Day 1 in Guatemala

Well we are in Guatemala! I can't believe it. We left yesterday (Saturday) for Atlanta. We spent the night in Atlanta and the kids and mom and grandma went as well. We changed time in Atlanta and then daylight savings time was also Saturday night! So we lost 2 hours Sunday morning. We got up at 5:30 (which was actually 3:30 old time!) to get ready and head to the airport. Zac had a really hard time with us leaving. Mom said he was sad only on Sunday and then perked up and enjoyed himself in Atlanta for the rest of their trip. I can't believe I was not nervous. I guess when it is God's plan there is peace. Bubba was very nervous about the flight but did very well. Atlanta airport was HUGE. The plane was even bigger. 2 seats - row - 4 seats -row - 2 seats. I had a window seat and got some amazing pictures in the air. We had a little excitement on the plane. A young guy passed out and they had to give him some oxygen, juice and crackers. They said too little breakfast, first flight nerves, not feeling the best, 35,000 feet up was not a good combo. We were already over the ocean when this happen so we were scared we were going to have to turn back to land. But he was OK though - thank goodness. It was so neat to see the ocean below and even be able to see ships. How can you not believe there is a God when you see His creation from 35,000 feet above. Amazing. The landscape changed the closer we got to Guatemala-more mountains and color changes - it was beautiful. The landing was smooth and the airport was uneventful. we all got all of our luggage and went out to wait on the guys from Feed the Children to pick us up. That was a little different. The people all wait outside behind a barrier for their loved ones to come out of the airport. We went directly to the restaurant for lunch. The food was really good. Bubba and I both had a steak. It was not a steak from Connor's but good! We the group split and went our separate ways - medical team to Camelote and the rest towards San Antonio village. Our hotel was not the Westin. Beds are hard and hot water and water pressure are not like home but it was so worth it. Once we were settled in our hotel, we left for Antigua to site see a little. This time of year is Lent and sort of a celebration most days. There were lots of people in the city and beautiful buildings and beautiful flowers on the trees. We went to see the cross of Antigua on top of a mountain. The view was amazing and you could see the whole city of Antigua. We headed back to the hotel for supper. We had a traditional Guatemalan meal - black beans, eggs with salsa, planteens, and bread. I ate the planteens and bread - I was very scared to eat the eggs! I then ate 2 poptarts when we got back to the room!!!

Good night - we are headed to the village in the morning.

More to come later - Stacia


A few pics from the first day