We made it

June 8, 2008

We made it!

Hey parents and family! We had an early start but have arrived in Guatemala! Our kids did an amazing job of getting through the airports and handling over 100 bags. We made it through customs and baggage in Guatemala city in record time- 20 minutes.

We are staying at the Hotel Pan American in central Guatemala City. The kids are taking advantage of the 1-2 hour down time by napping, doing their devo’s and reshuffling their belongings.

Here are a few comments from your AWESOME AND AMAZING STUDENTS!!

Adrienne-
Per the captains orders, (hahahah mom) here is our lovely update on our first six or so hours in Guacamole (thank elle for that one). I’m absolutely exhausted (six hours of sleep in two days is sooo not a good idea) but I’m so glad to be back and forming new experiences. It’s a little surreal being here without Brian, or many of my other classmates, but it’s also very enjoyable to be building new relationships with people…. I’m looking forward to going back to Campur tomorrow morning and observing how our work last year has affected the life of its denizens. I love you all and give whoever is still left in ep hugs and kisses. You’ll here back from me soon mama, I promise.  in the meantime, know that we have arrived soundly and sans stress. A bientot!!! XOXOX

I’m alive---franske

010101010101011101010101000010101000010101010111101011010110101010010100101010101010010101010100001010001010000000010001011010111010101110101010101101101010101101011110101101010101000001011101101010101010101001010101—Bill the computer says “Hello Humans”

Back on the chicken bus. No better way to see Guatemala. The trip down was without incident – most people were able to nap a bit and make up for the 3:30am start. We’re all excited for our first Guatemalan meal, and then off to bed. Tomorrow we are on the road to Campur! Cam and Colin, good luck in your soccer games. – Tim

Happy Birthday, Gretchen. – Alicia

Greeting all of you at home,

After no sleep the day before meeting at Wooddale at 3:00 am to go to the airport, I’m so tired! All I wanted to do on the plane was sleep. I did catch a few zzzz’s at the airport in Minneapolis before boarding the plane. The seat next to me on the flight to Houston seemed to be going empty. I had my mind wrapped around a little extra room to stretch out in, when suddenly a young man appeared gasping for breath and filled the seat. We didn’t talk, until he asked what this “Operation Central America thing was?” Turned out his name was Jason, working on a Ph D in Areospace engineering. He was a “Catholic boy” growing up like myself, so we had a lot in common and our conversation bridged to spiritual matters, which he admittedly said he didn’t know much about. We had a great conversation. Knowland Loo, sitting near by, entered into the conversation and also shared his faith in Christ with Jason. As we deplaned, Jason said; “I actually learned something new on this airplane ride.” We talked about the book “Surprised by Faith” which he was interested in reading along with the book of John. Tired as we may be, The Lord brings people into our path for His own purposes. As we find ourselves willing, we enter into His purposes for ourselves and others. Jason made a flight he was told he was going to miss and I know why. Pray that Jason will realize the same and begin to explore the reality of what a relationship with God through Jesus Christ means. He’s a step closer than he was before. For a scientist, that’s part of the journey- from what I hear.
Chris Erickson

Hi Mom, Marty, Dad, Julia, Mackenzie and the OT,

We arrived safely in Guatemala this afternoon. The plane ride to Huston was very rough, but we survived. It’s hotter than I remember it being, but it feels good. We are staying in the Pan America Hotel it’s pretty nice. I gave Jamie the card from you mom. I told him I was Jan’s daughter and he remembers you and tells me to say hi and thank you. He didn’t open it yet or at least not in front of me but he has it. I am extremely tired and have almost no voice at all. Hopefully since tomorrow is a travel day to Campur I’ll have time to rest my voice. I am thinking of home often, but am excited to be back here. OT I hope you remembered to check your e-mail. I hope all is well with you all at home.

Love Taylor

Hi Mom, Dad, Michelle, Tre, and Kelsey!
It’s hot here and I miss my guitar. 
Love, Jeff


Hi Mom, Dad, Joan, Tyler, and all my friends and family!!!

Today was a great day. Everything went so well; everyone made it through customs and everyone got all of their bags. Hurray! After arriving in Guatemala City, we rode a chicken bus to a Pan American Hotel. No, there were no chickens since it was just our group, but it was still painted the crazy colors, and all of our bags were piled high on top of the bus. It was a pretty comical sight. After arriving at the hotel, everyone had a couple of hours to relax. Now we are waiting for dinner… our first in Guatemala! Tomorrow we have an eight hour bus ride to Campur, and then on Tuesday we will have our first ministry day. Wish us luck!

With love,
Kelly Anderson
Hello Mom and Dad and Allison and Aaron!
We have arrived safely and all our bags. It was fun to see Guatemala City as we drove in the busses. Tomorrow we drive to Campur but it will be a long bus ride. We are waiting for our dinner right now. I am very excited for our first ministry day! I love you and miss you but I will see you soon!
Love,
Anna Rask

Hi Mom, Dad, Elissa, Sydney, Kari, and Grandma!!!
Today was a whirlwind of a day; we arrived safely in Guatemala City. We are staying at the Pan American Hotel tonight, and then we’re off to Campur tomorrow. Pray that we don’t get too sick from motion sickness…it’s about an eight hour bus ride. I love it here; the culture is amazing, and I cannot wait to actually interact with the people. I’m praying that God will give me a lot of opportunities to share his love with the people here. Please keep this request in your prayers. I love you guys and will miss you, but know that I am doing great and cannot wait to share all the stories with you guys that will unfold throughout this trip.
All my love,
Linz


Well- we told the kids they could head off to bed about 10 minutes ago (It’s about 7:30 pm) and they were excited to get some more rest for the 8 hour bus ride tomorrow. We had a great dinner at the hotel tonight and will have some breakfast tomorrow at 7 and then hit the road at 8- and head to Campur. Your kids are awesome! I’m truly amazed at how great they did today with everything from being at the church at 3:30 to trying new food to managing 100 bags through customs. They are precious!

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers! It’s a true blessing to be working with your students.
Sarah bancroft

Sorry we couldn´t post last night as it was too late to go out. We just arrived in Coban and are at a mall for lunch