Valentine's Day 2026

 We had a fun Valentine's Day celebration this year. 

 

As always, I decorated our table and had gifts set out for my guys that morning. 

 

My gifts were roses,  a new table runner for spring/ Easter, and a coffee cup.  Both of those came from San Martin.

 

David got a tea blend from Pachamama and some honey from Doña Luisa.

 

 

We had heart shaped chocolate chip banana pancakes and bacon for breakfast. 

 

Later that morning, I headed out for a walk in town.  From this corner you can see all three volcanoes in our area- Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. 

 

 

 

I made a strawberry cake for our Valentine's dessert. 

 

 

David and I went out to eat that night at Pappy's BBQ. It was our first visit since being back in Guatemala.

 

We then spent some time walking around town and enjoying the sights.

 

Overall, it was a simple but lovely day! 

Virginia Mission Team

In late January/ early February our Team Guatemala hosted a volunteer team from our IMB home office in Virginia.  We had five people come down to meet our missionaries, see where we live, and serve alongside us.  

 

our team in the airport ready to fly to Guatemala

 

David and Tyler picked them up in Guatemala City and first traveled them to Quetzaltenango for an overnight stay.  The next day the Stones and the rest of the English family joined the team, and they all traveled to Ixchiguan for a few days.  While out, they made home visits, visited three churches, led two worship services, and encouraged many believers there.

 

a photo of the team visiting a local church in Ixchiguan

 

 

sharing a testimony

 

praying for the leaders

 

David did take several scenic photos for me. 

 

 

 

having a meal in a home

 

David and Tyler

 

 

At the end of their trip, they spent some time in Antigua. The boys and I enjoyed getting to hang out with them and show them around our town.

 

 

supper at Pappy's BBQ in Antigua

 

Me and Cruz with the team on their last morning in Guatemala.  They had a late flight so we took them to breakfast and then gave them one last shopping opportunity before they headed to the airport.

 

It was a special team to host and a lot of fun for everyone.  I love that our home office is making field visits available to our staff.  It helps us connect with them and helps them get a better understanding of our lives on the field.  We will always be grateful for our home office staff and the way they go above and beyond to support our missionaries serving around the world.  They are a blessing to everyone and now we are blessed to know a few more of them in a personal way.  

Life Lately January 2024

 Here are some random photos from January 2024 of our family life.

We spent the first week of January on a work trip in Mexico.

 

Just a few days after returning, we began the second semester of the school year.

 

 

I made this football cake for us to eat while we watched the college football championship game.

 

 

Cruz enjoyed a sleepover with friends in Guatemala City.

 

Mid-month we hosted two IMB missionaries who do theological education and training.

 

They came to meet with some of our Guatemala Baptist Seminary leaders.

 

They spent most of their time in Guatemala City but were able to squeeze in a quick visit to Antigua. Here we all are enjoying lunch at Pappy's BBQ.

 

We made a trip to Quetzaltenango to see our IMB teammates.  While there we had a baby shower for the newest member of our Guatemala mission family who was born on January 3. We also had our first team meeting of the year where we made plans and set ministry goals for the quarter.  Here is a view along the way.

 

We do love coffee!!

 

baby shower for sweet little Aurora

 

opening gifts

 

Courtney and Aurora

 

The Robertson family

They transitioned to Guatemala from Colombia back in July.  We are very happy to have them serving here with us.

 

Luke and Cruz

These two share a sweet bond.

 

me and Aurora

 

 She is so tiny and precious!!

 

Xela sunset

 

Sunset view from our house in Antigua.

 

We are ending the month hosting a mission team from Easthaven Baptist Church in Brookhaven, MS. They will be with us for a few more days.  I will share about their time here in another post.