Saleeby family in El Salvador/Guatemala--Thursday

We slept in and then packed our bags at home on Thursday while Joseph and his family did the same at the hotel.  We picked them up at 11:15 and then stopped at Subway for lunch. After lunch we drove to the church to pick up Francisco Moran who dropped the seven of us off at the "bus" station in the Sheraton Hotel.

The girls were pretty excited to see that the bus was a double decker--another first for them. The amazing views were pretty difficult to catch on camera, though.  The border crossing was relatively easy and painless.

We made it to Guatemala City in just over 5 1/2 hours and Nelson was at the Holiday Inn to pick us up within minutes of our arrival.  The traffic back to the Rivas home was heavy, but not impossible.  The girls really enjoyed the light dinner Rosemarie prepared for us.  

After discussing plans for our visit in Guatemala, we called it a night!

Celebrating Stephen's birthday

Stephen's 64th birthday was last Thursday, November 20, and we were in the middle of the Guatemala campaign.  So, we decided to wait and celebrate on Saturday afternoon when we were back at the Rivas home.  We slept in at the hotel Saturday morning and then loaded up the pickup with everything left over from VBS and drove to their house about 10:30 a.m.  

The girls set up the special birthday canopy and set the table.  Rosemarie and I made the white chicken chili and Stephen, Don and Mauricio (with a little help from Camilia) worked on the homemade ice cream.  It was a great birthday lunch with our Guatemalan family and friends.  There was also pumpkin pie and tres leches to go along with the ice cream.  As usual, no one appreciates the ice cream as much as the birthday boy!

Camila learning how the machine works.  She was responsible for the salt!

Hard at work!

Brother Don taking his turn

Table for 10 outside, please

Packed and waiting for us to finish lunch 

Music included "happy birthday" in various styles

Nothing better than a meal shared with good friends

Serving up the ice cream

Fabi is excited to try it 

Cake and ice cream! 

Stephen opening his birthday gift--a picture of the kids