Hola everyone! We returned safely to Madison by bus last night at about 7. We began our return adventure at 4:15 a.m., when we loaded our school bus (no Chicken Bus) in front of the Hotel Sumpango. From there we took a wild ride down the mountain highway to Guatemala City. But wait ... the bus driver didn't know exactly how to get to the airport. So we pulled alongside another bus to ask for directions. We eventually made it, and had plenty of time to wait for our first flights out.
Long story short, we all met up again at O'Hare at about 5 p.m. to catch our bus back.
The day prior (Sunday) included a great side trip to the beautiful city of Antigua. We all split up to shop, eat and sightsee. Then we headed back to Sumpango for a 6 p.m. service at Los Olivos church.
The church was packed with people, to sing and worship, and to greet us. They started with many songs and a welcome to everyone gathered. Then all 32 of us went up on stage to sing two songs to the congregation. Then the congregation gave each of us a gift. Craig (one of our Door Creek pastors) then taught on leadership. Seven members of the congregation were graduating from a yearlong leadership program at Los Olivos. It was a very special time all around. When it ended, everyone said their goodbyes. There were many hugs and tears all around--between the women and children who met though the VBS, between the women of Los Olivos and our churches, and between the men we worked alongside of at the school site. We got back to our hotel at about 9:30, exhausted and a bit sad about the new friends we were leaving behind.
I will write again, hopefully with a few more stories from the group, in a few days. We had three "official" photographers on the trip. Once they sift through their hundreds of pictures, I will post a few more.
Again, thank you all for your support and prayers. We had a fantastic time and more importantly, we feel we made a difference as well as new friends in Sumpango.
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