A Strange Request

Update from Don -

We have had some interesting conversations during our time here in Guatemala.  From people at our gate selling 'ancient Mayan gold' to various 'marriage options' based on appetites for beans and tortillas, we are never quite sure what is next.  But on our way back from Chiminisjuan clinic a week or so ago, I had a strange request.  The road crew flagged me down and asked to borrow my truck battery. I proceeded to tell them that I wasn't sure if I had jumper cables.  They then further explained that they needed the actual battery. 

Their steam roller's battery was bad and in order to start it, they needed to borrow a battery.  So, when they stop for lunch, they need to flag someone down to start it back up again for the afternoon's work.  Good plan, if we weren't in the middle of nowhere.  I am not sure how long they have been doing it this way but it certainly was not the first. 

Removing the battery.

And here they are hooking it up to their roller...

A quick view of the typical traffic on this particular stretch of road.  A mother and son carrying long grass for their animals.  Unfortunately, they don't need a battery for that.

The machine started right up and apparently the alternator worked because it stayed running when they took our battery back out. 

Replacing the battery in our red truck and we were on our way.  Just another 'ordinary' day here in Guatemala!

Yesterday, we had our annual Christmas party for the widows in Chiminisjuan.  We look forward to this every year. It was a day filled with joy, laughter, the Christmas story and food!

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Thankfulness and Baptisms

We celebrated Thanksgiving as a community last week.  Our crowd was a bit smaller than previous years at only 30 but, of course, we had food for 50!  We didn't have room for pie and had plans for a couple baptisms so we decided to get started on our hike to the river.

Once we arrived, the baptizers and baptizees (is that a word?) had to continue their trek into the cold water.  A friend of ours, Taylor, leaves for the States soon and asked if she could be baptized before she leaves.  Samuel had also never been baptized and decided it was time.

Peanut gallery not brave enough for the cold water!!

 Taylor was first!

Such a blessing to watch our son declare his faith in Jesus!

 An honor for Don to be included in the process.

Duane trying to get Leslie wet afterward!!

Now the trek back up and home for pie!

Cute family!!

Stopped periodically for a 'photo op' 

... not because we were tired and full of turkey!

He's wet!!

Finished the day with pie and 'telephone pictionary'!

We have so much to be thankful for.  Spending the day with our family here was such a blessing and joy!  The Lord's blessings continue to overflow in so many ways.  We pray that you also had an amazing Thanksgiving with the Lord at the center!  

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 

Colossians 3:15