More changes ahead?

The last few weeks have really allowed my husband and I to think about how blessed we have been to be able to travel and spend this extended time with his family and friends in Guatemala. The experiences here have been unforgettable. But as the school year in the States comes to a close, all I can think about is how much I long to be preparing for the school year to come - in the States. I cannot deny that I am beginning to greatly miss some of my dearest friends. I also miss being in the classroom. As does my sweetheart - but he misses coaching soccer even more. So, after much praying and searching, we have decided to change up our plans a little and tentatively investigate returning to the States by fall. His grandma still needs much care, so our return will be pending we are able to find someone to help out. But in the meantime, I am scouring the websites and school district postings in search of my first teaching job. I believe that I found my dream position. I submitted my application and all the necessary documents. Each time I review the school site, I long to be the newest addition. The closing date for applications is June 2nd, so I will be fervently praying for a phone call. I am trusting the Lord to work out the details. We'll see what exactly He wants for our family. And while we wait, and continue praying, we will enjoy every moment we have to be together as a family, to be able to experience the beauty of our surroundings, and to share in the rich culture and food. After all, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Mothering Boys

Got a banana milkshake?


Bath time fun - in an actual tub!


Yes, we do use the car seat for Solomon...when we don't have 10 people in the car!


This must have been a 10-passenger day. :)


Born to play soccer.


Look at all those teeth!!


Nefty modeling his new soccer jersey. It matches his new blue soccer shoes (not shown). He thinks he's Italian.


I L O V E being a mom to boys. Children are such a blessing, and mine are doubly so! I just feel like I fall in love all over again with each new day that I watch them grow, learn, play, and love each other (and me and daddy too!).

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.

The Market

Nefty LOVES Grandma's delicious chicken soup...especially the feet!


"Patas de gallina" a.k.a. chicken feet


The poor things! Daddy went to catch them live...but they didn't stay that way long. They sure made a yummy soup, though!


Chicken parts for sale!


Got cows' feet? (right next to the tempting intestines on display)


Now that's what I'm talking about - fresh fruit in abundance!


Ejotes envueltos - like chile rellenos, but instead of chile, these are green bean bundles dipped in egg batter. They also prepare cauliflower and other veggies this way. One of my favorites!!


Hilachas - shredded flank steak cooked in a delicious red & green tomato sauce, with tender carrots and potatoes. Another one of my favorites! (and yes, I prepared both of these yummy dishes!)

Since we've been in Guatemala, we have experienced many different kinds of foods. Guatemala has some delicious dishes, and I have even tackled a few of them myself. But before I can light the burner, I have to have the ingredients first. And the market in Guatemala is not like any other I've seen before. I think you see what I mean.

Nefty's Birthday Pics

Grandma Marta sharing some delicious dessert with Solomon.


Neftali playing a video game with his friend Alejandro.





Neftali and Mario.


The birthday gang.

Neftali celebrated his 3rd birthday at a restaurant in Guatemala city with some friends and family. Appropriately, the name of the restaurant is also Friends. They had a great room for parties, and we had a wonderful time. We shared several plates of appetizers, and savored a delicious dessert. Thanks to everyone for helping us make Neftali's birthday special!

Solomon's First Steps

Happy 3rd Birthday Neftali!

After much deliberation, we decided to go to a place called "Friends" to celebrate Neftali's birthday. We had to go the capital to get my passport (visa) extended another 90 days (and the boys too), so we stayed to celebrate with Grandma Aracely, cousin Danny, some friends from church, and Emilio's mom, sister, and cousins. It was perfect. Friends has a game room, which we pretty much took over. It had video games, a giant bouncy house (official name?), and other fun things for the kids. We ordered appetizers to share, and the some delicious desserts - and Nefty's chocolate cake, of course! It was fun. I can't believe he's three. He got some pretty neat gifts, too, including an indoor soccer ball, two pairs of soccer shoes (indoor and outdoor), a transformer robot - giant-sized, and a huge bouncy ball. Needless to say, all of the kiddos zonked out on the way home. It was a success.

