We are leaving today from Santiago.  Chonita, Diana, Miguel and I met and went over expectations and plans for Miguel’s stay.  He is excited about staying in Guatemala and I think it will really be a growth experience for him.  He will be spending the first week in Guatemala City helping with a shipment that is coming to the states.  Then he will go back to Santiago and help with the elders, do some work at the Chacaya school and teach some English.  He will certainly be busy.  While we were doing this Larry and Janna went with Carmen to the corn grinder.  This is again a day when the elders will come so they need to make about 700 tortillas.

Venicio arrived so we finished breakfast, gathered our bags, which have now spread to the roof of the van, said our good byes and left.  We were headed to Antiqua and the ride was beautiful but had lots of curves.  In Antiqua I met with Virginia, Diana and Isabel over a liquado (a mixed fruit drink, like a smoothie) at La Condesa and the others walked around the square.  Usually the group doesn’t need much time in Antiqua after being out in the villages, they usually feel it is too touristy.  This group was no exception and they came back after an hour ready for lunch and ready to leave.   Angie from Casa Guatemala arrived too at the restaurant to show us some samples from the group Los Briesas so we were busy. 

After lunch I wanted to pick up a few things at a store.  This gave Larry a chance to visit with Angie a little about Casa Guatemala.

When we arrived back at the center in Guatemala we all unpacked, repacked for our trip back home and rested.   Later in the afternoon Isabel who works for STDG visited with us about her story and how she became part of the STDG team.  She is a wonderful young woman and we are very fortunate to have her.

We then did our final reflections, had a late dinner and went to bed.  We had to get up by 3:30AM in order to get to the airport.

A final reflection from me (Diane)     I am always astounded by the relationships we have made in Guatemala.  Everywhere we go the people are open, caring and ready to share about their lives, hopes and dreams.  The STDG team in Guatemala is outstanding.  We could not have better people there.  Diana, Isabel, Virginia, Clemente, Chonita, Felipa, Bernavela, Jose, and Carmen are committed to building relationships and walking with the people.  Mostly because they are also the people…. The one common thread we hear  whenever we are at a group is… please help us sell our products so we can sustain our families.  This is something we all can do. We don’t have to go to Guatemala, we don’t have to ride in the back of a pick up or walk great distances.. We can look around us and see where we can sell the STDG crafts.  Please consider doing this at your local church, community event or a home party.  We all can be partners with our friends in Guatemala.  A big thanks you to everyone here in the states who give their time, money and prayers to our friends and projects in Guatemala.

My next trip will be Jan 28^th through Feb. 7^th.  We will be going out to the jungle to Casa Guatemala, to a little village  called Tamahu and then to Santiago.  I already have 2 committed and will only take 5 more, so if you’re interested please let me know soon.

Blessings,

Diane

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