Let me check my calendar...

That's a joke that I've been making here when someone asks what my plans are or if I can do something, "Let me check my calendar...". It's a joke because my calendar is blank, which probably hasn't happened since I was 4. I have tried to explain to a couple of people here about the North Dallas way of life - if you aren't overbooked, you aren't living. I know Dr. Denison used to preach on that subject often since it was so prevalent in our church. It has been quite a learning experience to just slow down and enjoy each moment as it comes. It hasn't been the easiest adjustment not having a schedule of activities or a list of friends to call, but the Lord is already providing. And I know the idea is to actually "Be Still" once and while...I'm learning.

Last week I was invited to a ballet recital by the Stewarts, other CAM missionaries here. I didn't know the girls in it or where it was, but who am I to turn down an invitation these days, and I had taken years of dance, so I was sure that I would enjoy it. I met up with them to carpool and it turned out it was being held at the National Theater in the center of the capital! It was a story ballet with characters and songs from various popular ballets. I was very glad that I went!

Outside of theater

Theater lobby

I had my first meeting at CAG, the school for missionary children, and was invited to a Bible study for ladies who work there. I attended on Monday night and they are studying the book of Esther. It was great to meet some of the people that I will be working with and fellowship with them too. That night I was invited to a dinner that happens every Wednesday night with some of the younger teachers and is given by a missionary wife here in her beautiful home. We had salad, enchiladas, and chocolate chip cake, and I got to meet some more girls from CAG. I was even more thankful that I attended that one! Now I know why the girls said they look forward to Wednesdays so much...I am very grateful for people trying to make my adjustment here an easier one.

I actually had an uninvited guest when I returned home Saturday night - a scorpion crawled out from behind my armoire. I may or may not have screamed, the only witness is no longer living. I sprayed it with roach spray and then hit it with my dust pan and threw it out into the garden. Funny now, yes... It is for sure the first one I've ever seen alive, even after 10+ years of summer camp, and I was not impressed. I talked to my landlord the next day and 24 hours later there was an exterminator at my door. I had to leave for the afternoon, but hopefully I have returned to a scorpion- and freakishly large spider-free home for the next two months.

yo lo maté!

Sunday held the final round of elections for the next president of Guatemala. Things were calm overall, which is a blessing for this country. Otto Pérez Molina, a retired military general, came out on top. It remains to be seen what will happen; I heard him called "el menos peor"- literally "the least worst" - multiple times. Please pray for the future of Guatemala as it changes hands next year.

And lastly, my parents bought plane tickets to visit me in January!! I'm so excited and I know that I will be so ready to see them after missing them over the holidays!! :)

"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7

The day to day

So I am slowly figuring out my routine here. Spanish in the mornings, spanish homework and errands in the afternoon, and, recently, after that, Rangers games at night. Oh and some cleaning, cooking, and Skype in there too. Here is some of what I've been up to lately...

Last Friday Maria got out of school early after a half-day, so she, Sandi, and I walked to the nearby shopping center to eat at our favorite taco stand, get at few things at the supermarket, and have some ice cream at Sarita. It was a gorgeous day and so nice to just sit and chat and enjoy the afternoon without a schedule. Especially after 4-hours of spanish tutoring....That evening we played some games (Maria's favorite activity) then I went home early to Skype with my parents and head to bed because it had been an eventful week.

Saturday I caught up with my sister Whitney in Skype; it is so great to be able to keep up that way. I miss my family and friends from home a lot these days! Then I cleaned and studied some spanish. After that I got ready to go with Mike to a quinceañera at the children's home where he often ministers. The 'tias', or caretakers, help put it on. It was fun to see such a cute girl in her beautiful dress - she danced and then we ate dinner and then everyone danced and they had cake. It was also nice to spend a little time with some of the youth that Mike works with regularly. They are very sweet!

Violeta

New friends

Maria y yo

I went to church with Oscar again on Sunday, this time trying to remember the route so that I can drive myself sometime soon. The music was wonderful again - I love when they sing spanish versions of praise songs that I know from church at home. The congregation had a special time of prayer for a family who had not been there the week before due to the loss of their home during the terrible rains. The pastor prayed that the Lord would open doors for a new home for them - please pray for that too. It is already hard enough to make a living here and there are not many resources for those who lose everything. Pray for their peace and provision.

On Monday, Jordan and Hannah Self invited me to their home to watch the Rangers game. It was so fun to eat with them and their 2 precious kiddos. And really nice when you only know about 10 people in this city! It was encouraging to hear about their heart for the city and specifically Jordan's heart for youth. And that night was a win for the Rangers so all the more to celebrate...since I couldn't have known what was coming :(. I am still proud of my team!!

On Tuesday, I attended Sandi's Bible study again with the housekeepers from the area. Only this time one of them brought her baby! She was so, so adorable and I must say quite the distraction from the spanish sermon going on in the living room. I did not mind watching her. Que linda!!!

K the last image that I will leave you with is from Thursday. It doesn't need much explanation, except that this is the corner of my casa by my desk, and it has in no manner been altered. Oh Guatemala.

Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, 
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.