Finding Our Rhythm

Some sort of routine seems to help our family function a little bit better. Doesn't really matter where we live. Our drive through Mexico and then our first week here were anything but routine for us. Our next week was a great week with the Lifegate team, but again, no 'routine' that week. 

We take our Sabbath on Wednesdays. Today is our fourth Wednesday in Guatemala and it finally feels like a true Sabbath. We had a wonderful day of sleeping later than normal, having a late breakfast and then packing up some snacks for a walk.

There is a canal that was constructed a long time ago to help irrigate during the dry season in Canilla. There is usually a fee but then those that participate can channel the water from the canal to their property on certain days. (I think our day may be tomorrow - we will try to post a picture of the 'irrigation' on the property - i.e. mud!)

The canal comes down from the river up in the mountains.  There is a trail alongside of it all the way to where it starts.  You can get on the trail close to the ministry compound or you can cheat and drive up part way.  We chose to cheat today!

We drove the Suburban up to a place to park and then followed the trail to the beginning of the canal. This is the 3rd time that we have gone on this hike in all of the times that we have been in Guatemala. Check out this entry from the first time (click here). This picture is much different from the ones on that post! 

The other difference is that the kids pretty much left us in their dust today. We lost sight of them very quickly! 

Don and I were reminiscing about the difference as we walked. Today, the whole walk from where we parked to the head of the canal took us about 30 minutes.  In our minds, the walk in 2009 with younger children took HOURS!!

On that first trip, Don, Caleb or I helped the younger three.  Here is Don being helped by Hannah!! And yes, she helped me as well!

We spent about 2 hours at the top.  The kids swam and climbed on the rocks.

Caleb and I watched as the others all disappeared behind this pile!

And then Samuel entertained us with his 'moves' on this rock!

We came home, had some food and took showers!  Now we are ready for a movie to cap of the day!  It was a wonderful day of rest and family time! Part of the rhythm of life here!