Hogges in Guatemala

Palm Sunday

Hola All!!

It is Palm Sunday and the start of Semana Santa, which translated literally is Saint Week. Not sure exactly what it means, but it is the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. They decorate the streets with pictures made of colored sawdust, so today it was quite a challenge getting to church. They block off streets to do this and we never know which ones it will be so it took an hour to get to church today, usually only about 15 minutes. After the street is decorated they have a procession or parade over it. I am not sure what it is but on Friday we are going to Antiqua to see the processions there. It is going to be a really packed town and they don't let cars in so a bunch of us are going to go in a bus. We have been warned of pic pockets so I am not taking much with me.

Doug Gray and his grandkids, Des, Matt and Des's husband Matt are here this week. We hiked the volcano Pacaya yesterday and today they went to Break the Fast with us. Tomorrow they are going to the dental clinic to help with exams and work on some future missionaries. Then Tuesday we can't see any kids because of Semana Santa week, they are all out of school, so we are going to see some of Guatemala for two days. Thursday we check out the new missionaries at the CCM (MTC) and Friday we go to Antiqua. Saturday they fly home.

Last Thursday & Friday we moved into a new apartment in the same building. It is a bit bigger and we have a few sliding doors and a balcony which we are really enjoying. I will send some pictures later.

I have to send you some random pictures I have been collecting. Larry with some of the Los Patitos (Little Duckings), or little kids from the Muni school at the Clinic, a fun lunch to make with a couple of tortillas, a statue of Nephi (at least that is what we call him) in front of the zoo, a picture of a bird and a faucet. It is an ad about saving water they have here, and I really like the picture.

Thanks so much for your emails, it is so great to open the computer and find one or two there. We love your pictures also, here or on the digital screen. We love and miss you all and so appreciate your prayers and loving support. Aren't families wonderful!!!

Have a great week and enjoy Easter and why we really celebrate it. Have you all seen the video's on the churches site "Prince of Peace"?

Later, Love MOM, Grammy