GUATEMALA - March 11

The team from Palmetto 1^st Baptist and friends from Arcadia, Lakeland, and Mount Dora arrived safely, though weary, last night.   Excitement over finally being in Guatemala was tempered by fatigue, which was the result of the long drive to Miami, the flight to Guatemala and the winding road to Antigua made longer by road construction.   Still, everyone was eager to finally be in the country that they had longed to see.   It seemed fitting that our arrival was greeted by fireworks and flowers adorning the fountain in the main square.  

In our team worship today we focused on Romans 12:1-3 and the transformation that God would work in our lives as we offered ourselves as a living sacrifice. Then we were able to greet our home church through the magic of Skype. Despite the miles, it felt good to sing along in worship before telling our brothers and sisters in Christ, “Hola” from Guatemala.
Then, it was off to the coffee plantation. Dallas loved the big trucks that bumped their way over the cobblestone streets.

When we arrived, everyone divided into groups, some would zip line, others would tour the coffee plantation and a few with multiple trips under their belt just wanted to sit in the shade and watch the volcano puff smoke. Funny, how those who have done it before cannot resist teasing the first timers. But, everyone had a great time.

Even the moms of our younger team mates, who quickly learned that zip lining is not only about stepping out in faith for themselves, but also watching as their children grow and encounter new adventures that they must face alone. Patty, who made the trek with her granddaughter, Mary Emma, advised the young moms that their task of learning to let go was just beginning!

Mary Emma was fascinated by how big the lines were and how the zip line was made. While Wendy screamed the entire way across the canyon, her daughter, Kennedy, loved it so much she asked to do it again!   Emily said that she couldn’t believe how fast the trip down the mountain went.

The group that took the coffee plantation tour learned so much and will never take a cup of coffee for granted again! 

After the coffee plantation, the group was excited to have the opportunity to witness the processional for Lent, an event that takes place every Sunday during Lent.   Men clothed in purple and women in black and white carried large floats depicting the events surrounding the cross and the resurrection, reminding us of Christ’s suffering and death for our behalf.   It was a somber moment and reminded us of the reason that we are here, to share Christ’s love and the power of His resurrection with the people of Guatemala.   

On the long walk back to the hotel, the day’s activities were starting to wear us down when the hotel van arrived to give us a lift back to the hotel. Once again, God proved that He can meet all our needs in exceedingly abundant ways even when we don’t think to ask for it!   After supper, we all got our assignments for our work at the Center tomorrow, and the team in charge of the older children even met briefly to make plans.  God has been good, and after one day in Guatemala we are eager to serve and eager to get to work!