In Quiche, Guatemala

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Hello everyone, we arrived safely back in Philadelphia. Now it's time for me to catch up this blog.
Let's go back to Quiche in northern Guatemala. The bus trip from Guat. City was 3.5 hours through mountainous terrain. The roads were all paved--for now, but they had many hair pin turns. Several large propane tank trucks and other tractor trailers were stuck trying to go uphill and turn the curves. (Personally, I would worry about taking a heavy truck down those roads. Your brakes would burn out!)

We stayed at a hotel in the capital city and took short trips to different schools. We did the puppet shows many times. The children loved it. We also passed out the health kits (washcloths, soap, shampoo, tooth brush and paste) and some candy.) Remember the candy necklaces from childhood. We had those and some gummy sandals called "Walking with Jesus." Some children wore their necklaces and some ate them right away.

I'll post some pictures tonight and log in more details in the next few days. I have almost 1500 pictures and several mini-videos. Guatemala is beautiful and the Mayan people in the north are striking. These are the people who were terrorized and worse during the 36 year civil war. But more on that later. For now, please enjoy the pictures.

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Photos

Hair pin curves
A sample of the curving road.

steep mountains
Beautiful mountains and valleys.

Quiche hotel courtyard
The buildings have no front or side yards. The walls are high and right on the sidewalks. But go through the door and see beautiful courtyards, like this one in our hotel.

Our hotel room
Our room had 2 single beds and 1 full bed. No dresser, table, chair, closet, etc. The bathroom had a large shower with warm water sometimes. Never put paper down the toilets. The water smelled like sulfer-pretty strong! I used my own sheets. But the people and food were great.

Singing after supper
After a great meal every evening, we would sing and have a devotional time. Jeff brought song books and a travel guitar. Gailey provided the daily devotions--a verse and questions. Our team was strong because of their contributions.

At the internet cafe
We are trying to let folks at home know we are having a great time. This internet cafe was very well run. Only Q5.00 per hour. (One dollar is worth Q7.51)

Puppet show
Here is a church based school. The church has about 500 members. We are doing the show for the school children.

Carry your chair to the show
The children at one school carried their chairs to the auditorium for the show.

Rapt audience in Quiche
These children, like all of them, were fascinated by the puppets, and enjoyed the story--they laughed at the right places.

scholarshiped students
After the program, we met students who had been scholarshipped by members of our group. For less than $150/year you can support a year of education for one child.

Jeff's scholarshipped children
Jeff's own children sent notes to the students the family had scholarshiped. It was an emotional meeting--very happy.

Walter, our facilitator
Walter went everywhere with us--driving, translating, and facilitating the first half of our trip. Everyone loved him. He's a theologian as well.

Comments

[Sandy]

Thanks!!
Thank you, Susan, for updating the blog. Your comments and pictures bring back the host of affectionate feelings for the people of Guatemala and our trip. I look forward to seeing your pictures - all 1500 of them!