The iconic landmark of Antigua!
Our Guatemalan concert tour last month was unforgettable in so many ways! Pictures can’t communicate the love, friendship, hospitality and sacrifice that was extended to us by these dear people – now friends. Our team leader, missionary TJ Hanken with Resourcing NOW, was a phenomenal partner to work with. We were so grateful for his knowledge of the country, language, and customs, not to mention his incredible driving and navigation skills as we bumped all over the country, from mountain switchbacks to inner city backroads. We did 20 performances in 11 days, and though almost half of us came down with a really nasty sickness from bacteria, we didn’t miss a single concert! We praise God for His protection, provision, answered prayers, and undeserved blessings that were evident on every side!
Relive the journey with us through these snapshots captured along the way
The view from our last host home in Guatemala City. So many wonderful people that love the Lord in every corner of the country!
Look before you enter this two way street or you might end up making an unexpected new aquaintance up close!
Silas and a new friend after our concert at this boy's school.
Special thanks to Pastor Manuel (pictured here with the team and his daughter Bella)! It was a joy to get to know you.
We so appreciated our translator, Stanley Romero. From introducing us to candied whole figs and teaching us a little Spanish, to translating our concerts, we had a great time together!
Backing into a church courtyard to unload. Our team leader, TJ Hanken, was a master of maneurvering into tight spaces.
The Guatemalan churches were delighted to share their music with us in return! Here Laura was invited up to try her hand with the marimba ensemble!
Setting up for a concert (at Pastor Manuel’s church) for kids sponsored through the Compassion International program. This concert was near and dear to us, as we have sponsored kids through Compassion for years. It was really neat to hear firsthand of the impact made for Christ through this ministry.
The church choirs were such a blessing as they sung from the heart in praise to the Lord.
Dad introduces a fellow acoustic bassist to his electric bass!
Things they don’t teach you in driver’s ed: what to do when a petroleum truck starts rolling back towards you.
Fresh goat milk - milked on the spot while you wait!
A popular mode of transportation. Cyclists would zip in and around traffic trying to "thread the needle" through the traffic jams.
The kids were so precious!
Abigail giving a masterclass at a music conservatory.
Messing around having a blast! We didn't speak Spanish, but we still found ways to communicate and laugh together!
Cobblestone streets. Just be sure to skip the high heels!
Street view
"Brake break"...pulled over to check navigation and give our hot 'n' soft brakes a chance to cool off from all the mountain driving.
Reality in the jungle – praying our gas doesn’t run out as we travel to yet another concert.
Assisting TJ with setting up his thousands of books for distribution at the Intermissions Conference! Check out Resourcing NOW on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResourcingNow
Visiting with the dear ladies that prepared one of our meals. The Guatemalans were so generous and treated us like royalty.
Delicious Rosa de Jamaica tea!
His church was surrounded by fields of coffee beans that are harvested by hand.
When the laundromat choices are a self-service “sink-o-mat” at the hotel or the local “rock-n-river" options...
Nothing like waking up to an incredible view!
So many smiles even though the power failed periodically during this concert!
Sharing God's truth.
Stunning beauty on one hand...
Bridge out! Looks like a detour is in order. Thankfully we did find our concert venue - a soccer field with five churches waiting for us!
A country church we performed in.
The hotel parrot thought TJ was tasty, but maybe a mite too tough...
We were able to snatch a few moments this morning, down on the docks of Panajachel, to film a few shots for a music video!
Morning jungle hike at the Quetzal Bird Sanctuary.
Homemade tortillas!
We were grateful for everyone who kept us fed. Out in the jungle where we often performed, there aren't fast food options available.
This pastor had puppies!
This church will always be memorable to me, holding the record (for now) of the most howling (from canine voices) that has ever serenaded us!
A cool treat between concerts on a warm day in Central America.
New friends
The ruins of a cathedral that was destroyed by earthquake.
but great need everywhere.
We were so touched by the testimony of the gentleman in the green. He found a baby that had been left in a field to die, and he and his wife have adopted and are raising that child as their own.
Backyard farming!
A man in traditional Mayan dress.
Dogs were everywhere! This one is napping outside our hotel.
Hanging out at the Guatemalan airport as we wait for our flight home. Boy, were we ever glad we got there early, as the line soon stretched all the way to the double doors!
Adios, Guatemala, till next time!