We’re talking fave moments again because, frankly, that’s all we have had. This is by far the best group I’ve ever mission-tripped with. Right now, Brian is watching redundant Guatemalan MTV that none of us understands. This is awesome, but not a favorite moment.
Volcano toot
Seeing a volcano blow off steam live and maybe 25 miles away was pretty freaky awesome. Yes, we did. It was National Geographic live and in person.
But the best by far was Jay driving up the last hill to La Libertad. The hill might be 35-40 degree incline. All dirt. We fishtailed through each of the perhaps 40 switchbacks. Craig and I were in the back slamming each other and trying to out-holler Trina, who was looking for a way to jump out as she was dead certain we would plunge off a 400 foot cliff at any moment. We did no plunging because Jay is Guatemala-Nascar-certified, which is almost as good as being from North Carolina.
The last row of that van was rodeo cowboy-level excitement and just as crazy as getting kissed by 30 women in the church, which also happened. There’s just no way to really convey the panic and sky-jumping fun we felt on either occasion.
Oh yeah, the coffee was great too ;^]’
Most memorable/favorite moments of the day from the rest of the team:
Sarah: Hiking uphill for nearly fifteen minutes gave us a chance to get a little exercise in. Much needed exercise and sweat. We didn’t bring our heart-rate monitors, but we’re certain we got the blood flowing.
Jay: Tumulos! A.K.A. Guatemalan speed bumps…and lots of them. Brian’s backseat driving is a close second.
Trina: Being in Guatemala City—before we started our vertical trip up the mountain. :)
Craig: Witnessing Tom introduce himself to one of the ladies in La Libertad, “Ello Guvner.” Yes he did.
Donna: I wish everyone could experience the love, kindness and generosity that was shown to us this evening by the people in this city. I’m quickly humbled and inspired to be better.
Tom: The incredible terrain and steep mountains. It amazes me how the people are able to create a sustainable life treading up and down these cultivated slopes several times a day. Brave folks.
Crystal: The homemade mini tortillas that were especially made for us by ladies from the church. I had four—but who’s counting?
Brian: Ruth’s (the Missionary Venture’s host) speech she gave at tonight’s service, while they had our group stand on stage. She was compassionate, endearing and full of love.
Gini: The group of children that sang for us at a church we visited in Huehuetenango. It was so unexpected and super sweet—especially the toddler standing in the front row (red shirt—see below). Then we hung out with them for a bit in their “playground” area—kicking a soccer ball, eating too many cookies, playing with balloons and realizing, kids are kids. No matter what part of the world you travel to, they ALL speak the same language. #AhHaMoment
Oh yeah: we saw a goat on top of a bus and a horse directly outside Tom’s car window.
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