Guatemala 2015: A day to play and to travel

We got up early this morning, not to work, but to be touristas.  A short ride in the tuk-tuk took us down to the docks on Laga Atitlan, where we caught water taxis to a beautiful hotel/restaurant called Casa del Mundo (House of the World; http://www.lacasadelmundo.com/web/).  As you can see in the pictures, it is perched (securely) on the cliff side over looking the lake and with a fabulous view of the lake and the volcanoes.

We had a leisurely and yummy breakfast at the hotel, admiring the view and splashing in the lake.  Then we got back on the water taxis to ride back to Panajachel.

Just outside of town, there is a nature preserve/park that features a zipline.  We got suited up in our climbing harnesses and hiked up a fabulous trail to the top of the ziplines.  The walk was amazing.  There were monkeys, waterfalls, and suspension bridges - not to mention 143 meters of vertical ascent.  Everyone was breathing hard by the time we reached the top.  The ride down was a lot less work and a lot more fun. The view from the zipline is spectacular and the ride itself is a blast. Then, after the last zipline, there was a short ropes course that most of us chose to climb across. Smiling faces everywhere when we got to the end.

The vans picked us up and took us back to the river house to collect our luggage and board the Chicken Bus again for the three hour ride to the airport.  We got here in plenty of time to eat some McDonalds food and hang out until time for our plane.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at home.  Remember that you need to come inside at the airport to claim your child.

Zeba 2015: Homeward Bound

Our sunny travels from the L'Anse area Friday provided a gorgeous landscape to reflect on the impact the FUMC Youth made in Zeba. Hearts have been warmed by God's work. We regrouped for a picnic near Germfast where we bade farewell to the Hoffman ladies whose family travels branched off from there. The first of our Paper Plate awards (ask your kids) were presented to them and to Kim, Michael, and Keith who would likewise head directly home from St. Ignace.

Sunny weather continued for us on Mackinac Island. A bike ride around the island gave the kids energy to then head off for dinner, fudge, souvenirs, fudge, and fudge. Did I mention fudge?

The St. Ignace UMC was our home for the night. The rest of the Paper Plate Awards were bestowed and Prayer Pals revealed. Small group affirmations capped off a beautiful day and week.

The vans loaded up in the morning as we all eagerly anticipate reconnecting with family, a hot shower, and our own beds. See you all soon. And may God's love continue to shine on the people of Zeba!

Guatemala 2015: More Friday pictures

Guatemala 2015: Saying adios

Today (Friday) was our last day of work at Xepec and Xecotoj.  We left with mixed emotions ... We are pleased and proud of the good work we've done.  Both sites have advanced their respective projects significantly.  At the same time, we're reluctant to leave the work unfinished and we're sad to leave the new friends we've made here - both with the Guatemalan workers and the children that came to visit us each day.

After dinner, and more emotional goodbye's, we had a great time with the traditional paper plate awards. What fun.

Tomorrow, we begin the journey home.  We have sightseeing, a boat ride, and ziplining in the morning.  After an early dinner, it's back on the Chicken Bus for the long ride back to the airport to catch our flight at an unreasonably early hour. Look for all of us to be sleep deprived, but glad to be home when you see us on Sunday.

Zeba 2015: Thursday evening gratitude

On Thursday evening we were invited to join the Zeba and L'Anse community at their new Tribal Hall for a potluck dinner in honor of our 20 years of this mission trip. Our youth sang two songs for the group and a VBS drama skit, and we presented a plaque to commemorate the two decades of our friendship bond. Pastor Steven was thoroughly gracious and the community expressed how deeply they've been affected by our relationship. We were all moved to tears!

We ended the evening with a campfire and talent show, and final small group devotions. Halfway home tomorrow - Mackinac Island here were come!

>
>

Zeba 2015: Thursday update part 1

Our last day of VBS was a special one. Prayers of thanks were shared with both youth and Zeba kids for the friendships and special times they've had together this week. Rainbow crafts adorned the chapel as we sang "Sanctuary" a final time and shared the MYF Benediction.

We abandoned our plans for river fall hiking (too cold and water too high) and instead played a fun game of Nine Square at HQ. Our evening ended with a most special event - you'll read about that in part 2 of Thursday's report!

>

Fwd: Zeba 2015: Wednesday pics - Copper Harbor