Wednesday, August 27, 2008

We have been enjoyably busy with Jayme here for the summer. Also, our good friends, Colton and Susan - from Canada - came to visit for 10 days. We took them to the airport early this morning, and they are in the air returning home now as I type. Thanks guys, for coming to visit us. We really enjoyed having you here and spent some happy times together.

A note about the water meter. It still hasn't been installed. Ken changed his plans so that he could be here at home for the men to install the new meter. After waiting two days we had to go about our daily lives, and weren't here every minute. (We were told that it would be installed within 24 hours!) Ken will have to go to the water company and set up another appointment for the men to come. Hopefully they will arrive on time and install the meter correctly.

A friend from Dallas came down on a mission trip and stayed a few extra days to attend a Bible dedication here in Guatemala. Ken drove to the town of Nebaj (6-7 hours away) for the dedication of the New Testament in the Ixil, Indian language. How exciting that these people now have part of the Bible in the languge that they speak and understand.

Jayme, Ken and fellow missionary Steve Sywulka climbed the volcano Pacaya again. They didn't see the rivers of lava like they saw in December, but they still enjoyed their time and were able to see some interesting sights.

Back in July, a small group of 4 people came from Tulsa, to teach Bible in Patzún's Alfa y Omega school and in a public school in town. The classes were well received. Also, two of the men taught in special, evening meetings at the church. These classes were well attended, and the people have asked that the 'gringos' return. Lord willing they will. We praise the Lord for the Biblical truths that were taught that week. Sorry, but my pictures of the week didn't turn out very well.

August 6, 2008 The Water Meter Saga

Daily living in Guatemala can sometimes be a challenge, to say the least. Ken has been busy the last several days trying to get our water meter changed (mandated by the water company). He first made a trip to the water company offices to find out exactly what was needed. They told him the water meter to buy. He then went to the plumbing supply house to put in his order, but the person who has to register the meter number on the receipt was in a meeting until 4:30 p.m. Ken returned after 4:30, but she was still in the meeting. Someone called her out of the meeting; Ken paid the $50 for the meter, then she registered the meter number. By this time, it was too late to return to the water company, so he had to wait until today to go back there. This morning he took his meter and the receipt and went to the water company again, but the parking spaces were filled, so he returned home. A few hours later he headed back. When he arrived, he was asked for the receipt so they could check the registration number – to make sure his new meter was not stolen. We are now waiting for the water company workmen to show up at our house to install the new meter. We hope they come today like Ken was told. Who would have thought it would take so long, and so many trips to get a meter installed? (Sometime ask us about the plate, pin and screws Ken had to buy when I broke my leg!) Here’s the infamous meter.

August 1, 2008 Orchids

Last month I promised pictures of our orchids. Aren't they beautiful? Unfortunately, they have finished blooming for now, but I can still enjoy them by looking at the pictures.

Okay, okay. So these aren't orchids. They were in our yard earlier this year; I thought they were pretty and that you might enjoy them.

Jacobean Lily

Nazareño -(our version of Wisteria)

Gardenia

Pitaya Flower
Pitaya is a cactus we have growing on our wall. Here's a picture of the outside of the fruit, then the inside. It looks and tastes like kiwi. (Well, the color is obviously different!) We love it.

July 14, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!!!

On the July 7th blog, I told about us setting off the two huge firecracker bombs in Patzún. Jayme filmed the explosion of the second bomb. Watch this to the end and enjoy!

July 13, 2008 Post #2 - The Caminata

Ken arrived home from Patzún last night. He had been there since Wednesday. Yesterday he went with about 40-45 people (all ages) from the church as they walked from Patzún to Iximche - a little over a two-hour walk. Iximche is the ancient capital of the Kakchiquel nation which is in ruins now. Here are pictures of the event. You can tell they had a good time. Wish Jayme and I could have gone.
















Part of the walk was rather muddy.















Most of the women and girls donned pants and t-shirts for the day.
They usually wear their native dress.
















Enjoying the ruins

















Even the adults joined in the games.





































Cooking lunch


















Heating the tortillas

















Yummy lunch



















A time to talk with friends.















The ever-present soccer game












Jump rope anyone???




















It was a long day. I think they're tired.














The ride back home in the backs of three trucks

Sunday, July 13, 2008 Post #1

Happy birthday to Keith S, Brock H. and Ron K. today, and of course, Daddy, your birthday is tomorrow. Happy 83rd!

Our church in the capital is emphasizing discipleship this year. Today was really exciting. Besides having the sermon on Jesus' example of discipling, we had 2 baby dedications, and 6 baptisms!!!

I also thought I would show you some of my flowers that have been blooming this spring and summer. They're beautiful.

I'll show my orchids soon!

July 7, 2008 HUGE Firecrackers

I hope all of you in the good ol' U.S.A. had a great time celebrating Independence Day this past weekend. Here in Guatemala of course, July 4th is just another day. Guatemalans LOVE to set off firecracker any day of the year - for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. -- or just because. (In years past, there were no pretty ones, but now especially on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, we can see a lot of pretty ones light up the sky.) Today Ken, Jayme and I were in Patzún. Ken and Jayme entertained the four interns and the church people by setting off two BIG 'bombas' (LARGE firecracker 'bombs' that each had a pound of gun powder in them.) They are the biggest ones we've seen. Anyway, they made a BIG boom and a BIG mess, but everyone enjoyed them. I think the interns won't forget today's excitement. If the pictures came out nicely, I'll post one. (Ken is still in Patzún, and he has the camera.)