Day 8 and 1/2 of 9

Hi Folks

So we're actually in the middle of day 9.  We've just reached Antigua.  We didn't have opportunity to post before now, and we don't have a lot of time so I'll make it quick (hopefully).

Yesterday was a great day!  We started the day by heading back to the work site for one last time.  Our other morning plans fell through so it gave us a chance to complete the work on the courtyard that we began at the beginning of the week.  It was very satisfying to complete what we started.

In the afternoon we attempted to visit a number of sponsor families.  Unfortunately, some of the families were out and about, and we could not find the others.  So in the end we only ended up visiting with one sponsored family at their store in town.  Nonetheless, it was good to connect with a family that was being blessed through their children having sponsorship.

For the evening we meet with the teachers from the Camche school, where we had done our children's ministry.  It was a blast, and also tasty!  After a number of group games we had a wonderful meal of tortillas, BBQ beef, refried beans, and some type of coleslaw, that I, Tim, actually enjoyed (I don't normally eat coleslaw).

Following the meal we went out to Alejandro's turf soccer pitch.  First our ladies played against some of their ladies in a very intense game.  Keli turned into Messi at some point during the match, though even that was not enough to stem the tide of the Guatemalan experience.  After their game the guys took to the pitch for a very intense match.  The Guatemalan's definitely had some skills, but perseverance and grit put us up 6 - 3 with about 10 minutes to go.  Having no idea how long this match was going, a few of us had to swap out for water, causing us to loose focus.  That combined with an own goal, the Guatemalan's ended up sneaking by to win 7-6.  It was a tough lose for the gang, but it was still a blast!  As it turned out, we played for a full 90 minutes with no half time - I guess they're pretty hardcore here.

Anyway, today has been a travel day.  We're in Antigua now and look forward to touring some of the history that this city has to offer us.

This may be our last post as tomorrow promises to be a full day, and we head to the airport early on Tuesday.  Anyway, feel free to check back, we'll post again when we can.  We also very much look forward to sharing our experiences with you to a fuller extent during the worship service on September 9.

Tim