Short Run Down

Well it has been a few days since we updated.  Nothing extra ordinary has occured, but here are a few updates.

On Wednesday evening we took a walk down the 'road' as a family.  We saw some amazing scenery and had a great time as a family.  The quote of the day came from AJ on the hike.  When we were at the bottom of the hill AJ nonchalantly said with her attitude, "I want to take a picture of all you WHITE people."  We about fell over in laughter, this is the photo that came from that comment.

Then on Thursday; Justin, AJ and Caleb were able to go to Antigua with the team that was still here.  They went out to eat at Pollo Compero and went shoping for a few small item.  While they were out they saw a blind man laying on the side of the road, Justin gave him some change and AJ's heart broke.  AJ doesn't understand why there are people that are so poor.  How do you explain that to a 7 year old?? 
While they were away, I was able to hang all of the curtains that were made for the dorms and Noami's apartment.  One task complete.
Then on Friday we as a family went out to eat, a drive that is down a bumpy road and takes about 20 minutes to get to.  While eating I was reminded why we don't go out very often, it was totally crazy.  The kids were all over the place and continuelly needing my attention.  Did I eat my food or did Kira eat it all?  I don't remember much of the busy meal except I made a mental to only take a few kiddo's out at a time.  Parenting in a 3rd world country isn't much different than home :) 
So that brings me to Saturday morning; The rest of the team left this morning, that means that Aunt Katie had to go home.  It was sure nice having her here.   We were able to sleep in a bit this morning, and Miya is adjusting a little bit each day, that is an answer to prayer.  We get to keep getting ready for the team that is coming on Monday.  The village we were going to build in had to get switched because The bridge is out on the road we need to take.  So, we will be building really close to the base for the first 3 teams. 

Well, that is a short run down on our last few days.
Vicki

A Trip to remember

Sorry that we do not have pictures for today...imagine driving in downtown LA....yeaah, easy compared to today.  SO, Vicki, Miya, Heidi, Eli, and I went into Guatemala City...roughly 45 miles away.  We had to take in one of the 15 passenger vans (Macho) to get realigned or something.  So we left at 9am for our day.  We then picked up the other one (Suzi) to run some errands  We then needed to get groceries for the base, the Smiths and for the Schrocks.  Since we have a team still here we were almost out of food. Yep, the team that was supposed to leave on May 29 is still here.   Some will be able to leave Friday and the rest on Saturday...maybe.  We also dropped off a few locals at the hospital so that they could pick up a friend who was getting discharged today.  Oh, and there is no cross over.  So if you are going one direction on Roosevelt Road, you are going that direction for a good 3 miles before a CHANCE to turn around.  Throw in the fact that we might need to take the locals and there friend back too, we were busy.  We went to HIPER (owned by Wal-mart) and then to Price Smart (Sam's Club) for groceries and supplies, went to eat at... (drum roll) McDonalds.  PLEASE, do not tell the kiddos.  Yep, that Big Mac tasted pretty good.  As went eating HOT McDonalds food, we were almost laughing that the only kid with us was Miya.  Needless to say, if tasted good.  Long story short, after many turn arounds (are we picking them up?  Where is the entrance to the Hospital?  Look out for that Taxi!) we finally made our way back.  When we stopped to drop off our passengers, they were so grateful for the ride for their friend (he needed to lay down and would not be able to do that in the bus), we were invited in for pop and cake (this is now 6:10pm)...neat experience. 
Well, a long day, but a good day.  The rest of the clan played at the base with the team and even did a little more work.  The team got the bathroom done, so the apartment is done!  Minus the sink and counter in the living room, this was not on the plans for now anyway.  It is nice to have our own space for the family to "get away"  Beans and rice again for supper...ooohhhh so good!  Excitement, Caleb lost a tooth today too. 
I am starting to see double, so I will say good night for now and go shower.  Thank you for your prayers....OH, random.  About the capital.  We drove past the airport and it is totally shut down.  the whole city is in clean up mode from the ash from the volcano.  It was cool seeing all the black ash everywhere in piles.  Very similar to glassy sand.  We will try to collect some the next time we are in the capital.  Updated prayers:  that the airport would open up this weekend so the team may return home/  for the villages that lost a lot, and for the summer teams that will start to come on Monday.  Again, this would be seriously a miracle....but if the road to the base could get paved.  The city or government started, but did not finish.  SO picture nice smooth sand roads.....then with Guatemala weather on them.  I would take Iowa potholes anyday.  It takes 20 to 30 minutes to get to Chimaltenango (about 7 miles away).  Dios Le Bendinga y ve con Dios  **God Bles You and go with God**

God's Beauty

Well, yesterday morning we woke to a different sound, quietness.  The building we are staying in is made of tin and with all the rains it is almost deafening with the rain on the roof.  But yesterday morning the rains had ceased.  AJ and Caleb had prayed for the rains to stop and God's mighty wisdom matched their prayer.  We continue to get acclimated to the world we will be living in for the next few weeks.  The sky was clear this am too so we got to see the view from our appartment windows ~ a million dollar view!

Miya still struggles; is it teeth issues, too many people, or just the unknown?  Continue to pray that she transitions well soon!

Today, much work continues to be accomplished as the building team has been unable to leave.  They were scheduled to leave on Saturday, but now may not be able to leave until This coming Saturday.  Pray for this team has they have many things that the 'were suppose' to be doing in the states.  I woke up this am wondering what on earth did I get myself into, but God continues to reveal Himself in the beauty all around, nature, children, laughter, accomplishments, sun sets, the list goes on.  Thankyou God for the joys you have placed around us; please allow me to see each blessing from you!

Vicki