We spent Christmas in OK and Thanksgiving this past year, both times I was sick. Now this is Jan & Keith & I both have had bronchitis - I really think we are allergic to the cold. We experienced the 'worst snowstorm of the century' in OK and TN does not seem to be far behind in that. Needless to say, we have done much travel from VA to OK in the last 3 months. The picture is a Willow Tree creech that Mel had in her dining room for Christmas.

We landed 8:30pm Mon the 26th of Oct & the picture you see is what fall looks like in NE TN this time of year - we haven't seen this in 4 years. It is beginning to feel colder, especially when the sun does not shine. We have been to see our youngest son in VA & in 2 weeks, we will be off to see our oldest in OK. The benefit is that the grandestchildren in the world are there; if you know what I mean.

See our Countdown Clock below for the time we fly out of Guatemala back to the States. Now we are in the process of doctor's appointments and packing for clearance. Our stay has been a great experience & blessing because of the people here; we will truly miss the friends we have made that feel like family. The LORD has been very gracious to us & we are thankful & sad at the same time, but we know we will see them again. We are greatly anticipating what God has in store for us.

Myspace Countdowns, Autumn Countdowns at WishAFriend.com

Arkansas Team 08/01-08/09

This team from The Church at Crossgate Center in Hot Springs, ARK worked 3 different areas and probably experienced more culture than any of the other teams we have had. Mon & Tues was spent in Santa Domingo Xanacoj, where they saw the Fiesta de la Ciudad celebrating their saint, mixed with some Mayan tradition. Then on Wed & Thurs they visited homes in Santa Catarina Barahona and San Antonio, Aguas Calientes where they partook in savoring some typical Guatemalan dishes. Their use of the salvation bracelet was quite a hit in all the places and we had just an all around good time & good weather with great food & fellowship. The Lord is good & worthy of all praise! Thanks ARK team for coming & sharing!

This team worked in San Felipe, close to Antigua July 26 through July 30th; they enjoyed fellowship with the church members as they climbed up and down the hills of this little village (although they would not use the term 'little' when the day was done). We appreciate their labor of love and especially the attitude they presented for the whole week of work. We enjoyed their company and God gave the increase; to Him belongs all the glory!

FOURTH OF JULY in Guate was spent at a Prayer Retreat in San Jose, about 2 hrs from Guatemala City. We had a great time of worship & praise & some relaxation at this particular hotel on the beach. Actually, you had to walk about 1/4 of a mile to get to the beach. Guate beaches are black sand and very rough waves. It was a good time of fellowship with many of the missionaries we normally do not see but once or twice a year. Just an UPDATE for those of you who regularly pray for us: We are still planning on our stateside for 6 months, beginning Oct 26 until sometime in May, 2010 and then Panama; at least that has been our last notice from IMB & so we appreciate your prayers for what we need to accomplish in being back in the good ole US of A!