our layover in Dallas, I had a chance to get to talk to and get to know some of the members of our team – so far it sounds like we’ve got a really fun group!

Our layover in Dallas wasn’t too long- just enough time to grab some food (since on the airplane all they give you is a bag of five pretzels) and to ride the escalators – yes the escalators were pretty awesome. ? Actually, they were just regular escalators but they were really long so Shelly, Kristina, Megan and I had a race up and down them. Anyway, now we’re on the flight to Guatemala and everything seems to be going smoothly. (Let’s still cross our fingers though hoping that all our luggage gets there!) And Mr. Williams has already gotten in trouble by the flight attendant! Just kidding, but maybe he can talk about that during his entry!)

Overall, I really have no idea what to expect with this trip. The only trips that I’ve been on have been for vacation or to visit family, so I’m hoping that this mission trip will be a completely new and exciting experience. Even after writing my senior paper about the devastating history of Guatemala, I realized what a different world that we live in and how much we take for granted each day. While researching for my paper, I found out that there are families in rural Guatemala that live on as little as a dollar a day. I am hoping that by experiencing this type of society first hand, that I will better understand third world countries and what we can do to try to eliminate the cycle of poverty through education. I am so excited for all the new experiences that I am sure to have in the following week!

– Beth Richards

Saturday, March 25, 2006
Methodist Seminary
Guatemala City, Guatemala

After our first night in Guatemala- an airplane flying over and through our room in H3, cars and trucks in our ears, fireworks, and the spring sounds of birds awakening us – our day started at 0600. Breakfast started at 0800 with hot delicious Guatemalan coffee, tortillas with cheese and ham, cereal, bananas, rolls and jelly and Guatemala cookies. Our chicken bus driver is Anderson. Our bus – “Super Niña” – says Tourismo on the front with an American flag and eagle.

0904 – We are off to Chichicastenango. Along the way we have passed many American businesses- Shell gasoline, Pizza Hut, Hooter, McDonalds, Burger Kind and Pepsi!

0940 A gas stop at the Stop & Go for a fill up and potty break. An armed guard with his machine gun stood at the cashier stand. The drive through the country side is refreshing. Many green trees, flowering trees and flowers are in full bloom. Many gardens are planted. The homes are block with tin roofs. Many people are at the market today.

Anderson is playing the stereo with Spanish music. We are all up in the aisle dancing to the beat. It is hard to control ourselves!

1010 We enter Chimaltenango the second largest HOTEL????? in Guatemala. It’s a very busy day in the Pan American Highway- world famous like “Route 66”!

1040 My daughter Megan (15) just asked “How much longer Mom?”

Anderson just pulled over to meet the owner of the bus. Mark said he owns 4-5 buses and is a wealthy man in Guatemala.

We have passed many animals – cows on a rope, horses on a rope, pigs on a rope, and dogs running loose, and sheep on a rope.

We stopped at the Chichoy Restaurant for lunch. We ordered tortillas freshly made, Coke and Pepsi. Lunch was good. A few of us sampled the pineapple/papaya pie – Yum!
1220 On the road again…..

1315 We arrived in Chichicastenango, elevation 7000 feet. The road into Chichi was……….Scary….!!!! We checked into Hotel Casa del Rey. Our rooms are mini suites. Very comfortable.

1400 We are headed to Lemoa to visit the orphanage.

– Jan Stull

Saturday afternoon, March 25th

The half hour drive to Lemoa is along a beautiful winding mountain road with pine and deciduous forest. As we got closer to Lemoa, we saw flowering plants in fuchsia, purple and bright yellow and the landscape became more open with dry harvested corn fields. It is a gorgeous day with puffy clouds. We see two women by the side of the road making baskets. They are dressed in the traditional Mayan blue print skirts and colorful blouses. Along the roadside we also see cactus and succulents – like agave. We stop at the Methodist retreat center. Some of our group goes to the orphanage to pick up the children. The rest of us get a tour of the campus and bask in the sun on a hill overlooking the lake.

Some children come. Two bring their bicycles. After exchanging “Holas” and “Como estas”, they say “Quiero moras” – “I want blackberries”. The dark red bumpy fruit is growing on the buses outside the dining hall. One child gives me a berry and it is delicious- both sweet and tart. (I lift my eyes to heaven in a silent prayer for mercy for eating a raw fruit- I think it will be OK!) I tell the children, “Me gusta mucho” and “Gracias”.

