The Simple Things

The “simple things” of Guatemalan life!

-Two Sundays ago we were headed to church (very simple). We picked up the vehicle we are borrowing and headed out of town. Wait – the main exit out of town is blocked off because of alfombras (see my other blog post for description) in the streets. So we had to exit town via the entrance. We get to the top of the hill and there is another alfombra in the middle of the street that we could just fit by on one side. We asked a guy if we could pass and he said yes. So we head to church thinking ‘the procession should be finished in three or so hours’ (usually a procession walks over the alfombras). After church we stop by to pick up pizza for the group home that they get every Sunday for lunch and head home. We decide to take a dirt road to see if we can enter town that way because it is less time to try that way first and the police said “No puede pasar” (you cannot pass). So we go around the long back way into town to try that way (as per what the police suggested). After 15 minutes of driving we get to the back way and realize that both of those ways are blocked with people, tents, vendors, and parked cars. Great! It’s hot, we have pizza in the car, and we really don’t know what to do. So the only other option we had (because it was too far to park our vehicle and walk with the pizza) was to go back to Antigua where we were for church and spend the afternoon there. According to the police the procession wasn’t going to be finished until 4:00. So we were able to find a shady spot and enjoy some pizza for lunch after feeling frustrated for over an hour trying to get back into our town. The ‘simple’ task of driving to and from church J Side note: There are never signs warning you when roads will be closed or events taking place. You have to find out everything by word of mouth.

-A few days ago we arrived home after running some errands. We wanted to do some ‘simple’ chores like washing dishes, planting some vines at our back fence, getting a shower, and flushing the toilet. You know what all these items have in common? Water! Guess what? Our water was shut off for the afternoon (without notice of course). So we accomplished some other things that afternoon, but the ‘simple’ thing of having water changed our plans.

-Last week was Daryl’s (my father-in-law) birthday. So his day started by his daughters, that are living in close proximity, taking him out for breakfast. They did the ‘simple’ thing of parking the vehicle and going to Dunkin Donuts. After eating they came back out and realized their car had been stolen. It didn’t ruin the day, thankfully, and everyone was in a great mood, but another ‘simple’ thing turned into something not so ‘simple’.

These ‘simple’ things were frustrating and annoying at the time, but as we look back we can, thankfully, laugh about them and know that God has placed us here in Guatemala for a reason. Even though there are inconveniences and different ways of life, we have become used to these ‘simple’ things here that change plans and schedules. It’s part of the cultural and people adjust – which is why generally people here seem to value relationships and spending time with others rather than worrying about their schedule and being on time. It’s definitely something to think about and take into consideration. How many ‘simple’ things in your lives make you feel annoyed and upset? How can you change your attitude?  Instead of thinking ‘my day is ruined’ can you turn that ‘simple’ thing into a positive?

Here are some photos of a very colorful little town on the side of the mountain!

  

Life updates:

We have some big news coming up regarding ministry, and will let you know when it’s completely official!

We have been borrowing a vehicle from a family who is moving down here in August which has been a huge blessing to us. We can see God’s hand in all of this because we also found a vehicle to purchase in August when another family is leaving Guatemala. This vehicle is exactly what we have been looking for as well. A 4x4, diesel, Mazda B6 pickup truck with extended cab for an amazing price! We are trusting that the Lord will provide the funds to complete the purchase by August. If you could be praying with us about that we would really appreciate it!

I will be ending official Spanish lessons because of coming back to PA in two weeks, and after I return I will just be meeting with my teacher for a few hours a week just to have more conversational times.

We are looking forward on seeing many of you when we are back in PA in ten days and if you are interested in getting together with us just send us an email (andi@hopeforhome.org or Krishauna@hopeforhome.org) and we would love to talk about what God is doing here in Guatemala and how our plans and visions are progressing.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support,

Andi and Krishauna