Solomon is walking!

I can't believe it, but my infant isn't an infant anymore! He has been walking all over the house (solo) since May 5th. He's practically running. It is such a joy to hear the squeals of delight between him and his brother as they 'chase' each other in circles. They are both growing up so fast. What a blessing to be a mother! As my husband says, it's time for another one! But I say, not quite yet. Maybe later this year? We'll see what the Lord has in store! :)

La Aurora Zoo

Dylan, Emilio's nephew




Jeffrey, Emilio's nephew (cousins with Dylan)




Ashley, Emilio's niece (Jeffrey's sister)


Marta and Jonathan, Emilio's mom and half-brother



















After we returned from our week-long traveling adventure, Emilio wanted to do something with his mom and siblings. So, we went to the city zoo. I have to admit, before we set out, I wasn't sure it would be that much fun. But surprisingly, they had all kinds of animals! We went on a Friday - which apparently was field trip day, as there were what seemed like kids from EVERY school in the city and beyond there that day! It was our family plus Emilio's mom, sister Sandra, her two kids, his nephew, and his youngest brother Jonathan. We had a blast! After we made it around to see all of the animals, we ate some delicious Pollo Campero, and some refreshing ice cream. I think Nefty is liking it here in Guate - we eat ice cream almost every day! :)

As we piled in the car to head home, it began pouring down rain (actually, it began to rain before we made it to the car). Imagine, 10 of us, all piled into a 1990 Jeep Cherokee. Good times. Conveniently, the defrost/fan decided not to work that day, so the windows fogged up like crazy. We had to roll the windows down so air could pass through - and the water came raining in! Ever since we bought the Jeep, we have had one problem after another! Man, do we miss our minivan back in Oregon. There is NOTHING like a Toyota!

Since our zoo adventure, we have moved to Panajachel, where we'll be living for the next month or too. We just had to get out of the city. Initially, I had a job interview with another school here. It went well, and I was even invited to teach a lesson. However, after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided that if they were to offer me the position, I am pretty sure I will decline. Pana is a beautiful little town; but I think, if we do decide to stay here for a year, Xela would be a better fit for the whole family. We'll see...I haven't been offered the position yet! But I do have the 3rd grade position waiting for me in Xela. I am just waiting for the Lord to show me where He wants us. In the meantime, we are all learning patience...and enjoying the beauty that is Guatemala.

Esquipulas

The icon of the black Jesus Christ. Parishioners walk in a long maze-like entry to wait in line to pray to the icon. They then walk out of the area where the icon is without turning their back on it - they walk out backwards, a gesture of reverence.


Another icon in the church. Christ, after being flogged. Very real-looking, kept in a glass casing. It is placed along the long entryway to the icon of Christ on the cross in the previous picture.


Mary Magdalene


One of the many saints on display inside the church.


A beautiful wall hanging.


In front of the cathedral.


Looking out toward the separate entrance to the icon of Christ on the cross. After parishioners have passed by the icon, the back their way down into another area where they are invited to light a candle to yet another icon of Christ. I was unable to take a picture of this "capilla del quema de candelas" (chapel of burning candles), as my camera ran out of battery.


Looking out from the entrance to the main cathedral. Beautiful view!


Another view from the cathedral.



The town of Esquipulas is known world-wide for being the 'home' of the church of the black Jesus. On our way home from Tikal and our other adventures, we decided to take a detour and see the famous cathedral. It is absolutely beautiful, like most Catholic churches I've seen. The artwork inside, the architecture of the building, all demonstrations of amazing skill. However, it saddened me, once again, to see so many people looking for hope and answers to life's unending questions through reverence and prayers to powerless idols.

Don't forget! We look forward to hearing your comments about the posts! Please don't be shy - click on the comment hyperlink at the bottom of the posts, and tell us what you think! Or, you can send emails too... We love and miss our friends and family in Oregon, and we hope that you're enjoying the pictures!