Just a few tidbits after Spencer's post

One of the things that is really fascinating around Atitlan is that many of the men still wear the tipico traeje (traditional clothes). Now, while the weather is cooler they wear pants under the skirts, but in hot seasons their legs are bare below the skirts. Here in Quetzaltenango and in most areas we have visited it is only the women who wear the tipico traeje. There is a fascinating variety in the clothing, even among the women. One stop we made (where Spencer stayed in the tuk-tuk, rather than go in) was for a shrine for Mayan deity. Not all are truly converted to Christianity yet. He is a wooden, carved statue with a big cigar in his mouth. There are two replicas in other parts of Guatemala. He is rotated each year between nine families. In the same room there is a glass coffin to honor Christian heroes. Interesting. And out back lots of men were gathered to drink a homemade alcohol all as part of this festival. Boy did I feel like I stepped back many hundreds of years! In Santiago we found they used pickups as "people movers" and men carried wood on their backs, just as we have seen in other parts of the country. We found the trip to be relaxing and nice. My abdominal pain held off most of the time we were there--but not all of it (unfortunately). But I am beginning to have more good days than bad days, so that is always good--I'll take all of the good days I can get and feel grateful for them. This afternoon we will be helping prepare the temple to open tomorrow. Then it is back to our normal routine. I'm not sure what we will do for pictures for the blog in the future. Hmmm.... Stayed tuned and you can find out. I love the work here. It is wonderful to serve the Lord and to serve His children--on both sides of the veil. We appreciate the love and support and especially the prayers you offer in our behalf. I especially appreciate those who have made the effort to keep my name(our names) on the prayer roll of the various temples. Prayers make a big difference. As much as I love this mission, all of the health issues have made it very challenging at times. But I know I'm where the Lord wants me to be.