5-Jan-2003

            Just after the group left, my family decided to take a short vacation to rejuvenate for the new year.  The time was well spent for me too, even though it was not relaxation I needed, but quality time with my new family.  Sergio’s family came along too (Sergio is heavily involved in the ministry), his parents, brother and nephew, as well as two Guatemalans, Ellie and Beatrice.  So we were one big happy family!  The destination was Torre Molino Resort, where the Allans have a membership, an hour’s drive away but a totally different environment and landscape.  On the way, we quickly descended from the mountains and passed through a gateway of gargantuan volcanoes into much flatter land, abundant with sugar cane fields, palm trees, and heat.  The volcanoes are so tall they dominate the landscape many miles away, especially in a clear morning.  Volcan Fuego is particularly fascinating because it’s still active and a constant stream of smoke billows from its summit.  Down in the resort area were also plentiful boab trees, a very uniquely shaped tree I’ve only ever read about and longed to see.

            Torre Molino is pretty much a huge tract of land with a network of narrow straight roads stretched across, abundant with empty land.  It’s a lot like a little colony, gated off with tons of lots to own, and I think with plans for a big park one day.  But now it’s only a few houses, an occasional garden, and a small central resort area with several pools, a water slide, and a few bungalows for rent.  Our family took up two of them.  The bungalows are simple but nice, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen/dining area, and a huge covered porch.  The time not spent in the pool we were hanging out on the porches, listening to some great praise music (in English and Spanish) and eating.

            And boy was the food incredible!  These Guatemalans eat muy bien!  Every meal was a big deal.  My favorite part is the frijoles served with every single meal including breakfast (ie, mighty tasty refried black beans).  A typical breakfast also includes scrambled eggs and ham (not green, though) and heaps of toast.  They all like to laugh at me that I drink milk—they only use it for the cups and cups of coffee they drink.  We had a large variety of food for lunch and dinner, including grilled chicken and beef, lots of guacamole, chimole (what gringos call salsa—incredible), rice, and of course tortillas.  Guatemala also makes these muy rico (tasty!) flat sugar cookies, great for dipping in coffee (or milk!).

            I had a great time with my new big happy family!  They were all extremely welcoming to me, as well as eager to help me learn Spanish, which was a lot of fun!  ‘No usa English’ they would say!  I’ve made somewhat of friends with Ellie and Beatrice, at least as close as we can with so little communication.  Everything we did while on the trip we all did together—all to the pool, all to eat, all to pile in the back of the pickup for a short evening ride around the resort. 

Saturday afternoon we all piled in the blue van and headed to Puerto San Jose, a small town on the Pacific less than an hours drive toward an even flatter landscape.  The village was quite intriguing, only two main streets running parallel to the coast.  There was hardly enough room for the constant stream of cars going through, from the open food stands and small stores with Pepsi or Orange Crush signs protruding out into the street.  The town was alive with people everywhere, walking along, selling things, kids running every which way.  Hopefully I’ll get to go back someday because I didn’t get a chance for any pictures!  Finally, just before sunset we found a place to park in a small dirt church parking area adjoining the beach.  Several of the thatched roof dwellings and shelters from the street continued out onto the black volcanic sand almost to the ocean.  The Pacific was just as I’ve always experienced it (from Aus or CA), its monstrous waves crashing on the sand.  I intended just for a small dip in, but when I was knocked over anyway I just decided to go on all the in!  We only had a few minutes before le bonito sol sank its bright red head beyond the ocean horizon.  And yes, as I realized later that night, I have now finally seen the sun set on the ocean!  On the way back through town, we stopped to get some cocos frios, that is, cold coconuts with a hole poked in the top and a straw for drinking the milk.  Apparently this is somewhat of a common thing, because on the road home on Sunday we again got some at a street stand.

So the trip was an adventure!  At the fork in the road, the two families’ farewells were once again accompanied by a hug and kiss on the cheek.  I’m so grateful to have had that time to get closer to my new family and to experience some true Guatemalan culture and landscapes!  We all needed time to gear up for the new year.  And, mi amigo, it has begun!

 

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