Ian

Enjoyed running races with Ian, Johana's son, yesterday afternoon.  We usually have about an hour or so of play time together a week.  He squeals with glee as I jog after him and chase him from one wall to the next in our little neighborhood.  As he slides down the not-so-smooth slide, he wiggles his little butt back and forth to try to get some momentum.  And he enjoys the classic "oh, no!"-pretend-he-kicked-the-adult while swinging on the swings.

Birthday Week

Celebrated a big week at La Senda--Dorcas, Pam, and Yaquelin all had birthdays.  We enjoyed celebrating the life of each one of these ladies.  Yaquelin turned 18, a big birthday here in Guatemala, just like in the States.  As this next year progresses, she will be responsible for providing for herself--food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc.

We also finished 2nd quarter at school.  We are looking forward to the return of one of our English teachers currently out on maternity leave, and the arrival of Katie, an Asbury student who will be working with us for the summer.  I am particularly excited to have a roommate--Katie will be living with me for the majority of her time here.

Birthday and Mother's Day

Officially turned another year older on U.S. Mother's Day.  Happy belated Mother's Day to all you mothers out there!  I am thankful for the love, guidance, and friendship of my own mother.  Love you, Mama! :)

Yep, I turned the big 2-9.  Last year in my third decade.  Can't believe I am twice as old as (or more) my students!  The La Senda kids have picked up on calling me Lizzy--until now, only a nickname from my family.  They derive it from Lizzy McGuire, of all things.

 Eating with the La Senda fam at Pollo Campero

 Waiting for the delicious fried chicken and French fries...

 Shout out from Steve at the other end of the table

 Birthday party at Silvia's house

 

The party crew

Mother's Day is a huge deal here in Guatemala.  In fact, unless they do domestic work, mothers get the day off.  At La Senda, we cancelled classes for all but those students who are behind, and only those of us childless teachers were required to work.  Hermana Zucy told me about El Tejar's tradition to serenade all of the moms by driving a truck around with the instrumentalists at 1 in the morning.  My friend Johana spent the day in Guatemala City with her mom and sister, shopping and eating out.  She said they ran across many other mothers doing the same thing.

Hermana Zucy worked with the La Senda kids to prepare a performance and breakfast just for Pam.  It was sweet!

 Kids all lined up and ready to sing for Pam on Guatemalan Mother's Day (May 10)

 Pam's mother Joyce and Pam--how fun that they were together on this day!

 Chatting it up

Group hug for mama

Un Vals Para Mi Madre--the Guatemalan Mother's Day song.  It's something, I was told, all Guatemalans know well.

Praise God from whom All Blessings Flow

I don't feel like I've praised and thanked God a lot lately, but I want to do so now:

• I thank him for my house.
• I praise him for his faithfulness.
• I thank him for his provision.
• I praise him for his love.
• I praise him for his goodness.
• I thank him that I am understanding Spanish better.
• I thank him for health.
• I thank him for people who care about me.
• I praise him that he knows all.
• I praise him that he is creative.
• I thank him that he wants us to grow and learn.