August 6

One of my last statements for tonight was, "I don't want to go to sleep, because I don't want the week to end."  It's hard to imagine that we're already headed home from Guatemala tomorrow.  It’s not that I don't miss my family and friends, but I’ve been so impacted by the power of this experience . . . Each day has brought new challenges and yet hopefully there is a lot of future left for me to take action and to participate in God's work! 

Today was our sightseeing day and we drove a little over an hour up and down the mountain to the city of Antigua, Guatemala's former capital and a city that is over 600 years old.  There was so much history and beauty in this city that it was almost difficult to comprehend places such as resort vs. the city dump all encased in a single country . . . quite a large disparity. 

Antigua

We strolled through a 5-star hotel which cost around 250 a night USD that was quite beautiful and scenic with an active volcano in the backdrop. Following the hotel we visited some areas that had been damaged by earthquakes and a volcanic eruption a few years ago.  It was incredible to see the depth and the detail created that many hundreds of years ago.  The list of incredible sights included everything from the extremely thick doors to an active and massive catholic church with intricate details from top to bottom.  

5-star hotel (if you look closely, you can see the initial year is 1547)

Some entertainment/attraction at the resort

I'm amazed at the architecture from this Mayan city!

Pool at the resort

A view of the volcano interrupted by some clouds (also tribute to the Chronicles of Narnia!)

The streets in the entire city were made of cobblestone

"We're not in Kansas anymore . . ."

Intricate archway in Antigua

Ruins from an 8.6 earthquake AND volcano eruption yet still partially standing

View of the outside of the church

Looking inside . . .

Different angle on the church

After touring some of these sights, we grabbed lunch in an outdoor cafe and then we hit the market.  After being quite hesitant about the bartering aspect, I got quite comfortable quickly and talked them down to find some good sales!!  My favorite was talking down a store owner for a ceramic Mayan chess set from $50 to $35 US, then walking around and finding a guy who would offer me a chess set and a ceramic frog for 30 to which I took my bargain back to the original owner and sealed up the chess set I originally wanted along with a more detailed frog for that same $30.  It was a lot of fun to hear the different pitches and I'm excited to bring home some Guatemalan memorabilia.  You may or may not know this about me but I'm a big fan of various trinkets and collectibles so I had a great time shopping around today!

Black market selling top shelf quality goods :)

Shop where I bartered for my chess set

A view into the marketplace

Nick helping Amanda barter for some soccer jerseys

After the drive back from Antigua, we had a decent amount of down time before a party with the kids and a celebration of my favorite Neyali's birthday (which is August 8th but they celebrate on a weekday when all staff is present).  Desi, our team leader at Dorie's Promise, and I took Neyali to the store about 3 minutes away to let her pick out a gift that we bought for her.  Desi and I have been play fighting about who gets to keep Neyali and who the rightful parent is . . . Neyali is definitely a heart stealer! When we returned home it was time for dinner with the kids and also for us to serve dinner to the Special Moms.  The adults had Pizza Hut and we also helped watch the kids and served them drinks after their dinner was over.  It was a nice gesture to the Special Moms for all the work/effort they put in!  Following dinner we had two piñatas, one for the girls and one for the boys.  Each child took turns swinging trying to unleash the candy and when the candy shot out the children descended on the candy faster than I've ever seen before . . . even faster than kids during parades here in the United States!  It was a lot of fun to celebrate the conclusion of a special week in all of our team’s lives. 

Guatemalan T.O.A. on the drive home

Neyali and me just before going to pick out her birthday present

What's a birthday celebration without some pinatas?!?!

Neyali getting first swings at it!

Yerali came out quite victorious in the candy roundup

Bob, Amanda, and I showcasing some of our souvenirs from Guatemala

The night concluded with a long debrief and mutual gratitude between our team and our fearless leaders Desi and Ashley.  It was a nice to spend some time with these two and join in their fight for justice for the forgotten of Guatemala.  We also got to spend some time joking around and playing the card game Mafia, which has been played on multiple nights of this trip.  It's an absolute blast for large groups of 8 or more people!  Tonight was no different with many heated battles of the game and much laughter was had by all.  As I come to the conclusion of my time in Guatemala, I am amazed at the events and experiences God has shown me and how this trip has been everything I've ever imagined and more.  The mission team has been very supportive of each other and I couldn't ask for a better group of travelers (well, maybe with the exception of adding Lisa!) for my first time out of the United States!  I'm excited about continuing my efforts both in Guatemala and in the United States when I get home and seeing what God has in store for me in the future.

A fitting billboard on the way back to Dorie's Promise