Another day away from Guatemala City--Thursday March 26

Today dawns sunny and bright in Antigua, but there is a cloud of violence hanging over the capital Guatemala City.  Last night we learned of several more bus drivers and passengers being shot and killed in the capital, and the project directors decided for the second day in a row to keep our service team away from Safe Passage.  I am disappointed in this decision since my reason for traveling to Guatemala was to serve others.  I also understand and appreciate the need to keep everyone safe.  It appears that some of the Guatemalan staff will be traveling to the project in order that the children receive food and services today.  Without Safe Passage, many of them do not eat.  I am hopeful that we will be able to return to Guatemala City tomorrow (Friday).  We will be doing volunteer work here in the Antigua Safe Passage office--I am slated to translate some documents which will be interesting and I hope a bit helpful.  In the afternoon we are going to take a tour of historic landmarks in Antigua.

As I mentioned earlier, we hiked the active volcano Pacaya yesterday afternoon.  What an incredible experience!  After driving for about an hour, our shuttle dropped us at the base of the mountain.  Our guide Carlos was knowledgeable and helpful, and