(By the way Beth, I do like the story on the front of the journal. This is exactly what I need on mission trips- to know that Jesus is with me and helping me let God’s love shine through from me.)

The children walked over from the orphanage – Andres (walking on crutches!), Byron, Santo, Karla, Sandra, Hector, Moses, Mariana, and several others. We played with pogo sticks, shot airplanes, flew kites and played whiffle ball. Children got a lot of hugs and even some piggy back rides. There was lots of laughter! Rev. Dave was busy the whole time with airplanes, pogo sticks and whiffle ball. Kelly and Hector were whizzes with the batman kite! Gene was “pogo-ing” like crazy. (Rumors are he won a pogo bet with his wife…They called it a draw.) Thanks to John for bringing all the stuff to play with. The afternoon was a special treat for everyone!

“Hay puchicas” – “That’s great” en español
“Sackarick” – “Buenos dias in Quiché

More stories –

Laurie was pitcher for the little ones. She “played Frisbee forever.”
Laura is a fast runner. She gave a lot of fast piggy rides. The little girls called Laura and Beth “caballeros” because of their ponytails. Cathy was also a fast “caballero”. Joyce flew airplanes with Mariana “forever”. She also did “head, shoulders, knees, and toes” with her. Kristine played with Mariana also. Lots of giggles! Carolyn said it “was so exciting to be with the children!” She is so glad she came to Guatemala.

As we walked back to the bus, more mission team members ate “moras” from the bushes, so now I am in good company. After an afternoon of vigorous exercise the team is asking for lobster bisque at Pappadeux restaurant. ?

We had a wonderful dinner at the hotel. Afterwards we had devotions by the fire. Rev. Dave asked us to think about what it means to us to be here and what God’s purpose is for us here.

– Betsy Keyack

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Breakfast this morning was huevos rancheros and fruit. Yum. A great beg inning after a peaceful, quiet sleep. Most said they slept well last night. Dave seems to be the unfortunate one so far with sleeping accommodations. His neighbor kept him awake with a horrible cough.

Devotion this morning was led by the girls. We shared our earliest and best memories at St. Luke’s. Tears and laughter! Again! Then off to the market for a morning of shopping. I was warned that it was crowded but this experience was CROWDED! The people in Guatemala wear colorful clothing – and lots of it for the weather! Actually the women are colorful. The men wear typical dark pants and dark or white shirts. Oh wow, how to include all that we saw---
? Vendors with textiles
? Vendors with pottery, masks, jewelry
? Vendors with food – corn, cantaloupe, berries, chicken (both cooked and live), mangos, tortillas, peppers, beans, peas, pigs (live!), watermelon, bananas and soda pop.
? Vendors selling rocks. These were weighed. Hum?

Everyone has a grand time spending money and bargaining for the best price.

We saw a lent season parade – loud cannons, bright costumes, Guatemalan “floats”, statues of saints, bright feathers and incense.

At 10 am, seventeen of us went with a tour guide to the cemetery. We took the scenic route-
Down a hill
Up a hill
Down a hill
And back up….
It was exhausting for all except those that turned it into the local 5k race – the Chichi Chichi. Apparently there was more than one leg and more than one winner.
John won first.
Megan won the second.
Sharon worried.
Carolyn kept us in check.
The girls kept us going.

The cemetery was a unique experience. The mausoleums are all different from each other, most brightly colored. Each mausoleum seemed to be for a family. I saw the resting place for a 2 year old as well as an 81 year old. The place was not well kept; weeds grew throughout. Past the old deteriorated church, we saw women preparing a burnt sacrifice. It’s enlightening to reflect how different cultures view life and death.

