I know, it HAS been a long time since we’ve updated this blog, so I’ll try and send it out individually.  We have enjoyed the fellowship with three other families of new missionaries also doing some language training here in Antigua.  Our understanding of Spanish is progressing better than I’d thought, and will greatly expand and increase our ability to minister…duh!

We have a small apartment about 30 minutes quick walk from our school,,and it is helping keep us fit.  The apartment is very unique, and is underground, so we cannot get cell phone signal.  Also, they haven’t perfected plumbing in an underground situation, so it’s a real trick to produce a successful flush.  

It has been a blessing to be able to see our grandson, Peter, on the web cam weekly.  Sometimes he’s even awake! 

A friend here had some observations I’d like to share and add to…so…

Some things you don’t see everyday in the USA>>>>  People sweep the dirt paths or floors with brooms.  And they water down the dirt and streets.  You can use a machete for anything: cutting the grass, as a hedge trimmer, cutting one’s fingernails, preparing dinner, etc.  There are men with guns for security everywhere: outside of pizza hut, in all parking lots, every business, walking the streets, etc.  Who knows if the guns even work? The open market is an interesting spot. Live chickens are for sale, right beside the huge bowl of pig fat, the meat hangs out in the unrefrigerated open air and along with wonderful, colorful fruits and vegetables.  Children, crippled people, and old people openly beg in the streets of Antigua.  Men lay in the streets passed out from alcohol consumption or something…  In our neighborhood there is an interesting combination of inhabitants, like no neighborhood in the States.  Next door to us is a beautiful house selling for $350,000 (behind a huge fence so that you cannot see), two lots down lives a family in a metal shack with at least 3 children.  Down around the corner is an open lot with a couple of horses tied to ropes and a colt hanging around.  The owner (yet unseen by us) moves the horses from time to time to different open lots within the subdivision.  There are at least two tiendas (shops) with household & food goods for sale; and businesses along side homes, for example a mechanics shop.  Motorcycles carry entire families and the tools for business (we’ve seen: ladders, planks, iron re-bar, pvc pipe, propane tanks, and I’ve even seen a hot water heater!).  Whatever, you do, unless you have a death wish, don’t get on a “chicken bus” to travel.  It’s always a scary encounter when you are driving and one of these sees how close they can get to your back bumper.  The drivers are crazy and there are many accidents.  Yet, most people rely on this mode of transportation to get around.  Considering all of this and much, much more, we find the people very lovely and generally are patient and will discuss things of spiritual nature as we struggle with the language.      

.  You will just have to come see it to believe it, and we hope you guys can. 

It’s time for a quick breakfast, then to put on the walking shoes, put our memory cands in our pockets, and head out to school.  If I only had a lunchbox…

Blessing to you all.  Thank you for your faithfulness. It means a lot!  Niel & Diana