Guatemala 2012 - Day 1

Today was the day we began this journey. Our very first missions trip to Guatemala. It feels a bit surreal to me that it is actually happening! You know when you talk about something for so long and the anticipation of it all builds and builds but you don't think the day will ever come? That was this trip for me, it seemed like a concept trip until a few weeks ago when reality set in. As the days began to tick away, it dawned on me that it was going to be here before we knew it. Well - it has arrived and I am blogging from Guatemala!

Our day began with our good byes to Micah. They went very very well, he managed to have his meltdown the evening before we left and must have gotten it out of his system as he was great this morning. I got 20 hugs and 20 kisses to carry me through the week. That is 2 a day with a few extras! He is pumped about going to his cousins and his friends house and has a grand plan of how he will spend his time. God has blessed us so very much with how it has all fallen into place for us. Thank you to all of you who have played a part in making this happen, we couldn't pull it off without your thoughts and prayers.

We dropped Micah off at daycare and then Ryan and Brandy took us to SF airport. We met up with 1/2 our team and rearranged some bags, got checked in and then waited for our flight.

Craig having fun playing Angry Birds while waiting.

Mr. Daryl

Looks pretty serious to me!

This picture is for Micah. This is the airplane we took from Sioux Falls to Dallas.

Good by South Dakota! Isn't it pretty?

As were taking this flight, I had a moment to sit back and enjoy. It amazed me how calm I was. I sat on the plane and thought, wow, how amazing God is! All the worries of "our" world and in a matter of hours, he has wiped all those feelings of worry away and we are free to serve and receive any blessings that come our way. It felt assured that Micah was left in the right hands and that we are allowed to just be in the now, no strings attached. After we landed, Craig and I were walking and I mentioned my thoughts to him and he said, "that was my exact thoughts too!"

Dallas Airport, stop #1 - FOOD! We ate at McDonald's - I know we splurged didn't we! We didn't really care what we ate because it was 3 o'clock and it was time to eat!

These two pranksters are going to be trouble I think!
Kyle & Daryl, I did tell them - I don't get even - I get ahead. We will see how that goes over!

We had the opportunity to meet up with our extended group from IA before we boarded the next flight. It was great to see some faces and be able to put names with them! There are wonderful people on this trip, we are going to build some life long friends I have no doubt.

Craig and Tess on the plane.

Again this is for Micah. This picture is of the plane that took off right before us and it was exactly like the one we were sitting on. It was a little difficult to take a picture of the plane we were actually sitting on!
The flight was fantastic. We caught a little shut eye, hit a little turbulance (nothing terrible) and watched a little movie. Then it was - Good bye USA, HELLO GUATEMALA! Again, God took care of us. We were pretty nervous about bringing Craig's tools through customs and we had some antibiotics that fit in our bag but we went right through no problems. That put a big smile on our faces. We did however find out after we got to the hotel that the suitcase with the tools had been searched at some point because we found a nice note inside. Craig's tools were all there - PRAISE the LORD, but of course they messed them all up so they are a scrambled mess, Craig was not happy. My comment, "it could be worse, you could not have them at all!" He just smiled.

Craig and Tess outside Guatemala City Airport.

Brent and Nichole

Look at this ride! It was quickly nicknamed the party bus because it was all decked out with flashing lights and party like paint scheme. Alejandro and his guys did a fantastic job getting us to our hotel safe and sound. It was so awesome to see them all dressed up nice but at the same time, all business.
That concludes day one. It was amazingly uneventful with everything happening on time and no problems with anything. Which is exactly what was prayed for, we most definitely give thanks to the big man above for that! Tomorrow is a split event day, so we aren't sure all of what we are doing. I do know that we have to be at breakfast at 7 bells so I best call it a night. I think I could just keep typing!

Thank you all for your prayers, we appreciate them greatly!

Until next time....