Motorcycles deliver what??

We are just starting our second month here in Guatemala. We are having fun learning new things everyday. The learning starts the second we walk out the door until we all drop back in bed at night.

Here are just a few things that we have had to learn.

Well, the language obviously! School is going great for both Phil and I. After 3 weeks, I decided to switch teachers. (which is common to do until you get the right teacher) This week has been so much better by far. A much more involved teacher who "shows" things instead of "reads" things.

Pray expectantly! As Phil prayed about making contacts last Saturday he heard a whistle outside of our gate. Thinking it was someone walking up the road to sell coffee, he opened the gate. Well, the guy sharpens tools, Phil ran to get his new machete which had no edge on it yet and let they guy do his thing. While he was working Phil shared a cup of coffee with him. He had just prayed that the Lord would bring someone to us to start making friendships with, and he met someone. Along the pray expectantly lines, we had a couple bags disappear from the house before we moved in there we a few things that were important to us like Claire's juicer (YES, she has her own juicer) we were sad that it was gone and were trying to figure out a way to purchase a new one they aren't cheap you know! Well, I prayed on Saturday morning about finding a new one. Fast forward a few hours and I went to Mega Paca with a friend (it is a glorified Goodwill for those of you who are wondering) we were talking about praying specifically for something when I turned the corner into the domestics and what did I find? A working juicer!! (it's a little banged up and used but hey, we can juice again).

Driving is another thing that we need to learn. Yes, relearn how to drive. These people drive so fast, they can whip in and out of lanes in between cars...but, merging is totally off their radar. But, we are learning. The first time I drove my legs were like rubber when I got out of the car. BUT, I did it! I actually need to do it a little more, but an still a bit too timid to be trying it.

Trusting people we don't know. In the states we would NEVER just hand out house keys to someone we don't know and say, see you in a few hours. That is just what we have to do with our empleada. Or even letting her open the doors for the workers to put the remote on the gate (today). We have many example of that from last month but, I won't bore you with those stories.

Windows, for some reason you can see right in all the windows here. Someone mentioned that it could be because they are not double pained I think that this could be the reasoning behind it. So, when someone rings the bell and you go to peek out the window to see who it is, they will see the smallest motion and know that someone is home and won't leave until you answer the door. (yes, I know this from experience)! so, we need to hang up double curtains in the windows for privacy.

Armed guards are everywhere. You actually look for them, if you pull into a store and one isn't there you probably should leave. hmmm, what would we do in the states if we were to go into a store and there was a guy standing with a machine gun ready to roll? probably leave really quick!!

Propane tanks are delivered on a motorcycle! 100 lb tanks strapped on the back of a motorcycle. I wish we had gotten a picture of it yesterday when our gas was delivered. Maybe next time!

These are just a few of the things that we have learned this month. So many more things to learn and we are excited to learn them.
We are so thankful for God's watch and care for us, and see Him at work in so many ways around us. It is so amazing to take ourselves out of the picture and see Him at work. In so many ways that we would never give credit for when we are "doing it ourselves".
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. Please let us know what we can be praying for in your lives.