JANUARY, 2018. STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES!

Well, i am here, safe and sound.  

Flights were excellent!  Easy checking in.  No problems anywhere.  

I was on Interjet, first time, so the procedures and location in the airports was different.  Got one checked bag free, 2’nd one was $25.  

Immigration was a snap.  2 minutes to get thru.  Follow the crowd.  After, I picked up my bag.  Was on the same level and they pointed us to the baggage area for Conexion/flights that will continue.  You take your bag again where they point you to the Banda, the conveyer belt that whisks your bag off. Presumably to Tuxtla!    It was easy.  No customs check or Red light Green lights.  The hardest part for me was after this, finding the Interjet to Tuxtla area.  I was in a different area, a big terminal.  But I asked information and porters that are around.  Have to go thru security again, butEnded up in Waiting Area B, and kept watching the sign for them to post the gate.  They only  post it about an hour ahead of the departure time.   But then....I had 5 hours, plenty of time for bathroom, water and a donut!  

I think he would be a good team member...

Alfredos smiling face greeted me, and off we went to San Cristobal to meet Elias.  Ride was beautiful thru them thar hills.  the vistas into the valleys are stunning. So much better during the day, tho my eyes were a little scratchy.  Slept on and off, but the back of the seats were not comfy, and the sandwich and chips awakened me at 2 AM. 

Lunch was ready at Sara and Elias house, a surprise!  I had a bag of snacks and the sandwich that they served at 2AM.  But the soup was delicious.  First Chiapas meal.  Yay!  When Elias got home, after teaching, we all squished into their little car and again onto the windy, down down road to Oco. 2 hours.  Tired, but good!  

Jan and Pablo followed, arriving at 3:30 AM.  Didnt see them til morning.  Pablo had to get up early to attend Presbytery, 3 days of state wide Presby meetings, policy making, pastoral stuff.  He is an important person in the state wide church.  

By the way, the weather is EXCELLENT,  Hope it stays.  Warmish air, hot sun, clear skies.  I sat in the sun this AM, and am outside now.  The house is cement and dark and cold.  Good in the summer.  But I love being outside. 

We’ve been talking, talking, catching up.   I dont know why, but talking seems to be at the heart of all my friendships!

People at their house, Pastors, people living there, family.  Pablos brother, Santiago, is there now too, living with his daughters in an outer part of the house. He is severely diabetic, has refused over the years to treat it.  He looks terrible .  They just amputated 3 toes this week.  Sad.  Pablo is doing well with his diabetes, thank goodness.  

They got a new shower head in the shower I use, and water was hot!  Nice...   My little room is cozy and i organized my stuff. We will move up to the Bible School when the caravan comes.  We are going to walk up the crowded street through the crazy market now.  I love buying avocados, tomatoes, melons and huge bunches of fresh flowers for $1.  Also love the fresh popped popcorn made on the street over a charcoal grill.  

So!  Here I am.  I have stopped to smell the roses!  And they smell good.  

Love you all.

More later 

Mom (Carolina)

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