Submitted by Carla Cottrell

Day 7, and we are on our way home…via a stopover in Antigua. On the way to Antigua, our sweet driver, Don Luis, asked if we would like to take 5 minutes to look at the volcanoes and Lake Atitlan from a special scenic overlook. Of course, we took him up on that, and we are so glad we did. We took photos, and I got the opportunity to bargain with a jade dealer…I managed to get a pendant to match my jade earrings for only a fraction of what he was originally asking.

Once back on the road, we drove through a small town and we began noticing a large number of men and boys walking alongside us with shovels and hoes. Soon, we realized the traffic was coming to a stop, and those men with tool began digging on both side of the motorway. Don Luis told us that this was a community effort to dig drainage ditches and build up the roadsides so that the road would not be under water or washed away in the rainy season. Once again, a cooperative of the people did the problem solving…the government does not get involved.

One of the things that Anne spoke with us about on our trip was the 50% unemployment rate in Guatemala. This is another fact that we must consider as we discuss microlending in Guatemala. We would love you all to read Toxic Charity, if you have not done so, and stand by to learn about the powerful changes we can facilitate if we are all aligned.

It was so exciting to see Fuego (the volcano) spewing ash and smoke as we drove by. Take a look at the photos! I should mention that our niece, Molly, thinks I am a bit reckless to hang my camera out of the minibus window to get good shots,but I think it is worth it!

It was delightful to meet Sessi (I probably spelled her name wrong), Anne’s Guatemalan director, and her dog, Pepper. The office is set up perfectly, and AIR even has a model garden next door. Thereis an issue with bandits in the section of town where the office is, so we will pray for.safety and protection for AIR, and we ask you to do so as well.

When we got to Antigua we went for lunch at a Mexican restaurant, believe it or not. It was delicious! Then we toured a warehouse where festival kites and traje(outfits) from all of the different Guatemalan departments(states) were displayed. Then, we scooted through the rain to tour the chocolate museum and taste a sample. Yum!

Peter and I then headed to the hotel to check in and rest. We will definitely do more conditioning before we come next time! We have received so many blessings here, and we cannot wait to see what God has had for you while we have been away. Our God is so good and so big that with Him there is nothing we can’t do!

God bless you!

Carla