HELLO GUATEMALA!!

We got back here from the states on July 5th. We were supposed to fly directly from Dallas to Guatemala City on the 4th., but the flight was at 5:00 pm and the tempature was 98 degrees in Dallas. So what, you may ask? Well, we of course we had Joeline's Maltese with us and the airlines do no let a dog on the tarmac if the tempature is over 85 degrees. So, we had to wait until midnight, catch a plane to Miami, then wait in the Miami airport for eight hours until a flight left for GC at 8:30am.. We barely made the tempature mark there. It was 84 degrees and climbing when they agreed to let the dog go.

I have been at work for a week now. I love the school and the people I will be working with, but there is a tremendous amount of work to be done here. Different problems than I was met with in Bolivia, but just about as many.

It's great, I love a challenge. We have a fantastic house, it is a beautiful country, and the pay is good. They met me at the airport with a brand new SUV which they gave me to use while I am here.

Before I arrived the Personnel Manager moved, so when we arrived I asked Joeline if she wanted to work. She is not tired of her painting, but I think she kind of missed the Human Resources job, and she is so very good at it. Yesterday she decided she would take the job and they hired her.

Only problem I can see is that I usually leave for work at about 5:45 and Joeline does not believe that that time exists other than in the evening. We have compromised and we leave for work at 6:45. That is still an hour before the other employees have to be there, so I don't fell that I am shirking my job responsibilities too much. After we get our first pay checks at the end of this month, we may look into buying her a car. We can always sell it in a few years when we leave.

Today I was reimbursed for our airfare and instead of using the money for groceries we went to a local pet store and spent almost a grand for another Maltese. She said Chessie was going to be lonesome at home all day while she was at work and needed a playmate. (Hey, I could use a Playmate - oh, different variety I guess)

Anyway, we are enjoying life, as usual. We are thinking about driving to the Pacific beach - they say it is only 1-2 hours away. I want to go to Belize and dive, but that is a 4-5 hour drive. That will have to wait.

Maybe we will do that for our Anniversary - number 45 is on August 14th. Great lady to spend 45 years with.

Ok, I'll get some pictures of the school and country soon.

Carl