Looking Back

Recently when traveling from Sacapulas toward Uspantan, we looked back. Wow, what a view!! You can tell that the road goes higher, higher, higher.



But isn't it pretty?

The following picture shows Rio Negro, the major river in this area, with the town Sacapulas located beside the river. Click on the picture and enlarge it. A couple of things to notice:
1. Note the river...quite a river flowing by, huh? Remember it IS rainy season and we have had some major rains recently. (On the bypass of town, the bridge and part of the road washed out from Tropical Storm Agatha. They have been "repaired and are passable now.)
2. Note the white three story building just to the left of the bridge. This is the hotel, Hospedaje Tujaal, where we spent the night.
3. Note the bridge...I'll have a closer view later.


We "passed the night" at Hotel Hospedaje Tujaal ("Sacapulas' in the Quiche' language). The room was little...you opened the door had 2 and a half feet walking space beside the bed directly to the bathroom, 2 inches on the right side of the bed to the wall, and 6 inches at the foot where the television sat in the "bumped out" window.


But no worry, there was this outside sitting space.


At the rail, there was an overview of the river below.


Here you can see the bridge. The steel framed part is the one lane "rebar" bridge. Interesting...and loud as a cars pass all during the night too.


When we checked in, we inquired as to the availablity of hot water; but alas, there was none. However, David saw the "widow maker" in the morning and knew he could take a warm shower.


After a few minutes, he noticed a "smell," looked up and saw smoke coming from the box on the wall by the shower head. Yep, they aren't called "widow makers" without reason. Needless to say I thought my hair didn't need washing that morning...I could definitely wait until we got to Uspantan in the evening!

But what can you say to a "passing the night" in a "clean comfortable" place for $13? It's not the Ritz or the Red Roof Inn, but it's not bad.

Looking back...priorites change...ministry reshapes priorities.

New Roads to Travel

You have walked with us as we traveled the roads through Chiquimula, Jocotán, Camotán, San Juan Ermita, and Olopa but these days we are learning new towns. Now you will hear of Chichicastenango, Santa Cruz del Quiche, San Andres Sajcabaja, Uspantan and many others.

You have seen as we have traveled dry, curvy, ROCKY, high drop off the side roads. Now we are traveling...the same type roads just add in the slip and slide of the rainy season.

We spent several days this week on some very remote dirt and rocky roads, with enough rain to make them muddy and squishy. It is a little unnerving to slip and slide on a road on the side of the mountain, especially when there are some pretty significant washouts on the sides. It was several hours of no relaxing the muscles. Thanks to the Lord, your prayers, and 4-wheel drive, we made it! Some of the Quiché population pockets are in remote areas. We have quite a few more areas like this to research.




Some of the area we traveled reminded us of Georgia...tall pine trees and red clay. I couldn't help but laugh. I've said that the schools in Georgia pipe in red clay for their playgrounds...here they must have also for this soccer field...nothing but red clay!



It continues to rain, so we will wait until tomorrow to go back, hoping for a little sunshine. We are having progress in working this massive area. Thanks for praying, and as the Lord reminds you, keep it up.

We go so that they may hear the Truth and worship ONLY HIM!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Sunday, we joined our church at 6:30 AM to travel to Esquintla. What a beautiful drive south down the mountain to a recreation park. We arrived in time for folks to spread out and "stake your spot" and begin with a little breakfast.


Sweet praise time opened the worship, followed by the preaching.




Several came forward to receive Christ.



These 20 were the ones to be baptized today.



The baptism took place in one corner swimming pool. Rather than changing into "baptismal attire," they wore their regular clothing. All remained in the pool, forming a semi circle around the pastor and chairman of deacons and the candidate until after the final person was baptized. What a priviledge to be a part of this special service! What a joy to see and experience the FREEDOM from sin that Christ brings to a life...Eternal Freedom...Eternal Joy!





After the baptism service, the activites continued with soccer, swimming, visiting, and lunch. What a special church family we enjoy at Iglesia Bautista Cananan.


This little fellow and his mom were sitting near us during the service. He is just too precious not to include. I wish I had taken a photo of him in his tshirt...in English, it read "My aunt rides a HARWEE!" Too precious!