Well, we traveled to San Martin Jilotepeque, Chimaltenango, Guatemala for the weekend, jumping on a bus to Chimal in Guatemala City, then spotting a San Martin bus (very rare), swithing buses and taking a more or less direct to San Martin. Did have to switch buses in Chimal, because the one we were on went by way of several other communities before heading in, so they dropped us right at the other bus. The easiest we've ever make the trip! Still a good 2 hours, and the Chimal to San Martin was up and down the mountain. The damage from mudslides was obvious, including parts of the road washed out. So, the ride was pumpier than usual. Able to get some photos using my phone. Oh, and lost my Guate phone on the way.

We stayed at our usual hotel. No hot water, a sack of lumps for a pillow and thread bare sheets, but the people are like old friends so we felt at home. After settling in we took a TukTuk (3-wheel vehical) to our old house. It is now a store! When our neighbors spotted us the kids yelled, "Marisol!" and the whole neighborhood came running to see her, oh, and us. Our neighbor had a baby boy since we were there last, Justin David, and the girls, Rosita and Carol were thrilled to take us home to see him.

On Saturday we tried in vain to reach the one church contact we have there. Then shopped the market for clothes and toys for the children's home. Spent the afternoon and evening with our old neighbors. The town was celebrating a TukTuk anniversary, so we walked down to watch the TukTuk parade. They were all decorated like different businesses (a banana split, bakery, cable, etc)and covered with balloons. We all ate ice cream and the TukTuks threw candy. Marisol was thrilled and filled her pockets with 5 whole pieces! Got caught in a downpour on our way back to the hotel, par for the course.

That night the TukTuk dance was across the street from our hotel room. No air conditioning, so no closed windows. A big rain storm hit and for about an hour the lights came on and went off, with the lights the crowd at the danced screamed then quieted, then screamed again, over and over. We laid in our room all 3 of us just laughing. Then the lights went out for good, and when the lights go our there is no water, since they use electric pumps. Washing up the next morning was a challenge, wet wipes and bottled water. Cooking was not disturbed as they all use open flames.

Sunday is the real market day, and buses, trucks, vans, motorcycles and by foot the people arrive from the small villages in the mountain. The small city is jam packed and walking is a challenge. During the week the market is pretty much every day needs, but on market day, you name it, you can get it there. Want meat? How? Cut up and hanging on a hook, dried, on the hoof.

Spent some time at the market, grabbed some lunch at the stands, paid for our hotel and jumped the next bus headed back to Guatemala City, standing room only. Still no electricity or water wehn we left. John and I have learned to put our hands on the seat bar in front of us so as we bump along Marisol's head smashes into us and not the bar. The seats are built for 2, but sit 3 each. Children on your lap ride free, so all children are squeezed onto laps. the remaining people stand in the isle or hang out the door. Marisol handles it all in stride, but the return trip she talked NON-STOP!!! I kept thiinking her mouth would get tired, but she was still going when we got home. Pushed our way off at the last stop and hopped in a Taxi to the children's home. Dropped our stuff at the home and went out for a dinner, just the three of us, before going back to 24/7 child care. Great trip, but a little worn down.

While in San Martin Jilotepeque we asked the people we knew about how Tioxia, the remote mountain village where our church is located, fared in the aftermath of Hurricane Agatha. We were told that they were some of the hardest hit. They lost a lot of livestock, which is like gold here, lost most crops, and a house collapsed on a mother and daughter. The mother made it out, but the little girl was killed. For a people who make the equivalent of $5 a week, rebuilding will be very difficult. Our neighbors told us that they have all been in tears, because everyone knows someone who was effected. We continue to pray for the people of the area and plan to return soon. The house is quiet, everyone is temporarily asleep. Ahhh, peace. Love to all,