We're Back!

Yesterday morning we arrived in Guatemala City at 11 AM after one of the easiest and fastest flight schedules that we've ever had to this country, and we found ourselves once again in one of the most beautiful and relaxing cities which we have ever traveled to as a couple- Antigua, Guatemala. This is just one extended stop on our way to our final destination in the Ulpan Valley, but we are thankful for our time here, and we are excited about the weeks of language study ahead!

Our arrival here came after MONTHS of prayer, fundraising, and planning. We are extremely thankful for the support and prayers of friends, family, and church family... we truly believe that God is hearing and fulfilling those prayers (which are in accordance with his will) day by day. We are especially thankful for the faith of our parents in a God who will watch over us and take care of us while we are distanced from them. We are learning to trust Him more each day.

Some may ask, "Why in the world would you want to move to a third world country that is so dangerous and lacks many of the comforts and amenities that you can enjoy in the United States?" Our reply is multi-faceted and might be something like this:

• We have grown to appreciate and love Guatemalan culture, specifically that of the Q'eqchi' Mayan Indians in the mountains near Coban.
• We believe that our gifts (Kris- engineering, project planning; DeeDee- education, serving women and children) specifically align with the needs of the people of the Ulpan Valley.
• We have been serving the people of the Valley for several years now solely through short-term trips, and we believe we can be much more effective with water projects and health education and building relationship through an extended stay.
• We desire to learn more about the religion of the Mayans in the Valley and to engage in some intentional conversations about the work of God among them (hence the need to first learn some Q'eqchi'/Spanish).

We hope you are blessed as you join in our story...