After the sun sets in Guatemala the stars come out and make for a striking display of God's shinning handiwork like diamonds against a velvet black drop. I spent an evening lying by the water stargazing. Saw a couple shooting stars and almost fell asleep with the relaxing lullabye of the waves. I slept soundly in my room after that, careful to keep any excess lights off--outside my room the moths and other bugs were gigantic!
The next day I took a long tour of the lake towns with my new friends Jin and Christian. Met up with Victor and Derek later that day for a late lunch and some shopping. Linnea recommended buying my gifts here in Pana and she was so right--great selection and prices. Though I have to say that everywhere was reasonable even cheap by our standards. I tried to buy something at each town just to help the economy in each place a little. Thanks to the boys for seeing me safely to the dock to catch a launcha back to my hotel and snap my favorite picture of my trip--sunset on the lake. They really should've stayed in my hotel too.
The ride back to Antigua was just as rollercoaster stomach dropping winding speed, as the ride from Xela, but it was more lovely. The reason I bring wintergreen lifesavers on every trip is for times like these when you need to calm that queasy stomach.
The views of this volcano ringed lake were amazing! Since there were only 3 passengers on the shuttle minibus, our driver stopped at a scenic overlook so we could take pictures. Really I think I am standing on someone's roof as I had to climb the guard rail to get this picture. A few hours rest as we could each stretch out and sleep on the seats and I am back to Antigua. Alas, I never get to see Amie in Guatemala but being able to call her by cell phone was such a blessing. It was some how very comforting to know I had friends in this country where I was traveling alone at times. God is good. I get to meet up with Victor and Derek again for a Sunday meal in the square. And yes, we ate from the carts and it was wonderful and we did not get sick--yay for asian stomachs! And so ends my language learning trip to replace my trip to Taiwan to see my grandmother. I wasn't sure then but it proved to be the last opportunity I had to see her on earth as she passed into the arms of Jesus this December. Though I am sad that she is gone, my trip to Guatemala was absolutely perfect there can be no doubt that God's hand was in it too and I was supposed to be there at that time. I'm not sure why it happened this way, but it was important for me to see God at work providing for my every need. My journey goes on, and my grandmother's begins anew. Looking forward to seeing her in eternity where the beauty of these photos will pale in comparison to the Lamb of God.