– Joyce Carnes

Sunday evening, March 26th

What a memorable day it has been for me and I’m sure for everyone as we’ve interacted with so many of the people of Guatemala. I’ve read of poverty and lifestyles in third world cultures but never really understood in my heart what it meant Sometimes the people seem so relaxed and peaceful with their way of life and yet you see so many begging on the streets for just a little something to sustain themselves. Betsy and Laurie were so generous to the little children as they begged and to a blind woman alongside the road. Joyce has already described our hike up to the cemetery, but I would just like to add a note of gratitude to all those who helped me up the steep incline and waited in the shade with me while I rested. Dave even marched along beside me holding an umbrella over my head to protect me from the sun. The whole experience just made me feel God’s love reaching out to me through their helping hands. I felt a real sense of community & know how wonderful it will be to go back to St. Luke’s to ask “what next?” For I realize now. Our mission in Guatemala will not just end after this week.

This afternoon we met Sister Connie and Sister Helen at the church in Lemoa by the orphanage. They belong to the Mary Knoll Contemplative Order, which sends prayers out to other missionaries rather than “doing”. One of the sisters had been there 20 years. They were very gracious and the stories they had to tell—history, etc. were interesting. I’m so glad we had the opportunity to get to know them.

Our next stop was for the church service at the church translated into English “God With Us”. The man who spoke was fantastic as he delivered his sermon in both Spanish and English. The statement that struck me that he said was “You are not here because you want to be here, but because God has called you to be here.” I haven’t processed that yet what that means for me but will be thinking about it all week. I already know this trip is a very meaningful life-changing experience for me. Oh yes, we went to Ruth and Naomi’s to shop after church.

After supper, Dave had our devotional. He read from Matthew 13 and talked how we would be having our hands in the soil this coming week, producing “fruit”, doing service for God as doing service for others.

Oh yes, Raul, joined our group today as our translator on the work site. Some of us will go to the Retreat Center and some to the orphanage tomorrow. We’ll be working alongside more of the Guatemalan people, building relationships—and isn’t that what it’s all about!

– Carolyn McIntosh

Monday morning, March 27th

Thankfully today began without explosions an hour before daylight! Another good breakfast at 7:00 and a great devotional by Jan.

Our trip to Lemoa took at least a half hour because of the usually bad traffic in town and the many steep hills and tight turns. If we were a slow flying crow we could have made it in 5 minutes.

The physical part of our mission began today with our group (11 of us) building a bath room. Cutting rebar, fastening it together and making concrete was our task. We got the footing put in and a lot of rebar in place. No problems other than a few blisters and minor scrapes. A few new muscles were found and a couple of old ones were brought to our attention.

– Ken Decker

Monday evening, March 27th

What better way to spend my birthday! Having been adopted myself, it felt so wonderful to give and build a school for the orphans of Lemoa. As we approached the orphanage this morning we were greeted by an abuelita, one of the oldest grandmothers in the village. She greeted us as though we were family with hugs—long hugs and kisses ---many kisses. She also told us how blessed we are by God and how we are surrounded by his love. Such a wise and beautiful woman. She had to hug and kiss us all several times before we were “allowed” to go to work. She is one of the many people of Guatemala that I will never forget.

At our jobsite we were patiently led by Jose and Victor in learning how to mix cement, tie rebar and lay cement blocks. It was neat getting to know these two young men and learning from them. I am struck by the simplicity used in their construction. Their common sense way of building seems so much more efficient. They waste very little in the construction process. For example, when we first arrived at the sight it seemed messy with concrete bags strewn about. After realizing that we had no place to dispose of this “trash”, we decided to leave it. It is a good thing that we did because this paper was later used in making the concrete forms. I have learned so much more from these beautiful people than I could ever hope to give.

– Kelly Estrada

Tuesday, March 28th

Here I sit once again in beautiful Guatemala, and once again my heart is overwhelmed with feelings so hard to verbalize. Thank you God for being able to read my heart and mind without me ever saying anything. The team has all been working so hard at our three work sites today—the Retreat Center, the orphanage and the “sister’s home”. We’ve all taken turns with moving blocks, cutting and forming wire, mixing cement, pouring cement, digging ditches, painting “Mark’s” room a lovely bright yellow, but the best part of the day is playing with the children. John and Sharon brought large balloons for the kids- their smiles and giggles...there is just nothing like it…it just brightens our world.

I was lucky enough to have a little alone time with some of the Lemoa children, Walter (10), Lucy (4) and two other brothers. I took their pictures on my digital camera and was able to show them their pictures – little Lucy laughed so hard she had tears running down her cheek. It’s been a wonderful day.

