Oi todo o mundo,

  We are in Rio, gorgeous Rio. I’m a bit pressed for time, but we have been so blessed to work with two fantastic, small congregations on the outskirts of town. I will be updating as much as possible, when possible.

Até logo.

This past weekend. I left Antigua for three days with a few friends for Lanking, Semuc Champey, and Coban. It was a good trip. At Lanking I got a terrible headache and was out for one night, but that day we went to Semuc Champey. It´s a natural limestone bridge with pools of water, under it flows a raging river. Amazing.

See more at flickr.

Last week my Spanish teacher took me to visit a finca (farm/plantation) in her home town of Pastores, about five minutes by chicken bus outside of Antigua. Carmen, mi maestra, showed me her home as well. Pastores was flooded and had considerable damage near the local river last year and is now preparing for this rain season, which we re in the beginning of.

Ve mas fotos a flickr.

These past few weeks Antigua celebrated the found ing of the city. Here are some photos of the local festivities:

Ve mas fotos a flickr.

Later today I will have an update or two.

 If you want a preview, search “Semuc Champey.”

 More photos available at flickr.

Well I must aoplogize for my dilatoriness in posting. Much has been happening in Antigua and I’ve finally found some time to update. Spanish is quite an interesting language to study. Yeah, I get frustrated, but I want to learn. This past week I visited a colonial house, macadamia nut plantation, Lago Atitlan, church ruins, and the pueblos around Antigua. Enjoy.

So coming down here I expected nothing. Well, I expected to study, but Guatemala is so much more than language schools. First, it’s absolutely gorgeous and second, there’s so much to do. Here’s a bit of what’s been happening these past five days.

I wish I brought a Lonely Planet guidebook.

Well after three days of the run-around with the American Airlines personnel in Guatemala City, I received my last backpack. Some other passenger had taken it and returned it. Thank Goodness.

I’ve done so much so far. Guatemala is much more than what I had expected, which was nothing. I really didn’t do much researching prior to departure. I think the most amazing thing I’ve done is walk twenty minutes in the dark this morning to a tourist agency to go on a trip to Volcan Pacaya, “the most active volcano in Guatemala.” It’s quite the experience to stand a few metres from a lava flow.

Oh and language classes are going well. HA.

Cheers.

It´s so sad to be leaving Brasil and South America tomorrow. It´s been such a blessing here. I constantly was apologizing for being a burden, but every one is quick to ensure that there is no burden.

Itu has some amazing individuals. Thanks to Felipe, Marusia, Marcio, his parents, Antenor, Phyllis, Ali, Paul, Jorge, Jefferson, Guto, JB, Pamela, Salena, Reid, Shirley, Clau, Heather, and so many others.

It´s been great. Thanks for your immense hospitality.