Hola! Day 2 - Antigua (The Old City)

 Craig and Tess - Guatemala 2013!

Good evening everyone!  I wanted to do a brief recap of the trip from the US of A to Guatemala before I fill you in on the happenings of today.  Our flights, layover and travel from Guatemala City to Lydia's went off without a hitch (other than Deb's carry on bag being left behind in Sioux Falls by the airline).  Praise the lord it arrived safe and sound today so she has possession of all her luggage!  That in itself is amazing because it went from SF to Chicago to Dallas to Guatemala City and delivered via vehicle to Lydia's.  Might not seem like a big deal, but remember you are dealing with a place that doesn't have 911 addressing like we do! We got in late and we were all exhausted.  We slept really well and felt refreshed this morning.  We had a relaxing morning which was just what the doctor ordered.  Alejandro and his posse arrived to take us to Antigua for the day about 9:00 AM. He is a wonderful man and takes such great care of us.  

First stop - Cross on the Hill

 We came here our first trip and I tell you what, it is as amazing the second time as the first.  The view is breath taking. It is impossible to make a stop here and not feel closer to God. It is powerful and I could spend a lot of time just sitting there taking it all in.

The three amigo's - Craig, Genia and myself

2013 Team Guatemala!

We loaded up in our vans and headed to downtown Antigua. Antigua is full of so much history and faith it is amazing.  The age and condition of the physical structures shows but it so very rich in heritage!  We visited many places today, one of which was an old monastery.  It was beautiful and as I always seem to say, pictures do not do it justice.  

 They were preparing this for a wedding.  They said for only $500,000 you can rent out this monastery which has been converted into a hotel. To tell you the size of it, it used to have a lake inside of the walls! 

This was the alter for the wedding. 

They had a chocolate factory inside as well. DELICIOUS!  It always stirs the debate of dark vs light chocolate.  I was outvoted today as everyone seemed to be on the dark chocolate train.  I however decided to go with blanco (white) chocolate. Ohh la la, it was perfection!

My time frame gets confused on what we did today.  We ate at a restaurant which was a new experience for us.  Last year we didn't eat any "local" food per say, we only ate food at the hotel and orphanage.  I was nervous and we were discussing this when right before were ordering.  The lady across the table, Mindi said, "Take a chance and poop your pants!"  Oh my gosh, I still crack up laughing when I think about it.  If you aren't aware, it can be risky to eat food, but this was very safe and we had a great time.  The food was "ok", I had fettuccine and Craig had enchiladas.  I fared much better than he did.  I don't know what his had it it but it didn't resemble enchiladas as we know that is for sure.  He ate it and survived so that is good!  All in all it was a great experience and as always a great time to visit and catch up with old friends and get to know new friends. 

We also went to a Jade factory today.  It is a beautiful stone and I can appreciate all the hard work that goes into them making it into jewelry.  I am not a jewelry person so I didn't get anything, but boy it was beautiful. We also went to the famous arch again and then to the markets. 

Craig, myself, Mindi and Preston at the Jade factory

Craig and Genia at the arch.

 Honey I shrunk Mindi or is it Honey I blew up the chair?

We didn't stay at the market as long as we did last year and the crowd seemed to be much less than last time.  I really think some of it is that we know what to expect and it isn't so overwhelming.  I see the look in the faces of the new people this year and I totally get it.  I remember so vividly how all  your senses are in overdrive and you can barely function.  It has been amazing to take it all in through calm eyes and just see it for what it is.  Very enjoyable that is for sure.

We went to a cathedral as well today. I can't remember the name of it and Craig is sawing logs, so I will just skip over that part for now. :) Beauty is so hard to describe when it is on that level.  They had a Lenten service outside that we were able to witness when we arrived.  They are very ceremonial and after the service was over, they had a parade of sorts while they were singing and walking.  It was really neat to see and I have video but it is hard to get those uploaded so pictures will have to do! 

Tonight we came back to the hotel and vegged, ate supper and then had devotions.  It is amazing to me how you can sit in a room with people who are basically strangers but feel so close to them.  We are all here to celebrate in doing God's work and we are anxiously anticipating how he will work in each and everyone of our lives. 

Well, I am off to catch some zzzzz's we have to get up at 5:30AM so I better sleep fast! 

Love you all!