I forgot to write about our first stop this morning. After breakfast we went to Quiche to visit the John Wesley School. Everyone was thrilled to be able to learn more about the school and to play with the kids. I’ll let Gene share all that he learned and shared with the group tonight. I’m so touched by Gene and Dawn’s passion for the John Wesley School. I just know they will inspire so many more. I’m so excited to hear people saying… “Next year...” I think we will be planning another trip! Yeah!

– Laurie Gilbert

Wednesday, March 30th

So…I really can’t believe how much Guatemala has forever changed my view on the human spirit. I’ve been a little short on my views on how much a person can affect me. I thought I knew the answers were in giving, although very important, giving is not the only solution to my salvation. Receiving has been a huge lesson for me. I know that sounds kinda weird, but it’s imperative for me to learn the most about myself. I always thought that whatever goal or task is at hand, I’ll find a way to figure it out. This group of people has been so amazing in so many ways. Of course, the lessons learned from the beautiful people of Guatemala will never leave my side. I just wanted to make sure that every member of this mission has lots and lots of abrazos y besos. You all deserve them. Thank you all so much for showing me what true compassion is. I have had so many wonderful conversations with so many different people. (Both in the group and outside) The lessons learned in half a week. Wow. Incredible. Here I am thinking that being multi-tasked and a hard worker is about the extent of it. It’s about enjoying the experience. Stopping and smelling the flowers. I definitely wanted to thank God for the opportunity…..Muchas Gracias.

– Mario Estrada

Thursday, March 31st

Another full day: morning at the two work sites, continuing the jobs we’ve been doing the past few days; afternoon in Day 2 of our Bible Camp. Even more kids than yesterday---I’d guess about 300. (Hotter day, too.) We started with 45 minutes free time. Watching all the members of our group interacting closely with the kids (a lot of one-on-one as contrasted to the structured activities we do in rounds) in so many different and wonderful ways (puppets, playing “Duck, Duck, Goose”, the big parachute, etc.) was amazing. It struck me again what an incredibly committed and caring group of Christians they are. I am truly grateful to be doing such fulfilling ministry with them. I did a short Bible lesson for the kids about Jesus being their best friend who will always be there to listen, help, and love them. We gave each child a paper heart and told them, “Jesus tea ma” (Jesus loves you). Then off to the four different activities (field games, crafts, puppets, tattoos) through which each of four groups of kids rotate. After that we jumped in the “Super Niña” which Anderson, our amiable driver, once again expertly navigated through the impossibly narrow and traffic-choked streets of Chichi, to drop off most of the group for a last chance at shopping the big market held every Sunday and Thursday. Then another great dinner together, followed by a devotional around the fire. I was touched by the comments o Raul, our interpreter, who said how grateful he is to be working with us in such a worthy cause, “helping the people of my country” and that he’d try to do his best for us. I didn’t realize how personal all this is for him. Add that epiphany to the hundreds of others that I’m experiencing on this, my first (I’m embarrassed to say) mission trip. Tomorrow is our last day doing work at the sites and with the children. We’re all pretty much nearing the end of our energy reserves for this exhilarating (but exhausting!) work, but I know everyone will be sorry to leave it behind. I hope and pray that we (especially me) can take our experience here in Guatemala back home with us and translate them into a continual passion for furthering the cause of Christ, and that we can prompt others to become interested in such work, too.

– Rev. Dave Money

Friday, March 31st

Today is the last “work” day. It started with a though-provoking devotion by Gene Branch. Then we stopped at the public elementary (K-6) school across the road from the retreat center. This was another moving experience, seeing the hundreds of children in their “normal” environment. It was the first time Mark had taken a group to the School. One classroom struck me in particular- it had an uneven dirt floor, chunks of concrete under the legs of the desks were used to level them, and the chalkboard was completely gone. It made me feel good that one of the three whiteboards we’re donating is going to this room. We also dropped off crayons and other donations to the school.

I took a group photo of the team. Part of the team went to the orphanage, where they poured the concrete posts. The part of the team which stayed at the retreat center prepared for the bible camp. There didn’t appear to be much construction work we could do. (The Guatemalan workers continued on the bathroom addition.) I spent the morning, with Kristine’s help, video recording the team members for the ministry moment about this trip. After which, we gave thank you cards and tips to the workers.

