The past twenty years have flown by, vanishing like the morning mist. March of 2004, we traveled to Guatemala for the first time with a mission team. Only in our mid-forties, we took that first step unaware how our life would be impacted by that one decision "to go". Unaware of the wonderful friendships and relationships we would build along the way. Unaware of the lives that would impact, both here and there. Unaware of how the Lord would change me on this amazing journey.
Today I sit in Antigua preparing for yet another trip into the mountains of Guatemala. We will make the drive to San Juan Cotzal tomorrow morning. Meanwhile this time of rest in this beautiful colonial town. surrounded by volcanos, has become a welcome place of transition. For these last twenty years, Antigua has been a magical place for reflection, slowing my pace to a cadence which brings me more into alignment with what awaits in Ixil area.
Antigua is adorned in purple as Holy Week approaches. On the weekends the streets are used for great processions. The beautiful Jacaranda Trees magically bloom this time of year. God created them to bloom in March - there brilliant purple flowers seem to add to the festivities.
Preparing for this year's trip was a little different then preparation for past trips. I was in and out of the medical clinic three times dealing with pneumonia. It appeared that my lungs had different plans, but as the day to leave arrived, I was breathing easy enough to make the trip possible. Upon arrival in Guatemala, my body reminded me of the high altitude. And the think exhaust of rush hour traffic was a reminder that I was not completely healed. However, the cleaner air in Antigua and my breathing treatments have done wonders for my health.
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