Mixed feelings

Written by Tim:

Hey everyone, sorry for not having written in a few days, we've been really busy again. The last couple of days have been very busy as we've been wrapping up and trying to get done everything that we can before we go. The Community Center will be nearly fully wired for electricity when we go tomorrow. Travis has finished plumbing in the showers as well, and a bunch of people in our group are busy mudding and sanding today as they finish the drywall.

Almost everyone has gone to El Gorreon today to work on the community center. I got a little ways there and realized that I was going to need to stay close to a bathroom today. As there are no bathrooms or running water in EG, I elected to stay behind and see if there was anything to do around here.

We're pretty mixed up about coming home. I think everyone is looking forward to that feeling of being in our own beds again, and I know I'm looking forward to some family time. But I think for the majority of us, we can honestly say we love it here. The people, the work, the food, it's all been so great! If my family were here with me, I might just stay! ;) Yesterday afternoon, after work we had a debriefing time with the Associate Director where he tried to help us make sense of the feelings we will have when we get home. Everyone has been a little somber since then, I think because it's hitting us, we're really going home! Last night I decided I should really start packing today and teared up a little! Believe me, NO ONE is more surprised than me - even you Sheena.

Last night we had dinners at our host families for the first time, something I actually wish that we had done at least once more. Will was hilarious with the kids, giving them airplane rides and stuff, it was pretty funny. Our whole family laughed for a good long time, now I'm going to miss these guys even more! It was great fun... I hope that's not why I'm sick!

Anyway, one more day. It's going to be hard to say goodbye. Pray that we finish well, God is doing some great things here in Magdalena and EG, we have been so thrilled to be a part of it and now that it's winding down I worry that there will be a temptation to slack a little. Our group is not of the kind of character to which I expect it, but I can see how it could happen. Pray for the emotions. There are several in the group who just don't even want to leave. And pray for safe travel, and that we make our connection in Houston where we have 1 hour to get through immigration and then re-enter security and somehow make it to our gate on time.

Thanks for reading, we'll see about a new post tonight from someone, but with our farewell banquet this evening we may not find the time. Talk to you soon!

Eyes Open

Written by: Tynnea

Lauren and I were back in the school in Magdalena today which was really great as we got to meet some of the kids who need sponsors, and hear some of their stories. As great as it is to hear about these amazing kids, it was also incredibly difficult to hear how much they struggle on a daily basis. We actually got the chance to do a home visit today to one of the families, and to be honest I had no idea what to expect. So to say the least, I was shocked when we arrived to find that their house, walls and roof, were made of tin, and the floor was just dirt. Immediately just walking in, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. So far, I hadn’t gotten a chance to really go to where the people were, they were always coming to us. And now I really understand why some of the other ministry sites, like social work, have been having such a hard time. While we were playing with the kids, I couldn’t help but look around, and try and think and imagine how more than 10 people lived in this tiny space that is smaller than my bedroom. That really hit hard.

The last week, I was really feeling encouraged, and like I was in a good place, and I was just seeing all the good around me. It’s not like I was ignoring the ugly, but I guess I just sort of accepted it. Today was a bit of a rough day for me. Seeing those kids, and the conditions they live in, and how somehow they trust in God so much that they’re still able to have a smile on their face, it just blows me away. I can honestly say that I wish that I could be like them sometimes. It’s very humbling.

Over a week has passed, and I can’t believe that in 4 more days we’ll be home. In many ways, I wish that I could stay here, and find a way to really change things and make a difference. I think there’s a part of all of us that wishes the same thing.

Dirty Laundry

Written by Jennifer.

It's now the second week and many of us are feeling the effects. Please pray for us as many are either physically or emotionally exhausted. Yesterday instead of our normal work day in El Gorrion the social work site went back to Antigua to the SI office to sort through clothing donations. It was really great to see that many donations were coming in, but it was less glamorous work than we would have liked. We had to sort through the clothes determining what was dirty (including undergarments and such) and then sort them in different categories. It was great that many clothes were donated, but it was hard for us to remember that we are serving God even with the tedious little tasks that we do. I know that many other groups were feeling similar emotions as some were twisting little wires for chicken coops and cutting paper for crafts. Please pray that we would be eager to serve in any way that is needed.

Thank you so much for your prayers and it's great to read your comments and know that we have tons of support back home.