Kelly and Mario left us in the early afternoon to visit the child they sponsor in Eastern Guatemala.

The Bible Camp was much more chaotic than the first two days. I think the puppets and field activities went OK. But the teeth brushing group ran out of toothpaste early—there was a panic while we searched for more toothpaste. Perhaps we ran out because kids got more than one tube, in spite of our best efforts. And the craft section was a total zoo. The yarn for the God’s eyes got all tangles so we really only had one huge God’s eye. We couldn’t untangle fast enough to give one to everyone. By the last group we just handed out beads. And the teeth brushing group gave two toothbrushes out so everything worked out. OK, I estimate we have 400 kids, which exasperated our problems.

Then we spent some time at the orphanage saying our goodbyes. The kids signed our shirts and we took a lot of photos. I saw a few tears.

– Ken Fong

Friday evening

Off to dinner. We went to “the Best Restaurant in Chichi” –Casa San Juan. It was especially nice that we returned to the same place as last year. And, just like last year, we took over the entire place. One other table occupied outside our group. Not sure if they moved their table a bit to give us more room, or to attempt to get away from us. John and I sat at the table with Betsy and Ken, Rev Dave, Ken Decker, Joyce, Carolyn, Christina, Sister Helen, Cathie, Raul and Anderson. Of course, John misbehaved the entire time and tried to get Christina to join in. Chips and guacamole for the table was awesome. Ken, Rev Dave, Carolyn and Ken Decker ordered soup which they soon questioned if they’d ever see. The other tables in our group were ½ way through eating before the soup arrived. The “Chicken San Juan” was great. Poor Ken Decker patiently waited for what seemed to be forever for his dinner only to learn Ken Fong was chowing down on his. When they brought the wrong dinner to Ken Decker the waiter asked if it was his, to which Ken seriously responded, “No but what is it. Let me see it…I might just take it. I’m hungry.” Of course, to his right, Ken Fong was laying low as he had just consumed Ken’s entire dinner. Most ordered the “lemonade” which was a big hit last year. We were quite surprised and joked about Sister Connie lovingly enjoying a cool BEER! Sister Helen ordered hot chocolate but said “Sister Connie loves a Beer whenever she can get one. We kept Raul busy interpreting the menu for us, but as usual he never seemed to mind. It was also serendipity to have the directors of the John Wesley School join us for dinner. The dinner wound down as we presented Raul and Anderson with cards and a token of our appreciation. They were both touched by our group making them feel a part of the team this week. Raul blessed us with his kind and thoughtful words of how much he appreciated being with us and said we “were the real deal”. He is such a genuine person! It was cute when Anderson also thanked us and said he “was sorry if he was saying something bad sometimes.” We just laughed because we actually never heard a peep out of him and wouldn’t have known what he was saying anyway. Back to the Hotel by 9:30 and exhausted from the day, the week—and the Bible School. It was truly draining emotionally to leave the darlings at the orphanage today. If Saundra would have said “I love you, too!” one more time, I’m not sure that I would have been able to walk out—the group would have probably had to drag me out. Of course, Carla was still the sweet sweet child she was last year, with her smile and hug making it almost impossible to turn and walk away. Oh, thank you God, for choosing us as your special people this week! I leave this special place once again touched by the simple things in life. Thank you for touching my heart in so many different ways!

– Sharon Williams

Saturday, April 1st (April Fools Day)

Asa Panon Watchlol!

This is my new favorite greeting that Mario recently taught me. It means “What’s up, brother?” in Quiché. ? We just got on the bus to begin our three hour ride to Antigua, and Pastor Dave has already asked “Are we there yet?”

