Guatemala Mission Trip 2009

Here is just one sample of some of the really neat doors and windows throughout the city of Antigua. It was so beautiful there. You could really get spoiled in Guatemala. The people are so friendly. Always a smile and a "Buenos Diaz". It was so great. Then you come back to the United States and everyone passes you by and looks at the ground hoping you won't say anything even as little as "hi".

The bakery in Antigua, Guatemala. The cooler looked absolutely awesome. We didn't buy any of those cakes but had some rolls on our walk to take pictures of doors and buildings throughout the city.

My mom and I at our last dinner in Guatemala. We all ate at a 5 star restaurant in Antigua, Guatemala. It was so beautiful and romantic in this restaurant with candles everywhere. They had a huge area set up for weddings and it was just amazing!

There is a strong Minnesota connection in San Lucas Toliman. The Father who started the mission in San Lucas is originally from New Ulm. You can check out the story on the web at www.sanlucasmission.org or www.sanlucasmission.com . One of the websites is more up to date or newer than the other but is interesting to read about.

This is the bakery we bought our rolls from in the morning. The first day we went there the rolls were just coming out of the oven and they were so delicious.

Some school children I was supervising during their recess time. The children wanted me to play Duck, Duck, Goose, Tag and jump rope with them. It was really cool to be able to go into a school and see the classrooms. They go to school all summer long and take the months of the coffee harvest (November, December, and January I think) off to help pick the coffee.

One of the main ways of transportation was this Tuc Tuc (took took).

A rooster on top of the fence in San Lucas Toliman. We heard many roosters and dogs throughout the night and early morning. It took some getting used to.

A woman in San Antonio, Guatemala weaving in her shop.

This is the view from our hotel room in San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. It was beautiful there.

What an emotional trip it was for me. One reason is because it was hard not to imagine what Reed's life might have been like if he was growing up in Guatemala. The second reason it was so emotional (besides the fact emotional is my middle name) is because I wanted to know so much about the people and felt a connection with them since I have Reed in my life.

I will definitely go back and bring Reed with me some day. I think he will appreciate a trip in about 10 years or so. I would go back before that though since I learned so much about the people and the culture that I am ready for more. It was a great experience to be surrounded by the Guatemalan people for a whole week. What a priveledge to be taught and lead by the people of the country your son was born in.