Getting There!

Sunday began in the O’Hare Airport with checking in, going through customs, and security, and watching the snow fall, and thinking in a few hours we will be in a place where there is no snow….Finally it came time for the plane to be boarded. It was a full flight, and while it was nice and warm in Chicago…..by the time we reached Guatemala City, the cabin was hot…..We disembarked the plane to 80+ degree weather. Some were able to sleep on the plane….all of us tried, but with varying results
We wandered through the airport and found baggage claim. It was quite a sight to see the parade of thirty-three people with suitcases on little trolley carts snake our way to customs. We made it through with no incidents and made our way to the bus. It was an old school bus that had racks on the top where our luggage was tied down. No air, so when the bus was stopped, it was beastly hot, but not bad when we were moving.
We had breakfast on the bus. Pouring coffee and orange juice proved to be a trick, I wore my juice but between being excited to be here and overtired, I didn’t care. We had pastries, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tamales for breakfast…yummy!
About half way to Reu, we passed a farm where a family lives. The family is very poor. It has become the tradition that the mission trip busses regularly stop there and leave food and other supplies for them. After a short visit, we were back on the bus.
The trip to Reu took about four hours. We arrived at Hotel Astor, our home for the next week. And then on to Estrado’s family for a yummy lunch. After lunch we went back to our hotel for time in the pool, getting to know our new friends, and for me, a nap!
Just before six, we met in the lobby to go to the Dardon’s for supper. Again the meal was delicious! I am not sure exactly what it was called, but none of us could get over how good it was, and the fresh tortillas and fruit.
We closed our evening with worship and communion, and anticipation of a great week……