MT View Baptist Church - Guatemala Trip - Day 1

Today began very early in the morning as the alarm went off at 3:15.  Carey, Meredith, Richard and I were all sleeping at the church – each one in our own Sunday School classroom.  The rest of the team was supposed to be there around 4, and we were to leave the church by 4:30.  That was the plan, and that is what happened!  By 4:30 we were finished taking our first team picture and we were loaded up heading for the Nashville Airport.  The team consists of 9 men and Meredith.  Tony said that she was going to be “Queen Meredith” for the week, but I think Meredith felt very comfortable with the guys.  We even spent some of the day talking sports, politics, healthcare, etc. and Meredith was right in the mix of it all. 

Charles, Meredith and I were the only returning Guatemala team members, so the rest of the team were not sure just what to expect when we arrived in Guatemala.  Watching Taylor on the plane (as he and Tony found their way to the emergency row), was fun as this was his first time in an airplane.  He loved the turbulence more than the smooth air – he said it was more fun.  From John (our youngest member) to Charles (our oldest member) we were ready for what God had for us, and I think we are going to get a lot of work done on the Ostencalco school that we will be working on. 

The day today was rather typical – 2 flights, Nashville to Miami, Miami to Guatemala City.  Both flights just over 2 hours, and we arrived in Guatemala.  Both flights had many seats empty, and when we arrived in Guatemala, there wasn’t even the usual crowd of people there to meet those coming in.  There might have been 20 people waiting for arriving friends and family.  That is very unusual.  After 18 trips to Guatemala, this is my first time ever seeing so few people. 

We left the airport and went to eat our first Guatemalan meal – Burger King!  Yeah, not really Guatemalan, but it was on the way back to Thelmas.  We ate and then finished the journey to Thelma’s house before the rains began.  We unloaded and got settled in for the night.  Most of us will be heading to Xela tomorrow (Carey and Meredith are staying to work at Verbana on Monday), so we are not unpacking our things today.   

Dinner was a combination of spaghetti and meat sauce, and a chicken and rice plate.  Thelma went above and beyond for our benefit.  After dinner, Phil shared with the team the vision for the week, the work at Ostencalco, and some do’s and don’ts for our time here.  Team members shared a brief comment about who they are, why they are here, and what skills/gifts they bring to the table.   I think we are going to have a great week.  

Tomorrow is church at the Wilson’s church, lunch, and then a 4 hour ride to Xela.  We are praying for safety and quick travel.  Thank God for his protection and safety today as well!