Hello from the Mission house,
Today was our day of rest from working.  We were able to spend time enjoying God's beautiful creation. We headed out to Pacaya, one of the volcanoes about an hour from the Mission house.
While our guides took the more strenuous route we able to ride in style on the backs of our horses.  The scenery on the way was incredible!  Closer to the top we had to get off and make the rest of the trek by foot.  Traveling on top of the lava rock we made our way to the luxurious marshmallow roasting spa to enjoy fellowship and a snack.  We were then forced with a choice of a vertical challenge or to turn back the way we came.  Needless to say only a brave few turned back and the rest aimlessly struggled to the top to enjoy an overlook before the "plummet of death" slide.  As each of us slid down the side of the largest mountain anyone has ever seen, some on our feet and others on their backside, we were able to get a fast glimpse of the beautiful Guatemalan landscape.  At the bottom we joined the rest of the group for the treacherous downhill descent on horseback back to the vans for our much awaited shopping extravaganza.
After a brief snack/lunch we loaded up to head towards Antigua to enjoy the culture, shoppes and a search-n-find for the best ice cream.  Chicken bus after chicken bus, we made our scary way toward Antigua only to be thwarted by traffic, football matches, Mayan New Year and Lenten celebrations.  Unfortunately our route was detoured to an alternate route which would have taken us another hour and a half to get to Antigua, so we opted to head back tot the Mission house.  The close bonding on the buses and plentiful conversations made the disappointment much easier.  We even took a slight pit stop to get gas and a tummy full of ice cream.  We made it back safe and sound to enjoy some much needed res and relaxation.

The night concluded with a house full of guests and a devotion led by Tico.  He touched base on our comfort zone and being courageous because He will guide us through every obstacle and struggle.  He discussed God's repetitious encouragement, as found in the Book of Joshua, to guide us throughout all the adversities life throws our way.  Jaime on the piano and Adam's harmonica led us in praise songs.
Tom and Linda Hendriksma