Day 8 - A roof over their heads

Written by Will:

So, I have not blogged at all before today.the past few days have been amazing. for those of you who don't know, I am in social work in the tiny shanty town of El Gorion. meeting the people has definitely been an experience for me. today, Javier, Jen, and I just did home visits. It was really cool to meet some new people and get to know them a little deeper than beyond the surface. We also just helped by a pregnant lady buy some "Lamina", or tin roofing for her house, as it is being extended and she needed some. Much thanks to Ben and Jen for giving some money towards that project. Saturday and Sunday we were shopping in Antigua for most of the day both days. It was really exhausting having to barter for everything that you want to buy. Javier is like a complete machine. He would just say a number, and if they didn't go down to that number, he would just walk away and take his business elsewhere. I would just like to ask for prayer for the whole team that God would just give us strength for each day, and that he would help us to show compassion to the poor and needy around us. Peace :)

A Day at Elementary School in Magdalena

Written by: Lauren

Tynnea and I have had the privilege of working at a private Christian elementary school in Magdalena called Colegio Memorial Norma de Monroy alongside Students International staff: Rachel, Nivia & Abby . The school year runs from January to October and this year there are 75 students from kindergarten to grade six. Technically it is a private school but this mostly because more than half the students' tuition is mostly paid for through the SI child sponsorship program. Tuition pays for some materials and their navy blue & lime green uniforms.

Since our time here in Magdalena, Tynnea and I have spent 2 days at the school. Our first day we went around to three different classes to teach a Bible class on Zaccheus or Zaqueo in Spanish. Rachel read the story outloud and then we helped the children with a little paper craft. Our last class of the day was a grade 6 English class. In this class, Tynnea and I were interviewed by 3-4 students in English. They asked questions like "what is your name?", "what is your favourite colour?", "what is your favourite Bible verse?", etc.

Today, Tynnea and I spent our second day at the school. We didn't have any classes to teach. Instead we were asked to help watch the kindergarten class, which actually has a wide range of ages from 3-7, while their teacher met with all their parents to discuss the events on September 15, the equivalence of independence day here in Guatemala. I spent a lot of time pushing two girls, Sharoline & Ixi, on the swings. They were so adorable. Had their teacher not called them inside, they would have easily had me push them on the swings all day. A little girl named Sofia was captivated with Tynnea pretty much from the first moment we went outside to the very end of our playtime. When we were not busy playing with the kids outside, we were busy cutting up different Bible crafts for this week - a sheep craft for our lesson on Psalm 23 and a little soldier with different pieces of armor for our Ephesians 6 lesson.

The partnership that SI has with this school has been a really good thing for this community. Just last week I was able to witness all the sponsor kids receive glasses, of which the families only had to pay 20 Quetzales and the rest was paid for by SI. Each child has a different story but from what I know many of them come from families where there are many struggles. Please pray for these children. And if you are interested in learning more about sponsoring one or more of these children, I would love to give you some more information when I come back home.

Thank you as well for praying for us a team. There have been some really tough moments but through it all I know we will come back home challenged in our faith and changed as people.

Buenos tardes from Guatemala!!! =)

One Week Gone, One Week To Go

Written By Grant:

So...sorry it took so long to write, that's somewhat due to much procrastination and games of scum and crib which happens almost every evening. So overall I have been doing pretty good, Javier, Ben and I are in the same house together which has been really fun! It has proved very useful to have Javier in the house, he gets to do a lot of translating for us, but were getting better. I find that I'm getting a little better each day at Spanish, but it's still hard for me to converse with people, which would be awesome to do! Over the past week, though, we have successfully taught our Guatefamily how to play go fish and 10,000. It's been cool getting to know them and getting a better understanding of their culture.

So yesterday we got to go to church which was an amazing experience! It was so...alive, and everyone was involved. There was a sweet worship band including marimba which was really good, especially because they don't even practice. We got to go up and do our own worship songs in English which was cool! It was definitely a sweet church experience! We also got to go to the market in Antigua for the second time, and went to McDonald's to get a triple bacon cheeseburger! So with much aid from Javier in bartering, I got a lot of stuff, including a MACHETE!!! Definitely had some fun, chill times on the weekend!

