This is my first time traveling to Guatemala or serving on a mission. There seem to about 15 of us, though our numbers keep growing. We are gathered from several states across the middle and eastern seaboard of the U.S. and travel today seemed to go smoothly for all of us. I really don’t know what to expect but my wife asked me this morning on the way to the airport what I was looking forward to the most. Well, this is pretty much about reaching outside of your comfort zone and helping people. I’m also looking forward to being with good people who are doing good things. In addition to meeting new people, I will very much enjoy the time on the trip with my Uncle Don and Cousin Marie.
Many of us meet up in the Austin airport to fly to Guatemala together. My first impression of flying over Guatemala is what a beautiful country! It is very green and hilly with deep cut valleys. We are through customs quickly and on way over the mountainous terrain in a van.
We arrive in Antigua around 2:00, check into the Hotel Aurora and head out to lunch. Antigua is very much alive on this Sunday afternoon and full of tourists like me heading out to shop. I tag along with Diane and Vianca for a walk through the Market. We do a little shopping and haggling for ourselves, friends and family.
Back to the hotel to catch up with the team and eat dinner. After dinner we sort medications and Jenny briefs us on the next days activities. As a surprise mixer, we are asked to elect teams and representatives to dress up as cheerleaders for a sort of school pep rally the next day – a nice little icebreaker!
Uncle Don asked me if this is what I expected it would be – What, I say to him, is it supposed to be this much fun?
Well, the real work starts tomorrow. It’s off to see if Uncle Don really snores as loud as he says he does.
More after a real day of work.
Warren
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