San Juan Sacatepeque

Yesterday I went with the mission nurse and her husband, Nancy and Fred Trapnell, to do a few missionary apartment inspections while Spence was doing new missionary interviews at the CCM.

We also visited a true native market in San Juan.
It was the most genuine market I have visited since being here. We were the only GRINGOS in the city. It was AMAZING! Words cannot express the sights, sounds, and smells. It was fascinating being among these wonderful people and their way of life. But, pictures help me share what I saw.



The local taxi service...

They are called TucTuc and the toot toot all the time. 

These buses are everywhere. They are old school buses from the US that have been 'blinged'. They are actually a work of art and usually have a female name printed on the back door.

These women carry their 'wares' on their head. They were selling beautiful cakes decorated with fruit. They are truly a work of art.

This is just one small section of the market. Every town has a square in the town center. There were stands set up three deep all around the square plus their regular indoor market. Notice the woman carrying the load on her head. You see that everywhere you go. I am amazed at how much and how well they carry their things. They walk around with ease.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat (ugh!), textiles, and much more are displayed for sale.

Dried iguana anyone? Yes, you heard that right! I passed, thank you!!!

I bought a large woven basket from this woman. 22Q less than $3. She was shy but kind enough to let me have a picture taken with her. The flowers were bought at another stand and were 20Q. Prices are much higher in Guatemala City and not half as much fun! Love this country and its people!

Christmas Eve in the Guatemala...

We had the honor of spending Christmas Eve with our dear friends the Galvez family. President Galvez is presently the temple president in Quetzaltenango and was also Seth's mission president in Panama. They have remained close all these years and we have enjoyed the benefit of that relationship. We drove to their son's home, Sam Galvez, about 45 minutes away. It was fun to spend the evening visiting, eating, and watch them talk to their missionary grandson serving in Georgia. Of course, we Facetimed with Seth so he could say hi also.






Later that evening, we drove back to our apartment and shared a rather unique custom here in Guatemala although we understand it is common in most Latin countries...FIREWORKS! on Christmas Eve. At midnight, the whole city was popping with fireworks! We went up on the roof of our building and watched the light show. It felt like we were in a war zone with popping all around us. The noise was almost alarming but fascinating at the same time!




Christmas Day was spent at home. We had a nice quiet day ending with dinner with our Senior Missionary friends. We all brought something to the dinner and took away full stomachs and good memories. Thank you Craguns for hosting us!

Our Christmas Message to YOU

2014

FELIZ NAVIDAD from Guatemala!

      

The weather is warm...no sign of snow...no reindeer on roof tops...or warm fires glow. But, it is still Christmas here in Guatemala. 
      

We are standing in front of a huge Christmas tree in the middle of a very busy roadway, the Obelisco, in Guatemala City. They love to decorate for Christmas around here. The streets are all embellished with lights, ribbon, and greenery. We started hearing Christmas music as soon as we got here in October.
      

The area office had a Christmas Devotional. They certainly know how to decorate for a party! It was beautiful...almost like a fairyland. Everyone goes to the devotional for lunch and the area office closes for the rest of the day. We had a short devotional message and a wonderful lunch. It was a great way to celebrate the Christmas season.  

        Each day seems to be an adventure...seeing new places, meeting new friends, experiencing new things, and getting lost while trying to find our way...but we love it! We are busy, and we are happy. It still doesn't feel quite like home, but we are making wonderful friends and that is a blessing!
       We miss the grandkids...and their parents. Thank goodness for FACETIME. We try to talk to at least one family each Sunday. They still remember their Nana and Papa. However, we do get a little homesick as family members of other senior members seem to be coming every week. We hope we get visitors too someday (HINT!).
       Christmas Eve will be spent with friends here in Guatemala. We are blessed that Seth still has contact with his former mission presidents. Pres. Galvez is the temple president in Quetzaltenango. Their family has invited us to spend Christmas Eve with them. We are excited for the opportunity to be in a Guatemalan home for the holidays. On Christmas Day, we will gather with other senior missionaries for dinner.
       Our year has been filled with FIRSTS. 
Spence and Sandy: first time we are BOTH retired and serving our first mission together. 
Stacie: Their first child, our first grandchild, Rylie, is at Utah State. 
Seth: Their first child, Brock, received the priesthood and went to the temple.  
Saunie: Their first child, Riley, turned 12 and started Young Women's and loves to go to the temple.
Susannah's: The first year both boys, Taison and Jack, are in school. 
Shad's family: Finished his first year of graduate school and received his master's degree  from the National Defense University in Washington, DC. He also had the best (would that be considered first? I think so!) thesis in his graduating class. 
Shiloh's family: Their first child, and our youngest grandchild, Chase, has his first birthday.
       We know we aren't the first...but thank goodness for technology...but we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and an even better New Year. We are so blessed to be serving Heavenly Father in this part of His vineyard. We are so grateful for His son, Jesus Christ, and his mission on earth that gives us peace and hope.
       We love you all and would love to receive an email from you...you know how much missionaries love mail!

Love, Spence and Sandy