So from a different perspective, this trip has been very eye opening. Seeing the living conditions of the people through the agriculture ministry or even just living in there homes, really has brought a whole new appreciation for what I have back home. Some days have definitely been tough just seeing the poverty of some families, you just wish you do more rather than just come by, immunize some animals, then head off. But I guess every little thing we do, even just a smile can positively affect others. It's good to know that we are making a difference, each one of us in our own ministry sites doing God's work.

So (because I feel like starting all my paragraphs with so) Braden and I have been doing some cool stuff in the agriculture site. After many immunizations and a castration, we spent a few days building a chicken coop which we finished today. It's cool because the way this works is that we build it for families with not much income, get them chickens which they feed until their big enough, then sell them for money. It's sustainable because new chickens can be born so really there is a consistent income which is good for some of these families with little money.

So now there is only one week left :( actually only 4 days left! Really I speak for all of us when I say, I'm going to give it my all and serve God and these awesome people to the best of my ability, no matter what he throws my way, this is all about God and loving people!

Talk to all of you guys later ~ Grant (Ding, because my Guatefamily can't pronounce my name)

Day 7 - No idea

Written by Braden:

Wow! After two full days and an hour, Grant, Mario and I finished our first chicken coop. It isn't a five star hotel, but it beats having nothing, and I bet the chickens won't mind. The past couple of days have been very interesting. For the weekend we went down the very large hill to the more urban town of Antigua. There were many marketplaces and hundreds of different stalls, each with their own special thing to offer. Don't worry mom, I didn't spend all of my money, I saved some to buy you some coffee.

Church yesterday was a different, but very entertaining. Everyone in the whole church would clap for the entire 13 minute songs. The marimba definitely added a different appeal to the music, and although we had no idea what the words were for the songs the atmosphere of praise was exuberant. It is cool to see how much the people of the community praise even though they have almost nothing. I can't imagine how I would be if I, or anyone else from North American culture were stuck in the same situation as them. Many with no clean water to drink, and barely enough money to buy beans and rice for their family. Their love for got is amazing.

The plan for the next 2 days is to go around and immunize animals on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, we get another special treat. We get to castrate a 200lb pig. don't you just love it! we are trying to convince Tim to come along for that one and take some pictures so you guys can get the whole castration experience. Wish us luck!!

~Brain

Some pics for you

Worship on the first day in Pastor

Mario's guest house. Jenn and Tynnea are staying here. Every morning we meet for a time of worship, prayer and Bible study before we head out to our ministry sites.

This is Cafe Mi Cafecito (Cafecito). We eat most of our dinners here and occasionally a lunch as well. The title of this blog came from an argument some of us were having over our favourite drink from Cafecito. Was it Limonade Y Agua or Limonade Con Agua? Turns out it is the Con Agua, but hey, the name works, right?

Here is Travis and the Appropriate Technology team. On day one their job was to clean the water filters that SI has placed in several homes in El Gorreon. This work is incredibly important as El Gorreon has no clean water and relies desperately on the filters. However, they do require frequent servicing and there is no one to do it on a regular basis.

The Social Work team helps out these two boys (Fernando and Jensar) with physical therapy. They both have muscular dystrophy and SI paid for them to have some surgeries so that they can have mobility and as normal a life as possible.

Day 7 - Back to work!

Written by Tim:

Hey everyone! Sorry we haven't had time the last few days to post anything new. We will try hard to get some new stuff up today (from everyone else, not me!).

We just had a very fun, very busy weekend. On Saturday morning we were up bright and early for a day in Antigua at the market. On the way we stopped at the music and coffee museum. I know, a strange combination, but still quite good! We were taken through a coffee plantation and shown coffee from a seedling all the way through to the roasted beans. We walked on the drying patios and smelled freshly picked, dried and roasted coffee. If not for the rest of the team I may never have left that room. Then they took us through the gift shop where we all bought some presents that we would later regret for reasons which will soon become apparent.

After the coffee tour - oh yeah, there was something about music too... We went into Antigua for lunch and then the market. Okay, lunch at McDonalds. You HAVE to ask us to see our pictures of McDonalds. For lunch it was pretty standard fare. But later on in the day when we were all tired of walking and bartering, we would take breaks in the McCafe - where, among other things, they serve a very tasty cheesecake and fine coffees for you to consume while browsing on the McInternet wireless. In fact, if it weren't for the tacky Ronald McDonald sitting in the middle of the spacious and beautiful COURTYARD, we would not have believed it was still McDonalds.

