July 11-18 Guatemala Trip

July 11th 2009 was the beginning of our journey. There were 12 from Scott Lake Baptist, 1 from Resurrection Catholic, 2 from 1st Baptist in Live Oak, Fl and 2 from New Smyrna Beach, Fl. We left Scott Lake Baptist @ 6:00 am and arrived in Miami @ the children’s home around 11:00.
The ride to airport was quite adventurous preparing us for the Guatemalan ride from the airport to Antique. We arrived in Antigua by way of a winding mountainous ride that suddenly ended into this small town with cobble stone roads. When we arrived at the hotel it was 5:00 o'clock and dark. We were introduced to the staff and shown to our rooms. After a delicious meal we were introduced to the famous "Widow Maker” nothing like Ron scaring us on the first night. Guess who got nominated in our room first? For those who don't know, the Widow Maker is the shower. The shower head has a built in electrical heater that produces instant hot water so if you touch it you've just produced a widow or widower. At 9:30 everyone is ready for bed.

July 12

Not much sleep last night we all got up looking a little haggard. Different bed, different pillow and no air. The rooms are comfortable we're just spoiled. This morning we attended church services. As we walked to the services it's evident we were gringos. People were coming from all sides of the streets to try and sell us their goods. Small children are very good and working on your heart strings. The church services were both in Spanish and English. I enjoyed them. There were approx. 8 people who made professions of faith.
We had a wonderful lunch at La Pena del sol and went to nim pot market to look around. It's obvious that the tourism is down this year. It is so hard to say no to all these little children. However they are quite crafty in their sales pitch. Back at the hotel we enjoyed another good meal tonight and wonderful fellowship. We discussed tomorrow activities. Everyone is apprehensive about tomorrow and what to expect. Ron has tried to forewarn us. I will trust that God has put me here for a reason and trust him to get me through. I just need a good night’s sleep.


Kay Hayes on behalf of the entire team.