Saturday, July 5, 2008
Bright and early Saturday morning the Guatemala Mission Team met at 5:30 am. to begin our adventure. And, an adventure it was!
While traveling on the Bee Line to OIA, our van had a tire blow out. Fortunately, Steve Beeman was a very resourceful team member. He quickly called Titusville
and arranged for a bus to pick us for the rest of our trip. We arrived at the airport, unloaded and rushed to the airline counter. We learned to use the airline Kiosk,
got checked in, made it through security and rushed to our gate. Guess what? Our flight had been delayed an hour and we had plenty of time to eat a quick
breakfast.
and arranged for a bus to pick us for the rest of our trip. We arrived at the airport, unloaded and rushed to the airline counter. We learned to use the airline Kiosk,
got checked in, made it through security and rushed to our gate. Guess what? Our flight had been delayed an hour and we had plenty of time to eat a quick
breakfast.
The rest of our flights to Guatemala were uneventful and we arrived safe and sound to our destination, Guatemala City. The sights, sounds and smells of the large
city were very new to most of us. We were delighted in everything we saw. There was a lot of discussion on the bus of what the Spanish words conveyed to us
and how many words we actually could read and understand.
city were very new to most of us. We were delighted in everything we saw. There was a lot of discussion on the bus of what the Spanish words conveyed to us
and how many words we actually could read and understand.
Although we were tired, the trip to Chichicastenango was enlightening. The city gave way to mountains and beautiful green valleys. We saw miles and miles of
farm land on the steep sides of the mountains. Corn fields were prevalent with small plots devoted to vegetables to be sold in the markets. The highway was a
good four-lane structure and we made excellent progress. The local buses are lovingly called "chicken buse". They are colorful and often times loaded with
market supplies, crates of chickens, rabbits and anything else that can be placed on top. Many of the crowded buses had people hanging on the back for a free
ride.
farm land on the steep sides of the mountains. Corn fields were prevalent with small plots devoted to vegetables to be sold in the markets. The highway was a
good four-lane structure and we made excellent progress. The local buses are lovingly called "chicken buse". They are colorful and often times loaded with
market supplies, crates of chickens, rabbits and anything else that can be placed on top. Many of the crowded buses had people hanging on the back for a free
ride.
After several hours of riding the bus our four-lane highway came to an end. At times, due to construction, we were traveling on muddy roads. We climbed up and
then we would scoot down the mountains. It was exciting and sometimes thrilling! The bus drivers honk at each other either in friendship or warning as we raced
around the many S-shaped curves.
then we would scoot down the mountains. It was exciting and sometimes thrilling! The bus drivers honk at each other either in friendship or warning as we raced
around the many S-shaped curves.
We arrived at our hotel, Santo Tomas, in Chichicastenango and were ready for our evening meal. Having been up since 4:00 am, we were also ready to turn in for
the night. Many of our rooms were along a busy side street next to a gas station. Trucks honked and gased up all night. Since Sunday was market day, everyone
was arriving for market. It was a busy night and early morning. Again, it was fun to be in a different enviornment.
the night. Many of our rooms were along a busy side street next to a gas station. Trucks honked and gased up all night. Since Sunday was market day, everyone
was arriving for market. It was a busy night and early morning. Again, it was fun to be in a different enviornment.
Our day ended with smiles and everyone looking forward to the next morning.
After our evening prayer, we said goodnight and parted ways.
