Lake Atitlan: A Day for Bonding and Exploring

So thankful we arrived safely yesterday morning--6 of us arrived at 10:30 in the morning in Guatemala City.  Our 7th team member joined us at the hotel this evening after spending the week exploring in Guatemala.  It was a very long but beautiful drive from Guatemala City to Xela--we arrived around 5:30, just as the sun was about to set.  There was one peak in particular that kept catching my eye as we drove the sinewy roads…and today we got a much clearer and closer glimpse:

Pictured above are two of the volcanoes that hug Lake Atitlan.  The beauty of the lake, with its emerald green and teal blue waters, is hard to describe (especially when I'm feeling a little tired!).  The clouds (las nubes) create a dramatic backdrop for us to behold this natural wonder.  Truly a breathtaking scene.

 Here, our wonderful team!  Pictured left to right, front to back:  Rebecca, Isabella, Gabby (OB resident), Allison, Candace, Sarah M, and Annie (OB resident).  Having a day to connect and share stories and bond together (yes, this may have included some bartering along the way) is a priceless way to start this teaching adventure.  Everyone has so much passion to serve, share knowledge, and build bridges.

Near the equator, the sun starts to set pretty early--this picture was taken after lunch, perhaps around 5pm.  More dramatic nubes, not only in the sky, but nestling between the mountains/volcanoes.  It's quite a site to behold.  As this day draws to a close, we are preparing for an all-day first-of-its-kind course for community-based midwives in this region.  We are excited to see what lies ahead!

Thank you for joining us on this journey--your support is invaluable.

Sarah J, for us all

A shout-out to Harrison, who shared this verse with me the day we left: "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." --Psalm 118:24