A trip to the US

As we left the US last June, our granddaughter Kelse said, "If I get baptized this winter, will you come?".  My dear girl, of COURSE we will! And we did... last November/December. Brrr! No snow, but plenty cold!

It was a joy to see our sweet Kelse dedicate her life to Jehovah. She has grown up so much. She is taller than her mom (except in this photo where mom has on heels)! We're so proud of her - and the whole family! 

It was a relaxing trip this time. Last summer, it seemed we were constantly running from here to there, shopping, visiting etc. This time we ordered some things through Amazon to bring back, so less shopping, but since this was an 'extra' trip, it was much more mellow. We also got to go out in service with the family. 

We got to go to Iowa to see my sister Marilyn and Duane and Peter. We did see the Gonzales of course, the Rojas, Joy and Deo, Ron Valentine, Jen Klingensmith and her soon-to-be husband Brenton, and both the English and Spanish congregations, as well as the English assembly we attended. And  many more. I was sorry not to see Anita but hope to do so next time. I missed Margie too, but will catch her next summer. 

Jennifer Klingensmith with Brenton

As an update to an earlier post (Trouble In Pana 3 weeks ago), we visited Ismar and his wife who was so gravely injured. She is better. Her scars are healing, though she still has a visible bruise on her left arm, her vision is poor and her brain is still healing from the damage (being run into/over). She can't move her head much or quickly. She had plates put in her eye orbit. But slowly she is getting better. 

BUT it's so sooooo good to get back HOME to Pana. The light is so clear and inviting. The mountains and lake are peaceful. As we passed along in the back of the tuk (moto-taxi), I felt to good to see the little crowd at the gas station, the women making tortillas streetside. the women selling fruit, and another stand where she presses oranges to sell orange juice on the street. The storefronts where vendors crowd their colorful wares - blankets, pillow, clothes, purses. A woman leaning way forward with an infant placed on her back, as she wraps her shawl around her to carry her baby. The gaggle of people at the top of Santander, some in indigenous clothes, some in Western clothes. The corner where the policeman directs traffic (why buy a street light when you have a perfectly good policeman?). Walking, most everyone walking or possibly bicycling. Smiling, laughing. Talking with friends and neighbors.

Then we arrived at the Kingdom Hall and saw the happy gaggle of friends, all talking and laughing. Hugging, smiling. What a joyful family we have. 

We're home.