First full day...the Sabbath

Guatemala is beautiful! I was a bit concerned about the weather on this trip as the forecast called for rain every day. We woke up to a beautiful morning on the mountain to over looking "the big lake" and three volcanoes. Steve and I were the first ones up and we stumbbled across the grounds to the dinning hall with the great overlook view, where we found coffee. Ahhh! Breakfast was served on white table cloths with real plates, cups and glasses. The steak knives may have been overkill with the waffles and fruit (watermelon and someother local melon.). Delicioso!! We got a tour of the grounds at Eagles Nest. Amy pointed out that the pool is sometimes the only the only bath some of the local kids get. As we walked through the orphanage, all the kids (about 40) were all bathed and dresseed for sunday school and church. The were each eating a plate full of black beans with a small slice of what looked like goat cheese and a tortilla. They were beautiful and very well behaved. We enjoyed a bilingual Sunday school class and church service. Todd has told Steve last night that they would teach Sunday school together and that they could wing it together in the morning. I think Steve was a bit surprised when he just handed Steve the microphone after introducing him in Spanish. Amy's daughter, Addison, who speakers remarkable Spanish after only being here since August, translated. Steve told of out journey from Leroy and the great support of our church family. He sited James 1:19-22..that it is more important to do, rather than just to listen...that by "doing" we will be blessed. That is our scripture for the week. In church we sang several songs that are familiar to us in English and we tried to sing along with the Spanish projected on the wall above. A group of 6 girls in traditional guatemalan dress shared a song and dance. The remarkable thing about the service to me was all the children that sat so quiet and attentive, with only a few "shushes" from adults or older kids. We shared communion together (grape juice and broken saltines) Lunch was served for us in the same place. Steak, black beans, guacamole, salsa and tortillas! After luch we played with the kids on the sport court. (I slept off my travel migraine). Once I awoke, we were off to Pana to see the market and eat dinner as Sunset overlooking the lake. The market was very interesting...lots of hand made woven goods. Most of the vendors set up shop in boths, while several ladies walked around the streets with their goods balanced on their heads and drapped all over them. They were pretty insistent and seemed to really like me for some reason. Our plan today was not to purchase anything, rather just get the feel for the market. We will be back later in the week to wheel and deal. Dinner was awesome! The restaurant overlooked the lake,a and was open air on three sides surrounded by what to us seemed like jungle. Our only protectionsfrom the elements was a green plastic corrugated roof over our heads. Just as we gathered at the restaurant at our planned time, it started to pour. Perfect timing! The rain fell loudly on that plastic roof, but we felt perfectly protected. One e tables were white candles, which provided the perfect lighting as the rain poured and nightfall took hold. Green enchilada, tacos, chile relleno, fajitas. I think everyone was very happy with their meals. The local favorite drink seems to be lemonade con soda (made with sparkling water, I guess). You can also get it con agua. Either way, it is with fresh squeezed lemons!! Delicioso!!!We are winding down the evening around the indoor fire pit and listening the soothing rain. The kids are playing Mafia, a fun role play game. Lots of laughs! We feel blessed to be hear and look forward to seeing what God has in store for us this week...and being blessed by doing! Bob