The two water systems are installed, celebrations concluded, and bags are packed! After tearful and heart felt parting words and long hugs, we left our friends - until next time. Our luggage was strapped to the roof, and we all piled into the van (with the air conditioning on!) for our 3-1/2 hour ride to Antigua, where we would spend the afternoon, heading back to Guatemala on Tuesday for our return flight.
Fortunately, this time of hugs and good byes was great for getting some nice photos of our hosts.
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| Pastor Freddy (Right) with his wife, Isabella, and son Javier. |
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| Marco and his wife Nanette. A handsome couple! |
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| The road heading out of Reu, to Antigua and Guatemala City. |
Leaving Reu, and heading East, we passed some areas which reminded us to appreciate God's presence in this land. Sometimes through the beauty of the land and people, and other times by showing us that we can't take our material wealth for granted. Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in Central America, and corruption is rampant. The CIA Fact Book noting that over 52% of the population lives below the poverty line.
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| Another photo of the magic of creation below Santa Maria volcano! |
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| The traditional Mayan peoples of Guatemala are mostly rural. They walk, often with men carrying wood for fires and women carrying produce balanced on their heads. |
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| A Guatemalan man, likely Mayan, carries wood for cooking. |
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| Guatemalan mountain road lane suggestions in use! |
We arrived in Antigua to unpack, and uncurl our legs. The city is beautiful, with colorful and friendly people walking down the colonial streets, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and volcanoes! The afternoon was fun, walking around town, talking to the people, and buying souvenirs to remind us of this amazing land. Dinner was enjoyed 'tapas' style from the roof of a restaurant where we talked about our experiences and enjoyed an amazing moon rise. It was good to sit and 'break bread' together, sharing our most touching and memorable moments from our time here.
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| The main road in Antigua bustles with activity! |
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| Steve and his new friend Maria, negotiating some deals! |
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| One of the artisans at work at Casa del Jade. |
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| The moon rising over Antigua, silhouetting a tree on the eastern ridge above the city. |
We hope you enjoyed a little piece of our journey of Living Water! There are more stories to share, and a few surprises to see. Please join us at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington on February 17th at 10am for Worship, and 11:15 for a presentation in more detail.
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
Romans 10:17
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