Blog by Jeff Tanner:

Last night was celebration night at the mission house.  We invited Samuel (pronounced Samwell) and his family, Max and his family, Paul and Christie, Louisa, Freddie and John King (the missionary).  There were approx 40 people here for dinner.  It was a great time of gathering together and fellowship with the families of the mission.  After dinner, we played some games with Samuel's and Max's children - they know almost no English - lots of laughter.

At about 10 PM, I took Freddie home, a helper of the mission.  He is 18 years old and helped us last year.  It was raining so hard, I drove him home.  I asked Gary to ride - glad I did.  We know Chimaltenango pretty well now and can get around.  But to get Freddie home, we had to drive about 30 minutes - almost got lost, saw some interesting sights - reminds me of Nat Geo!  Found out after the fact he lives real close to the mission house

Even though our trip to Guatemala is to the same place to do the same thing, each year is different.  If you look for it, something new will happen.  At dedications yesterday, Max or Samuel talked to each family before the prayer.  The last family apparently were not believers, so Max worked them pretty hard.  Even though it was in Spanish, we all new he was working 'em, I mean really working 'em..  It was good.

David Barkley learned something yesterday - don't drink coffee and silk milk right before you travel.  Ask him about it.

Waiting on the street side ice cream and sausage to hit Gary and Christian.

We have cell phones for each van.  I had one and Gary had one.  So Gary lost his.  He asked me to call his phone and see who answers.  Some guy picks up and says "buenas dias".  Uh oh!  I got Louisa to help me.  She busted the guy and asked him to bring it back.  She set up a meeting with him on the road to Pastores.  We called him multiple times to confirm.  About a day later, Gary calls me on his phone - I pick up and he says "found my phone, sorry".  Now some guy in Antigua has it out for me and Louisa.  Still can't figure why I dial Gary's phone and some guy named Alahandero picks up!

I never get used to seeing a volcano blow - take a picture each time.

I love food distribution - lots of kids and families waiting on us.

Lots of rain yesterday and last night - the most in three years.

Max's family is beautiful - he is a pastor of a church in Pastores (boot town).  Without us, 14 people at worship, including 3 kids under 5.  Most were his family, but they still get dressed up for church.  Awesome service!  Awesome faith!

Ask Jim George about time zones!

Ask Jim Everette about crossed or uncrossed!  I still don't think he's got it.

Food distribution, dedications, work on homes, driving through traffic, playing with kids, etc - it's all good.