Pics from the big fingerprinting escapade

Left to Right: The largest book known to man, Sherry, me

Rene trying to break in with the cool fingerprint ID machine.

The evidence...it's really my prints...I promise!!!

how great thou art

About once a month I lead a few songs for our teacher devotions at school. I must admit growing up singing hymns in church has made me a little bias-I love hymns and the depth of their words. This morning we ended with How Great Thou Art. I found myself smiling as I sang with and listened to my co-workers belt out the the wonderful words. It's one of those songs that you can't just walk away from...it follows your thoughts and heart all day long. Today was no exception. It has been an uplifting day...just in the little things. And I know why...starting the day surrounded by other people who know just how great my God truly is.

Fingerprints

I don't know why I assume that generally speaking people are willing to help others in need. And especially why I would think that the US Embassy would go a foot out of their way to help a US citizen in another country. Maybe it's just my irritation with this whole getting fingerprints process. I spent the last two days driving all over Guatemala City, going back and forth between various police stations, crime units, and the embassy. I have to say I am soooo thankful for the friends who accompanied me, or I guess I should said led me all over. I never would have found my way around and been able to communicate with any of the people where I was going although I actually made somewhat of an attempt to talk with the head of Interpol (international police). His solution which he repeated at least 4 times was for me to find a Guatemalan to marry:) Rene and Coqui were very amused by this, Sherry and I however were not. So now the process continues on Monday and hopefully it will be done on Monday...at least aquiring my fingerprints will be done.

Short Break

Last week Crissie's fiance came to visit so Crissie and I took a day off from school so the three of us could go to Panajachel. Pana is a MAJOR tourist town--and well it's known for having lots of hippies. We drove up on a Friday morning and came back on Sunday. It was a blast! Panajachel is located on the edge of Lake Attitlan which is ironically high in the mountains/volcanoes. There are MANY towns around the lake and 3 volcanoes. We stayed at a bunglaloo in Pana and took a boat across the lake to a smaller town-Santiago. We did some street shopping, took some pictures, and took a slow boat ride back across the lake. I love being on the water--reminded me of lots of sailing trips on Lake Erie with my dad. Hopefully I have many more of those trips to come!

Chicks

We watched a man pull baby chicks out of crates and throw them in the bed of his truck so all the women could look at them and pick which ones they wanted. That was something I had never seen before.

Living the Life...The Amazing Race

Highlights of the Union Church High School Uth Retreat

• Living the life...the kids were actually challenged spiritually! I didn't think my small group was going to talk at all but it turns out they were really open with me and each other.
• New worship songs...friends of friends came down to be "the band" for the weekend. Not only were they great, but the kids really responded positively, and I learned some new songs.
• The Amazing Race...I have no doubt in my mind that I am old and out of shape and I will never be on the Amazing Race:) We did a afternoon long race around the city(Antigua) where we stayed. I haven't run that hard since my last 10-mile run for cross country my senior year of high school! Of course it would turn out that I couldn't finish the last leg of the race because my leg cramped up so bad I couldn't stand up. Like I said...old.
• Steal the Bacon X-treme...a Josh Carmichael creation for Next Level but sooooo perfect for this group of kids.
• Papazitos...my new favorite pizza place in Guatemala.

This is Norman... lovingly named after Bebo. He's been quite a blessing. Crissie is pulling out of our gate one morning before school.