A NEW BEGINNING

Well we have arrived in Antigua, Guatemala!  We arrived on Friday afternoon and were greeted by our old friend Jonathan.  He was the team leader for our mission trip back in March.  It was great to see his familiar face and flooded our spirits with the reminder of why we were here.  We were taken immediately to meet our host family, Luis and Rosa Sandoval.  What a great family!  They have three children, Luis Fernando 17, Karyn 15 and Leo 14.  Emily is also here sharing their home.  She is like us, here serving on a mission for God.

Emily and Luis F. took us back into Antigua, where we began reacquainting ourselves with the city and finished off our day with a service at church where Luiz F. played in the praise band.  It was a long day, but a good day filled with a warm reception from God's people.  Bill and I were both blessed with a very good night's sleep.

Saturday was market time.  Time to do some shopping for fresh vegetables and fruits at the local market.  Rosa, Bill and I began our journey at the bus stop where we waited on "Chicken Buses" full of people.  You might being sharing your seat with someone you don't know or maybe 2 someone's.   Rosa and I clicked right away and began talking about many things.  It was glorious to see the wide array of fresh fruits and veggies from the locals.   We had a lot of fun as you can see in our pictures on Facebook.  We then took a taxi (TUC TUC) home since we had so much to carry.  

Once we got home the real journey began.  A friend of Luis's was there helping him fix the shower. We began to talk and get to know him better.  As our conversation progressed it was very evident that he was soaking up all that Bill had to share about his involvement in CR (Celebrate Recovery).  It wasn't long until he was asking Bill to please pray for him.  The Holy Spirit took over and WOW! The evening ended with us praying for the Sandoval's and for their children.  They are deeply seeking God!  Rosa said she felt God had sent them 2 angels. We were the ones that were blessed!  Yes Lord!  We are right where we are supposed to be in your time!

Sunday was church time and time for us to meet some of our new church family.  As we sat in the service, I thought of all our church family back in Tennessee.  Thank you all for your prayers and sweet encouragements you have sent our way.  We miss you all.

Monday morning we will be meeting with Pastor Mike finding our what happens from here.  Spanish lessons are in the forefront and they will be starting very soon.  Please continue your prayers that we will learn quickly.

It is very bittersweet thinking about our family and those that we care so very much about who are so far away, but it is a sweet peace that fills our spirits as He continues to prepare us for His work.

Blessings to all,

Bill and Kaye