This morning, Ken Fong did his devotion, which was perfect for April Fool’s Day. Throughout the trip, he has been writing down quotes from everybody, and he would repeat them to us and have us try to guess who said them. One of my favorites was definitely the one with Ken asking Dave if the phone care worked and Dave responding with “What, the men’s room?” It was truly the funniest devotion and gave this day an excellent start.
Now, we are riding on the bus and not too much is happening, so I’ll write about an experience I’ve had here that will always make me laugh. On Thursday night, the majority of the group was dropped off at the market for some last minute shopping. My Mom, Beth and I formed a group with Mario and Kelly and we bought small blankets from a group of 5 or 6 women wandering up and down the streets. After we were finished, we walked away, but the women were convinced we should buy more. We tried telling them we didn’t want any more, but they wouldn’t give in and started following us. After blocks and blocks and blocks of being chased by these women, we finally ducked into a store owned by one of Mark’s friends and lost the crazy women….or so we though. We stayed there for about 15 minutes. As we were leaving Mario said “I think we lost them.” Right at that moment, the oldest lady of the group literally popped her head around the curtain door thing and said “You buy blanket? Only 100 Q!” It was hilarious! After about 7 or 8 more blocks of speed walking, we finally lost the group of women. This was definitely something you can only experience in Guatemala and as frustrating as it was at the time, it is fun to laugh at now.

On the first night of the trip, Dave asked us to find God shining through the trip. I feel like I have experienced this through the people I have gotten to know during this last week. Whether it was through the kids at the orphanage, the kids at the Bible camp, Sister Connie and Sister Helen, the people of Guatemala, or the members of this mission team, I felt like I have experienced God during this mission trip. Thank you to every person who contributed to making this last week incredible. It has truly been an experience I will never forget.

– Shelly Richards

Saturday evening

As I write this journal entry I am sitting on a hotel patio looking out at a rose garden with a beautiful fountain. It is peaceful….after a wild and busy week.

We arrived in Antigua around noon and after checking in to our hotel we spread out in different directions. Some headed to Frida’s for lunch, others went to look at monuments and others headed straight to the market for more shopping! Mark took us to a store that sold what he called “the best hot chocolate mix.” We bought several for gifts. Then Sharon, John, Ken, Beth, Shelly and I headed for the market. Once again, John helped me bargain on the prices. This trip has taught me that bartering is not my best skill!

But the high point of our day was visiting a beautiful old church called La Merced. It was a beautiful yellow color with ornate carvings. When we walked inside there was organ music playing and the choir was singing in the loft. There were purple decorations for Lent—the Guatemalan people take the Lenten season very seriously! La Merced was originally built back in the 1500s and has a beautiful monastery attached which we were able to visit. Both buildings have been rebuilt several times due to earthquake damage. However, the view from the second floor of the monastery was beautiful. Some of us took pictures up there, while others just sat, thought and prayed. It was a wonderful experience.

Tonight we went out to dinner at a lovely restaurant that even included music—a mariachi band playing songs on request! Afterwards, John and Sharon, Beth, Shelly and I went over to the famous arch in Antigua to watch a live street concert. They appeared to be local bands, with names like “Made in Guatemala” and I must say, they had quite exuberant fans in attendance. Then they began a fantastic fireworks show. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful time in Guatemala!

I can’t begin to share how much this trip has meant to me. I originally signed up for this trip because I wanted to share an experience with my daughters where we could do something for others. I felt like they lived such a sheltered life that they didn’t know what life was like for other parts of the world. What I found was that I, too, had lived a sheltered life. I have traveled frequently, but this was the first time that I saw a mother walking her children, and the family cow, to a lake to do laundry. Seeing children in a classroom with adobe walls and little light….well, it gave me a new perspective on education in America. When I saw how grateful the children were for gifts of crayons or toothpaste…I realized how much we truly have and how unbelievably grateful I should be each and every day.

I learned another lesson, however. I found that I covet the slower pace of life….the way people smile at each other and say “Buenos Dias” or “Hola”—even to strangers!...the way that brothers and sisters spend time with each other….the hugs that were given so freely….. I don’t want to lose that mindset. And I also learned how great it feels to do and share things with others. Every night I was as tired as if I had run a marathon, yet I was anxious to get up the next morning and start all over again. I looked forward to seeing the kids at the Bible camp, playing with the children at the orphanage, and I even looked forward to carrying sand and laying brick! It was amazing how energizing the hard work and effort could be.

As I prepare to return to Denver, I hope I can continue this feeling and share this feeling with others. I’m hopeful that we can convince others to support the orphanage and the John Wesley School. And most of all, I hope we get a chance to do this all again.

