Dad and Mel

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We just spent a wonderful week with my (Sarah) Dad, John, and his wife, Meleny! What a blessing it was to have them down here and to be able to spend time with family after months in a foreign country. We enjoyed a fun-filled week of traveling and seeing sights.
Drew and I came down to Guatemala city from Xela to meet them. The plan was to go to Antigua the very next morning, but their luggage didn't come in, so we spent an extra day in Guatemala City. It turned out to be a fun day of seeing the city, visiting a market, and eating wonderful Mexican food. As we were walking around, we saw a building that looked like it may have been an art museum, but when we went inside, found that it was the headquarters for the Department of Transportation. My dad is the director of the Wyoming Dept. of Transportation, so we toured the building. What a cool thing for him to see! We returned to the airport to learn that the airline not only didn't have the luggage, but didn't even know where it was! So, we decided to contine with the rest of the trip. We did a bit of shopping through the week for clothing and toiletries for both of them, but we were all impressed with how much stuff we really don't need. And it sure made traveling on the Chicken Buses a lot easier.
On of the funniest things of the week was seeing my dad and Mel's reactions to the transportation. Mel was perpetually laughing, and both were amazed at the speeds, hairpin turns (still at top speed), and sheer skill of the drivers.
It was great to be able to show them our home town of Xela and introduce them to friends that we have made of the past 5 months. We shopped for food in the markets and took them to Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs (a huge highlight for them). Drew plays and sings in a little coffee shop almost every Thursday night, so it was an additional treat to have them there with us this past week.
For us, it was so great to see them. They blessed and encouraged us incredibly with their presence and with gifts. Hurray for new jeans and ghiradelli chocolate!! They also encouraged us more than we can express spiritually through their prayers and conversation.
Thank you for coming, Dad and Mel!! We love you!

As a side note, we fly back to the states in a month today! We can hardly believe how fast the time as gone, and we are so excited to see everyone again.

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Photos

Happy Reunion!
How great to see family after months in a foreign country!

Misty Volcanoes
The view when Drew and I were stopped in traffic on the way to Guatemala City to pick up my Dad and Meleny.

Bus Ride
The only audible sound over the windows rattling and the engine roaring was Meleny's laughter.

Gutter
My dad (Director of the Wyomings Dept. Of Transportation) pointing out that the roads are a bit different than the standards in the U.S.

Chicken Bus
They could not believe the turns the chicken bus driver was taking, and at what speeds!

Chicken Bus Driver
He was very proud of his driving...he sure knows how to take those turns!

Cow Friend
We found this little cow tied up to the back of a car downtown.

Pick-up Ride
On the way to the hot springs at Fuentes Georginas

Volcano View
View from the pickup ride up to the hot springs.

Comments

[Joyful Noise]

Sarah
Sarah, You keep on getting more and more beautiful each picture I see of you--for real! Joy