Tranquility

As I sit and write this post, I am overwhelmed by the beauty of the countryside of Guatemala. My family decided to venture off to visit another city this weekend, Quetzaltenango (or Xela, pronounced Ch-ela), and one of our pit stops is in a town called Zunil. We are staying at the most amazing hacienda-style lodge that has a sauna, a jacuzzi tub in each room, beautiful grounds, delicious food, a gym...all tucked into the hillside of this tiny town. The kids are napping...the husband went to the store, and I am thoroughly enjoying the tranquility and solemnity of my solitude. This place is such a welcome change of scenery from the crazy, disorderly city that suffocates with poisonous smog, and terrifies with armed soldiers on every corner (many with AK-47s in hand). No one obeys any traffic laws - pretty much everyone makes up the rules as they go, and does any thing as they see fit. Xela, on the other hand, is peaceful (even if it is the 2nd largest city in Guatemala) and clean. The people are friendly, and the countryside that surrounds the city is impressive. This is the city in which we may possibly settle for awhile if I am offered a teaching position at the Inter-American school. The director has emailed me to advise that I should be receiving an invitation for an interview very soon, as current teachers will be deciding whether they are staying for another year or moving on. In the mean time, I am waiting patiently, and enjoying this delightful little sampling of a place that I just might call 'home' in the very near future.

Reunion Pics...Finally!

Solomon with his two "tios" Giovani and Jonathan, and Daddy

The Morales-Menendez Family

Jonathan, Giovani, and Emilio

Emilio and his sister, Sandra

Emilio's mom, Marta

Sandra making a delicious salsa called "chismol"

Giovani grilling the meet to savory perfection

Reunion

Though I never thought I'd be able to say this, in all honesty, I think I am adjusting quite well to our new, much simpler, way of life here in Guatemala. Boiling water so that I can take a warm shower really isn't that big of a deal, and I have discovered that with one large pot of water, there is plenty for me to wash my hair AND shave my legs! :o) Hanging clothes to dry on the clothesline on our upstairs patio is actually quite enjoyable as well. I love the smell of the clothes as the sun and wind dry them. No t.v. is truly a blessing, and has allowed our family to spend more quality time together. Our house is very humble and lacking quite a few of the amenities that we had living in the states (ie: refrigerator, stove/oven, furniture), but we have learned to make the best of our situation, and get creative, remembering that this residence is only temporary - and rent free. God is providing for all of our needs, one day at a time. We are very blessed, and I would have to agree with my friend Amy (Messinger) back home when she says that being poor truly is a blessing - simplicity is sweet!

Today, we had a very sweet reunion with my husband's family: his mother, step-father, and three of his siblings. He has not seen any of them since he came to Oregon 18 years ago. What a treat! We had wonderful fellowship, and ate delicious carne asada for lunch. I am so excited to have the opportunity to get to know some more of my new family, as they only live about 20 minutes away. We hope to have many play dates in the near future with his sister-in-law, Sandra, and her two cherubs. Her oldest, Jeffrey, is four, and her daughters is 14 months. Nefty is definitely in need of some playmates, as he missed his toys and playmates back in Oregon!

El Hotel Atlantico

When in Rome...we haven't used a car seat since we got here...yikes! I guess is the Guatemalan way (though we do have one that we brought with us - except that we wouldn't have all fit in the car for the road trip if we used it this time around - there are 6 of us in a 4-door Nissan sedan!)

In the second and third photo, we're posing at a refreshing side stop know as Los Chicarrones Don Carlos, a beautiful little restaurant on the side of the freeway where we stopped to grab a bite and some delicious, freshly-made limeade.




We have decided to take a road trip after a busy first two weeks here. We need a break from the smog - it's black, choking poison permeates the air in the city that every time we go out for an errand, we get headaches. We are visiting Zacapa this weekend, the town Emilio was born in. Meanwhile, we are staying a little tropical paradise hotel, a refuge from the intense heat - and it's only February! We get an early summer.

We have yet to hear from the school to which we both have applied to teach. We are hoping that something happens soon. In the mean time, we are spending time with Emilio's grandma and working on getting her in a better living arrangement. We will also be seeing his mother and siblings on Monday, the first time for him in 19 years. It will be a sweet reunion!

Saying Goodbye

Two nights ago, we had dinner with our dearest friends, the Boltz's. What a blessing they have been to us. Michelle and I did not start off on the right foot ten years ago, and I would have never thought that we'd become such intimate friends. Matthew and Emilio are great buddies too, a hope that many wives probably wish for but just doesn't happen. We have been so fortunate to be a part of their life, and we look so much forward to having a visit from them while we are in Guatemala. I know Neftali will dearly miss his little friend Savannah Mae, as he often says to me, "Mommy! Mannah more!" It broke all of our hearts to break up the fun at the end of our dinner and play date, especially when the two of them were stealing kisses behind the recliner! Adorable! Matthew and Michelle intend to see us off at the airport, but Savannah won't be at the airport to give Nefty a good bye hug. Maybe that's for the better...

Sold!

If there has ever been any doubt over the last four weeks as to whether or not my family and I are doing the right thing by embarking on this adventure down to Guatemala, there is now absolutely no reason to doubt at all - we sold our house in two and a half weeks! If that is not confirmation (by means of a complete miracle!) than I don't know what is! We are excited and praying that now, as the paperwork and inspections begin, that the closing process will be smooth sailing! We hope to close on or before March 13th. All I can say is, "Praise the Lord!"