Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Guatemala - Day 1

Left for Guatemala today (Monday Dec 1st), the first hurdle of the trip was at the continental airlines check in. Rick (Fyi- Rick and Ann my travel partners / fellow team members for the trip)was informed that there was currently and embargo on Guatemala and that under no circumstances could we bring in more than 2 pieces of luggage, not even to pay more for the luggage. The only way was to have “elite” status, Rick kindly asked the attendant to simply give us elite status, that didn’t even receive a smile from the attendant. This new info was particularly troublesome as we had a large keyboard with us to take and leave for use in Guatemala, after a quick trip back to the car and we were back in line to get checked in.

Customs went fine, upon learning that this was my first passport and first international trip the customs agent allowed me to stamp my own passport, the way he treated it you could tell it was not the regular practice. After further conversation about how under staffed the boarder guard was and the long hours of overtime he had to work he let us in.

We had just enough time for an extremely over priced sandwich before proceeding to boarding.




That’s when the real fun began, you see, I’m not a seasoned traveler, thus the first passport in my life. Sure I’ve flown before, but generally not more than Ontario to Winnipeg and back (family visits) no more than a 2 hours flight. So when I learned that our two flights today (Toronto to Huston then on to Guatemala city) were 3 hours plus, I was super excited, I thought, finally a big jet bigger than the entire West Jet fleet, Movies or at least the discovery channel on satellite TV.

So when I rounded the corner from boarding and saw our “ride” to Huston, I just about jumped out of my skin and out came from my mouth, “what the heck is that?.... that’s not what I signed up for!”

There before me on the tarmac up a portable flight of stairs was a continental express jet. In truth it looked like a mental arrow with 2 jet engines strapped on where the feathers normally would be. Much Much smaller than I had ever ridden on before.

Climbing the stairs to the door, I realized I couldn’t even stand straight up and walk thru the door. I quickly turned around to Ann and said, “I don’t even fit in this thing”.



Upon which the flight attendant, the only flight attendant (no room for others) said, just tilt your head to the left. I did and proceeded to make my way down the isle.

Now looking for row 18 on any other flight wouldn’t be that far to travel, however on this plane it was the second last seat, 18A. Sometimes I worry when on a plane about those I’m sitting beside, due to, well, I’m not exactly the smallest guy on the plane and let’s say I need a bit more elbow room. Not to worry on this flight. Turns out that 18A is the only seat on that side of the plane, Told you it was small. On the other side was B and C, and that’s it for a row.

All totaled the plane had 57 passengers, one attendant and I guess some pilots although I never saw them. So to put it into perspective, that’s the size of the bus that my daughters grade 8 class took on its trip to Quebec City. So basically I’m in a flying greyhound bus without a TV.

Between reading, writing, praying and nibbling on the snacks provided the flight went well. Part of my reading today was from Bill Hybels book, Holy Discontent. Basic theme in the book so far.
What has God planted in your heart that you cant’ stand and need to do something about?” In particular I read a chapter that reminded me why God doesn’t just whisk us off to heaven to be with him as soon as we accept Christ as our savior and Lord of our lives. Ephesians 2:10, He has created us for good works. That’s our mission, that’s MY mission. So as this journey start, my prayer is that God will continue to reveal to me (and you) the Good works he has for us to accomplish in His name, for His purpose and for His glory.

Bye for now.

Update later that same night......


We landed in Guatemala City about 30 minutes late (11:40pm) And guess who's luggage didn't make it to Guatemala? You guessed it, Mine! well that is not entirely true, one bag made it, the one with the items to be given to the children here, school supplies, craft supplies, a walker etc... The one that didn't make it had my clothes, toiletries, towels and other essentials that I will not mention.


While the attendant at the air port was nice, they were unsuccessful in tracking down my bag. They took a report and sent us on our way.


About a 20 minute drive later and Rudy and Sully (CH directors in Guatemala) bring us to Christian Horizons Guatemala. but first our journey took us down dark and deserted streets lined with brick walls with barbed wire protecting businesses and homes alike. Needless to say I can't wait to see Guatemala in the light of day.


Good Night!

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