Now the market. Most of us were pretty nervous about the whole bartering process - you know, 'I don't want to be rude' or 'I'm trying to be respectful,' that type of thing. Well, we learned quickly enough that bartering is fun for both the buyer and the seller. Of the 12 of us, which one would you think is the toughest barterer (is that a word?)? How many of you said Javier? Cause you are right. That guy is a machine!! He got me a blanket that the vendor said was Q280 (approx. $35US) for Q125 (approx. $15US)! And that wasn't the best deal he got! The market is funny, because everyone has the same stuff even the same stuff as the coffee gift shop... but it all varies in price so much! I bought my son a soccer jersey for Q40 that the guy started off at Q85 for, but some of the other vendors would ask for Q120 for the same thing. So, those of us who bought things at the gift shop all learned a bit of a lesson in patience - i.e. the hot chocolate that I bought in the gift shop for $5US would have cost me right around Q20 or $3.50US in the market. I'm a low example because that's all I bought, but others bought more.

So anyway, we spent Saturday in the market, had dinner at SI's Guatemala Field Director's house and got home in time for bed. Sunday, we had church - the coolest experience! They had us lead a few songs (ALL of us) for the church on guitar, but before we got up they had about an hour of singing to the Marimbas, drums, and two trumpets - such great music! And for those who think that our church can be loud! Well, you ain't seen nothing! We could hear the music all the way from Pastor Mario's house (which is where we have all of our meetings). One of SI's staff translated the message for us. How humbling to hear a Pastor in such a poor community chastising the people for their lack of giving to Missions when we live such a blessed life and our missionaries can't make ends meet.

After lunch at the Cafecito we went back to Antigua for the afternoon, it was fun but we were worn out. After dinner, we played some cards together and sauntered off to bed. I think most of us are glad to get back to the ministry sites again today. Another day off might just have done us in!

Please continue to pray for us as we interact with our host families - some are Christian but most are not. The language is coming slowly for most of us. But we were reminded this morning to keep on knocking on God's door with our requests, so please continue to pray for the language. Also pray for health. No one has gotten too sick yet, but we're all getting worn down and starting to feel weary.

Talk to you soon!

Day 5 - And today we walk!

Written by Tim:

Hey everyone, so I just sent everyone back to their host homes for the evening. We have had a very blessed time. Tonight was our mid-outreach debrief. We sat together for a while and shared about our ministry experiences and then prayed for each other. I'm not gonna lie, there were many a tear shed tonight.

God has been so present to us in all of this. I've had the unique experience of being what is called the 'rotating leader' which means that I can spend a day in whatever site I want to visit. Well, the first day I jumped in to the Social Work site with Javier, Jenn and Will. My heart has been there ever since. It's so hard to see the living conditions in El Gorreon. We are living and doing lots of work in Magdalena which itself is quite poor. But compared to El Gorreon, Magdalena is Vancouver. The big difference? Water. Magdalena has fresh water - aqua pura - and the Gorreon does not. My heart hurts with the depth of need in EG.

Although we have had a lot of work to do, the SI team has also planned a few things for us for when we have time off. Today we hiked up the Ecological Park above Magdalena. Basically this was 1 hour zigzagging up the mountain through quite dense forest. For many of us this came minutes after returning from EG which is a 20-30 minute walk uphill! It was lots of fun, but after talking tonight, I think that will be a more powerful memory.

Please continue to pray for us. Many in our group are feeling like they aren't doing enough - we all come back from our job sites and talk to each other and have these great stories, but a couple have not yet experienced that. Some of us are feeling the Spanish frustration acutely, we often sit and listen to whats happening in our job sites without being able to say anything to help. And I think that God has lit a fire in many of us for Missions. To hear people talk tonight and cry over the people they have met was such a blessing, God is shaping in us a heart for the poor. Pray that we would continue to allow him to work in us.

Tomorrow we head into Antigua for the day. We have time to shop and explore as well as we are touring a coffee plantation (guess who's the most excited about that?), it will be a full day and we are looking forward to the time to recharge our emotional batteries.

Thanks for following our stories every day. Tomorrow hopefully we'll have some more time (we were running all day today) and some of the students will be able to blog again. See you soon!

