Harvest chickens

I was visiting the step team last weekend, and the church had a sort of harvest festival. The celebrate this 'first fruits' service at the beginning of spring, with church members bringing their produce. Amongst the baskets on the altar, were tomatoes, coffee, fruits and maize. But half way through the service we also realised that one of the baskets contained 2 live chickens. See if you can spot one!!

 The Easter week, gave the team the chance to hold a kids club whilst they weren't at school, so there was lots of fun and games!

Step arrivals

The last month has been a bit busy - with the arrival of the Spring Step team. It's always a privilege to spend time with the teams in their initial time here in Guatemala -- in the midst of all their questions, and expectations, and exhaustion from the journey. In those first few days, they get used to cold showers (when there's water), and cooking for themselves, and shopping in markets using signs and gestures.

This team are based in one of the most beautiful areas of Guatemala, next to Lake Atitlan. They'll be helping a church with some building work as well as work in schools, as well as supporting a local christian community development organisation.

 From the roof of the church, there's a great view of the lake, but also of the trees behind, which seem to be the local hang out spot for a community of vultures.

The majority in the town are Tzutujil Mayans, and are proud of their heritage, so there are some wonderful street art around the place.

As the team continue there for the next 7 weeks, I'll be visiting them regularly there.

Climbing Volcanoes

At the weekend, I climbed Pacaya Volcano with a few friends, so here´s a few pictures for you.
(Pacaya is an active volcano, but not the one which erupted last June with devastating effect. Pacaya is a national park, with guided tours up to the volcano. Activity is monitored closely and the park is closed whenever it it deemed dangerous.)

From the base of Pacaya, a great view of Agua (water) Volcano in the forground, then Acatanango Volcano, then Fuego (fire) Volcano - from which you can see smoke and ash rise.

 Near the top of Pacaya

 Ready to roast some marshmallows around the hot rocks

 The view on the way back down

Isla Mujeres with Misha

Last week, I took advantage of being in Mexico and had a holiday in Isla Mujeres (off Cancun). It was a pretty rainy week, but I still managed to swim every day and relax!

 The view from our balcony

 The view from our balcony

 After a hour of cycling in the pouring rain to the other end of the island!

 Still spectacular!

 The turtle farm / rescue place

Team conference fun in Puebla

Last week, the Latin Link Guatemala Mexico team meet in Puebla. It was great fun to travel together There were great discussions - what is integral mission?  -- how do you draw the kingdom of God? - - as well as time exploring the area as for most of the team it was their first time in Puebla.
I'm not going to lie - I also enjoyed the fact that I hadn't had to organise it!
We also got to go to Joel and Mayra's church where they gave us a bit of time to explain Latin Link  - which Stefan and Misha did fantastically!

Here's a few pictures -- I can take the credit for only a few of them!

 Some of us were happy to up at 4am!!!

 But there's some advantages of getting the early flight and having a window seat!!

 Volcan Agua, Fuego and Acatenango

 Volcan Agua is still active

 And then there was Volcan Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro surrounding Lake Atitlan.

 A Mexican volcano (not sure which!)

 Outing to Cholula

 Misha explaining a bit of her experience with Latin Link

 Animated discussion  - how to draw the Kingdom of God!!

 We tried to lose a few Striders in the tunnel beneath the Cholula Pyramid, but they escaped!

 Insects are a traditional delicacy in Cholula - as demonstrated by Geoff

 Stefan and Misha entertaining the crowds!!