Another day in paradise

That´s what we were told and that´s the truth!  But the locals think its cool.  Each day brings another beautiful moment.  Our afternoon at the hospital was wonderful, meeting those lovely little ones.  And our trip to the escuelita in San Pedro los Huertes introduced us to more lovely children.  Twenty of them, in fact.  Already several have stolen our hearts.  Next week we return to allow the rest to steal some more.  Caroline and I had a ball playing, oops, I mean working!  We spent some time learning Spanish while the students learned English.  Check our Facebook page for the method.
This afternoon held a touching surprise for us.  After our Spanish class we returned home for lunch and Ana told us the volunteer paramedics would be coming by for the medical supplies we brought.  Three paramedics came to our room and were delighted with the supplies.  Saida, who led the group, explained that these supplies would be used in the villages when those who could not pay needed them.  It was a very powerful moment, especially as we saw the items packed away in the ambulance.  We each hugged and even now it brings tears to my eyes.  (Caroline corrects me...our eyes)  I cannot believe that we in our country would waste materials that could save lives elsewhere.  My heart hurts!  We are so grateful to Ana for making that connection for us.
Now, before we go home to study, we must go for a cerveza (look that up or ask Marilyn).

Our Many Firsts

Since our last entry we´ve ridden a chicken bus and a tuk-tuk.  Courage needed and received.  Our tuk-tuk driver kept talking and turning around to speak to Pat.  Watch the street please! We also enjoyed cerveza (beer) and margerita at the Mono Loco (Funky Monkey) on Sunday evening. Monday we started our Spanish classes, 4 hours each morning. We visited the hospital in preparation for our work.  Today was our first day at the hospital con los ninos. How do you like that (we´re showing off our spanish).  Pat met Lesley 1 and Lesley 2, Ariana, and another little boy.  Caroline met Paty.  It was a good afternoon interacting with the ninos!  We return on Friday for more play time.  Tomorrow we head to the esquelita (little school) at San Pedro los Huertas. We weren´t sure if we would be able to assist with the children, but Ann says we can play there too.  We also saw the tops of the volcanoes and even saw Fuego spewing ash, which we are told happens daily.  With luck we shall see red lava glowing in the dark.  Almost ready to add more photos to facebook, check in a day or so.

We're Here

Here we are, wide awake (sort of) right outside Guatemala City airport, ready to go to Antigua.  Check out the St. Elizabeth's Peace and Justice Facebook page for more photos.  We have been so busy, strolling the streets of Antigua, getting acquainted with our new surroundings.  Tomorrow we begin our Spanish lessons and our orientation at San Hermano Pedro Hospital.  It looks like we'll have a chance to work Ann at the Esquelita in San Pedro las Huertas.  

It's just about time!

We head to the airport in just a couple of hours.  Remember my desire to get away from snow?  Well, that desire has greatly increased with the blizzard currently under way.  I shoveled with John early this morning and then twice more.  And he had to shovel on his return home.
As the moment approaches, so do the butterflies.  There's really nothing to worry about, yet I keep going over my list.  I've loaded more Spanish lessons onto my Nook so that I can spend my flying time profitably.  I also have that plastic cheat sheet handy.
Our next blog entry should be made from warmer climes.  For those of you in Alaska, we send warm thoughts your way. 
Adios for now!

Ticking off my list

I ran around today, looking for the items on my list and trying to seem organized.  I managed to find a really comfortable pair of walking shoes in anticipation of those hikes we've heard about.  And I went to the bank for financing.  Did you realize that travelers' checks are almost history?  Try to find a source!! My travel guides say that they don't use them while in Antigua and that careful banking will suffice.  I hope so!  I also picked up a copy of 501 Spanish verbs in anticipation of my Spanish classes.  As well I picked up a carry-along card with useful phrases.  I won't let that out of my sight for the first few days. 
When picking up the medical supplies (Oh, I forgot.  We'll be taking two suitcases with medical supplies normally discarded here in the States.), I "met" our hostess Ana in a photograph and saw some of the clinics to which these medical supplies will be taken.  I hope Caroline has the opportunity to photograph these buildings.  So very simple, so much needed. 

Longing to say goodbye snow!

It's been snowing almost daily.  Shoveling is quite tiresome, especially if you have to do it more than once a day.  I keep dreaming of those warmer temperatures; however, I did awaken in the middle of the night with the thought of insects and spiders - big ones.  Tarantulas!  Scorpians!  I don't know if there are any there, but I shall certainly ask as soon as we get there.

Our day draws nearer

Each passing day makes this journey more real.  Wednesday Gary from Avivara sent us our itinerary for the first several days of our stay.  We know where we'll be staying, that our first day will be spent strolling the streets of Antigua getting acclimated.  We even have cell phones - one thing I certainly missed in Honduras.  Then on Thursday Fr. Tom invited the community to offer a pilgrim's blessing over us.  A most moving moment and a reminder to allow the Spirit to do her work.  Next I heard from Cathy, the one who inspired this journey many years ago, offering to pick up suitcases of the medical supplies we'll carry with us.  Once we arrive, these items will be taken to clinics.  I'm hoping we can participate in the deliveries.
My heart warms each time I visit this page or receive an email offering us blessings and good luck.  Thank you,  And it will be fun sharing our adventure with you.