I have decided to occasionally blog as life happens on my phone, in the little moments between ministry sites, exploring, & life in Antigua.  I will publish these “spur of the moment” posts later in the day, but what you read will be written as I sit wherever I find myself inspired to share.

 

September 9, 2014, upon arrival at the Guatemala City airport

I am packed into the second seat of a school bus with three other teams in the chaos that is Guatemala City. We’ve been awake for 13 hours, & it is now 1pm Guatemala time! The flight was a three hour daze of half alert movie watching/dozing, a turkey sub courtesy of Delta, and at least 80 20-something’s day dreaming of the ministry that awaits us just a few hours from now! Guatemala City is full of beautiful brick archways sporadically lining the streets. Plumes of dark diesel exhaust make its way into the bus windows & I don’t mind. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been so excited in my life. I feel alive & ready. I am content in the midst of stop & go traffic (for maybe the first time ever)  following hours of herding oversized groups of college aged crazies just like myself. After the 45 minute bus ride to Antigua, we will meet our host Louis & his family over authentic Guatemalan burritos made by his wife.  He will brief us on what life in Guatemala will look like. He will touch on how to not look so blatantly foreign to the locals (impossible feat says the girl with the oversized camera).  I assume he will give us insight into the best local restaurants, how to master a chicken bus, and the in’s and out’s of the local currency, Quetzals (Pronounced Ket-zahl-ace).

Evening of September 9, 2014, tucked into my bunk

I found the bus pulling up to a beautiful youth center located on the outskirts of Antigua in San Pedro, Guatemala.  Luis and his wife eagerly welcomed us into their property, which is equipped with beds for 30+ people, bathrooms with hot water, and a rooftop balcony (what?!).  This balcony overlooks two of Guatemala’s hallmark volcanos, Agua & Fuego.  The home is in a gated community, and I feel very safe & secure.  That is, until I think about how it sits at the base of Fuego, an active volcano.  You only live once, right?!  Luis said he would love to train with anyone interested in climbing Fuego, which is a 10 hour hike round trip.  We could camp at the top over night.  How cool?!  I had my first Guatemalan super market experience which was busy & unfamiliar to say the least, but I already feel like I have a better handle on the currency here!  I chose a bunk tucked into the corner of the women’s room, where 14 of us sleep.  Tomorrow morning, Luis will return & will host a ministry orientation, to share with us where we will be serving during our time in Antigua!  I’m sure dreams tonight will be full of hopes & ideas of the ministry to come.  Until next time!

 

Megan’s “We made it!” face

Our gracious host, Luis

The youth center my friends & I will be staying in!

The girls bunk room

View from the rooftop balcony of my new home!

To die for meal upon arrival.

My crazy new family during our tour around Antigua.

I love you all.  Praying blessings upon you!