We're off!

Well, here we go. We were able to share in a circle of prayer at church with some family and available church staff before heading off to the airport. We'll be departing MSP at about 2:45 to Houston, and from there on to Guatemala City, arriving at about 10:30. It's likely we won't arrive at The Oasis until well after midnight. Of course, it will take a while to get settled in to our bunks, but we should get 3 or 4 hours of sleep before we need to get moving early Saturday morning at 6:00. 

Because tomorrow is monthly family visiting day for the girls, and we don't want to distract them from their family visits, the team is heading out on a day trip to Panahachel. This will be a team bonding day and an introduction to a part of Guatemala many on the team haven't seen before. We'll spend the day there and then start the 2-3 hour drive back to The Oasis at about 5 PM.

It's always an adventure and a blessing to go outside the walls and interact with the beautiful people of Guatemala. We're able to use our meager Spanish skills (except Tony who is fluent) with folks on the street and they are almost always very friendly and willing to share a smile after we offer a "buenos dias" to them. At the same time, we recognize the need to be vigilant and cautious.

We ask for your prayers for safety along the way, both today as we fly and tomorrow on the road to Pana and back. We also ask that we can be used by God to share His love to all that we come in contact with. Also pray for health for the team members as a few are starting today with mild health concerns, and we haven't even touched the Guatemalan water yet. :-)

Thanks again to all of you supporting and praying for us. We hope the notes you read this week and beyond will be a blessing to you.

Hasta Luego!

Tim Oberg ~ for the team