Moving day and More

Yesterday afternoon we moved from our room with the family of 14 to a room at the school.  All in all, it's a trade up for us.  Our room is probably twice the size, has a desk, two tables, a mini-fridge, a TV and faces the garden of the school not a street.  Right now there are two couples and two single girls in rooms here; there is also a family staying in the small apartment on the grounds.  Paul, Sheila and their kids, Bella, Gabriel and Isaiah are missionaries who will be serving in Honduras.    

The cost is about the same, except that not as many meals are included in the price.  Therefore, we are heading to the grocery store this morning to pick up somethings.  The kitchen here is large and well-equipped, so everyone can share the space without too much trouble.  Actually, we are looking forward to eating a bit "lighter" and a big bowl of popcorn will really hit the spot tonight.

Since we didn't have time to shop yesterday, we visited a pizza place that my teacher recommended, and it was delicious.  Stephen also learned that one of the restaurants in town had a piano so after we ate, we stopped by Cafe Flor to check it out.  The owner, Jose is from El Salvador; but he and his wife have been living in Antigua for 10 years.  On Friday nights, he plays the piano and she sings.  We had dessert there (which was fantastic) and listened to 3-4 of their songs.  They were so friendly, even inviting us to stay in their extra apartment if we come back to Antigua for a visit.

One of Stephen's teachers (Syria) and both of mine (Corina and Aracely) are Catholics.  Nancy, Stephen's second teacher is a Christian.  Syria told Stephen that she doesn't believe in eternal security.  Corina's mother died a week ago Friday and nine days later it is traditional to have a special mass and celebration of the individual's life.  She along with her sisters and friends are making 1200 tamales (they were supposed to get started at 3 am this morning) for the people who will be coming to her home after the mass. The family has been frustrated with their local priest who has offered very little support and comfort.  My other teacher, Aracely, is a single mom with a 15-year old boy and 10-year old twins; her financial situation is difficult.  Work at the school is good, but not as secure/regular as she needs. 

Please pray that we for us as we continue to share our testimonies with them as we "practice our Spanish."  Please pray that their hearts will be open to the truth of God's word.  In addition to them, pray for us to have an opportunity to share with the other who are living here.  Daniel and Cassandra are an unmarried couple here from Australia; Jane is a Korean-American from the states and Emma, who just arrived yesterday, is a 30-year old from Holland.  Lot's of diversity here!

Time to sign off and get going.  We are heading to Guatemala City for church tomorrow and looking forward to a day of worship with the Vida Nueva family!  

Pictures 1, 2 and 3 are views from our room in the school; 4 is from the pizza place last night.