Friends

Manuela


Manuela's family


Miguel and his family

Over the last four months we've been here, we've made a few friends. One of them is Manuela, a 10-year old gal who persisted in selling some of her artesanias to Emilio. He finally gave in and purchased a handmade skirt and huipil, or traditional blouse that a the majority of women wear in the rural parts of Guatemala. I am continually intrigued at the diversity of clothing, as the boys and young men have adopted the modern clothing we see in the states; but the women and young girls continue to wear the traditional, hand-woven skirts and huipiles.

Manuela invited us to her home in the neighboring town of Santa Catarina. We drove to the town, but then had to get out of the car to walk to her home, and as we began to scale the ever-rising hillside, I began to think we would never get there! Her home was nearly at the top of a steep incline - that she managed to run up and down in less than a few minutes! Once we arrived, we were overwhelmed by the breathtaking view of the lake and volcanoes - well worth the effort it took to get there! :) Her family greeted us with welcoming smiles, and a little bag of purified water (very common here, in addition to bottles of water). Of course, each family member was enamored by Solomon as he waddled around under the porch covering (not walking independently at this time). We met everyone, 8 altogether. Precious time.

We have also made a dear friend here in Panajachel. He's a taxi driver, and a believer in Jesus. He has helped us tremendously in getting settled in this beautiful, lakeside town. He is married with 3 children, and they have invited us to eat with them several times, including on Mother's Day.

The Lord has truly blessed us with the friendships we've made here. And the boys have greatly appreciated their new playmates.