Our Weekend- Ruins and a Retirement Party

We spent some time in Guatemala City over the weekend.   We had a retirement luncheon to attend on Monday but went in a little early to squeeze in some fun.  We had a great time but what I think we all enjoyed most was the cool weather there.  It was a refreshing break from the heat in Chiquimula.  We were able to shop and pick up some supplies on Saturday.  On Sunday we attended worship at Union Church.  They normally have an early contemporary service and an 11:00 traditional service (all in English).  This week they were having a combined 11:00 service and lunch afterwards.  We enjoyed worship and then joined in on the hot dog cookout for lunch.  The boys especially loved the hot dogs and some extra time to fellowship with the other American kids there.

Afterwards we stopped by our mission house to change clothes and then drove to Antigua for the afternoon.  I had forgotten how hard it can be to find a parking spot on Sunday afternoon there.  Town was very busy as usual.  Our first stop after parking was for coffee and smoothies at Cafe Barista. 

Cafe Barista in Antigua

We then spent the rest of the afternoon walking all over town.  We visited the Central Park and vendor shops nearby.  We stopped in several souvenir shops to let the boys look around.  It is always fun just to browse around town and take in all the beauty of it.  Antigua is a special place.

We had parked on the backside of town on the same street as the market.  As we were returning to our car we walked past the San Jeronimo ruins.  They were still open for an hour so we decided to go in.  Because we have residence here it only cost us the same as the locals which is Q5 each.  The boys got in free.  That is a total of Q10 or a little less than $1.25.  The boys had the best time running around and exploring.  It was money well spent. 

entering the San Jeronimo ruins in Antigua

me and my boys in Antigua

I think what they loved best was the large grassy areas where they could play.  Below are some videos of them racing and having fun.

Looks like fun, huh?  Several people had taken in food and drinks.  We would love to return one day and do a picnic there.  I think we would all love that.

We had planned to eat supper in Antigua before driving back to Guatemala City but the clouds were rolling in and it looked like it was about to rain.  Instead we drove back to Guatemala City (in the rain) and ate supper there.  We had a delicious Italian meal and thanks to the kid's place mats they have there we taught the boys to play hangman.  It ended a very fun day.

We did school at our mission house on Monday morning and then at lunchtime drove over to the San Martin in San Cristobal for the retirement luncheon.  The luncheon was to honor the Chafins for their 40 years of missionary service with the IMB.  It was a great time of sharing with them how they have impacted each of us and thanking them for the way they have impacted others over the years.  Forty years is a long time and their faithfulness to the calling is a big testimony to us and others as well.

the Chafins

It is our mission tradition to present a plaque to the families to show our appreciation to them.  

our boys with the Chafins

Join us in praying for the Chafins as they transition back to life in the States and allow God to use them there.

our Guatemala mission family at the retirement luncheon

We finished up mid-afternoon, loaded our things, and made the drive back home.  It was dark when we arrived and we were all tired.  We unloaded, ate, took showers, and fell into bed.  

It was great to get away for a few days but now we are back to reality.  This week will be filled with homeschool and mountain Bible studies.  We have a lot going on over the next few weeks and would appreciate your prayers.  It is not Monday but it sure feels like it.  More coffee please!