We arrived at the Grande Tikal Hotel around 2, rested for about 15 minutes & then took off to shop for things only available here and/or at bulk prices. Imagine after driving over 6 hours of difficult roads...Energizer Bunny Annie was ready to shop! Back at the hotel before dark for pizza...our last supper together. Sister Liz's & Annie's eyes sparkled as they talked about how much they've relished traveling the world (they've been to Africa, England, Italy, Egypt, Mexico & probably more) and especially being able to help the poor people with the basic of needs...their health. They have been together for over 40 years and built 5 missions that are all still flourishing & healed untold numbers of the most needy. I have had but a taste of their rich lives...just enough to feel their joy and understand the satisfying glow it brings. Just before they left at 7 a.m., Sister Annie took our picture with Sister Liz who grinned and said, "This has been the best two weeks in the last 5 years." Not sure who was saying Thank you more...us or them.
My Final Thoughts
Grateful for another amazing & enriching adventure. Sorry I lost my camera but lucky that was the only problem. Confused by how much I have and how little so many have. Blessed to have spent quality time with Paula, Sister Ada, Sister Annie & Sister Liz...and Rog. Glad to have enjoyed 2 months in warm vs. freezing weather. And ever so anxious to get my arms around my grandkids and kids again!
Roger's Final Thoughts
It was good that we visited Belize before coming to Guatemala because we anticipated worse conditions and more danger than we found in Guatemala. Several people in Belize were concerned for our safety as we left there but fortunately, we had no problems. It was good to be able to speak English to everyone in Belize & Tobacco Caye was a tropical treat. Hopkins (drumming center) was very friendly and we enjoyed daily bike rides to the bakery & internet cafe. A pleasant stop in a country with great potential for future tourism as it is close, tropical and English speaking. At San Jose Clinica, finally a mission project that challenged me to use my skills with tools! Sisters Annie & Liz had a list of jobs that they needed us to accomplish and they had quality tools & the necessary parts to complete the work. Working just 5 to 6 hours each day, we completed the work and added many more...like soaping the drawer bottoms to make them slide easily. The Sisters appreciation for our work felt good and we marveled at their endurance and commitment to the indigenous people. Guatemala was a pleasant country to visit with mild temps during the day (even at the Clinica which is 9000 ft above sea level), interesting land forms (volcanoes, lakes, hot waterfalls, jungles, and high plains), cool nights at the Clinica made us grateful for warm electric blankets and....helpful, pleasant people!
Home
We had a uneventful flight home, Ben was there to pick us up in his warm car & we spent the night in his warm house....thankful we had just missed 2 month of the worst winter in Michigan since 1950!
