Life Lately May 2023

We began the month of May with an afternoon visit to El Bosque.  It is a beautiful outdoor space in town.  It is our current favorite place to go.  I had recently connected with a mom from England so we met her and her daughters there.  It was a fun visit.

 

sunshine and fresh air

 

Cruz goes to youth group in San Cristobal on Wednesday nights.  Several families take turns driving them.  On a recent Wednesday when we had to drive we passed the time at a local mall.  Here are David and Ben playing air hockey. 

 

 

Ben and I shooting basketball. 

 

We made our second work trip to Mexico.  This trip was to the State of Chiapas. We took the boys with us this time.  Click on these blog links to read about our time in San Cristobal de las Casas, rock climbing at Arcotete, and our boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon.

 

Here's a video of our time there.

 

 

I was honored with the opportunity to be the guest speaker at Mother's Day event.  The theme was "Created to do Good Works" taken from Ephesians 2:10. 

 

 

me with the women's ministry leaders

 

 

I had a wonderful time celebrating Mother's Day this year.

 

 

Here is a video showing how we spent the day and you can also read this Mother's Day blog post for more details.

 

We grilled hamburgers one evening and sat out on our patio to eat. 

 

 

My mom's group finished up mid-May and we celebrated with a special luncheon at Villa Bokeh.  One of the special ladies in our group treated us all.  It was very kind and generous of her!!!  Villa Bokeh is breathtaking!  The place is very elegant.  The food is delicious, and the grounds are gorgeous.

 

This was my dessert.  It was corn pudding topped with caramel popcorn, popcorn ice cream, homemade caramel sauce and blueberries.  It does not sound very appetizing but it was fantastic!!!  I would return just for that dessert!

 

 

Here is a short video showing some of the grounds.

 

You know you are eating fancy when two helicopters land and drop off guests during your meal.

 

I met another mom for breakfast later in the month.   She is from the same town where we stay during our Stateside Assignments.  It was fun to connect with her.

 

 

Cruz and Ben working on our water cistern one evening.   Our float had come loose and we did not know it until we walked outside and saw our yard flooded with water.  Thankfully they were able to repair it quickly.  Having a handyman husband is definitely a blessing on the mission field.

 

 

Cruz during an afternoon art class at Encounter Academy.

 

Ben's table group

 

They both enjoyed art this year.

 

 

 

We finished up our school year!   Yay!

 

 

Here is a short video from the day and you can also read our last day of school blog post.

 

 

The boys finished their Awana classes and both received awards.

 

 

afternoon biking at Finca Azotea in Jocotenango

 

Ben helping hang clothes on the line on a recent Saturday morning.

 

 

The boys were invited to pizza and games at our neighbor's house one Saturday afternoon.

 

 

We attended a celebration service at Iglesia Bautista Dios es Amor in San Andres Itzapa.

 

They had recently completed a remodel of their building and had a special service to celebrate it.

 

 

David preached the message.

 

 

We ended the service with a church wide meal.

 

David with Pastor Apolinario.

 

 We celebrated Cruz turning thirteen.  

 

 

He had an early party with friends at 1890 Bowling in Guatemala City. You can read about it on this blog post- 13th birthday party.

 

 

Here is a video from his birthday party with friends.  

 

 

Here he is on his birthday morning.

 

 

Here's a video of how he spent his day and you can read about it here- Cruz Turns 13!

 

Lastly, we ended the month welcoming these ten Summer Sojourner students to Guatemala. They are here serving until June 19.  Seven of them will serve with us and three will be serving with the Stones in Quetzaltenango.  We are excited about the opportunity to work with them and invest in their lives.  Pray for our time together over the next several weeks.

Sumidero Canyon (Mexico)

On the last day of our trip to San Cristobal de las Casas we made a visit to Chiapa de Corzo to do a boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon.  

 

 

our family ready to board the boat

 

all boarded and ready to go

 

Our trip started around noon.  It got up to 102 degrees that day! The boats are not covered so we were in the direct sun.  It was hot! Hats and sunscreen came in handy. As you can see from this photo, bandanas came in handy too.

 

 

Cruz wearing his new souvenir hat.

 

The boat ride was fun and relaxing.

 

 

I loved seeing the cactus growing on the sides of the cliffs.

 

I thought this looked like a face.

 

So beautiful and peaceful!

 

 

 

We got to see monkeys.

 

 

 

 

 

During rainy season this would be a waterfall.

 

 

 

 

It was another great outing with this fun, adventurous family!

 

 

 

 

We also saw a crocodile.

 

 

After leaving we drove on into Tuxtla and stopped for a late lunch at Chili's.  We then enjoyed some DQ Blizzards. It was a perfect treat on that hot day.

From there we headed on to the airport to catch our evening flight back to Guatemala. I cannot think of a better way to end our time with the Richardson family.  They were excellent hosts and did a fantastic job of showing us around their area.