Day 4 - Health Care Site

Written by Heather:

Buenos noches friends and family!

Today is day number four in our Guatemala adventure.

Yesterday, I was able to take part in what goes on in the health clinic in our town of Magdalena. The clinic is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and is in much demand by the people. The clinic is compromised of three rooms; the waiting room which holds a small wooden table and a few plastic chairs, the back room in which the patients walk through to go see the doctor, followed by the exam room. What I've come to understand here is that everything is on a much smaller and more humble basis.

My morning started off with a prayer amongst myself, the SI nurse, two SI volunteers, the doctor, and the receptionist/nurse. I am not in a place at this point in which I can pray in Spanish, but it is something to aspire to. Next we went into the exam room and took a seat. I would say that we had approximately ten patients from nine until about noon. The majority of these patients are women with the main diagnosis related to a gastrointestinal issue and the other of UTIs. What I have been able to do is take patients blood pressure, blood sugar, test urine samples, and distribute medication into bags for the patients.

One thing that I have really had to remind myself is that God calls us to be faithful. We are here in Guatemala to give to those who we are serving, instead of looking to take what we can for ourselves.

Today, being Thursday, we went to work at the clinic in a small village 20-30 mins outside outside of Magdalena called El Gorrion. In comparison to Magdalena, El Gorrion is much more rustic I guess you could say. SI rents out a building in both Magdalena and El Gorrion to have as a clinic, and it is run by Dr. Racquel.

I found today to be quite a bit more challenging as I did not have someone to interpret what the doctor and patient were saying to each other. I was however able to pick out a few distinguishing words that kinda-sorta helped.. I was blessed today to be able to meet quite a few of the children that live in El Gorrion as they or their mothers were being examined. It is incredible to me how simple it can be to interact and become friends with a child :)

After each patient finished with the doctor, we asked if they would like to be prayed for. In partnership with the Social Work team, we joined together to learn more about these patients and their needs for prayer. It was incredible to learn about these patients and their needs. The majority of the patients that agreed to stay for prayer were very open with us about their lives and appreciated being prayed for. I am beginning to see how God is working and moving amongst the people in our location in Guatemala. I am excited to see what tomorrow brings.

Much love :)

A New Day

Written by Tynnea:

So today was our second day at our ministry sites, and Lauren and I got a chance to work with some women on the education site. Normally, we work in the schools with younger kids, teaching Bible lessons and English. But on Thursdays and Fridays literacy classes are available for women who didn't really get a chance at an education when they were younger.

During the first class of two, I got the chance to work with an older woman who didn't speak any English, and was just learning to read and write in Spanish. At the beginning of every class, they start by copying out a Bible verse in Spanish, and then reading it out. After that we went through flash cards of simple everyday words, and practiced writing them. It really hit me how much we take for granted. Simple things like reading and writing. In Guatemala it's not a right to be given an education, it's a rare opportunity in some cases. Seeing these beautiful women come today and trying so hard is incredibly encouraging. Even the younger kids are amazing. going through the lessons, there wasn't a single complaint, and it was such a shock. Lauren and I were talking about it later and we couldn't believe it. It really makes you think about what's important, and all the things we continually see as hard or difficult. Sometimes I really think we have no idea. I love being able to work with all of these people.

I'm really excited for the next week, and all of the experiences yet to come. It is definitely difficult to see some of things that go on, but it's also challenging in a good way. All of the sites that we've been going to have opened everyone's eyes in a different way, and as hard as it is, I know that we can all see God at work here. It truly is incredible.

Castration 101

Written by Grant and Braden:

