Life has been busy, but good since I last posted. Megan has taken up a liking to picture taking like her momma and big sister. She really enjoys the flowers that grow here and taking pictures of them. Here is one of her favorites.
These loud beauties have been hanging out in our back yard for the last few weeks. Aren't they gorgeous?
Sundays are one of our hardest days we have here. We love worshiping with others and being in church, but with not understanding much Spanish, sitting for hours at a time in church can be draining. And to do that twice a day on Sunday's it can be doubly draining, *but* it is such a special thing when we go to church and God's presence is there and we feel Him so close. God's presence knows no boundaries and I'm so thankful for that!
Last week was the first week of school here and I made cinnamon rolls for all the teachers for their first day of school (65 cinnamon rolls). Ashlyn and her sweet friend, Kati, were my helpers. :)
Last week, Br. Hight, President of Evangelistic Faith Missions, and Br. Crosley, a board member, stayed with us for a visit and it was such a nice time. They were such an encouragement to us and many great memories were made. I'm so thankful that these important men aren't so high and lofty that they can't spend time with kids! Our kids *loved* having the times of games, reading and hiking with them.
Our girls got Calico Critters for Christmas and have been loving them. :) Ashlyn got a house for her birthday, but they have more "critters" than houses, so we had a building day for a new house.
I think it turned out pretty good.
I'm *thoroughly* enjoying my Poinsettia tree in our back yard.
Watermelon anyone?
We went hiking up the mountain with Br. Crosley one day while he was here....it was a fun and we all came back a little more red than when we went. :)
We like to drive up to the mountains when we're needing to just get away from all the walls of the city and we usually always buy roasted corn from these girls. The girl in the front of the picture roasts the corn, then the girl in the back wraps the roasted corn in the husks, and rubs salt and lime on it. Yummmm.....
There are about 120 Emanuel churches in Guatemala. They were started years ago and many EFM missionaries served these churches. Now these churches are all governed and pastored by Guatemalans and doing a great job of it. We were so happy to find one of these churches, way up in the mountains. I can't wait to go back on a Sunday to worship with them. This is the pastor, Marvin Lopez.
I think it was laundry day when we drove up into the mountains.
One of God's beautiful creations!
Our sweet little people that call us Momma and Daddy!
We were driving the other day and drove through the cemetery (because they are so interesting here) and saw these precious, little girls were drinking (full face in the water) out of run-off water that had collected in a concrete pad. I can't even imagine what is in that water. The other little girl (blue shirt) was washing out her little shirt and skirt. Later after we drove back through we saw them walking up the hill to the city dump and that's where they live. Can you imagine living in the dump..all your food and clothes coming from someone else's trash?
Also, last week Br. Crosley's school sent money for him to take us out to eat. We enjoyed a nice supper and stopped by the grocery store on our way home. Pretty soon three little boys came up to our window and asked if we had any food or money. I didn't have any money and Keith was in the store, but I told him I had some food from the place we just ate at which he gladly took. As you can see, he scarfed it right down. His two brothers were already done eating by the time I took the picture. We take so much for granted!
Sunday we got to visit a different Emanuel church in a nearby town. It was a fun experience and a beautiful drive. :)
That sums up our week, I think. Thank you for coming along with us and enjoying our life here in Guatemala!
Thank you for those that take time to comment and let us know you enjoy our blog.
Have a blessed week!
~Crystal