– Laura Richards

Sunday, April 2 (very early )

We were up early this morning! To make our 8 a.m. flight, we started loading the bus at 4:30 a.m. (yes, AM). It’s just not right to wake up before the sun! But we all made it –looks like all people and bags have been accounted for at the airport in Guatemala City.

We had a teary good-bye with our translator, Raul. Fortunately, he jumped off the bus quickly at his stop. I know we all wish him well and will miss him.

Speaking of missing, last year Gene and I really missed the “group” for weeks after the trip. Eating without 20 other people just seemed so lonely. We expect this trip will be the same.

Thanks to everyone for making this such a wonderful experience! You are all our family.

– Dawn

Sunday, April 2nd, after Sun-up

The Contemplative Chapter

We’re on the way home! Of course we’re anxious to be home and to see our families and friends. We speak of our loved ones and we all carry some level of anticipation. How have we changed? How will we feel? How will we share our stories, and will others understand?

Part of us will forever be in Guatemala, and part of Guatemala will forever be in us. What have we given? What have we received?

The Sisters have corn, rice and oatmeal for widows and their children. There was extra money for the Sisters to use as they see fit for individual and special needs.

The orphans will have extra money in their general funs for food this summer. Their operating budget has been low and now they’ll have what they need for a healthy table and full bellies.

The children of Lemoa will have new white boards for their classrooms.

The retreat center/camp will have an extension on the bathrooms. The orphanage will have expanded space for activities.

The Directors at John Wesley will have a few more restful nights knowing their coffers aren’t totally bare.

We have given funds, blood sweat and tears, and laughter…. And yet… What we have received is beyond. What we have given, we’re taking as much with us as we return home.

To borrow from the Visa Commercial—

John Wesley $3400
Hogar del Niños $1000
White boards 1000Q

Doing good/Doing well
Smiles and laughter
Sharing God’s love
Growing with one another
Memories for a lifetime

--Priceless

Together we Missionaries share with the people of Guatemala—we share our dreams, our hopes, our love and laughter. We share our tears in tender moments not easily forgotten. We share our hearts.

We share our God.

There are also frustrations. The language barriers delay and minimize our communications, but they do not deter us.

Our desire for an easier “American Way” rises in our thoughts and conversations. Things that seem “necessary” like solid housing with “real” floors, running water and personal transportation. Maybe we wish for them to know of farm machinery, washing machines and TVs. Have you thought they’d like an air conditioner in the heat? If our friends in Guatemala visited an “average” American community, what do you think they’d wish for us? Perhaps a few thoughts they might have would be—
? Instead of gluttony, perhaps sharing and rationing of resources
? Instead of easy transportation to the local market or school, perhaps more daily exercise.
? Instead of isolation with TV and video games, perhaps more family time.
? Instead of totally chaotic schedules, perhaps times of relaxation and meditation.
? Instead of an iconic focus on materialism, a renewed focus on God in our lives.

We have much to share and much to learn. We can all have a warm heart knowing this is a continuing relationship between us, the people of Guatemala and God.

What good habits will we take home? I doubt we trade in our SUVS/personal wheels for mass transportation/chicken buses. I doubt we all walk to the local King Soopers. But what about our spiritual focus? Will we continue God’s work in the local community? Will we reach out tot others in need? Will we share our smiles and laughter daily?

What about our focus on journalizing life’s important adventures? Daily prayers? Devotion? Will we work to advance our spirituality and relationship with God? Is this the gift God is hoping to bestow on us through our trip? A renewed focus on Him and His work?

A habit takes 30 days.

Over the coming weeks, months, and years, you’ll stop and recall moments from this trip. Could it be God whispering “Thank you”?

– Cathy Dunwody

Sunday, April 2nd

What a journey we had. The morning started off at 4 a.m. for everyone to load the bus and get to the airport. All present and accounted for. I don’t know where to start but to say my thoughts. When arriving in Texas I found myself back at the public school in Lemoa (6th grade) and listening to the children thanking us for the gifts (supplies) and yes, I started to get a little teary eyed just sitting on the plane. I believe today everyone has had that quiet moment of thought of what we have been through and sort of being thrown back into our other world. I have had a special moment with everyone on this team/trip that will always be with me.

