April 2007

Praise the Lord! After having spent a month on the road, we were privileged to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection right here at the school campus during an Easter Sunrise Service.

As you might already know, at the end of February we waved “So long” to frigid, snow-covered Cranbrook and headed south, closer to the equator. Along the way we were encouraged and blessed by many friends and family members. It was a joy to share God’s work and redemptive plan with church congregations, as well as many individuals.

As far as the trip itself is concerned, everything went smoothly until we hit Mexico City. Can you believe it? We got lost in the largest city of the Western Hemisphere! It wasn’t hard to do.

After spending an hour desperately watching out for the Mexican traffic, trying to follow the inconsistent sign postings, and having to back up a one-way four lane major highway about half a block (The Federales really aren’t that bad, they even helped us back up!), Charles finally found a taxi driver who knew how and was willing to guide us to the “auto pista” (toll highway). We thought, “Hurray, finally we can be on our way”. Well, think again! Since that particular week was “Semana Santa” (the week before Easter), everybody seemed to be on their yearly “pilgrimage”, either to some religious site in Oaxaca or to a family vacation on the coast. Whatever the reason, even the major highways were clogged up, with at least a mile long line-up at the various toll-booths.

However, once we reached Oaxaca, maneuvering through traffic became easier. Yes, of course, we still had to watch out for cars weaving in and out, those passing on blind corners and those drivers who like to cut in front whenever possible, but all in all it wasn’t bad. We would have been back at CAG Saturday morning, if we could have crossed at the Mexican/Guatemalan border straight away. As it was, our crossing was delayed by two hours, due to the SAT office (temporary car import office) not opening in time and the bank not opening till “later on” (we had to pay the temporary import tax of $5), because … this is Central America.

While we are acclimatizing to the 6,000’ altitude in Guatemala City, James and Jonathan are participating in school activities once more, Charles is catching up on maintenance issues and Petra, in the midst of unpacking, has already visited her market friends.

Yes, we praise the Lord for traveling mercies and guidance.

God bless,

Charles & Petra Wirrell

willing and able to spread the Lord’s love by nurturing Missionary Kids at Christian Academy of Guatemala as well as serving the under-served of Guatemala

Call us at our internet phone: (604) 357-3765