First 3 Days in Guatemala--Nov 6 to 8

After talking with Rosemarie and Nelson and learning about the amount of work that still needed to be accomplished before VBS, we decided to go back to Guatemala three days before the campaign began.  Wednesday morning, November 6, found us at the Pullmantur office buying a one-way ticket for the same afternoon.  We spent the remainder of the morning packing and paying bills so we could be gone.

The bus left at 1:30 p.m. and arrived about 7:30--the afternoon route took a little more time due to the fact that there was more traffic in and around the border and in Guatemala City.  Javier and Claudia picked us up.  We started working as soon as we got to the house.  My workspot was upstairs at the sewing machine!  Stephen spent his time, cutting and gluing.  There was always a house full of church members helping, as well.  Somehow, Rosemarie managed to find time to feed everyone at lunchtime.

During these last 3 days the VBS enrollment continued to rise . . . so we continued to make more name tags, sashes and buttons.  

Desde Guatemala City

I'm sure nobody is worrying whether or not our bus made it to Guatemala City, but, just in case, I'm letting you know today (2 days after) that we arrived on time, well fed and in one piece.  The trip was awesome from start to finish.  We left our house at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at the bus station (inside the Hotel Sheraton) at 5:45; got checked in and made our way to our seats--second level, first row.  Before we left the station, they distributed our breakfast which was warm pancakes from San Martin (one of our favorite restaurants) along with orange juice, coffee and water.  

The passed out blankets and pillows, so I slept for the first two hours.  Stephen watched the movie.  About 8:00 we arrived at the El Salvador border and the immigration employee boarded the bus and reviewed our passports.  After he cleared us, we all exited the bus, walked about 250 feet to Guatemala and presented our passports at their immigration window.  There were no lines so we were all back on the bus and on our way in 10 minutes or less.  The rest of the trip passed without event--Stephen watched the second movie while I read a book.

We arrived on time at the Holiday Inn in Guatemala City--Rosemarie picked us up.  We arrived to a houseful of VBS helpers and joined right in painting, taping, cutting, etc.

I was able to help Haisey, one of the women in the church, understand the leader guide and Bible lessons (written in English.)  Although, it's a bi-lingual VBS, she is working with the 3-4 year olds who, of course, have all of their stories and activities in Spanish.  

We've been working hard and eating well these last two days.  Wednesday night Rosemarie made pupusas (go El Salvador) and last night we brought home from Del Puente, a new restaurant close to the house, and ate them with homemade french fries.  Cross cultural eating--suits us fine.

Last night Rosemarie and I worked on a baby quilt she is finishing for a baby shower tomorrow!.  We made the bias binding (if you're a quilter you'll understand) last night.  Today, she is going to machine quilt it.  Just one of the many small, regular-life projects in the middle of the VBS prep.

Today, I've cut 22 yards of felt into the sashes (think boy/girl scouts) that the kids will put the "badges" on.  Unfortunately, we need to buy another 20 yards or more and repeat the process.  Once they're all cut, we have to sew them together.  Stephen managed to find time to play the piano and even gave Javier his first piano lesson this morning!  

Tonight, Nelson returns from the states where he's been sharing in the mission conference at Blue Springs Bible Baptist Church in Blue Springs, Missouri.  

Please pray for the kids who will be coming to VBS, November 11-15.  This is a major evangelistic outreach for the church, and they are working hard to invite kids who don't know Jesus.