<html><body>Hello (or should I say "hola" ??)...just a note to our newsletter subscribers that our Mission Fiesta team has arrived in Guatemala. Gary, David, Retta, and I arrived on Thursday--our driver, Ernesto, met us at the airport. Our flight was uneventful (and that is a good thing!) and we even arrived a little earlier than scheduled. On Friday, Otto arrived to help us as we exchanged money into Guatemalan currency, then we were off to the market. We bought all of our chips, paper plates, napkins, cups, plastic forks and spoons, and trash bags for all of the fiestas as well as the basketballs and soccer balls that we plan to leave at the children's homes and schools. We also ordered all of the cakes, ice cream, and cheeseburgers that we will need while here and got them all paid for. Just like at home, all the prices have risen! But, fortunately, we plan a "cushion" amount to bring along with us so we will be fine. After that bit of business, we went to Rehoboth to retrieve the items that they keep for us during the year--coolers, knives for the cakes, scissors, tape, etc. We also managed to spend time with the children there. In the past year, they have also been accepting a few girls and they have a separate little home for them on the grounds. Some of them are siblings of the boys at the boys home, so it is good that some can remain together albeit in different houses.<br><br>Today (Saturday), we visited a feeding program in the oldest city in Guatemala, El Viejo. The program is run by a Christian lady we have met at her job here in Antigua, Mayra, and her parents, sister, and a few other people from their church. They provide transporatation for the children, teach a short Bible lesson, then feed them lunch on Saturdays before transporting them back home again. Most of the children are from the community, but not necessarily from their church. They have provided this service for nearly four years and it has developed into a good thing and helps to meet the needs of several children. There were 56 children there today as well as seven adults who cook, serve, and assist as needed. It is a needy area there, so we feel it is something we might like to consider in the future as we make our plans.<br><br>After we returned, we got a call that Janet, Hazel, Marina, and Orianna (Marina's daughter) had arrived at the airport. As I type this, they have just been brought to the hotel by Ernesto, so their trip has been a safe one. They will be here for two weeks. Our last volunteer, John, will arrive on June 15. He is still finishing his year at college and will have his last final on June 13. Pray for John during his finals and on his trip here on the 15th.<br><br>Thanks for the prayers and we ask that they continue as we do our work here. Particularly pray for good health, safety, and energy. We will try to keep you updated from time to time if possible.<br><br>Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,<br>Dan<br>Mission Fiesta News editor<br></body></html>