Today we went on our first adventure with Mario the local pastor in the field of agriculture. our conquest of epic proportions began at 9:00am from Mario's house. The day started off very quickly when we stepped outside only to find a horse and a cow waiting there for us. Whilst everyone stared we began to measure out vaccines and restrain the animals. After a few vaccinations we were on our way to the first house where we would castrate a bull. Yes....castrate a bull. surprise! If you would like a detailed explanation continue reading, if not....(Colleen Job) then skip to the next paragraph. Enjoy! We began by tying the bull to a post and flipping it on it's side after Mario decided to check the size of the testes. The legs were then tied and Grant used a tool to hold the bulls nose while Braden (me) harmlessly knelt upon the side of the creature. whilst all of this is taking place the bull decided to let out some gas and occasionally a small brick of feces exploded from the rectum. With endless mooing, Mario cleaned the scrotum and pulled out his pocket knife.... yup a pocket knife. With a few quick slices the scrotum was torn from the bull. Mario, upon noticing that the scrotum looks like a mustache... promptly placed it up to the bridge of his nose for a picture. After the brief photo-op he began to pull the fist sized testes from the scrotum of the bull. With blood gushing and the excessive mooing the castration was compete. After the application of some medicine, the cow was set on it's way. Yay! It's over, but wait there is more....... Mario proceeded to explain to the owner of the bull how large the testicles of the bull were whilst playing with the vas-deferens and stroking the testes. how lovely! A couple more pictures later and we were actually done. Overall, this experience was very life changing and I will now, not any different than before, never want to be castrated. haha.

For those of you who skipped over the fun it was castrated on the ground. After that we continued to drive around town to people's houses and injected various animals such as pigs, cows and horses. At the end of the day we immunized a total of 33 animals, and had a lot of fun.

Day 3 - First day of ministry sites

Written by Jennifer:

Today we left early in the morning and headed to our ministry sites. Tim, Javier, Will and I started a 20 minute walk down the hill to a town with a name that translates literally as Community of August 11th. Coincidently today is August 11th so school was out and balloons were hung on the doorway to celebrate the anniversary. This community, more commonly known as El Gorrion, is only about 10 years old as this group of people moved to this area after their previous town on another hillside was engulfed by a mudslide. El Gorrion has no water supply and no sewage. Water is either collected from the rain or carried from the next town. The toilets are just deep holes in the ground.

Specifically, our ministry group worked with a social worker and went around the community talking with the people. Many women invited us into their homes and told us their stories. The living conditions in this town are very poor. Many families are struggling to get by. The women told us about the issues they are facing. Several families had children with medical issues or disabilities. These mothers are doing their best to give their children proper care although it is either difficult or impossible for them to afford. In some of these situations, child sponsorship is the only way these children are able to go to school or receive glasses or life saving medications. Please pray for the families of El Gorrion as they continue to face many stuggles.

The way of life in this town is entirely different from home and what I'm used to. Some of the sights we encountered were so surprising. In one of the homes that we entered the children greeted us with chickens' feet in their hands. These two year old twins were playing with the feet and sticking them in their mouths. So weird. After talking with the mother for a bit we played with the boys. I am pretty sure I have chicken feet-ness all over my face. Cool. There are also so many dogs that run around freely here. Many of them are so thin and some walk around with broken or hurt legs. On the way home from our work site we saw a dog tearing open a diaper. It was pretty nasty.

I think for me this lifestyle is so different. It feels like a separate world from my everyday life. It is so interesting to go into these homes of families that are so impoverished. One of the ladies gave us her perspective on life. She said you just need to laugh at things, otherwise life becomes unbearable. As I apply this to our culture I begin to wonder why we worry about our lives so much. The struggles we face seem incomparable to what I have encountered here. Perhaps we build up our struggles much too much. These women face many great challenges, but in the end all they can say is "God loves me and will take care of me and my family". I think I need to trust God more in difficult situations even if I believe I can work them out myself. I wonder what it would be like to come to a point where I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel, where I don't have much hope that I can progress my situation. I wonder what it would be like to encounter this and only have hope that comes from someone greater than I.

Here we are!

Written by Tim:

So, here we are on Day 2 of our outreach with Students International. So far we have had a lot of fun and tomorrow the real work begins. At 7:00am tomorrow we meet for a time of praise, worship and prayer before being sent off to our worksites. Our team will be spread out over 6 sites for the next couple of weeks.

Although it's been a lot of fun, I also have personally found it a little frustrating trying to communicate with our host home. They have been very generous with us, but it's hard to have any real conversation even though we are trying. Will and I are in a home with 3 young boys - los patojos - and thankfully Uno transcends language! Unfortunately Alejandro (the 5 year old) cleaned our clocks!

So for those of you wondering, we are based in a small town called Magdalena. Some of our work teams are right here, others are about about a 20 minute walk from us in El Gorreon. I was given a schedule yesterday and we are going to be busy, but it should be a lot of fun!

Hopes are that every night we can come down here and someone will update the blog - not me. Please check back!