Well, I drove for the first time in Guatemala City; a city of 4-5 million people & I think they all drive a car, especially from 6:30am to 5pm in the day! It is "in-cray-eebly" -so to speak in espanol. I pray very specific before going out on the street. God is gracious to have provided us a tank, such is the 1998 Toyota Landcruiser we drive, which has a cattle guard on the front bumper (no joke!). I am very grateful for it, except I kissed the gate while exiting onto the street for the first time (I forgot it stuck out somewhat on the side as well as the front!). You sit up very high in it; I like that a lot, and, when you are inching along, that cattle guard, when you get the nose of it in just an inch usually gets you in the rest of the way, so I act just like all the big dogs and get around very well. I have not been out on my own yet, but, I am sure that will come as I get more brave. Thanks for all your prayers for safety & protection.

Just wanted to announce the arrival of our newest grandchild

'Andrew Pete Bartley' - born Jan 07 '08 6:29am 6 lbs 12 oz 19 in We were out with our first team from the states, but the lady at the hotel let us use her computer to bring up the pictures - we are truly blessed!

First Team in Jocotenango, Guatemala

Our first work in Guatemala was in Jocotenango, a small village close to the church Mision Bautista Torre Fuerte of Antigua. It was a 13-member team from the Caroline Baptist Association in Arkansas. We worked all week visiting door to door, evangelizing, handing out tracts and inviting people to the church.

ILE Graduation 12/14/07

We arrived in Guatemala City on the 15th Sat & if we look happy, we are. As of now, we are staying in the Arkansas House until our crate arrives, we are told it should be here around the 1st of Jan), and we are able to get into the place we will be renting. Our first trip is the 5th of January, so not sure how that timeline will work yet. Believe it or not, it is cold here in Guatemala; colder than Costa Rica, because it is higher elevation, about 5,000 feet, compared to CR, which is 3,500 feet. Things are a little different here. Also, I think the people are, but I will find out as we become more acclamated.

Red Letter Day - Graduation Day at ILE - Just a few of our friends who graduated with us. Most are leaving for their assigned countries the next day. Praise the Lord for perseverence; it was His provision that kept & sustained us for the last 14 months.

Keith at graduation with his teachers - they are as happy as he is!