– John Williams, aka Big Bear

Monday, April 3

So when we landed in Denver, It hadn’t hit me yet that I wasn’t in beautiful Guatemala (which I miss very much). It finally hit when we all found our luggage and started saying some goodbyes that we were back home. It’s nice to be home with friends and family and especially with water that won’t make us sick. When I arrived at home, it was hard to go back to my normal rotation (sitting down watching TV). No when I do something like watch TV, I have more appreciation for what I have.

Monday- Today I had to wake up early and go to school. The moment that I walked through the doors I began remembering the Lemoa Public School and how much they didn’t have. When I walked in and the ground was flat and smooth, it was weird, but the thing that really touched me was when I walked into my first class. There were about 18 empty desk and we didn’t have to share textbooks or even pencils. When I try to tell my stories and thoughts, people don’t really understand how much this trip really touched me emotionally. Thanks to all of the team that made this trip the way that it was. You are all like family to me and I’m going to miss having dinner with 21 other people, or walking on the crazy roads of Guatemala. Also I’m so glad that God led us in an amazing journey in Guatemala. To all, Thanks for making this trip very special to all in many different ways.

– Kristina Fong

Saturday, April 8th

Since I am one of the last people to have the journal, I have experienced being at home. I loved everything about the trip because without some things, it wouldn’t be the same. When we were on the way to the airport (at 4 in the morning), I realized those were my last moments there. I feel I have taken more of this place with me than I felt behind. But, I know I made a difference in the end. Now being at home for almost a week, there are so many differences that I miss. I loved the dinners with everyone and talking to people on the worksites and the bus.

The first day I was back to school, I realized how fortunate I was to be able to have a good education and to be encouraged to have a longer education career. Now, when kids say they hate school, I think to myself if one kid could take their place, how much good it could do. Then when I am walking home, I realize how luxurious our houses are and how extravagant they seem. When driving, I laugh because of the roads and I think of Anderson. I wish I could tell everyone about everything, but that would take a life time to explain because the story has just begun. I want to thank you all so much.

On this trip I have gained memories, love and heroes.

The memories will last a lifetime.

The love is never ending.

And the heroes live in my heart everyday.

– Megan Stull (the baby)

Saturday, April 16

I miss Guatemala. I miss the children, their smiles, their sweet personalities, their spontaneous desires to run up and hug you… It has been two weeks since we returned, and I still wish we could have stayed for a few more days.

The first day that we saw the kids from the orphanage, we all made a few friends. Carla loved the pogo sticks, bouncing up and down with a bright yellow helmet. Mariana and I spun around in circles and ended up covered in grass.

Later in the week we visited two schools. The John Wesley School is an incredible project; I hope we can continue to support them. We had a chance to play with the children. They didn’t know us, and we didn’t know their language very well, but they were so friendly. We were having so much fun with them that I didn’t want to leave.

I had way too much fun at the public school. I sat in one of the colorful kindergarten desks and started talking to the kids near me. I asked the boy on my left, “¿Puedo ser en tu clase?” and he nodded his head yes. After we finished seeing the other classes, I stood outside the kindergarten classroom and waved at the kids. They waved back. I was disrupting a kindergarten class…

You don’t as easily find children like these in America, who are willing to get to know you the first time they meet you. In America you learn “don’t talk to strangers.” After Lemoa, it was strange to see all the children in Antigua with parents. Compared to Lemoa, Antigua almost gave me culture shock.

This trip to Guatemala made me think about my life. What am I doing, really? I’m taking all these advanced classes in school. They are very difficult and cause me to work hard 7 days a week. Why am I doing this? There’s more to life. How would IB English help me help the world? How are the ˜3200 hours of homework I will have completed in high school going to help the children in Guatemala? The John Wesley School wants to teach the children to use computers. I would like to find some way to help with this, any way to benefit them… That way, some of what I have learned can go to something more than just helping me get a job after college.

I miss the relaxed atmosphere, where time does not rule people’s lives. I miss the fact that we did not need to accomplish a great number of things in one day. We worked hard and finished what we finished, and that was enough. We were able to take time and interact with the people around us—those from our group as well as the Guatemalans. In all the mission trips I have been on, we have not been able to do that so much. I miss my new friends…

I would like to thank everyone for making this such a great week.

– Kristine Carnes